JP2022128311A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of smoothly showing changes in performance style.SOLUTION: In a game machine 1 in which a plurality of types of performance styles is set as the style of an in-variation performance from when a decorative symbol 80 starts variation until it stops in a mode indicating a win/lose lottery result, the mode of a relay performance to be executed when changing from the state in which the preceding performance style is set to the state in which the subsequent performance style is set is determined on the basis of at least one of the types of the preceding performance style and the type of the subsequent performance style.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine provided with a plurality of types of presentation styles called stages, modes, etc. is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP-A-2021-003416

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can smoothly show the change in presentation style.

In the gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, a plurality of types of presentation styles are used as the style of presentation during variation from the start of variation of the decorative symbols to the stop in which the result of the lottery is indicated. In the game machine that has been set, the mode of the relay effect that is executed from the state in which the preceding effect mode is set to the state in which the subsequent effect mode is set is the state in which the previous effect mode is set. It is characterized by being determined based on at least one of the type and the type of the subsequent production style.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to smoothly show the change in presentation style.

It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the decoration design and the reserved design which were displayed on the display area. It is a figure for demonstrating mode transition (it shows transition from production mode A to production mode B as an example), and control of the music accompanying it. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-4; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example 1-5; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining Specific Example 1-5 (an example based on the configuration of Specific Example 1-2); FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining control of background music; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining music control when a specific effect is generated; It is a figure for demonstrating a reference|standard location. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1; FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5;

1) Basic Configuration of Game Machine Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game machine 1 (pachinko game machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images.

The game machine 1 is equipped with a game board 90 . The game board 90 is made of a substantially square plywood board, and a guide rail 903 forming a passage for guiding a game ball fired by operating a shooting device 908 (shooting handle) to the game area 902 has a substantially arc shape. is provided as follows.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting area 904, a big winning opening 906, an out opening, and the like. A display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90 . In addition, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the flowing state of the game balls when the falling game balls collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes in various modes according to the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a game machine 1 , game balls are shot toward the game area 902 by operating the shooting device 908 . When the game ball flowing down the game area 902 wins a winning opening such as the starting area 904 or the big winning opening 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Descriptions of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays for storing game balls, will be omitted. For these, those having the same structure as known gaming machines can be applied.

The jackpot lottery is executed when a game ball enters the starting area 904 by winning lottery means provided on a control board (not shown). In this embodiment, as the starting area 904, a first starting area 904a (so-called "Special Figure 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (so-called "Special Figure 2" starting area) are provided. A numerical value (win/fail lottery information) is acquired from the random number source with the winning of the game ball to the start area 904 as a trigger, and if the numerical value is the same as the predetermined jackpot numerical value, it is a big hit, and if it is different, it is lost. becomes. In the present embodiment, notification of the lottery result is started in the order in which the numerical values are acquired (so-called variation is started), but there is lottery information for which the notification of the lottery result has not been completed yet. In this case, the newly acquired winning/failing lottery information is stored as reserved information in storage means provided on a control board (not shown). It is displayed as a reserved symbol 10 that the reserved information is stored in the storage means. In other words, the reserved symbol 10 indicates the existence of the winning/failing lottery information for which notification of the corresponding winning/failing lottery result has not been completed.

In the present embodiment, as the reserved design 10, the effect during the fluctuation that informs the result of the lottery (from the start of the variation of the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) to the combination that indicates the result of the lottery until it stops completely, so-called Although the production for one fluctuation is started, the notification of the success or failure lottery result is not completed. (Symbol indicating the existence of the so-called "variable suspension") and the success or failure lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pre-variation suspension information) that indicates the success or failure lottery result is not started. Reserved symbols 12 are displayed (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the basic forms of the suspended symbols during variation 11 and the suspended symbols before variation 12 are the same. Fundamental forms of the during-fluctuation reserved pattern 11 and the pre-fluctuation reserved pattern 12 may be completely different. Further, it may be configured such that the pending pattern 11 during fluctuation is not displayed. In addition, the order (so-called reservation "digestion order") of completion of the notification of the success or failure lottery results corresponding to the pre-variation reserved symbols 12 is earlier as it is located on the right.

An upper limit is set for the maximum number of pre-variation pending information to be stored. In this embodiment, the maximum number of storage of the first pre-variation hold information (special figure 1 hold) obtained by winning the first start area 904a is four, by winning the second start area 904b The maximum number of memories of the obtained second pre-change pending information (special figure 2 pending) is four. Therefore, with regard to the reserved design 10 corresponding to one of the special figures 1 and 2, there are cases where one fluctuation reserved design 11 and up to four pre-variation reserved designs 12 are displayed (see FIG. 2). .

In this embodiment, the player is notified of the winning or losing lottery result by combining the decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91, as in the known game machine. Specifically, the decorative pattern group 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, middle decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) including a plurality of kinds of decorative patterns 80 starts to change, and finally each decorative pattern group 80g. One decorative pattern 80 is selected from and stopped. When the jackpot is won, the combination of the decorative patterns 80 selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stopped becomes a predetermined combination (for example, three sets of the same decorative patterns 80). In the case of losing, it becomes a combination other than that (other than the combination that becomes a jackpot). The decorative pattern 80 may be a combination of numbers and characters.

In this embodiment, a normal game state and a special game state are set as the game state. The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal gaming state is a low probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and a low base state (low probability, no time saving) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the starting area 904 . As the special game state, a first special game state and a second special game state are set. The first special game state is a high-probability game state with a high probability of winning a jackpot, and a high-base state (high probability/with short working hours) in which a game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904 . The second special game state is a low-probability game state with a low probability of winning a jackpot, and a high-base state (low probability/with short working hours) in which a game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904 . In the normal game state, the player shoots the game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, so-called "left-handed" is performed. The special game state shoots a game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b. In the present embodiment, so-called "right-handed hitting" is performed. The special game state is a state in which it is easy to win the open lottery of the second start area 904b triggered by the entry of the game ball into the normal start area 905, so the game ball can be relatively easily placed in the second start area 904b. Win a prize.

2) Hereafter, effects etc. that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the configuration may be such that only part of the effects, etc., described below can be executed. Also, an image (a so-called “small pattern” or the like) showing various information may be displayed inconspicuously near the outer edge of the display area 911 (illustration of the image is omitted in each figure). The player can enjoy the game without being conscious of this type of image.

2-1) Effect Style and Relay Effect In this embodiment, a plurality of types of effect styles are set as elements that control the mode of the effect during fluctuation. When a certain kind of performance style is set, a performance (individual performance) that constitutes a performance during fluctuation in a mode that does not occur when a different kind of performance style is set is generated. It should be noted that the performance style is not related to the expected value of the direct profit (outgoing balls) that the player enjoys (it merely causes a difference in the performance to be executed). The presentation styles are called "modes", "stages", etc., and are associated with characters and locations that serve as motifs for various presentation styles. In the present embodiment, three types of presentation styles are set: mode A with character A as a motif, mode B with character B as a motif, and mode C with character C as a motif. An image indicating the currently set rendering mode (for example, an image such as “○○ mode (stage)”) may be displayed in the display area 911 while the variable rendering is being executed. By doing so, the player can easily grasp the presently set presentation style. In the present embodiment, a change in presentation style (hereinafter also referred to as mode transition) occurs automatically. It does not mean that the player can arbitrarily select the transition destination mode. However, the mode transition may occur according to the player's selection.

The mode transition is triggered by execution of an effect during a certain fluctuation. For example, when the variable performance in which mode A is set (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous variable performance) ends, the next variable performance in which mode B is set (Hereinafter, it may be referred to as an effect during fluctuation later) is started (see FIG. 3). If there is pre-variation pending information stored in the storage means at the end of the preceding effect during fluctuation, the preceding effect during change and the subsequent effect during change are continuously executed. In the following description, the mode before mode transition is sometimes referred to as the previous mode (previous rendering style), and the mode after mode transition (transition destination mode) is sometimes referred to as the later mode (later rendering style). In this embodiment, when mode transition occurs, a relay effect is executed (see FIG. 3(b)). In this embodiment, the relay effect is executed during the later effect during fluctuation. In other words, the relay effect is executed during a predetermined period of time from the start of the later effect during fluctuation (predetermined period including the start point of the later effect during change). However, the time during which the relay effect is executed is always shorter than the time (fluctuation time) of the subsequent effect during fluctuation. In other words, the relay effect is not executed through the later effect during fluctuation, and after the relay effect is finished, the effect during change is executed in the mode of the transition destination (later mode).

In the relay effect, an image (relay image 20) indicating that mode transition has occurred is displayed in the display area 911. FIG. For example, the relay image 20 including a portion such as "○○ mode" ("○○ mode" indicates a later mode) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 3B). In other words, the relay image 20 is displayed in a mode dependent on the subsequent mode. As a result, the player can easily grasp that the mode transition has occurred and the type of the transition destination mode (later mode).

In this embodiment, while the relay effect is being executed, the relay music is output from the speaker 70 (sound output means; see FIG. 1) (see FIG. 3(b)). The aspect of the relay music is determined based on the previous mode. Specifically, it is as follows. In this embodiment, background music (style-corresponding music) corresponding to each mode is set. Note that when various effects (effects suggesting the degree of reliability of a big hit) are executed in the during-variation effect, sound effects for effects to be superimposed on the background music are output.

In the present embodiment, the background music A is set in the changing effect when the mode A is set, the background music B is set in the changing effect when the mode B is set, and the mode C is set. The background music C is output in the effect during fluctuation in the state where the player is on (except for the state in which the relay effect is being executed). It should be noted that not only music that is different as a copyrighted work, but also music that the player recognizes as different music is "different (kind of) music" (the same applies to "music" below). It can be said that the player can grasp the set mode also by the type of background music to be output. Each background music piece has a predetermined length (from the beginning to the end in a predetermined time), and when output to the end, it is cyclically output from the beginning. In this embodiment, when no mode transition occurs, the corresponding background music is continuously output across two or more changing effects. In other words, it is not output from the beginning every time the production during fluctuation ends (reset every time the production during fluctuation ends).

In this embodiment, as many pieces of music as the relay music are provided for the number of types of background music (that is, the number of types of modes). That is, relay music A corresponding to background music A, relay music B corresponding to background music B, and relay music C corresponding to background music C are provided. Each piece of relay music is an "outro" of the corresponding background music (because it is an "outro," the melody gradually fades out). Therefore, the mode of the relay music differs according to the type of background music (each of the plurality of types of relay music has its own mode). In addition, the melody of each relay music piece in the present embodiment does not match the melody of a part of the corresponding background music piece (it is not "a part of the background music=the relay music piece"). In other words, the melody of each piece of relay music is unique in that the corresponding background piece of music does not have completely the same melody, and the relay piece of music cannot be listened to unless the relay effect is executed. Also, the timing at which the effect during fluctuation ends is undefined, and the timing at which the corresponding background music ends and the transition to output of the relay music is also undefined. Even if the background music ends at any time, it is made to sound as if it continues smoothly.

The music output when mode transition from mode A to mode B occurs is as follows. In the above effect during fluctuation, the background music A is output (see FIG. 3(a)). The preceding performance during fluctuation is finished, and the subsequent performance during fluctuation is started, and the relay performance is executed. That is, the relay music A (the outro of the background music A) is output (see FIG. 3(b)). Triggered by the end of the relay effect, the background music B is output (see FIG. 3(c)). Roughly speaking, after the background music A including the outro has been output, the background music B is output.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a mode transition occurs, relay music is output (relay effect occurs), and the relay music depends on the background music corresponding to the previous mode. ("outro" of the background music corresponding to the previous mode). By doing so, the mode transition does not occur in which the background music is suddenly switched, and the transition from the previous mode to the subsequent mode can be shown smoothly.

Hereinafter, specific examples in which the items related to the production style and the relay production are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○ Specific example 1-1
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the mode of the relay music output as the relay effect is determined based on the previous mode (the mode before transition), but it may be determined based on the subsequent mode. As in the above embodiment, relay music pieces A to C corresponding to background music pieces A to C (modes A to C) are provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when mode transition from mode B to mode C occurs, relay music C corresponding to mode C (background music C), which is the later mode, is output as a relay effect. (see FIG. 4(b)). That is, it is assumed that the music changes in the order of background music B (previous mode)→relay music C (relay effect)→background music C (later mode).

It has been explained that the relay music in the above embodiment is the "outro" of the corresponding background music. good. Since the transition is made to a state in which the corresponding background music is output following the relay music, the introductory part (for example, the prelude part) of the corresponding background music is assumed to be the relay music. When mode transition from mode B to mode C occurs (in the case of the example of FIG. 4), roughly speaking, the state in which background music B is output changes to the state in which background music C including the intro is output. It becomes the flow to do. Even with this example, it is possible to show a smooth change from the previous mode to the later mode, as in the above embodiment.

○ Specific example 1-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the form of the relay music output as the relay effect is determined based on the previous mode (the mode before transition), but it is assumed that it is determined based on both the previous mode and the subsequent mode. good too. If modes A to C are set as in the above-described embodiment, relay music pieces are prepared for the number of combinations when each mode is the previous mode or the latter mode. That is, the relay music piece AB corresponding to the transition from mode A to B, the relay music piece AC corresponding to the transition from mode A to C, the relay music piece BA corresponding to the transition from mode B to A, and the transition from mode B to C. It is assumed that a relay music piece BC, a relay music piece CA corresponding to the mode C→A transition, and a relay music piece CB corresponding to the mode C→B transition are prepared.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when mode transition from mode C to mode A occurs, relay music CA is output as relay effect. That is, it is assumed that music changes occur in the order of background music C (previous mode)→relay music CA (relay effect)→background music A (later mode).

In the case of setting as in this example, the relay music is the background music corresponding to the previous mode (preceding background music) "outro" and the background music corresponding to the subsequent mode (later background music) and the "intro" of For example, the relay music CA includes the "outro" of the background music C in the first half, followed by the "intro" of the background music A in the second half (see FIG. 5(b)). By doing so, when mode transition from mode C to mode A occurs, background music A including an intro is output after background music C including an outro is output. Even with this example, it is possible to show a smooth change from the previous mode to the later mode, as in the above embodiment.

○ Specific example 1-3
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the mode (kind) of the relay music output as the relay effect is determined based on the previous mode. It may be determined based on the previous mode. For example, it is assumed that an image displayed in the display area 911 displayed as a relay effect (hereinafter referred to as a relay image) is determined based on the previous mode. If three types of modes A to C are set as in the above embodiment, the relay video A corresponding to mode A, the relay video B corresponding to mode B, and the relay video C corresponding to mode C are respectively. shall be provided. The relay video may contain elements that directly or indirectly indicate the corresponding mode. For example, relay video A includes character A, relay video B includes character B, and relay video C includes character C.

○ Specific example 1-4
In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the relay effect is executed in the later effect during fluctuation, but it may be executed in the previous effect during change (see FIG. 6). In other words, it is assumed that the relay effect is executed at the ending part including the end point of the previous effect during fluctuation.

Also, although not shown, the relay effect may be executed across the preceding effect during fluctuation and the subsequent effect during change. In other words, the relay effect is executed during a predetermined period spanning both the changing effect including the ending part including the end point of the previous changing effect and the beginning part including the starting time of the later changing effect. do.

Also, although not shown, the mode transition may occur in one in-variation effect. That is, it is assumed that a series of changes of previous mode (previous background music)→relay effect (relay music)→later mode (rear background music) occurs in one changing effect.

○ Specific example 1-5
As described in the above embodiment, the relay image 20 is displayed in the display area 911 while the relay effect is being executed (while the relay music is being output). In the above embodiment, it was explained that the mode of the relay image 20 is determined based on the later mode (determined depending on the later mode), but it is assumed that it is determined based on the previous mode. That is, the relay image 20 is a relay image A corresponding to mode A (for example, an image including character A), a relay image B corresponding to mode B (for example, an image including character B), and a relay image corresponding to mode C. Assume that an image C (for example, an image including a character C) is set, and which of the relay images A to C is displayed is determined according to which of the modes A to C is the previous mode. As shown in FIG. 7, if the previous mode is the effect mode A, the relay music A is output and the relay image A is displayed as the relay effect.

By using this example, there is an advantage that the output music (relay music) and the image (relay image 20) are in correspondence with each other, resulting in a relay effect. That is, in the case of the above embodiment, the relay music corresponds to the earlier mode, and the relay image 20 corresponds to the later mode. However, in this example, the combination of the relay music and the relay image 20 is always the same (the relay effect is always "relay music A and relay image A"). , “relay music B and relay image B”, and “relay music C and relay image C”).

Although not shown, if the mode (type) of the relay music is determined in accordance with the later mode as in the specific example 1-1, the mode (type) of the relay image 20 is also determined in the later mode. It may be determined according to the mode. As a result, the combination of the relay music and the relay image 20 in the relay effect is always the same.

Also, as in specific example 1-2 above, if the mode (kind) of the relay music is determined corresponding to the earlier mode and the later mode, the relay image 20 corresponding to each of the relay music is The set configuration may be used. That is, the relay image AB corresponding to the relay music AB, the relay image AC corresponding to the relay music AC, the relay image BA corresponding to the relay music BA, the relay image BC corresponding to the relay music BC, and the relay image corresponding to the relay music CA. It is assumed that a relay image CB corresponding to CA and relay music CB is prepared (see FIG. 8 (example of display of relay image CA)). However, regarding the relay image 20, the same image may be displayed if the combination of the previous mode and the subsequent mode is the same. That is, relay image AB and relay image BA, relay image AC and relay image CA, and relay image BC and relay image CB may be set to have the same mode.

○ Specific example 1-6
A momentary silent period (a period in which neither the background music nor the relay music is output) is present between the state in which the preceding background music (background music corresponding to the preceding mode) is output and the state in which the relay music is output. It may be set. Since the timing at which the preceding background music ends (the timing at which the preceding effect during fluctuation ends) is indeterminate, by providing such a momentary silent period, the flow from the preceding background music to the relay music can be made smoother. can be

In a similar way of thinking, a momentary silent period may be set between the state in which the relay music is output and the state in which the later background music (background music corresponding to the later mode) is output. .

2-2) Background Music As described above, in this embodiment, background music A to C corresponding to modes (staging styles) A to C are prepared. Each background piece of music is divided into the first half and the second half (see FIG. 9(a)). For example, it is conceivable that the melody portion of each background music piece (so-called A melody and B melody) is the first half, and the chorus that follows is the second half. For each background piece of music, the time required to output the second half from the beginning to the end is set longer than the time required to output the first half from the beginning to the end. That is, it is set so that "the length of the first half/total length <0.5".

Background music change conditions and reset conditions are provided as conditions for background music control. The background music change condition is a condition for changing the type of background music to be output through the speaker 70 . In the present embodiment, background music is output according to the type of mode (staging style), so mode transition corresponds to establishment of the background music change condition. In other words, the end of the preceding effect during fluctuation (the start of the subsequent effect during fluctuation) corresponds to establishment of the background music change condition.

On the other hand, unlike the background music change condition, the reset condition is not a condition for changing the type of background music, but a condition for once resetting and outputting the same type of background music. The reset condition can be set from various viewpoints. In this embodiment, reach (two of the three decorative patterns 80 are the same type of decorative pattern 80, and the remaining one decorative pattern 80 is the same type as the decorative pattern 80 that constitutes the reach). is selected, the state of being a big hit) is established, and it is notified that the corresponding lottery result is lost. Termination is set as a reset condition. In other words, when the reach deviation fluctuation occurs, the next fluctuation production (hereinafter, the next fluctuation production of the reach deviation fluctuation may be simply referred to as "next fluctuation") is reset (reset point described later ), the background music will be output (however, the case where a mode transition occurs when shifting from the reach loss fluctuation to the next fluctuation (when the background music change condition is satisfied) is excluded. In other words, the reach loss fluctuation and the next (assuming the fluctuations are in the same mode). The reset condition is not established in the effect during variation (so-called "missing" variation) in which the reach is not established and the deviation is notified.

It should be noted that setting the occurrence of "reach" as a reset condition is only an example. It does not have to be an effect that always occurs during all fluctuations (an effect that always occurs during each variation). A configuration may be used in which the occurrence of another effect is set as a reset condition instead of "reach", or a configuration in which the occurrence of another effect is set as a reset condition along with "reach" (a configuration in which two or more reset conditions are set) may be

When the background music change condition is satisfied, a new background music (background music corresponding to the later mode) is output from the beginning of the first half (the beginning of the entire music) (P1 in FIG. 4(a)). (See FIG. 4(b-1)). For example, when a transition from mode A to mode B occurs, background music B corresponding to mode B is output from the beginning of the first half.

On the other hand, when the reset condition is satisfied, the background music is output from the beginning of the second half (P2 in FIG. 4A). In other words, the boundary point between the first half and the second half of the background music is set as the "reset point". For example, if mode B is set and a certain fluctuation production (previous fluctuation production) becomes "reach out of reach fluctuation", the "next fluctuation" (after At the same time as the start of the changing effect), the background music B is output from the beginning of the second half (see FIG. 4(b-2)).

When the background music progresses to the ending (that is, the ending of the second half), the background music is output from the beginning of the second half (P2 in FIG. 4(a)) (see FIG. 4(b-3). ). That is, when the background music has been output to the end, it is output not from the first half but from the second half. In other words, the basic aspect of the background music is that the latter half of the music is circulated (looped) and output. Furthermore, unless the background music change condition is satisfied, the first half of the background music is not output. In this embodiment, the second half of each background piece of music does not have the same part as the melody of the first half. In other words, the player cannot listen to the melody of the first half unless the background music change condition is satisfied.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the background music change condition is satisfied, a new background music is output from the beginning of the first half, but when the reset condition is satisfied, it is output from the beginning of the second half. . If the first half is output from the beginning even when the reset condition is satisfied, the first half will be output frequently, and the player will get bored (the effect of outputting the background music is monotonous). However, in the present embodiment, the first half is not output when the reset condition is satisfied, so it is possible to reduce the possibility of such a situation occurring.

Also, when the background music moves to the end, it is output from the beginning of the second half instead of the first half (the latter half is circulated without including the first half), so the frequency with which the first half is output. can be further reduced.

Hereinafter, specific examples in which the items related to the background music are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○ Specific example 2-1
As described above, the first half of the background music is a portion that is not output unless the music change condition is satisfied. In other words, it can be regarded as a special part that constitutes the background music. Therefore, while the first half of the background music is being output, the special image 30 for emphasizing it is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 10(a)). The special image 30 can be said to be an "image exclusively for the first half" that is not displayed when the second half of the background music is being output (see FIG. 10B). The special images 30 are prepared for the number of types of background images. Specifically, the special image A output with the first half of the background music A displayed, the special image B output with the first half of the background music B displayed, and the first half of the background music C displayed. A special image C is prepared to be output in a state where the special images A to C are different from each other. By doing so, it becomes easy to understand that the type of background music to be output has changed.

Note that the special image 30 may be displayed as the relay image 20 displayed in the relay effect described above. In other words, the first half of the background music may function as a relay music output in the relay effect.

○ Specific example 2-2
After winning the jackpot and ending the jackpot game, in the first fluctuation production (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the fluctuation immediately after the jackpot), from the first half of the background music (P1 in FIG. 9 (a)) shall be output. That is, the setting is such that the first half can be heard not only when the type of background music changes, but also when there is a change immediately after the big win. By doing this, after the end of the big win game, it contributes to the improvement of the game motivation to play again aiming at winning the big win. It should be noted that the mode to be set by the change immediately after the big win may be fixed, or may be changed each time. If the former is used, the type of background music that is output in the fluctuation immediately after the jackpot will be the same each time (for example, if mode A is set, background music A will be output each time). ), the first half of the background music is output from the start of the variation immediately after the jackpot until the predetermined time has elapsed.

○ Specific example 2-3
In the first fluctuating effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as first morning fluctuating) after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the first half of the background music (P1 in FIG. 9A) is output. shall be In other words, the setting is such that the first half can be listened to not only when the type of background music changes, but also when the power is turned on for the first time. By doing so, in the so-called first thing in the morning state (when playing a game machine that no one is playing after the opening of the amusement arcade), it is possible to listen to a special part of the background music that is not the part that is cyclically output. Therefore, it contributes to improving the player's desire to play. It should be noted that the mode that is set in the first variation in the morning may be fixed, or may be changed each time. In the former case, the type of background music that is output in the first variation in the morning is the same every time (for example, if mode A is set, background music A will be output every time). ), the first half of the background music is output from the start of the first morning fluctuation until a predetermined time elapses.

○ Specific example 2-4
It is assumed that the game machine is capable of changing the probability related to the player's ball output (expected value), such as the probability of a big hit (game machine equipped with so-called "settings"). In the first fluctuation production after changing the "setting" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "change after setting change"), the first half of the background music (P1 in FIG. 9A) is output. (Note that changing the "setting" includes setting the same setting again). By doing so, the background music can function as means for the player to guess whether or not the setting has been changed. In other words, while the setting is generally changed when the amusement arcade closes, the first half of the background music is output from the beginning of the first half of the background music during the first fluctuation effect of the game machine that has not executed the fluctuation effect at all after the store opens. If the background music is output from the beginning of the latter half of the background music, it becomes clear that the "setting change" has not been made.

○ Specific example 2-5
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the end of the reach loss fluctuation is set as the establishment of the reset condition. ) may be set as the establishment of the reset condition. In this case, basically, the background music is output from the beginning of the second half (P2 in FIG. 9A) in all of the during-variation effects, except for cases where mode transition occurs. In other words, the output is from the beginning of the first half in the first variation when the mode transition is executed, and from the beginning of the second half otherwise.

○ Specific example 2-6
In the above embodiment, when the background music progresses to the end, the background music is output from the beginning of the second half. case), the background music may be output from the beginning of the first half (P1 in FIG. 9A). In other words, in a situation where the reset condition is not satisfied, the entire background music including both the first half and the second half is cyclically output, and when the reset condition is satisfied, the second half of the background music is output. It should be output from the beginning. For example, if the background music is somewhat long (the time required from the beginning to the end is relatively long), and the frequency (probability) of progressing to the end without the reset condition being satisfied is not so high, the beginning of the first half will say " Even with the setting for cyclic output, the first half is not output so frequently.

2-3) Specific Effect In this embodiment, there is a state (selected music output state) in which the background music output from the speaker 70 can be selected from among multiple types of candidate music. Specifically, one of multiple modes (production style) is a special mode, and in the situation where the special mode is set, it is possible to select the background music to be output ( See FIG. 11(a)). In other words, the special mode is a state in which the player can listen to his or her favorite music among multiple types of candidate music. It should be noted that a configuration in which such a special mode is not set and background music can always be selected (always selected music output state) may be adopted.

In this embodiment, one of candidate music X, candidate music Y, and candidate music Z is output as the background music (the actually output background music is hereinafter referred to as the selected music). Any method for selecting the selected music may be used. In this embodiment, the background music is changed (basically Specifically, the background music can be changed with all variations) (see FIG. 11(a)). However, it is not possible to change the background music during execution of a specific effect, which will be described later. In the present embodiment, the background music can be changed in a state where reach is not established in the effect during fluctuation (hereinafter, the period during which the background music can be changed may be referred to as a selectable period). . Alternatively, the setting may be such that the selectable period is limited. For example, when transitioning to the special mode, the user is prompted to select one of the candidate songs, and the selected song is the selected song until the end of the special mode (after that, the selected song cannot be changed). configuration) may be used. During the special mode (during the selected music output state), an image indicating the type of selected music may be displayed in the display area 911 (the music selected by the player can be grasped) (Fig. 11(a)). reference).

A specific effect can occur as a effect that constitutes the effect during fluctuation executed in the state where the special mode is set (selected music output state) (FIG. 11 (b) (c-1) (c-2) reference). In this embodiment, the specific effect does not occur unless the special mode is set. The specific effect is a kind of reach effect (super reach effect). The specific effect leads to an ending that is advantageous to the player (advantageous ending) (see FIG. 11(c-1)) and an ending that is unfavorable to the player (unfavorable ending) (see FIG. 11(c-2)). . When the winning lottery result (object winning lottery result) corresponding to the changing performance in which the specific performance occurs is a big hit, it leads to an advantageous ending, and when it is a loss, it leads to a disadvantageous ending. However, if a reversal pattern occurs in which a big win is announced while pretending to be a loss, it may lead to a disadvantageous ending (a configuration in which such a reversal pattern is not set, that is, if an unfavorable ending is reached A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined that the result of the target win/fail lottery is a loss). In any case, when an advantageous ending is reached, it is determined that the result of the target lottery is a big win. The specific effect in this embodiment is a so-called "battle" in which a friendly character (a character on the player's side) and an enemy character fight, and the victory of the friendly character is set as an advantageous ending, and the defeat of the friendly character is set as an unfavorable ending. It is “directing”.

A specific effect (a period during which the specific effect is executed) is divided into a pre-period and a subsequent post-period. In the preliminary period, the ending (advantageous ending or unfavorable ending) is not known. The post-event period is a state in which the ending is known. In other words, the boundary point between the pre-period and the post-period is the turning point where the ending is known.

During the preliminary period, the dedicated music is output from the speaker 70 (see FIG. 11(b)). The dedicated music piece is a background music piece dedicated to the specific effect, which is output only when the specific effect occurs. Therefore, the dedicated song is a different kind of song from any of the plurality of candidate songs X to Z. In this embodiment, since the length of the preliminary period is constant, the length of the dedicated music is also constant (matched to the length of the preliminary period). Since the dedicated music is strictly a "background music", a sound effect indicating that a so-called chance-up effect or the like has occurred is superimposed on the dedicated music and output.

In the case of an advantageous ending after moving to the post-event period, the selected song (that is, one of the candidate songs X to Z) is output from the speaker 70 . Specifically, the selected music that has been set immediately before the specific effect (preliminary period) occurs (meaning the end of the selectable period immediately preceding the start of the specific effect) is output. A specific effect (preliminary period) has occurred, the selected music piece Y will be output (see FIG. 11(c-1)) with the transition to the post-period (advantageous ending) of the specific effect. In this way, in the post-event period leading to an advantageous ending, the player's favorite song (among the candidate songs) is output (the player is celebrated with his/her favorite song), so the game becomes very exciting.

In this embodiment, a reference point is defined for each of a plurality of types of candidate songs X to Z (songs that can be selected songs). When the transition is made to the post-period where the ending is favorable (the case of transition to the state of FIG. 11(c-1)), the selected music piece is output from the reference point (see FIG. 12). For example, the starting point of the “chorus” (the most exciting part of the music) in each of the candidate songs (selected songs) X to Z is set as the reference point. In this way, the post-game period in which the player's favorite music is output becomes even more exciting.

On the other hand, if the ending is unfavorable after transitioning to the post-event period, the selected song is not output. In this embodiment, a song dedicated to the unfavorable ending (hereinafter referred to as a song for unfavorable ending) is output. That is, even if any of the candidate songs X to Z is selected as the selected song, the unfavorable ending song is output (see FIG. 11(c-2)). Note that the unfavorable ending song is different from any of the candidate songs X-Z. In this way, the selected music (the player's favorite music) is not output when an unfavorable ending is reached, so the difference between the advantageous ending and the unfavorable ending becomes clear.

Specific examples in which the matters relating to the above-described specific effect are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described below. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○ Specific example 3-1
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the selected music is output from the reference point (for example, the beginning of the chorus) when the transition is made to the post-event period that provides an advantageous ending. Output from the point that matches the progress of the selected music in . For example, at the end of the selectable period, the output of the selected music is stopped, and when the transition is made to the post-period where the ending is advantageous, the output of the selected music is started from the point of stop (that is, from the "continuation"). (See FIG. 13). In this way, the selected music that has been interrupted by shifting to the specific effect (preliminary period) is restarted with the transition to the post-period (advantageous ending) as a trigger.

○ Specific example 3-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the selected music is not output when the transition is made to the post-period with the unfavorable ending. (see FIG. 14(c-2)). However, it is assumed that the output part in the selected music is different depending on whether the ending is favorable or unfavorable. For example, in the case of an advantageous ending, the "chorus" of the selected music is output (see FIG. 14(c-1)), while in the case of an unfavorable ending, the "outro" of the selected music is output (see FIG. 14(c-2)). In other words, when the ending is advantageous, the exciting part of the selected music is output, and when the ending is unfavorable, the part lacking excitement is output. If the ending is unfavorable, control may be performed to gradually fade out (gradually reduce the volume).

○ Specific example 3-3
It is assumed that the selected music piece is output in the post-event period that provides an advantageous ending only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the favorable ending music (different from the music X to Z and the unfavorable ending music) is set as the default music, and if the predetermined conditions are not met, the transition to the favorable ending is made. 15 (c-1)), and if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the selected song (one of the candidate songs X to Z) is output (see FIG. 15 ( See c-2)).

Various conditions can be considered to be set as the predetermined condition. As an example, it is conceivable that the predetermined condition is not satisfied when the player does not take any selection action. That is, after the reference time (reset time), if the player has not changed the background music at all, the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and if the background music has been changed even once, the predetermined condition is satisfied. It is configured so that it is determined that there is If the player does not take any selection action, it is assumed that the currently output background music (selected music) is not the one that the player likes. Prevent music from being output.

Note that the reference time can be set as appropriate. If the background music can be selected when shifting to the special mode (selected music output state) as in the above embodiment, the point of time when the transition to the special mode is made is set as the reference time. That is, when the background music has not been changed even once since the background music became selectable (after transition to a new selectable period), it is assumed that the predetermined condition is not satisfied. In addition, it is conceivable to set the point of time when the waiting state (the state of shifting after a predetermined period of time from when the effect during fluctuation is not executed) is canceled as the reference point of time. That is, when the background music has not been changed even once since the standby state was canceled, it is assumed that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

○ Specific example 3-4
Some of the multiple types of candidate songs (hereinafter referred to as target songs) are output in the post-event period with favorable endings, but other songs (hereinafter referred to as non-target songs) are output as favorable endings. It is assumed that the output is not performed in the subsequent period (see FIG. 16). That is, when the selected music corresponding to the target music is output immediately before the specific effect starts (see FIG. 16(a)), the selected music is output in the post-event period where the favorable ending is achieved (see FIG. 16(a)). 16 (c-1)), if the selected music corresponding to the non-target music is output immediately before the specific effect is started (see FIG. 16 (a)), in the post-facto period with an advantageous ending The selected music is not output (for example, the advantageous ending music (default music) described in the above specific example 3-3 is output) (see FIG. 16(c-2)).

It is possible to set which of the candidate songs (songs that can be selected) to be the target songs (non-target songs) from various viewpoints. For example, assuming that the candidate songs X to Z are set as in the above embodiment, if the player does not take any selection action, the candidate song X will be the selected song (that is, the candidate song X will be " (default) music, and the others are "special" music). In this case, the candidate song Y and the candidate song Z are the target songs, and the candidate song X is the non-target song (see FIG. 16). In other words, in a situation where candidate music X is the selected music, it is highly probable that the player has not selected his/her favorite music, and music X is not output even if the outcome is advantageous. . In a situation where candidate songs Y and Z are the selected songs, it is assumed that there is a high probability that the player has selected their favorite songs, and that songs Y and Z are output when the outcome is advantageous. .

○ Specific example 3-5
It is assumed that in the post-event period in which the ending is advantageous, an image representing the song being output (music image 50) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(c-1)). In other words, if the candidate song X was the selected song immediately before the specific effect was started, the song image X including the name of the song X was displayed, and if the candidate song Y was the selected song, If the candidate song Z is selected as the selected song, the song image Y including the name of the song Y is displayed in the subsequent period. Since there is a risk that the player will not notice that the selected music is being output when the ending is advantageous, the selected music is output by displaying different images according to the selected music. This makes it easier for the player to notice the presence. For example, it is highly probable that a player who encounters a specific effect (advantageous ending) for the first time does not know that the selected musical composition will be output when the advantageous ending is obtained. , the selected music is output, and from the next time onwards, it becomes an opportunity to consider setting a favorite music as the selected music.

Since the selected music is not output in the post-event period in which the ending is unfavorable, the music image 50 is not displayed (see FIG. 17(c-2)). Therefore, the advantageous ending and the unfavorable ending are different depending on whether or not the music image 50 is displayed, and it becomes easier to understand which ending has been reached. Further, after experiencing an unfavorable ending, the player who has experienced an advantageous ending notices that an image representing a song that was not displayed at the time of the unfavorable ending is being displayed at the time of the advantageous ending. There is a possibility of grasping that the selected music is output.

○ Specific example 3-6
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the specific production occurs during the production during fluctuation (the specific production constitutes the production during fluctuation), but it is specified other than when the production during fluctuation is being executed. A production may occur.

For example, it is conceivable that a specific effect occurs during a jackpot game (during a round). In the jackpot game, the music to be output (selected music) can be selected from among a plurality of types of candidate music, ie, the selected music output state. A specific effect occurs in that state. The selected music is not output during the pre-period, but the selected music is output when the post-period has an advantageous ending (the selected music is not output when the post-period has an unfavorable ending). There are various conceivable objects to be notified by the ending of the specific effect (whether or not it will be an advantageous ending). For example, it is conceivable that whether or not the game state after the end of the jackpot game becomes a high probability state (whether or not it becomes the first special game state) is notified.

3) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The matters described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a reel-type gaming machine, except that the configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines is used.

Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

・ Means 1-1
A game machine in which a plurality of types of presentation styles are set as the style of presentation during variation from the start of variation of the decorative pattern until it stops in the mode showing the result of the lottery, wherein the previous presentation style is set. A mode of a relay performance to be executed when changing from a state to a state in which a subsequent performance style is set is determined based on at least one of the type of the preceding performance style and the type of the subsequent performance style. Amusement machine.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to show a smooth change in the style of presentation.

・ Means 1-2
For each of the plurality of types of production styles, style-corresponding music to be output when the production style is set is set, and the relay music to be output as the relay production is in accordance with the previous production style. The gaming machine according to means 1-1, characterized in that it is determined based on the style-corresponding music that has been associated.
・ Means 1-3
For each of the plurality of types of production styles, a style-corresponding musical piece that is output when the production style is set is set, and the relay musical piece that is output as the relay production is in accordance with the subsequent production style. The game machine according to means 1-1, characterized in that it is determined based on the style-corresponding music after being associated.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent the style-corresponding music from suddenly switching when the performance style changes (the relay music plays a role of smoothly connecting the style-corresponding music preceding and succeeding it).

・ Means 1-4
The game machine according to means 1-2 or 1-3, wherein in the relay performance, a relay image corresponding to the relay music is displayed.
By doing so, it is possible to provide a relay effect in which the music and the image to be output are in a corresponding relationship.

・ Means 2-1
A sound output means is provided for outputting a background musical piece output during the production during the fluctuation from when the decorative pattern starts to fluctuate until it stops in a manner indicating the result of the lottery, and the background musical piece includes the first half and the subsequent second half. When the background music change condition for changing the background music is established, a new background music is output from the beginning of the first half, while a reset condition that is not a condition for changing the background music is set. A gaming machine, wherein the background music is output from the beginning of the second half when the condition is established.
According to the gaming machine, frequent output of the first half of the background music prevents the game from becoming monotonous.

・ Means 2-2
The gaming machine according to means 2-1, wherein the background music is output from the beginning of the second half when the background music progresses to the ending.
By doing so, the second half of the background music is circulated and output.

・ Means 2-3
The gaming machine according to means 2-1 or 2-2, wherein as one of the reset conditions, the end of the effect during variation, which is lost after reaching reach, is set.
By doing so, even if "out of reach" occurs, the first half of the background music is not output.

・ Means 2-4
Means 2-1 to Means 2-, characterized in that when the first half of the background music is being output, a dedicated image that is not displayed when the second half is being output is displayed on the display device. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of 3.
By doing so, it is easy to understand that the first half of the background music has been output (that the background music change condition has been satisfied).

・ Means 3-1
a sound output means; and effect execution means for executing a specific effect that can occur in a selected music output state in which the selected music selected by the player from among a plurality of types of candidate music is output from the sound output means. , the specific effect includes a pre-period in which the dedicated music is output from the sound output means, and a post-period in which the selected music is output from the sound output means and is a period following the pre-period. A game machine characterized by
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to execute an interesting specific effect in which the player's favorite music is output in the post-game period.

・ Means 3-2
The specific effect leads to an advantageous ending advantageous to the player or a disadvantageous ending unfavorable to the player, and the ending is not known during the preliminary period, and after the preliminary period ends, the post-period , the selected song is output in the post-preceding period when the advantageous ending is reached, and the selected song is output in the post-preceding period when the unfavorable ending is reached. The gaming machine according to means 3-1, characterized in that no output is made.
By doing so, it is possible to provide a specific effect in which the favorable ending is celebrated with a favorite song.

・ Means 3-3
The gaming machine according to means 3-1 or 3-2, wherein the dedicated song is a song different from any of the plurality of candidate songs.
By doing so, when the advantageous ending is achieved, a specific effect of the flow in which the selected music is output after the selected music is output, another music (dedicated music) is output once, and then the selected music is output. becomes.

・ Means 3-4
A reference point is defined for each of the plurality of types of candidate music that can be the selected music, and what is the progress of the selected music until the specific effect in the selected music output state is started? any of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that, even if there is, when the selected music is output in the post-period, the output of the selected music is started from the reference point of the selected music. The gaming machine described in .
If the reference point is the beginning of the exciting part of the selected music, such as the beginning of the so-called chorus, the exciting part can be heard when the selected music is output in the post-event period.

1 gaming machine 10 reserved design 20 relay image 30 special image 50 music image 70 speaker 80 decorative design 91 display device 911 display area

Claims (4)

A game machine in which a plurality of types of presentation styles are set as a style of presentation during variation from when the decorative pattern starts to change until it stops in a mode indicating the result of the lottery,
The mode of the relay performance executed from the state in which the previous presentation style is set to the state in which the subsequent presentation style is set is the type of the previous presentation style and the type of the subsequent presentation style. A gaming machine characterized in that it is determined based on at least one of Each of the plurality of types of production styles is set with a style-corresponding music output when the production style is set,
2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the relay music output as the relay effect is determined based on the previous style-corresponding music associated with the previous performance style. Each of the plurality of types of production styles is set with a style-corresponding music output when the production style is set,
2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the relay music output as the relay effect is determined based on the subsequent style-corresponding music associated with the subsequent performance style. 4. The game machine according to claim 2, wherein in the relay performance, a relay image corresponding to the relay music is displayed.

Images