JP2022176363A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of granting new amusement.

SOLUTION: In a game machine 10, entry of game balls into a second start winning hole 14BK is permitted in winning by winning/losing determining when game balls pass a right-side start gate 18R, and entry of game balls into a specific start winning hole 40K is permitted in winning of winning/losing determination when game balls pass a right-side start gate 18L. In the game machine 10, a game state is controlled to a normal game state for making it difficult for game balls to enter the two start winning holes 14BK, 40K, a time-shortening game state for making it easy for game balls to enter the two start winning holes 14BK, 40K, and an intermediate state for making it difficult for game balls to enter the second start winning hole 14BK and making it difficult for game balls to enter the specific start winning hole 40K.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine having variable ball entry means that is controlled between a ball entry restricted state in which entry of a game ball is restricted and an entry permitted state in which entry of a game ball is permitted.

In the gaming machine of Patent Literature 1, a normal state and a time saving state (including a probability variable state) are provided as states of entering a ball into a starting port that is opened and closed by an electric accessory.

JP 2016-83402 (paragraphs [0039] to [0040], FIG. 2)

The gaming machine of Patent Document 1 may have a problem that the game lacks freshness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of imparting novel game features.

The first means includes a success/failure determination means for executing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the ball into the entering area, and an entrance regulation for restricting the entry of the game ball when the success/failure determination results in a hit. a variable ball-entering means that is controlled to a ball-entering allowable state in which a game ball is allowed to enter for a predetermined period of time from the state; a game state control means for controlling between a special state in which ball entry is easier than in a normal state and an intermediate state in which ball entry is easier than in the normal state and is more difficult than in the special state; In the means, when a game ball enters in the intermediate state, a big win hit/fail judgment is performed in which a big win is likely to occur rather than a miss, and the game state after the next big win game is changed from the normal state to the special state. The gaming machine is provided with a specific variable ball entry means that facilitates playing.

According to the above invention, it is possible to impart new playability.

Front view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine Diagram showing game flow A table that shows the sorting when it becomes a hit in the normal figure judgment A diagram showing the main flow of the game in the intermediate game state A diagram showing the main flow of the game in the normal game state A table showing an example of termination conditions of the time-saving gaming state and the intermediate gaming state of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment A table that shows the sorting when it becomes a hit in the normal figure judgment A diagram showing the main flow of the game in the intermediate game state Front view of gaming machine according to another embodiment

[First embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a game board 11 covered with a front frame 10Z. The entire substantially circular game area R1 is visible. The game area R1 is surrounded by a substantially circular guide rail 12 protruding from the front surface of the game board 11. - 特許庁In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "right" and "left" refer to "right" and "left" when the gaming machine 10 is viewed from the front.

Below the glass window 10W of the front frame 10Z, an upper plate 26 and a lower plate 27 are provided in two stages, and a firing handle 28 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 27. - 特許庁When the shooting handle 28 is rotated, the game balls contained in the upper tray 26 are ejected one by one toward the game area R1 by a shooting device (not shown).

A display opening 11H is formed through the center of the game area R1 of the game board 11, and the display device 30 faces the display opening 11H from the back side of the game board 11. - 特許庁The display device 30 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal module, and has a display screen 30G on the front surface for performing game-related effects. Various game effects are performed on the display screen 30G.

A display decoration frame 23 is attached to the front center of the game board 11 so as to surround the display screen 30G. The display decoration frame 23 is fitted into the display opening 11</b>H from the front side of the game board 11 and protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 11 . As a result, the game ball flowing down the game area R1 is restricted from overcoming the decorative display frame 23 and entering inside the decorative display frame 23 .

An arc-shaped upper communication path 24 along the guide rail 12 is formed above the display decoration frame 23 in the game area R1. The upper connecting path 24 connects the left region R2 and the right region R3 located on the left and right sides of the display decoration frame 23 in the game region R1. Here, a game ball shot from a shooting device (not shown) enters the game area R1 from the upper left part of the game area R1. Then, in the gaming machine 10, the game ball that has passed through the upper communication path 24 flows down the right area R3 of the game area R1. In addition, the upper communication path 24 is formed to have a width through which game balls can pass one by one.

A first start winning opening 14AK is provided in the center portion in the left-right direction of the portion below the display decoration frame 23 in the game area R1. The first start winning opening 14AK is always open, and more specifically, has a pocket structure with an opening at the top that is large enough to allow game balls to enter one by one.

A first big prize winning device 15A is provided below the first start prize winning port 14AK. The first big winning device 15A includes a first big winning opening 15AK that opens forward, and a first variable member 15AT that opens and closes the first big winning opening 15AK. The first variable member 15AT is configured to be rotatable around the lower edge of the first large prize winning opening 15AK, and has a closed position substantially flush with the front surface of the game board 11 and an open position tilted forward. , is placed in Then, when the first variable member 15AT is arranged at the closed position, the first large winning opening 15AK is blocked and the game ball becomes difficult to enter the first large winning opening 15AK, and the first variable member 15AT is at the open position. , the first big winning hole 15AK is opened, and the game ball can enter the first big winning hole 15AK by guiding the first variable member 15AT.

Each of the left region R2 and the right region R3 is provided with a gate-shaped starting gate through which a game ball can pass. Specifically, a left starting gate 18L is provided on the left side of the decorative display frame 23 in the left region R2, and a right starting gate 18R is provided on the right side of the decorative display frame 23 in the right region R3. When the game ball passes through the left side start gate 18L or the right side start gate 18R, normal symbol suitability determination is performed. In the following, the normal pattern validity determination is referred to as "normal pattern determination", the normal pattern determination based on the right starting gate 18R is the first normal pattern determination, and the normal pattern determination based on the left starting gate 18L is the second normal pattern determination, In other words, we will distinguish between the two normal figure determinations as appropriate.

When the normal pattern determination is performed, the normal pattern is variably displayed in the normal pattern determination display section 18H (see FIG. 2), and after a predetermined period of time has passed, it is stopped and displayed. Then, the result of normal pattern determination is displayed by the stopped normal pattern.

When the game ball passes through the left starting gate 18L or the right starting gate 18R during normal pattern fluctuation, information on the normal pattern determination caused by the passage (specifically, the result display of the normal pattern determination and the pattern fluctuation accompanying ) is reserved up to a preset upper limit number of reservations. Then, when the variation of the normal symbols being executed is completed, one reservation is digested, and the variation of the reserved normal symbols and the judgment result are displayed. Reservation of information on normal pattern determination (hereinafter referred to as "normal pattern reservation".) Suspension upper limit number is, for example, four. In addition, if there are multiple universal map reservations, the universal map reservations will be digested in the order of occurrence.

A second starting winning device 14B is provided below the right starting gate 18R in the right region R3. The second starting prize winning device 14B includes a second starting prize winning port 14BK opened to the front side, and a second starting variable member 14BT for opening and closing the second starting prize winning port 14BK. Specifically, the second start variable member 14BT is configured to be rotatable around the lower edge of the second start winning opening 14BK, and is normally arranged in a closed position substantially flush with the front surface of the game board 11. Then, the second starting winning opening 14BK is closed, and when the result of the above-described first normal pattern determination is a hit, it is arranged in an open position moved forward for a predetermined period, and the second starting winning opening 14BK is opened. . When the second start variable member 14BT is placed at the open position, the game ball can enter the second start winning opening 14BK guided by the second start variable member 14BT, and the second start variable member 14BT is moved to the closed position. When it is arranged, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting winning hole 14BK.

A second big winning device 15B is provided below the second starting winning device 14B in the right region R3. The second big winning device 15A includes a second big winning opening 15BK that opens forward and a second variable member 15BT that opens and closes the second big winning opening 15BK. The second variable member 15BT is configured to be rotatable around the lower edge of the second big prize opening 15BK, and has a closed position substantially flush with the front surface of the game board 11 and an open position tilted forward. , is placed in Then, when the second variable member 15BT is arranged at the closed position, the second large winning opening 15BK is blocked and the game ball becomes difficult to enter the second large winning opening 15BK, and the second variable member 15BT is at the open position. , the second big winning hole 15BK is opened, and the game ball can enter the second big winning hole 15BK by guiding the second variable member 15BT.

A specific start winning device 40 is provided below the left start gate 18L in the left region R2. The specific start prize winning device 40 includes a specific start prize opening 40K opened to the front side, and a specific start variable member 40T for opening and closing the specific start prize opening 40K. The specific start variable member 40T is configured to be rotatable around the lower edge of the specific start prize winning opening 40K, and is normally arranged at a closed position substantially flush with the front surface of the game board 11, and the specific start winning prize opening 40K is arranged in a closed position. is closed, and when the result of the above-described second normal pattern determination is a hit, it is arranged in an open position moved forward for a predetermined period, and the specific start winning opening 40K is opened. When the specific start variable member 40T is arranged at the open position, the game ball can enter the specific start winning opening 40K guided by the specific start variable member 40T, and when the specific start variable member 40T is arranged at the closed position. , it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the specific start winning hole 40K.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, there are provided two types of hits for each of the first normal pattern determination and the second normal pattern determination, namely, a short normal pattern hit and a long normal pattern hit. When the long normal figure hits, the start variable member (the second start variable member 14BT in the case of the first normal figure determination, and the specific start variable member 40T in the case of the second normal figure determination) is placed at the open position. The amount of time that the start variable is placed in the open position is greater than the amount of time that the start variable is placed in the open position when a short hit occurs. That is, there are two types of states in which a game ball can be entered into the starting winning opening, ie, a short mode and a long mode in which the opening time of the starting winning opening is different. In addition, in the gaming machine 10, it is virtually impossible to enter a game ball into the start winning opening in the case of a short normal game, and only in the case of a long normal game, a game ball is entered into the starting winning opening. It is designed so that the ball cannot be entered.

When a game ball enters the first start winning opening 14AK, the second starting winning opening 14BK or the specific starting winning opening 40K, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls to the upper tray 26 (see FIG. 1), and a special Design suitability determination is performed. The result of this determination is displayed on the special figure determination display section 14H (see FIG. 2) and the display screen 30G. Below, the special symbol suitability determination is referred to as "special figure determination", the special figure determination based on the first start winning opening 14AK and the special figure determination based on the second starting winning opening 14BK, the first special figure determination and the second special It will be referred to as figure judgment and will be appropriately distinguished.

The result of the special figure determination is displayed as follows on the display screen 30G. That is, three left, middle and right special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R are normally stopped and displayed side by side on the display screen 30G. Each of the special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R, for example, is composed of a plurality of types representing numbers "0" to "9", and each of the special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R has a predetermined type. is displayed as stopped. When the special figure determination is made, the three special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R are vertically scroll-displayed (variable display), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, left, right, and middle are stopped and displayed. Then, the combination of the stopped special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R is used to display the result of the special symbol determination.

When the display screen 30G displays that the result of the special figure determination is a big win, the game state changes to a big win game state, the big win game is executed, and the first big winning hole 15AK or the second big winning hole 15BK is entered. A game ball can enter. When a game ball enters the first big prize hole 15AK or the second big prize hole 15BK, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls from the upper tray 26 (see FIG. 1).

Specifically, when the big win game is executed, the first variable member 15AT is driven to the open position for a predetermined period of time to open the first big winning opening 15AK. Here, if the operation from opening to closing of the first big winning opening 15AK is called a "round", one big winning game continues until a predetermined number of rounds are executed. In one round, the opening time of the first big prize hole 15AK reaches a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds), or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the first big prize hole 15AK It ends when one of the above is established first. A winning sensor (not shown) is provided inside the first big winning hole 15AK to count the number of winning balls.

Further, when it is displayed on the display screen 30G that the result of the special figure determination is a small hit, the game state becomes a small hit game state, and a small hit game is executed. In the small winning game, the game ball can enter the second big winning hole 15BK. The opening time of the second big winning hole 15BK is shorter than the opening time of the first big winning hole 15AK in the big win game, and the number of balls released in one small win game is equal to the number of balls released in one big win game. less than a ball. The small winning game is that the opening time of the second big winning hole 15BK has reached a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), or that a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) have won in the second big winning hole 15BK. and ends when one of the following is established first. A winning sensor (not shown) is provided inside the second big winning hole 15BK to count the number of winning balls.

Here, when the game ball enters the first start winning opening 14AK, the second starting winning opening 14BK or the specific starting winning opening 40K during the fluctuation of the special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R, during the small winning game or during the big winning game. , The information on the special figure determination caused by the entry (specifically, the result display of the special figure determination and the pattern fluctuation accompanying it) is reserved up to the preset number of reservations. Then, when the pattern variation, the small winning game or the big winning game being executed is completed, one reservation is digested, and the retained pattern variation and result display are performed. Here, if the holding of information related to the first special figure determination and the holding of information related to the second special figure determination are appropriately distinguished by referring to them as the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, the upper limit number of reservations is It is set for each of the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, and the number of the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation is displayed, for example, in the reservation display section 30H (see FIG. 2). recognizable by the person. In the gaming machine 10, the upper limit number of reservations for the first special figure reservation and the upper limit number of reservations for the second special figure reservation are the same, for example, four. In addition, the reservation upper limit number of the first special figure reservation and the reservation upper limit number of the second special figure reservation may be different.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10, the second special figure reservation is digested preferentially over the first special figure reservation. Further, between the first special figure reservations, the reservations are digested in the order of occurrence, and between the second special figure reservations, the reservations are digested in the order of occurrence.

In addition to the above-described winning openings 14AK, 14BK, 40, 15AK, and 15BK, the game area R1 is provided with a plurality of general winning openings (not shown) that are opened upward or sideways to allow game balls to enter at all times. It is In addition, at the lower end of the game area R1, more specifically, below the first big winning device 15A, there is an outlet for discharging game balls that have not entered any winning opening to the outside of the game area R1. A mouth 16 is provided. Furthermore, in the game area R1, a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are planted for randomly changing the flowing direction of the game ball.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes a main control circuit 50, which includes a microcomputer having a CPU 50A, a RAM 50B, a ROM 50C, and a plurality of counters, an input/output circuit connecting the microcomputer and a sub-control circuit 52, and a prize-winning device. etc. are connected, and an input/output circuit that connects a payout control circuit, etc., and performs main control related to the game. The CPU 50A includes a success/fail determination unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and in addition to performing arithmetic control, it also generates random numbers related to special figure determination and general figure determination, and sub-controls the control signal. It is configured to be able to output (transmit) to the circuit 52 and the like. The RAM 50B includes a storage area for various random values generated by the CPU 50A, a storage area and flags for temporarily storing various data, and a work area for the CPU 50A. Control data, special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R and symbol variation data related to variable display of normal symbols are written in the ROM 50C. is written. The information of the first special figure determination related to the first special figure reservation and the information of the second special figure determination related to the second special figure reservation are stored in the RAM 50B. In addition, the information of the general pattern judgment related to the general pattern reservation is also stored in the RAM 50B.

Similar to the main control circuit 50, the sub-control circuit 52 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 52A, a RAM 52B, a ROM 52C, and a plurality of counters, an input/output circuit connecting the microcomputer and the main control circuit 50, a display control circuit 54, and the like. It has an input/output circuit that connects The CPU 52A includes a control section, a calculation section, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, and is configured to be able to output (transmit) control signals to the display control circuit 54 and the like, in addition to performing arithmetic control. The RAM 52B has a storage area for various data and a work area for the CPU 52A. The ROM 52C stores various performance data and the like.

The display control circuit 54 is provided in the display device 30 and has a CPU, a RAM and a ROM. The CPU of the display control circuit 54 acquires image data from the ROM based on the control signal output from the sub-control circuit 52, and displays an image on the display screen 30G based on the image data.

<Playability of gaming machine 10>
FIG. 3 shows a game flow in the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the gaming machine 10, there are two types of game states, a normal game state and a time-saving game state, as game states other than the big win game state and the small win game state. A game state is controlled by the main control circuit 50 .

In the time-saving game state, it becomes easier to enter the game ball into the second start winning hole 14BK than in the normal game state. Specifically, between the normal game state and the time-saving game state, the winning probability of the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination is the same, and the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination Also in the normal pattern determination, the ratio of the time saving game state to the long normal pattern hit is set higher than the normal game state. As a result, in the normal game state, it is difficult to enter the ball into the second start winning opening 14BK even if the second normal pattern determination is successful, and in the time saving game state, the second normal pattern determination is successful. It becomes easy to enter the ball into the second start winning opening 14BK when Therefore, in the normal game state, the player makes the game ball flow down to the left side area R2 of the game area R1, receives the first special figure determination by entering the ball into the first start winning opening 14AK, and in the time saving game state, The game ball is made to flow down to the right side area R3 of the game area R1, and the second special figure determination is received by entering the ball into the second start winning opening 14BK.

FIG. 4 shows the sorting of short normal pattern hits and long normal pattern hits when winning is determined in normal pattern determination in each game state. In the example of FIG. 4, the hit of the normal pattern determination in the normal game state is all short normal pattern hits regardless of whether the normal pattern determination is the first normal pattern determination or the second normal pattern determination. , Normal pattern hits in the time saving game state are all long normal pattern hits regardless of whether the normal pattern determination is the first normal pattern determination or the second normal pattern determination.

The initial game state of the gaming machine 10 is the normal game state. The state transition from the normal game state to the time-saving game state is triggered by a big hit. Specifically, there are two kinds of big wins, that is, a big win with reduced working hours which becomes a time-saving game state after the end of the big win game and a big win without time-reduction which does not enter the time-reduced game state after the end of the big win game. Whether it is a time saving jackpot or a time saving jackpot is determined by a judgment value (jackpot random number) of special figure judgment.

In the present embodiment, there are two types of big hits in the first special figure determination, namely, the big win with time saving and the big win without time saving, and the big hit in the second special figure determination is only one kind of big win with time saving. there is That is, in the game machine 10, since all the jackpots in the time-saving game state are jackpots with time-saving, once the time-saving game state is entered, the game state is difficult to shift to the normal game state. The time saving game state ends when a preset time saving end condition is satisfied. When the time-saving game state ends, the game state shifts to the normal game state.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the jackpot in the first special figure determination may be only one type of time saving jackpot, or the second special figure determination jackpot is two types of time saving jackpot and time saving jackpot. may exist.

In the game machine 10, the winning probability of the big win is the same between the first special figure determination and the second special figure determination regardless of whether the game state is the normal game state or the time saving game state. Also, between the first special figure determination and the second special figure determination, regardless of whether the game state is a normal game state or a time saving game state, the second special figure determination is better than the first special figure determination The probability of winning a small prize is also high. In the gaming machine 10, for example, the big-hit probability and the small-hit probability in the first special-figure determination are 1/200 and 1/500, and the big-hit probability and the small-hit probability in the second special-figure determination are , 1/200 and 1/50.

In the gaming machine 10, when a small winning game is executed, a game ball can enter the second big winning hole 15BK. Here, in the second big winning device 15B, the game balls entering the second big winning hole 15BK are sorted into either a specific area (V zone) or a normal area (both not shown). When the game ball passes through the specific area (that is, wins V), the big win is determined, the game state changes from the small win game state to the big win game state, and the big win game is executed. Then, in the jackpot game after winning V, the game ball can enter the first jackpot 15AK. When the big win is confirmed by the V prize, the game state after the big win game ends becomes a time-saving game state.

In the game machine 10, in a small winning game when a small winning occurs in a time saving game state, game balls are more easily distributed to a specific area than in a small winning game when a small winning occurs in a normal game state. . Specifically, in the gaming machine 10, when the second special figure determination results in a small hit, regardless of whether it is a normal game state or a time-saving game state, the allocation to the specific area becomes 100%. On the other hand, when the first special figure determination results in a small hit, the distribution to the specific area is 100% in the case of the time-saving game state, and to the specific area in the case of the normal game state. distribution is 0%. In addition, in the game machine 10, in the time-saving game state, since the small hit probability of the second special figure determination is higher than the big hit probability of the first special figure determination and the second special figure determination, the first special figure determination is a big hit It is more likely to occur that a small win is made in the second special figure determination and a big win is caused by V winning in the small win game rather than the case of becoming.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when the time-saving gaming state is entered, it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 14BK, and it becomes easier to win a small hit. When the game ball passes through the specific area (that is, wins V) during execution of the small winning game, the big winning is confirmed. In the game machine 10, when a big win is achieved by winning a V prize, the game state after the big win game ends is the time-saving game state, so once the time-saving game state is reached, it is difficult to shift to the normal game state. So-called consecutive chances, in which the big hits continue without shifting to the normal game state, are likely to occur.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is that a big hit (including winning V in a small-hit game) and the number of executions of special figure determination are set in advance. The upper limit number of times (hereinafter referred to as “time saving upper limit number of times”) is established. In the gaming machine 10, the time saving upper limit number is the sum of the number of executions of the first special figure judgment and the number of executions of the second special figure judgment, for example, 50 times.

In the gaming machine 10, one special figure determination is from when the special figure determination is started until the player is notified of the result of the special figure determination. Therefore, when the special figure determination of the upper limit number of times is started, the time saving gaming state is not finished, and until the fluctuation of the special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R based on the special figure determination is finished, the second start A state in which game balls easily enter the winning opening 14BK continues. Then, while the special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R are fluctuating, the information about the special figure determination can be reserved up to the upper limit number of reservations, so the player can make the second special figure determination up to the upper limit number of reservations (this In the example of the embodiment, it is possible to receive only 4) extra.

<Intermediate game state>
In the game machine 10, there are two types of big wins in the special figure determination in the normal game state, ie, big wins without time saving and big wins with time saving. And it can be said that the normal game state is a state that is not advantageous to the player because it is difficult to win a big hit compared to the time-saving game state. For this reason, when a time-saving jackpot is achieved in a normal game state, the player ends the game when the jackpot game ends. In addition, even when the jackpot in the time-saving game state includes the jackpot without time-saving, when the jackpot without time-saving is obtained in the time-saving game state, the player ends the game at the end of the jackpot game. . As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when a time-saving jackpot is won, the player ends the game at the end of the jackpot.

The game machine 10 is provided with an intermediate game state positioned between the normal game state and the time-saving game state as a game state after the time-saving big win in order to suppress immediate death after the time-saving big win. In the case of a time-saving jackpot, after the jackpot game ends, the intermediate game state may always be entered, or the intermediate game state may be entered at a predetermined rate. In the latter case, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is either the intermediate game state or the normal game state, and the distribution between the normal game state and the intermediate game state is a random value of the special figure determination when the time saving jackpot is reached. determined by

In the intermediate game state, it is easier to win per long normal pattern than in the normal game state, and it is difficult to win per long normal pattern than in the time reduction game state. Specifically, for the first normal pattern determination, the ratio of long normal pattern hits when winning in the intermediate game state is the same as the ratio of long normal pattern hits when winning in the normal game state. It's becoming On the other hand, as for the second normal pattern determination, the ratio of the long normal pattern hit when the win is achieved in the intermediate game state is the same as the ratio of the long normal pattern hit when the hit is achieved in the time reduction game state. .

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the winning probability of the second normal pattern determination is set lower than the winning probability of the first normal pattern determination. In the example of FIG. 4, the winning probability of the first normal pattern determination is 499/500, and the winning probability of the second normal pattern determination is 1/500.

As described above, when the second normal pattern determination results in a long normal pattern, the game ball can enter the specific start winning opening 40K. Then, when the game ball enters the specific start winning hole 40K, the game state becomes a time-saving game state. Specifically, when a game ball enters the specific starting winning hole 40K, a special figure determination based on the entering ball is executed. In this special figure determination, it will always be a big hit with time saving. In addition, in the time-saving jackpot based on the entry of a ball into the specific starting prize-winning port 40K, the opening time of the first big prize-winning port 15AK is shorter than the time-saving jackpot in the normal game state or the jackpot from the V prize. Fewer balls are being paid out.

In the example of FIG. 4, all hits in the first normal figure determination in the intermediate game state are short normal figure hits, and all second normal figure hits in the intermediate game state are long normal figure hits. In addition, in the gaming machine 10, the opening time of the specific start winning opening 40K is very short when the short normal pattern is hit in the second normal pattern determination, and the long normal pattern is not hit in the second normal pattern determination. As far as possible, it is almost impossible for the game ball to enter the specific start winning hole 40K. Thereby, even if the second normal figure determination is performed in the normal game state, the entry of the game ball into the specific start winning opening 40K is regulated.

The intermediate game state ends when the execution count of the special figure determination reaches the specified count. This prescribed number of times is the same as the time saving upper limit number of times related to the end of the time saving gaming state. When the intermediate game state ends, the game state is controlled to the normal game state. Here, focusing on the hit of the second normal pattern determination by the left starting gate 18L, in the normal game state, it is a short normal pattern hit, and in the intermediate game state and the time reduction game state, it is a long normal pattern hit. Then, the intermediate gaming state is terminated by executing the special figure determination a predetermined number of times in the same manner as the time-saving gaming state. As described above, the intermediate game state is difficult to distinguish from the normal game state from the outside, but it can be regarded as a time-saving game state internally.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, in the intermediate game state, when the game ball passes through the right starting gate 18R and the winning is determined in the first normal figure determination, the game is entered into the second starting winning opening 14BK. It is difficult to enter the ball, but when the game ball passes through the left starting gate 18L and becomes a hit in the second normal figure determination, the game ball is entered into the specific start winning opening 40K. It is easy to make the ball. Therefore, the player causes the game ball to flow down to the left region R2, receives the first special figure determination caused by the ball entering the first start winning opening AK, and allows the game ball to pass through the left start gate 18L. Receive the second normal figure judgment.

In the intermediate game state, when the second normal figure determination is successful, the game ball can be entered into the special start winning opening 40K. Then, when the game ball enters the special start winning hole 40K, it becomes a big hit with time saving, and after the big win game is finished, the game state becomes a time saving game state. As described above, in the game machine 10, even if a jackpot without time saving is achieved in the normal game state, the game state changes to a time saving game state when a win is obtained in the second normal figure determination in the intermediate game state after the jackpot game is finished. That is, in the gaming machine 10, the intermediate game state is a state in which transition to the time-saving game state can be expected more than the normal game state.

It should be noted that, in the intermediate game state, when the number of executions of the first special figure determination reaches the specified number of times without winning in the second normal figure determination, the intermediate game state ends and the game state changes to the normal game state. Become.

FIG. 5 shows the main flow of the game in the intermediate game state. As shown in the figure, when the game is started in the intermediate game state, it is difficult to enter the game ball into the second start winning hole 14BK, so the player moves the game ball to the left region R2. , and try to receive the first special figure determination triggered by the ball entering the first start winning opening 14AK. At this time, when the game ball passes through the left starting gate 18L, it is possible to receive the second normal pattern determination. Then, when the number of executions of the first special figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times, when the second normal figure determination is hit, the ball is allowed to enter the specific start winning opening 40K, and the game ball enters the specific starting winning opening 40K. If you hit the ball, it will be a big hit with time saving. On the other hand, when the number of executions of the second normal pattern determination reaches the upper limit number of times without winning in the second normal pattern determination, the intermediate game state is terminated and the game state becomes the normal game state.

Incidentally, FIG. 6 shows the flow of the game in the normal game state for reference. As is clear from the comparison between FIGS. 5 and 6, in the intermediate game state, as a transition route to the time-saving game state, it is more than the normal game state by providing a route triggered by winning a specific start winning port 40K. It can be said that this state is advantageous to the player.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, by providing the intermediate game state as the game state, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

In the gaming machine 10, the game state is a normal game state in which the degree of difficulty of entering a ball into the second start prize-winning port 14BK and the specific start prize-winning port 40K which are controlled into a ball entry restricted state and a ball entry permitted state are different, and time saving. Since three types of the invitation state and the intermediate game state are provided, it is possible to impart new game features.

Specifically, the above-described new playability is achieved by the gaming machine 10 adopting the following configuration. That is, the gaming machine 10 is provided with two types of starting gates, the left starting gate 18L and the right starting gate 18R, and the first normal figure determination is executed due to the game ball passing through the right starting gate 18R, The second normal pattern determination is executed due to the game ball passing through the left starting gate 18L. Then, in the normal game state, the hit is a short normal figure hit in both the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination, and in the time saving game state, in both the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination. The hit is the long normal pattern hit, and in the intermediate game state, the hit of the first normal pattern determination is the short normal pattern hit, and the hit of the second normal pattern determination is the long normal pattern hit.

Moreover, in the gaming machine 10, the probability of winning in the second normal pattern determination (normal pattern determination based on the game ball passing through the left starting gate 18L) is Since it is set lower than the probability of hitting in the normal figure judgment based on passing), between the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state, the difference in the difficulty of entering the ball into the start winning openings 14BK and 40K can be increased.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10, the ball entrance (second start winning opening 14BK) controlled to the ball entry allowable state based on the first normal pattern determination, and the ball entry allowable state is controlled based on the second normal pattern determination. Since the entrance (specific starting prize opening 40K) is provided separately, it becomes easy to manage the state of the entrance. Moreover, in the gaming machine 10, the right start gate 18R related to the first normal pattern determination and the second start winning opening 14BK that allows a ball to be entered when winning in the first normal pattern determination are provided in the right region R3. , Since the left side start gate 18L related to the second normal pattern determination and the specific start winning opening 40K that can enter the ball when winning in the second normal pattern determination are provided in the left region R2, the time saving game state It is possible to let the player hit different game balls in the intermediate game state, and to provide a difference in game performance between the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state.

[Second embodiment]
The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment differs greatly from the first embodiment in that the conditions for ending the time-saving gaming state and the intermediate gaming state include that the number of executions of normal pattern determination has reached the upper limit number of times. It should be noted that the following description will focus on the portions of the present embodiment that differ from the above-described first embodiment. The description is omitted by using the names and symbols of

The end condition of the time-saving gaming state in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is that it becomes a big hit (including winning V in a small winning game), and the upper limit number of times that the number of executions of the second special figure determination is preset. It becomes establishment of any of the fact that the number of executions of normal figure determination has become the upper limit number of times set in advance. It is preferable that the upper limit number of times related to normal figure determination is larger than the upper limit number of times related to the second special figure determination. As a result, it is possible to suppress the end of the time-saving game state due to the fact that the number of times of execution of the normal figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times before the number of times of execution of the second special figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times.

The end condition of the intermediate game state in the gaming machine 10 is the same as the end condition of the time saving game state. That is, the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination related to the end of the intermediate game state is the same as the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination related to the end of the time saving game state, of the normal figure determination related to the end of the intermediate game state The upper limit number of times is the same as the upper limit number of normal figure determination related to the end of the time saving gaming state.

In addition, in FIG. 7, an example of the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination and the normal figure determination related to the end condition of the time saving game state and the intermediate game state in the gaming machine 10 is shown. In this example, the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination is 1 time, and the upper limit number of times of normal figure determination is 4 times. In the gaming machine 10, since the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination is less than the upper limit number of times of normal figure determination, when the time saving game state is entered, before the number of execution times of the second special figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times In addition, the situation that the number of executions of normal pattern determination reaches the upper limit number of times and the time saving game state ends is suppressed. Moreover, in the gaming machine 10, since the upper limit number of normal pattern determinations is equal to or more than the upper limit number (four) of normal pattern determinations, it is possible to save time by digesting the normal pattern determination pending before receiving the second special pattern determination. A situation in which the game state ends is suppressed.

Also, in FIG. 7, the winning probability of the special pattern judgment (big hit probability and small winning probability) and the winning probability of the normal pattern judgment are shown together, and the winning probability of the first normal pattern judgment is 3/4, The winning probability of 2 normal figure judgment is 1/4. Therefore, in the intermediate game state, when the second normal pattern determination is received for the upper limit number of normal pattern determinations (that is, 4 times), the average number of hits is one.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the normal game state, the hits of the first normal pattern determination and the second normal pattern determination are all short normal pattern hits. , In the time-saving game state, the hits of the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination are all long normal figure hits. In addition, all hits in the first normal pattern determination in the intermediate game state are short normal pattern hits, and all second normal pattern hits in the intermediate game state are long normal pattern hits. That is, in the intermediate game state, it is more difficult to enter the game ball into the second start winning hole 14BK than in the time saving game state, but it is more difficult to enter the game ball into the specific start winning hole 40K than in the normal game state. It has become easier.

It should be noted that, as in the first embodiment, also in this embodiment, the opening time of the specific start winning opening 40K when the second normal game hits and the short normal game hits is very short, and the second normal game wins. It is almost impossible to enter the game ball into the specific start winning opening 40K unless it becomes a long normal game hit in the normal game. Therefore, even if the second normal figure determination is performed in the normal game state, entry of the game ball into the specific starting winning opening 40K is restricted.

FIG. 9 shows the main flow of the game in the intermediate game state in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment. When the intermediate game state is started, it is difficult to enter the game ball into the second starting winning hole 14BK, so the player causes the game ball to flow down to the left region R2 and enter the specific starting winning hole 40K. Let the game ball enter the ball. In order to enter the game ball into the specific start winning opening 40K, the game ball is passed through the left side start gate 18L to receive the second normal pattern determination. When the second normal figure determination results in a hit, the ball is allowed to enter the specific start winning opening 40K, and when the game ball enters the specific starting winning opening 40K, it becomes a jackpot with time reduction. On the other hand, when the number of executions of the second normal pattern determination reaches the upper limit number of times without winning in the second normal pattern determination, the intermediate game state is terminated and the game state becomes the normal game state.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the following excellent effects can be obtained by including the number of normal pattern determinations in the conditions for ending the time saving game state and the intermediate game state.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the end condition of the state (that is, the intermediate game state and the time-saving game state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state is not only the number of executions of the special figure determination but also the execution of the normal figure determination. Since it also depends on the number of times, the playability becomes complicated, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game. In addition, there are two states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal game state: a time-saving game state and an intermediate game state in which it is more difficult to enter the second start winning hole 14BK and the specific start winning hole 40K than the time-saving game state. Since the types are provided, the playability becomes more complicated, and the amusement of the game is further improved.

Specifically, the gaming machine 10 is provided with the left start gate 18L and the right start gate 18R in the left region R2 and the right region R3, thereby making it possible to provide two types of advantageous states for the player. . In the gaming machine 10, the first normal pattern determination is executed due to the game ball passing through the right starting gate 18R, and the second normal pattern determination is performed due to the game ball passing through the left starting gate 18L. executed. Then, in the normal game state, the hit is a short normal figure hit in both the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination, and in the time saving game state, in both the first normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination. It becomes a long normal figure hit, and in the intermediate game state, the hit of the first normal figure determination becomes the short normal figure hit, and the hit of the second normal figure determination becomes the long normal figure hit.

Also, in the gaming machine 10, the winning probability of the second normal pattern determination is set lower than the winning probability of the first normal pattern determination (see FIG. 7), so the second start winning opening 14BK in the time saving game state It is possible to provide a difference between the difficulty of entering a ball and the difficulty of entering a ball into the specific start winning hole 40K in the intermediate game state, and to provide a sharpness between the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state. becomes.

[Other embodiments]
(1) A plurality of types may be provided in the mode (short mode) of the ball entry permission state (short mode) of the second start winning opening 14BK when it hits a short normal pattern, or when it hits a long normal pattern A plurality of types may be provided in the mode (long mode) of the ball entry allowable state of the 2-start winning opening 14BK. In addition, a plurality of types may be provided in the form (short mode) of the entry permission state of the specific start winning opening 40K when the short normal figure hits, and the specific start prize when the long normal figure hits. A plurality of types may be provided in the form (long form) of the ball entry permissible state of the mouth 40K. As an example of the difference between the types of the short mode and the long mode, there are differences in the opening time and the number of openings of the start winning opening.

(2) Start winning opening (second starting winning opening 14BK) that allows you to enter when you hit the first normal figure judgment and start that allows you to enter the ball when you hit the second normal figure judgment Although the winning openings (the specific start winning opening 40K) are separate, they may be common. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the common starting prize-winning opening 140K is arranged in the center portion in the left-right direction (specifically, below the first starting prize-winning opening 14AK) in the lower portion of the game area R1. It is provided in the starting prize winning device 140 and is opened and closed by a variable member 140T. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to vary the difficulty of entering a ball into the common start winning opening 140K between the three game states of the normal game state, the time-saving game state, and the intermediate game state.

(3) In the above embodiment, two types of per normal pattern, short normal per pattern and long normal per pattern, were provided, but only one type of long normal per pattern is provided, and the first normal pattern in the normal game state is provided. In the figure determination and the second normal figure determination and the first normal figure determination in the intermediate game state, it becomes 100% off, the first normal figure determination in the time saving game state and the second normal figure determination and the second normal figure determination in the intermediate game state Then, it is good also as a structure which becomes hit by a predetermined ratio.

[Regarding technical features extracted from the above embodiment]
Features extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described below, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following description, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic group A>
The following feature group A is a feature extracted from the first embodiment in particular, and includes "a ball entry restricted state in which entry of a game ball is restricted and an entry permitted state in which entry of a game ball is permitted. With respect to the game machine "equipped with variable ball entry means controlled by A normal state and a time-saving state (including a probability variable state) are provided as the state of entering a ball into the opening and closing opening. Problems can be considered.”

[Feature A1]
a success/failure determination means (main control circuit 50) for executing a success/failure determination (normal figure determination) based on the ball entering the ball entry area (left start gate 18L, right start gate 18R);
Variable ball entry means ( a second starting prize-winning port 14BK, a specific starting prize-winning port 40);
The game state is divided into a normal state (normal game state) in which it is difficult to enter a ball into the variable ball entry means, a special state (time-saving game state) in which it is easier to enter a ball than in the normal state, and a ball entry from the normal state. A game machine (game machine 10) comprising: an intermediate state (intermediate game state) in which it is easier to enter a ball and more difficult to enter than the special state; and a game state control means (main control circuit 50).

In the configuration shown in this feature, three types of game states are provided, namely, a normal state, a special state, and an intermediate state, which differ in the degree of difficulty of ball entry into the variable ball entry means, so that new playability can be imparted. becomes.

[Feature A2]
As the ball entry area, at least two types of a first ball entry area (right starting gate 18R) and a second ball entry area (left starting gate 18L) are provided,
The ball entry permissible state of the variable ball entry means has at least two types: a first mode (short mode) and a second mode (long mode) in which the game ball is easier to enter than the first mode. death,
In the normal state, the variable ball-entering means is more likely to be controlled in the first mode than in the second mode when the hit/fail determination is a win,
In the special state, the variable ball-entering means is more likely to be controlled from the first mode to the second mode when the win/fail determination is a hit,
In the intermediate state, the variable ball-entering means is more likely to be controlled from the second mode to the first mode when the hit/fail determination is a win based on the ball entering the first ball-entering area, The game according to feature A1, wherein the variable ball-entering means is more likely to be controlled in the second mode than in the first mode when the win/loss determination is a win based on the ball entering the second ball-entering area. machine.

In the configuration shown in this feature, by providing two types of ball-entering areas, the first ball-entering area and the second ball-entering area, it is possible to form three states with different degrees of difficulty of entering the ball into the variable ball-entering means. Become. Note that, as in the above embodiment, "in the normal state, the variable ball-entering means is controlled to the first mode when the hit/fail determination is a hit, and in the special state, the hit/fail determination is a hit. The variable ball entry means is controlled to the second mode when the variable ball entry means is in the second state, and in the intermediate state, the variable ball entry means is determined to be a hit based on the ball entry into the first ball entry area. The means is easily controlled to the first mode, and the variable ball-entering means is controlled to the second mode when the hit/fail determination is a hit based on the ball entering the second ball-entering area. This makes it easier to manage the number of times the ball is entered into the variable ball entry means in each game state.

[Feature A3]
The probability of winning in the hit/fail determination based on the ball entering the second ball entering area is set lower than the probability of winning in the hit/fail determination based on the ball entering the first ball entering area. The gaming machine according to feature A2.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to increase the difference in difficulty of entering a ball into the variable ball entering means between the special state and the intermediate state.

[Feature A4]
As the variable ball entry means, a first variable ball entry means (second start winning opening 14BK) and a second variable ball entry means (specific start winning opening 40) different from the first variable ball entry means are provided. ,
The first variable ball entry means is controlled from the ball entry restricted state to the ball entry permitted state when a hit is determined based on the ball entered into the first ball entry area in the hit/fail determination,
The second variable ball-entering means is controlled from the ball-entering restricted state to the ball-entering allowable state when the hit/fail determination based on the ball entering the second ball-entering area results in a win. Or the gaming machine described in A3.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, the variable ball entry means controlled to the ball entry allowable state based on the ball entry into the first ball entry area and the ball entry allowable state based on the ball entry into the second ball entry area Since the state-controlled variable ball-entering means is separately provided, the state of the variable ball-entering means can be easily managed.

[Feature A5]
The ball entry area is provided with a special ball entry area (first start winning opening 14AK) different from the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area,
Privilege game determination means (main control circuit) for determining whether or not to execute a privilege game (jackpot game) capable of giving a privilege to a player based on the ball entering the special ball entry area or the variable ball entry means 50),
The game state control means according to any one of characteristics A1 to A4, wherein the game state control means controls the game state to any one of the normal state, the intermediate state, and the special state on the condition that the privilege game is executed. game machine.

In the configuration shown in this feature, even if the special game is not controlled to the special state after the execution of the special game, it may be controlled to the intermediate state, so that it is possible to motivate the player to continue the game. Note that this feature also includes a configuration in which the game state after the end of the privilege game is either an intermediate state or a special state.

[Feature A6]
The game state control means changes the game state from the intermediate state to the normal state when the number of times that the determination by the privilege game determination means is continuously out in the intermediate state reaches a specified number of times (time saving upper limit number of times) The gaming machine according to feature A5, which controls to

According to the configuration shown in this feature, after the execution of the special game, the player is provided with a state more advantageous than the normal state until the number of consecutive failures in determination by the privilege game determination means reaches a specified number of times. becomes possible.

[Feature A7]
When the start condition (the game ball passes through the right start gate 18R or the left start gate 18L) is established, the entry of the game ball is allowed for a predetermined time from the entry restriction state in which the entry of the game ball is restricted. Variable ball entry means (second start prize opening 14B, specific start prize opening 40) controlled to the entered ball permission state,
As the start condition, at least a first start condition (the game ball passes through the right start gate 18R) and a second start condition (the game ball passes through the left start gate 18L) different from the first start condition. Two types are provided,
The ball entry permissible state of the variable ball entry means has at least two types: a first mode and a second mode (long mode) in which the game ball is easier to enter than the first mode (short mode). death,
A normal state (normal game state) in which the variable ball entry means is more likely to be controlled in the first mode than in the second mode regardless of which of the first start condition and the second start condition is satisfied, and the first start A special state (time-saving game state) in which the variable ball-entering means is more likely to be controlled in the second mode than the first mode regardless of which of the condition and the second starting condition is satisfied, and the first starting condition is satisfied. In this case, the variable ball entering means is more likely to be controlled in the first mode than in the second mode, and when the second starting condition is satisfied, the variable ball entering means is controlled in the second mode rather than the first mode. A game machine further comprising an intermediate state (intermediate game state) that is easily controlled in a mode, and a game state control means (main control circuit 50) capable of controlling the game state.

In the configuration shown in this feature, in the configuration shown in this feature, three types of game states are provided, namely, a normal state, a special state, and an intermediate state, which differ in the degree of difficulty of ball entry into the variable ball entry means. New playability can be imparted.

The configuration shown in feature A7 may be combined with the configurations shown in features A1 to A6. At that time, ``that the winning judgment is a hit based on the ball entering the first ball entering area'' is set as the ``first start condition'', and ``the winning judgment is a hit based on the ball entering the second ball entering area. is set as the "second starting condition".

The feature group A may include the following embodiments.

(a1) Although the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment has two starting gates, it may have three or more starting gates. The third and subsequent starting gates may play the same role as the right starting gate 18L, or may play the same role as the left starting gate 18L.

(a2) In the above-described first embodiment, when the ball enters the specific start winning hole 40, the time-saving jackpot or small hit is confirmed, but the time-saving jackpot or small hit may be determined by lottery. In this case, the probability of a big hit with time saving or a small hit may be set higher than the probability of a big hit with time saving in the first special figure determination.

(a3) In the above-described first embodiment, the intermediate game state may be entered when the time-saving game state ends. Furthermore, in this case, the transition to the intermediate game state after the end of the time-saving game state may always be performed, or may be performed at a predetermined rate. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress immediate quitting after the time-saving game ends.

(a4) When a game ball enters the specific start winning hole 40, it may always be a small hit, or it may be a big hit with time saving or a small hit. When the special figure determination based on the ball entering the specific start winning opening 40K results in a small hit, the game ball is distributed to the specific area in the small hit game.

(a5) In the above-described first embodiment, as the number of executions (specified number of times) of the special figure determination related to the end of the intermediate gaming state, a plurality of types with different numbers of times may be provided. In this case, since it is difficult for the player to know how long the intermediate game state will continue, the player is expected to continue the intermediate game state until the special figure determination for the number of executions of the type with the largest number of times is completed. It is possible to hold.

(a6) The number of executions of the special figure determination related to the end of the intermediate gaming state may be different from the time saving upper limit number of times.

<Characteristic group B>
The following feature group B is particularly a feature extracted from the second embodiment, and relates to the game machine, "Patent document B1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-246609 (paragraphs [0093], [0094])) In the gaming machine, the judgment of whether the normal symbols are correct and the judgment of whether the special symbols are correct are performed, and when the number of executions of the judgment of the special symbols reaches a predetermined number of times, the time saving state ends. In the game machine, the conditions for ending the time-saving state depend only on the number of executions of the determination of whether the special symbols are correct, so there is a problem that the game becomes monotonous and lacks interest." .

[Feature B1]
A normal ball entry area (left start gate 18L, right start gate 18R) into which a game ball can enter, and a special ball entry area (first start prize opening 14AK, second start prize opening 14BK, a specific start winning port 40); and
A normal success/failure determination means (main control circuit 50) for executing a normal success/failure determination (normal figure determination) due to the entry of the game ball into the normal ball entry area;
A game machine (game machine 10) comprising a special win/loss determination means (main control circuit 50) for executing a special win/loss determination (special figure determination) due to the entry of a game ball into the special ball entry area ,
As the special ball entry area, at least two types of a first special ball entry area (first start winning opening 14AK) and a second special ball entry area (second starting winning opening 14BK, specific starting winning opening 40) are provided,
The second special ball-entering area has a ball-entering restriction state in which the ball-entering into the second special ball-entering area is restricted based on the result of the normal suitability determination, and It is configured to change to a ball entry allowable state where the ball is allowed,
A game that controls a game state into a normal state (normal game state) and an advantageous state (time-saving game state, intermediate game state) in which the second special ball entry area is more likely to be in the ball entry permission state than in the normal state. State control means (main control circuit 50),
The game state control means determines whether the number of executions of the special win/loss determination based on the ball entering the second ball entering area in the advantageous state reaches a special prescribed number of times (the upper limit number of times of special figure determination) or the normal win/win determination. The game machine terminates the advantageous state and controls to the normal state when the number of executions reaches a normal prescribed number of times (the upper limit number of times of normal pattern determination).

In the configuration shown in this feature, the termination condition of the advantageous state depends not only on the number of executions of the special win-or-fail judgment but also on the number of executions of the normal win-fail judgment. It becomes possible.

[Feature B2]
The normal ball entry area is provided with at least a first normal ball entry area (right starting gate 18R) and a second normal ball entry area (left starting gate 18L),
The ball-entering allowable state of the variable member includes at least two types of a first mode (short mode) and a second mode (long mode) in which the game ball is easier to enter than the first mode,
In the normal state, the second special ball-entering area is more likely to be controlled in the first mode than in the second mode when the normal hit/fail determination is successful,
The advantageous state includes:
The second special ball entry area is changed from the first mode to the second mode when the normal winning/losing determination is a hit based on the ball entering the first normal ball entering area or the second normal ball entering area. A first advantageous state (time-saving gaming state) that is easily controlled by
The second special ball entry area is more likely to be controlled to the first mode than the second mode when the normal win/loss determination is a hit based on the ball entering the first normal ball entry area, and the second A second advantageous state (intermediate game state), and the gaming machine according to feature B1.

In the configuration shown in this feature, two types of advantageous states are provided: a first advantageous state and a second advantageous state in which the second special ball entry area is less likely to be controlled to the ball entry allowable state than the first advantageous state. Therefore, the playability becomes more complicated, and the amusement of the game is further improved.

[Feature B3]
The probability of winning in the hit/fail determination based on the ball entering the second normal ball entering area is set lower than the probability of winning in the win/fail determination based on the ball entering the first normal ball entering area. The gaming machine according to feature B2.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to provide a difference in the degree of difficulty of entering the ball into the second ball-entering area between the first advantageous state and the second advantageous state. It is possible to give sharpness to the state.

[Feature B4]
The gaming machine according to feature B2 or B3, wherein the special specified number of times is smaller than the normal specified number of times.

According to the configuration shown in this characteristic, when the first advantageous state is reached, the number of executions of the normal win-or-fail judgment before the number of executions of the special win-fail judgment based on the ball entering the second ball entering area reaches the special specified number of times. The situation that the first advantageous state ends when the number reaches the normal specified number of times is suppressed.

[Feature B5]
A holding means (main control circuit 50) capable of storing information on the normal success/failure determination as holding information up to a predetermined holding number,
The gaming machine according to any one of characteristics B1 to B4, wherein the normal specified number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of reservations.

In the configuration shown in this feature, when the normal win-or-fail judgment is suspended and stored at the time when the advantageous state is reached, before the number of executions of the special win-or-fail judgment based on the ball entering the second ball entering area reaches the special prescribed number of times It is possible to suppress the situation in which the number of executions of the normal success/failure determination reaches the normal specified number of times and the first advantageous state ends.

[Feature B6]
A normal ball entry area (left start gate 18L, right start gate 18R) into which a game ball can enter, and a special ball entry area (second start prize opening 14BK, specific start prize opening 40) different from the normal ball entry area ,
A normal success/failure determination means (main control circuit 50) for executing a normal success/failure determination (normal figure determination) due to the entry of the game ball into the normal ball entry area;
A game machine (game machine 10) comprising a special win/loss determination means (main control circuit 50) for executing a special win/loss determination (special figure determination) due to the entry of a game ball into the special ball entry area ,
As the special ball entry area, at least two types of a first special ball entry area (first start winning opening 14AK) and a second special ball entry area (second starting winning opening 14BK, specific starting winning opening 40) are provided,
The second special ball-entering area has a ball-entering restriction state in which the ball-entering into the second special ball-entering area is restricted based on the result of the normal suitability determination, and It is configured to change to a ball entry allowable state where the ball is allowed,
A game that controls a game state into a normal state (normal game state) and an advantageous state (time-saving game state, intermediate game state) in which the second special ball entry area is more likely to be in the ball entry permission state than in the normal state. State control means (main control circuit 50),
The game state control means controls the game state to the advantageous state on the condition that the special win/fail determination results in a win, and a special end condition (second special Either the number of executions of figure judgment reached the upper limit number of times) or the normal end condition due to the ball entering the normal entry area (the number of executions of normal figure judgment reached the upper limit number of times) was established. A game machine that terminates the advantageous state and controls to the normal state at times.

In the configuration shown in this feature, the condition for ending the advantageous state depends not only on the special win/fail judgment but also on the normal win/fail judgment.

The configuration shown in feature B6 may be combined with the configurations shown in features B1 to B5.

Features B may include the following embodiments.

(b1) In the second embodiment, instead of "the number of executions of the normal pattern determination has reached the preset upper limit number" of the end condition of the time saving game state and the intermediate game state, "the second normal pattern determination has reached the preset upper limit number of times". With this configuration, in the gaming machine 10, the right start gate 18R for enabling the second start winning opening 14BK, which triggers the second special figure determination, and the second normal figure determination are performed. Since the left side start gate 18L is provided in the right side area R3 and the left side area R2 of the game area R1, it becomes difficult to execute both the second special figure determination and the second normal figure determination at the same time, and the second special When trying to receive the figure determination, the number of execution times of the second normal figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times and the time saving game state is suppressed from ending.

(b2) In the second embodiment, the upper limit number of the second special figure determination related to the end of the intermediate gaming state may be different from the upper limit number of the second special figure determination related to the end of the time saving gaming state, or the intermediate The upper limit number of normal pattern determination related to the end of the game state may be different from the upper limit number of normal pattern determination related to the end of the time saving game state. Also, this configuration may be applied to the configuration (b1) above. That is, the upper limit number of times of the second normal diagram determination related to the end of the intermediate game state may be different from the upper limit number of times of the second normal diagram determination related to the end of the time saving game state.

(b3) Multiple types may be provided in the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination related to the end of the time saving gaming state. In addition, a plurality of types may be provided in the upper limit number of times of the second special figure determination related to the end of the intermediate gaming state.

(b4) A plurality of types may be provided for the upper limit number of normal pattern determinations related to the end of the intermediate gaming state. In addition, a plurality of types may be provided in the upper limit number of normal figure determinations related to the end of the time saving gaming state. Even in this case, if the upper limit number of times related to the normal figure determination is greater than the upper limit number of times related to the second special figure determination, the number of times of execution of the second special figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times before the normal figure determination Termination of the time saving game state due to the number of times of execution reaching the upper limit number of times is suppressed. Note that this configuration may be applied to the configuration (b1) above. That is, a plurality of types may be provided in the upper limit number of times of the second normal figure determination related to the end of the intermediate game state or the time saving game state.

(b5) As an embodiment included in feature B6, in the special figure determination and normal figure determination in the time saving game state and the intermediate time saving state, the falling lottery is also executed at the same time, and the end condition of each state is hit by the falling lottery good too. That is, when the fall lottery is won in the time-saving game state, the game state shifts to the normal game state or the intermediate game state, and when the fall lottery is hit in the intermediate game state, the game state shifts to the normal game state.

10 Game machine 14AK 1st starting prize-winning port 14BK 2nd starting prize-winning port 14BT 2nd variable member 15A 1st big prize-winning device 15B 2nd big prize-winning device 18L Left starting gate 18R Right starting gate 40K Specific starting winning port 40T Specific starting variable member 50 main control circuit

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

The first means divides the game state into a first state in which entry of a game ball into the first ball entry section is restricted, and a first state in which entry of a game ball into the first ball entry section is restricted. Easy second state and a game state control means for controlling, the first ball entering portion, when the game ball enters in the second state, hit or miss determination is performed more likely to hit than miss. In addition, the game machine is provided with a specific ball-entering part capable of making the game state after the next big win game more likely to be the second state than the first state.

Claims (1)

a success/failure determination means for executing a success/failure determination based on the ball entering the ball entry area;
variable ball entry means controlled from a ball entry restriction state in which entry of a game ball is restricted to an entry permission state in which entry of a game ball is permitted for a predetermined period of time when a win is achieved in the success/failure determination; ,
The game state is divided into a normal state in which it is difficult to enter a ball into the variable ball-entering means, a special state in which it is easier to enter a ball than in the normal state, and a game state in which it is easier to enter a ball than in the normal state and is easier to enter than in the special state. A difficult intermediate state and a game state control means for controlling,
In the variable ball entry means, when a game ball enters in the intermediate state, a big hit success/failure determination is performed in which a big hit is more likely to occur than a missed game, and the game state after the next big win game is more special than the normal state. A game machine provided with a specific variable ball entry means that easily changes state.

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