JP2023160614A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance a game amusement in a game machine capable of setting an electric tulip support state.SOLUTION: In a game machine relating to the present invention, points are given to a player when a prescribed imparting condition is established even though an electric tulip support state (instead of a non-electric tulip support state) is set when "the number of non-hit states" reaches the prescribed number of times, suggesting (a ceiling arrival remaining count being the number of remaining non-jackpot fluctuations until the number of non-hit states reaches the prescribed number of times) on the basis of "cumulative points" obtained by accumulating the points. This can achieve a novel game property which makes the player trying to discriminate "the ceiling arrival remaining count" pay attention to whether points are imparted when the prescribed imparting condition is established, and accordingly, can achieve a novel game property which makes the player pay attention to "cumulative points" so that a game amusement can be enhanced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) in which a game is played by firing game balls toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.

A gaming machine is known that is provided with a first starting port and a second starting port, and displays a special symbol in a variable manner when a game ball enters the first starting port or the second starting port. In such a gaming machine, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, a jackpot game advantageous to the player is executed.

Among gaming machines that can execute jackpot games as described above, there are gaming machines that can set an electric support state that increases the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port after the jackpot game ends. exists (Patent Document 1).

JP2019-170421A

However, gaming machines that can set electrical support states have become widely recognized by players in recent years, and there has been a problem in that they cannot be said to sufficiently increase gaming interest.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can set an electric support state and that can enhance gaming interest.

In order to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A special symbol variation means capable of performing a special symbol variation that is a variable display of a special symbol based on a game ball entering a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means capable of executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the special symbol variation is performed;
A game state setting means that can set a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a game ball enters the starting port more frequently than the non-electric support state as a gaming state;
Equipped with
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, it is possible to execute a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed,
In the gaming machine, the electric support state can be set based on the number of hooks, which is the number of non-jackpot fluctuations, reaching a specified number of times,
a point awarding means for awarding points to a player when a predetermined awarding condition is met;
a number suggesting means capable of suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached, which is the remaining number of non-jackpot fluctuations until the number of hits reaches the prescribed number;
Equipped with
The number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the vehicle reaches the ceiling based on the accumulated points that are stored by accumulating the points given by the point giving means.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention includes:
The predetermined awarding condition may be established based on the game ball passing through a predetermined awarding area.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention includes:
The number-of-times suggestion means may suggest the remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling when a predetermined operation is performed by the player after the cumulative points reach the target points.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention includes:
comprising a performance execution means capable of executing a possibility suggesting performance indicating the possibility that the jackpot game will be played;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a specific performance as the possibility suggesting performance,
The number-of-times suggestion means may suggest the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached when the specific effect is executed after the cumulative points reach the target points.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention includes:
In the state in which the remaining number of reaching the ceiling is suggested, the number of times suggesting means is capable of changing the manner of suggesting the remaining number of reaching the ceiling based on the cumulative points reaching a change point. Good too.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention includes:
As the cumulative points, there are first cumulative points and second cumulative points,
The number of times suggesting means is capable of suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target point and the second accumulated points reaching the second target point. You can also use it as

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention includes:
The number-of-times suggestion means may suggest the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target point, and based on the second accumulated points reaching the second target point. The remaining number of times of reaching the ceiling may be suggested in different ways depending on the case where the remaining number of times of reaching the ceiling is suggested.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the interest in gaming in a gaming machine in which an electric support state can be set.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this example. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board configuration of a game board 20 according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram showing the composition of segment display part 50 of a present example. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing types per type and types per second type in this example. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display contents of the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram showing a progress mode of the game when the first special symbol is displayed variably in the non-electronic support state of the present embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing a progress mode in the case where the second special symbol is displayed variably in the electric support state of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the game control process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern selection table of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing types of variation pattern selection tables of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the production control process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing processing corresponding to a received command of the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram showing the "jackpot expectation level" suggested by the reach effect of the present example. It is a flowchart of "ceiling reaching processing" executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram showing that a ``character image suggestion effect'' and a ``number of times image suggestion effect'' are performed based on the ``accumulated points'' of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the "character image suggestion effect" and the "number of times image suggestion effect" of the present embodiment are performed. It is an explanatory diagram showing points given corresponding to the game situation of a present example. It is a flowchart of the "point granting process" executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the "initial cumulative point setting process" executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the "target point setting process" executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing Modifications 2 and 3. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing Modification 4. FIG.

In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples of the present invention will be described. In the examples, unless otherwise specified, the right side when facing the front of the pachinko machine is expressed as "right", and the left side is expressed as "left".

Further, the following embodiments will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Control circuit configuration:
B. Game contents:
C. Game control processing:
D. Production control processing:
E. Reach production:
F. Electrical support status when reaching the ceiling:
G. Suggestions for “remaining number of times to reach the ceiling” based on cumulative points:
G-1. overview:
G-2. Points awarded to players:
G-3. Point granting process:
G-4. Initial cumulative point setting process:
G-5. Target point setting process:
H. Variant:
H-1. Variation 1:
H-2. Variation 2:
H-3. Variation 3:
H-4. Modification example 4:

A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 1. A window portion 4a is formed approximately at the center of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b made of synthetic resin is fitted into this window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize the gaming area of the gaming board 20 (see FIG. 2) located on the back side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). Further, a small window portion 4c is formed at the lower right side of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted into this small window portion 4c. The player can visually recognize the segment display section 50 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the small window section 4c (transparent plate 4d). Although details will be described later, the segment display section 50 is a display section that displays information related to a game using a combination of a plurality of LEDs.

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right side of the periphery of the window 4a, and a left side lamp 5b is provided on the left side of the periphery of the window 4a. A lamp 5c is provided. Further, upper speakers 6a are provided above the left and right sides of the window portion 4a, and lower speakers 6b are provided below the front frame 4 (on the front surface of the curtain plate of the main body frame, which will be described later). These upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c, upper speaker 6a, and lower speaker 6b are driven to enhance the performance effect on the game.

An upper plate part 7 is provided below the window part 4a in the front frame 4. The upper tray part 7 stores game balls lent out via a card unit 60 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 1 and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1. Further, a lower tray portion 8 is provided below the upper tray portion 7, and game balls lent out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray portion 7 and game balls paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray portion 7 are stored. The balls are stored.

A firing handle 9 is provided on the right side of the lower plate portion 8 in the front frame 4. The rotation shaft of the firing handle 9 is connected to a firing device unit mounted on the back side of the firing handle 9, and game balls stored in the upper tray portion 7 are supplied to this firing device unit. When the player rotates the firing handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the firing device unit, the firing motor built in the firing device unit rotates, and the game ball is fired with a force corresponding to the rotation angle.

Furthermore, an effect button 10a that can be pressed and operated by the player is provided on the edge of the upper plate part 7, and a jog shuttle that can be pressed and rotated by the player is provided on the left side of the lower plate part 8. 10b is provided. Further, although not shown, a direction button 10c is provided on the edge of the upper plate portion 7 and on the left side of the production button 10a. The direction button 10c includes four buttons (up button, down button, left button, and right button) corresponding to the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. These performance buttons 10a, jog shuttle 10b, and direction buttons 10c are all performance operation units operated by the player, and when operated by the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a predetermined game performance is performed. .

Although not shown, a middle frame and a main body frame are provided on the back side of the front frame 4, and one end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the middle frame. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame is rotatably supported by the main body frame. The main body frame is a substantially rectangular frame constructed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and the pachinko machine 1 is installed in a game hall by attaching this main body frame to island equipment. A game board 20 is removably attached to the front side of the middle frame, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (opened) toward the front of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame, the game board 20 is exposed. state.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the board configuration of the game board 20. As shown in FIG. As described above, the game board 20 is removably attached to the front side of the middle frame. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed in the center of the game board 20. A game ball fired from the firing device unit 261 (see FIG. 3) passes between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, is released into the game area 21, and flows downward from above the game area 21. Since the game area 21 is visible to the player through the window 4a of the front frame 4, naturally the state of the game ball flowing down the game area 21 is also visible to the player through the window 4a.

A central device 40 is provided approximately in the center of the gaming area 21, and an effect display device 41 is provided approximately in the center of the central device 40. The effect display device 41 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, and various images for effects can be displayed on the display screen. Note that detailed display contents of the effect display device 41 will be described later.

Below the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21, a first starting port 24 is provided, the opening size of which remains unchanged (constant) and into which a game ball can enter at any time. ing. The game ball entering the first starting port 24 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A first starting port sensor 24s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the first starting port 24, and can detect a game ball that has entered the first starting port 24.

Further, at the lower left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) in the gaming area 21, a left normal symbol activation gate 71 through which a game ball can pass is provided, and inside the left normal symbol activation gate 71, a game A left gate sensor 71s (see FIG. 3) is provided to detect passage of a ball. In addition, at the lower right of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the gaming area 21, there is provided a right normal symbol activation gate 72 through which the game ball can pass, and inside the right normal symbol activation gate 72, A right gate sensor 72s (see FIG. 3) is provided to detect passage of a game ball. Since the left normal symbol activation gate 71 and the right normal symbol activation gate 72 have the same functions, in this specification, if they are not particularly distinguished, they are also collectively referred to as "normal symbol activation gates 71, 72." do. Further, since the left gate sensor 71s and the right gate sensor 72s also have the same functions, they are also collectively referred to as "gate sensors 71s, 72s" in this specification unless they are particularly distinguished.

Furthermore, a second starting port 25 is provided below the right normal symbol activation gate 72, which is a ball entry port (starting port) in which the probability of entry of a game ball changes. That is, the second starting port 25 is equipped with an opening/closing door 26 (hatched part in the figure) that can be rotated in the front-back direction of the pachinko machine 1, and when the opening/closing door 26 stands approximately upright, game balls cannot enter. It is possible to change between a closed state (ball entry impossible state) and an open state (ball entry possible state) in which the door 26 rotates toward the front of the pachinko machine 1 to allow game balls to enter. In FIG. 2, the second starting port 25 is shown in an open state. The game ball entering the second starting port 25 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A second starting port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the second starting port 25, and can detect a game ball that has entered the second starting port 25.

Further, below the first starting opening 24 in the gaming area 21, there is provided a large winning opening 28 (variable ball entry opening) having a substantially rectangular shape and a large opening. The grand prize opening 28 is equipped with an opening/closing door 29 (hatched part in the figure) that can be rotated in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 1, and the opening/closing door 29 is in a closed state where the opening/closing door 29 is approximately upright and no game balls can enter. The opening/closing door 29 rotates toward the front side of the pachinko machine 1 to allow game balls to enter the open state (ball entry possible state). In FIG. 2, the big prize opening 28 is shown in an open state. The game ball that enters the big prize opening 28 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A large winning hole sensor 28s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the large winning hole 28, and can detect a game ball that has entered the large winning hole 28.

Further, below the second starting port 25 in the game area 21 (at the lower right corner of the game area 21), a protrusion 33 is provided that protrudes forward (towards the player) from the game board 20 surface. The upper surface of the protruding body 33 is inclined downward from the right side to the left side, and serves as a rolling surface 34 on which a game ball can roll from the right side to the left side (towards the center of the Pachinko machine 1). A small prize opening 35 (variable ball entrance opening) is provided in the middle part of this rolling surface 34 (midway part in the rolling direction of the game ball). This small prize opening 35 is equipped with an opening/closing door 36 (hatched part in the figure) that can be slid (moved) in the front-back direction of the pachinko machine 1, and the opening/closing door 36 can slide (move) forward. It can be changed into a closed state in which game balls cannot enter, and an open state in which game balls can enter by sliding (moving) the opening/closing door 36 to the rear side. Naturally, the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 34 enters the small winning hole 35 when the small winning hole 35 is in the open state, and enters the small winning hole 35 when the small winning hole 35 is in the closed state. The ball passes above the small prize opening 35 (opening/closing door 36) without entering the ball 35.

The game ball that enters the small prize opening 35 is guided to a specific opening 38 (so-called "V", the broken line part in the figure) through a passage 37 (the broken line part in the figure) provided inside the protrusion 33. . At least a portion of the front wall of the protruding body 33 is formed of a transparent plate (having light transmittance), and the player can pass the game ball that has entered the small prize opening 35 through the front wall of the protruding body 33. It is possible to visually recognize the state in which the object is guided to the specific opening 38. A small winning hole sensor 35s (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the small winning hole 35, and can detect a game ball that has entered the small winning hole 35. Further, a specific hole sensor 38s (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the specific hole 38, and can detect a game ball that has entered the specific hole 38.

In addition, around each of the above-mentioned game devices, there are other ball entry ports 30 into which game balls can enter, windmill-type wheels 31 that affect the falling path of game balls, and a large number of obstacle nails (not shown). It is being In addition, an out port 32 is provided at the bottom of the gaming area 21, and any of the above-mentioned first starting port 24, second starting port 25, large winning port 28, small winning port 35, and other ball entering ports 30. Game balls that have not entered the ball are discharged to the back side of the game board 20 from the out port 32.

A game ball flowing down the left area of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) can enter the left normal symbol activation gate 71 and the first starting port 24 described above. On the other hand, the right normal symbol activation gate 72, the second starting opening 25, the large winning opening 28, and the small winning opening 35 are filled with game balls flowing down the area on the right side of the central device 40 (performance display device 41). The ball can enter (or pass). Below, firing a game ball so as to flow down the area on the left side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) is also expressed as "left-handed hitting," and the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) Shooting the game ball so that it flows down the field is also expressed as "right-handed hitting." In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first starting port 24, three game balls are paid out to the player, and when a game ball enters the second starting port 25. In this case, four game balls are paid out to the player, and in other cases where game balls enter the ball entrance 30, five game balls are paid out to the player. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 28, ten game balls are paid out to the player, and when a game ball enters the small prize opening 35, three game balls are paid out.

At the lower right of the gaming area 21 on the gaming board 20, there is provided a segment display section 50 that displays information related to gaming using a combination of LEDs. The segment display section 50 is visible to the player through a small window section 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. Note that detailed display contents of the segment display section 50 will be described later.

Further, at the lower left of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the gaming area 21 (lower left corner of the gaming area 21), a "point granting gate PG" through which a game ball hit to the left can pass is provided. There is. Note that the function of this "point awarding gate PG" will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. Specifically, there is a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub-control board 220 that controls the presentation of the game, and a sub-control board 220 that controls the display of images and output of sounds under the control of the sub-control board 220. An image and audio control board 230 that controls such control, a lamp control board 226 that controls the lighting of the lamp under the control of the sub-control board 220, and a payout control board 240 that controls the lending and payout of game balls. It is composed of a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards include CPUs (CPUs 201, 221, 231, etc. in FIG. 3) that execute various logical operations and calculation operations, and ROMs (ROMs 202, 222, etc. in FIG. 3) that store various programs and data executed by the CPUs. , 232, etc.), RAM (203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, input/output circuits, etc., and various peripheral LSIs are interconnected by a bus. has been done.

The main control board 200 includes a first starting port sensor 24s that detects a game ball that enters the first starting port 24, a second starting port sensor 25s that detects a game ball that enters the second starting port 25, The big winning hole sensor 28s detects the game ball that entered the big winning hole 28, the left gate sensor 71s detects the game ball that passed through the left normal symbol activation gate 71, and the game ball that passed through the right normal symbol activation gate 72. A right gate sensor 72s for detecting, a small winning hole sensor 35s for detecting a game ball entering the small winning hole 35, a specific hole sensor 38s for detecting a game ball entering the specific hole 38, etc. are connected. When a game ball detection signal is input from these sensors, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sends a command corresponding to the sensor to which the detection signal was input to the sub control board 220, payout control board 240, etc. It is transmitted to the launch control board 260 and the like.

The main control board 200 also includes a second starting port for opening and closing the opening/closing door 26 provided at the second starting port 25 (for setting the second starting port 25 in an open state and a closed state). The solenoid 26m, the large winning opening solenoid 29m for opening and closing the opening/closing door 29 provided in the large winning opening 28 (for opening and closing the large winning opening 28), and the small winning opening 35. A small winning opening solenoid 35m (for opening and closing the small winning opening 35) for opening and closing the provided opening/closing door 36, a segment display section 50, etc. are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the second starting opening solenoid 26m, the large winning opening solenoid 29m, the small winning opening solenoid 35m, and the segment display section 50.

An image and audio control board 230, a lamp control board 226, and a production operation board 228 are connected to the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the commands and performs effects according to the contents. That is, commands specifying output images and output audio are sent to the image and audio control board 230, and commands are sent to the lamp control board 226 to specify the upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, and left side lamp 5c (hereinafter referred to as " The performance is performed by transmitting a command specifying the light emission pattern of the various lamps 5a to 5c. Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects the player's operation on the performance button 10a, jog shuttle 10b, or direction button 10c via the performance operation board 228, it performs a performance corresponding to the operation.

The image and audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to a CPU 231, a ROM 232, and a RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image and audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (for example, sprite data, video data, etc.) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 235, generates an image, and outputs the image to the display screen of the effect display device 41. Furthermore, upon receiving a command from the sub-control board 220, the CPU 231 of the image and audio control board 230 reads audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 236. Then, audio based on the audio data is output from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b") via the amplifier board 224.

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper tray 7, a card unit 242 arranged in parallel to the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, this signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 while communicating data with the payout control board 240 to lend game balls. Also, when a payout command is received from the main control board 200 to instruct the payout of game balls, the payout motor 243 is driven to pay out the game balls.

Further, a firing control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and the firing control board 260 includes a firing motor 262 for firing the game ball and a controller that detects that the player is touching the firing handle 9. A firing device unit 261 having a touch switch 263 and the like is connected. When the launch control board 260 detects that the player is touching the launch handle 9 via the touch switch 263, the launch control board 260 drives the launch motor 262 to shoot the game ball with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. fire.

B. Game contents:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game progresses as follows. When the firing handle 9 is rotated with the game balls stored in the upper tray part 7, the stored game balls are supplied one by one to the firing device unit 261, and the game area 21 described above with reference to FIG. is fired. Since the strength with which the game ball is launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the firing handle 9, the player can make the game ball flow down into a desired area by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 9. For example, you can shoot a game ball so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) (play the ball to the left), or shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), or It is possible to shoot the game ball in a downward motion (hit it right-handed).

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game state related to the frequency of entry of game balls into the second starting port 25 is appropriately set. Specifically, the gaming state related to the frequency of entry of game balls into the second starting port 25 is "The frequency of entering game balls into the second starting port 25 is low (the frequency with which the second starting port 25 is in the open state is low"). It is set to ``non-electric support state'' (low) or ``electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 25 is high (the frequency of the second starting port 25 being in the open state is high)''. In the non-electrically supported state, the game ball enters the first starting port 24 more easily than the second starting port 25, and in the electrically supported state, the game ball enters the second starting port 25 more easily than the first starting port 24. Easy to enter the ball. Therefore, in the non-electric support state, the player can be made to hit the ball left-handed (to aim for the ball to enter the first starting hole 24), and in the electric support state, the player can be made to hit the right-hand ball (to aim for the ball to enter the first starting hole 24). 2) allows the ball to be aimed at entering the starting port 25.

Incidentally, the segment display section 50 is provided with an electric support display section 58 that indicates that the above-mentioned electric support state is in progress. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs are arranged in the power support display section 58, and during the power support state, by lighting up these three LEDs, it is possible to indicate that the power support state is in progress. shows. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a right-handed display section 59 that indicates that the player is hitting right-handed. During the electric support state, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port 25 is high, and since the second starting hole 25 can enter a game ball that is hit to the right, during the electric support state, the game ball is hit to the right. It is beneficial for the player to do this. Therefore, during the electric support state, the player is prompted to play right-handed by lighting up the two LEDs arranged in the right-handed hitting display section 59.

<Fluctuating display of special symbols>
As described above using FIG. 2, a game ball hit to the left can enter the first starting port 24 (mainly during the non-electric support state). When a game ball hit to the left enters the first starting port 24 and the entered game ball is detected by the first starting port sensor 24s, a predetermined random number for determination (such as a random number for determining a jackpot to be described later) is obtained. Then, based on the determined random number, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether it is a "jackpot" or a "miss". When such a jackpot determination is performed, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and displayed based on the result of the jackpot determination.

Furthermore, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25. When a game ball hit to the right enters the second starting port 25 and the entered game ball is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, a predetermined random number for determination (such as a random number for determining a jackpot to be described later) is obtained. Then, based on the determined random number, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether it is a "big hit," "small hit," or "missing." When such a jackpot determination is performed, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and displayed based on the result of the jackpot determination. That is, in the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the second starting port 25, it is also determined whether or not it is a "small hit."

In addition, in this specification, the "first special symbol" is also expressed as the "first special symbol", and the "second special symbol" is also expressed as the "second special symbol". In addition, when the "first special pattern" and the "second special pattern" are not particularly distinguished, they are also collectively expressed as a "special pattern."

Here, the first special figure and the second special figure will be explained. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the segment display section 50 in an enlarged manner. As mentioned above, the segment display section 50 is provided at the lower right of the gaming area 21 on the game board 20 (see FIG. 2), and the player can view the segment display through the small window 4c of the front frame 4 (see FIG. 1). The portion 50 is visible. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a first special symbol display section 51 that displays a first special symbol and a second special symbol display section 52 that displays a second special symbol. Nine LEDs are arranged in each of these display sections. The first special figure and the second special figure are displayed in a variable manner by switching which of the nine LEDs is lit on each display section, and a predetermined LED among the nine LEDs is lit. It will stop and be displayed.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, 200 kinds of "jackpot symbols (jackpot symbols 101 to 300)" and one type of "lost symbol (lost symbol 401)" can be stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. In addition, as a second special pattern, there are 200 kinds of "jackpot symbols (jackpot symbols 501 to 700)," 100 kinds of "small prize symbols (small prize symbols 701 to 800)," and one kind of "missing symbol (missing symbol 801)." )” can be stopped and displayed. The types of these patterns can be identified by the different combinations of LEDs that are lit.

If the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 24 (herein also referred to as "jackpot determination for the first special figure") is a "jackpot", the first special figure is Any one of the "jackpot symbols 101 to 300" will be stopped and displayed, and if it is a "miss", the first special symbol will be stopped and displayed as the "missing symbol 401". In addition, in the "jackpot determination for the first special drawing", it is determined that it is a "jackpot" with a probability of about 1/300.

In addition, if the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the second starting port 25 (herein also referred to as "jackpot determination for the second special symbol") is a "jackpot", the second special symbol The figure is stopped and displayed at any of the "jackpot symbols 501 to 700", and if it is a "small hit", the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at any of the "small hit symbols 701 to 800", and when it is a "miss" If there is, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as "missing symbol 801". In addition, in the "Jackpot determination for the second special drawing", the probability is about 1/300 of a "big hit", and the probability of about 1/60 is a "small hit".

When a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as either a jackpot symbol, a small win symbol, or a missed symbol, a predetermined state is set in which the symbol is stopped and displayed in order to confirm the symbol that is stopped and displayed. Display (hereinafter also referred to as "confirmed display") that is maintained until the time period of Hereinafter, a game from when a special symbol starts to be displayed in a variable manner until it is finally displayed, that is, a game until a result of one variable display is obtained, will also be referred to as a "symbol variable game."

<Jackpot game>
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute a jackpot game in which a round game in which the jackpot 28 is opened is played a plurality of times. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 28, many game balls are paid out (10 game balls are paid out every time one game ball enters), so the jackpot game is an advantageous game for the player. It is. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, since a game ball hit right can enter the jackpot 28, it is naturally beneficial for the player to hit the ball right during a jackpot game. Therefore, during the jackpot game, as well as during the electric support state, the two LEDs arranged in the right-hand hitting display section 59 of the segment display section 50 are lit to encourage the player to hit the right hand. In this embodiment, as such a jackpot game, it is possible to execute "1 type win" and "2 type win" which have different starting triggers.

<per type>
For 1 type, if the 1st special pattern or the 2nd special pattern is stopped and displayed with any jackpot symbol (if the result of jackpot determination for the 1st or 2nd special pattern is "jackpot") will be started on. As for this one type, it is possible to execute a plurality of types in which the ``number of round games'' and the ``game state after the end of the jackpot game'' are different depending on the ``type of the stopped and displayed jackpot symbol.''

In other words, as shown in Fig. 5(a), if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol 101 to 200 (if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, the probability is 50%) ), ``6 round games are played and the game state after the end of the jackpot game is in the electric support state (in this specification, it is also referred to as ``6R electric support per type'')'' is performed. be exposed. In addition, if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed at "Jackpot symbols 201 to 300" (with a 50% probability when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed at the jackpot symbol), "6 round games 1 type per game (herein also referred to as ``6R non-electric support type per type'') in which the game state becomes a non-electric support state after the end of the jackpot game.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5(b), if the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at "jackpot symbols 501 to 660" (if the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at the jackpot symbol, the probability is 80%) ), ``10 round games have been played and the game state after the end of the jackpot game is in the electric support state (in this specification, it is also referred to as "10R electric support per type")'' is performed. be exposed. In addition, if the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol 661 to 700 (with a 20% probability when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol), "10 round games 10R non-electric support game (herein also referred to as "10R non-electric support game per type") is carried out, and the game state becomes a non-electric support state after the end of the jackpot game.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of round games is higher when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol than when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol. One type with the most will be selected. In addition, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol than when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, there is a higher probability that the electric support state will be set after the first type of winning ends. . From this, it can be seen that when the variable display of the second special pattern (jackpot judgment for the second special pattern) is performed than when the variable display of the first special pattern (jackpot judgment for the first special pattern) is performed. It can be said that it is more advantageous for the player.

<2 types per piece>
The above explanation is for each type. On the other hand, the second type winning starts when the game ball enters the specific hole 38 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with any of the small winning symbols (when the result of jackpot determination for the second special symbol is "small hit"), A small winning game is played in which the small prize opening 35 (see FIG. 2) is in an open state. Then, during this small winning game, when a game ball enters the small prize opening 35 and the game ball enters the specific opening 38, the second type winning starts. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a small winning game is played, the game ball will enter the small winning hole 35 with almost 100% probability if the ball is hit right. Therefore, when a small winning game is played, there is almost a 100% probability that two kinds of winnings will be played.

As for the two types of winnings, it is possible to execute a plurality of types in which the ``number of round games'' and the ``game state after the end of the jackpot game'' are different depending on the ``type of the small winning symbol that is stopped and displayed.'' That is, as shown in FIG. 5(c), when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at "small winning symbols 701 to 780" (the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at the small winning symbol and the second kind of winning is If the game is started, there is an 80% probability), ``10 round games have been played, and the game state after the end of the jackpot game is in the electric support state (with a probability of 80%)'' (also referred to as ``seed hit'')'' is carried out. Also, if the 2nd special symbol is stopped and displayed at "small winning symbol 781 to 800" (if the 2nd special symbol is stopped and displayed at the small winning symbol and the 2nd type winning starts, there is a 20% probability ), ``10 round games are played and the game state after the end of the jackpot game becomes a non-electric support state (in this specification, it is also referred to as ``2 types of 10R non-electric support'')'' It will be done.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, two types of winnings may occur. From this, it can be seen that when the variable display of the second special pattern (jackpot judgment for the second special pattern) is performed than when the variable display of the first special pattern (jackpot judgment for the first special pattern) is performed. It can be said that it is more advantageous for the player.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, any one of the following jackpot games was played: ``1 type of 6R electric support'', ``1 type of 10R electric support'', and ``2 types of 10R electric support''. In this case, the electric support state is set after the end of the jackpot game, and this electric support state lasts for 100 symbol fluctuation games (1st special symbol and 2nd special symbol) unless a new jackpot game is played. The setting continues until the variable display is performed. Then, after the 100 symbol variation games are played, a non-electric support state is set in place of the electric support state. In other words, when the electric support state is set with the end of the jackpot game, the remaining number of symbol fluctuation games that can be executed in the electric support state (also referred to as the "electronic support number" in this specification) is 100 times. (The electric support state of 100 electric support is set). For the player, the electric support state is more advantageous than the non-electric support state. ) Players can be made to expect that a jackpot game will start.

In addition, in this specification, jackpot games in which the electric support status is set after the end (per type of 6R electric support, per type of 10R electric support, per two types of 10R electric support) are collectively referred to as “electric support per type”. '', and jackpot games for which non-electric support status is set after the end (per type of 6R non-electric support, per type of 10R non-electric support, per two types of 10R non-electric support) are collectively referred to as ``non-electronic support''. It is also expressed as "electrical support hit".

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, one round game ends when 10 game balls enter the ball (10 counts) or when 30 seconds have elapsed, so in most cases, one round game In the round game, 100 (10 counts x number of payouts 10) game balls are paid out. Therefore, naturally, more game balls are paid out to the player in a jackpot game with a large number of round games than in a jackpot game with a small number of round games. Therefore, the player can expect a jackpot game with a larger number of round games to be played.

Further, while the above-described jackpot game is being executed, the round display section 55 of the segment display section 50 displays the number of rounds of the jackpot game that is being executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs are arranged in the round display section 55, and in this round display section 55, by lighting up the left and middle LEDs among the three LEDs, a round game can be played. It is shown that a jackpot game with a round number of 6 times is being executed, and by lighting up the right and middle LEDs, it is shown that a jackpot game with a round game number of 10 times is being executed.

<Special design reservation>
When the game ball enters the first starting port 24, the "jackpot determination for the first special symbol" and the variable display of the first special symbol are performed as described above, but these jackpot determinations and variable displays are The determination is not made immediately after the ball enters the first starting port 24, but the acquired random number is temporarily stored as a first special symbol pending. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a jackpot determination and a variable display of the first special figure are performed based on the stored first special figure reservation. Such first special symbol reservations are stored with a maximum of four pieces. The stored number of first special figure reservations (first special figure reservation number) is displayed on the first special figure reservation display section 53 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the first special figure reservation display section 53, and in this first special figure reservation display section 53, both of the two LEDs are turned off. This indicates that the number of reserved 1st special drawings is 0, lighting up 1 LED indicates that the number of reserved 1st special drawings is 1, and lighting up 2 LEDs indicates that the number of reserved 1st special drawings is 1. It shows that the number of 1st special drawings on hold is 2, blinking one LED shows that the number of 1st special drawings on hold is 3, and blinking 2 LEDs shows that the number of 1st special drawings on hold is 2. Indicates that the number of reserved special figures is 4.

In addition, when the game ball enters the second starting port 25, as described above, the "jackpot determination for the second special symbol" and the fluctuation display of the second special symbol are performed, but these jackpot determination and fluctuation display are also The game is not performed immediately after the game ball enters the second starting port 25, but the acquired random number is temporarily stored as a second special symbol pending. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a jackpot determination and a variable display of the second special symbol are performed based on the stored second special symbol. Such second special symbol reservations are also stored with an upper limit of four. The stored number of second special figure reservations (second special figure reservation number) is displayed on the second special figure reservation display section 54 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the second special figure holding display section 54, and in this second special figure holding display section 54, both of the two LEDs are turned off. This indicates that the number of reserved 2nd special drawings is 0, lighting up one LED indicates that the number of reserved 2nd special drawings is 1, and lighting up 2 LEDs indicates that the number of reserved 2nd special drawings is 1. It shows that the number of 2nd special drawings reserved is 2, by blinking one LED it shows that the number of 2nd special drawings holding is 3, and by blinking 2 LEDs it shows that the number of 2nd special drawings pending is 2. Indicates that the number of reserved special figures is 4.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, during the variable display of any special symbol, the fixed display of any special symbol, the jackpot game, and the small win game, the first special symbol is on hold or the second Even if special figure reservations are stored, jackpot determination and fluctuation display regarding these reservations are not performed. In addition, if only the first special figure reservation is stored among the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, the jackpot judgment related to the first special figure reservation stored first and the first special figure reservation However, if the second special figure reservation is stored, the jackpot judgment related to the second special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation will be displayed regardless of whether the first special figure reservation is stored or not. Performs variable display. That is, the second special figure is displayed in a variable manner with priority over the first special figure (it has a so-called second special figure priority variation function).

<Fluctuating display of normal symbols, game per normal symbol>
As described above using FIG. 2, a game ball hit to the left can pass through the left normal symbol activation gate 71, and a game ball hit to the right can pass through the right normal symbol activation gate 72. A game ball passes through either the left normal symbol activation gate 71 or the right normal symbol activation gate 72 (normal symbol activation gates 71, 72), and the game ball passes through either the left gate sensor 71s or the right gate sensor 72s (gate When detected by the sensors 71s, 72s), a predetermined judgment random number (normal figure hit judgment random number to be described later) is obtained, and based on the judgment random number, it is determined whether it is a "normal figure hit" or "missing figure". Performs a hit judgment on the normal map. In other words, whether the ball is hit to the left or the right, a hit determination may be made.

Then, based on the result of this ordinary symbol hit determination, the ordinary symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and displayed. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a normal pattern display section 56 that displays normal symbols, and two LEDs are arranged in the normal pattern display section 56. The normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the common symbol display section 56 by switching which of the two LEDs is lit, and is stopped and displayed by lighting a predetermined LED among the two LEDs. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the normal symbols include a pattern 1100 for a normal pattern in which the left LED of the two LEDs is lit, a pattern 1101 for a normal pattern in which the right LED is lit, and left and right (2 It is possible to stop and display three types of symbols, including the ordinary symbol 1102 with the LED of 1) turned on. If the result of the normal pattern hit judgment is a normal pattern hit, the normal pattern is stopped and displayed in either the normal pattern hit pattern 1100 or 1101, and if the result of the normal pattern hit judgment is a normal pattern hit, the normal pattern is displayed. is stopped and displayed as a normal symbol 1102. In this way, when the normal symbols are stopped and displayed as normal symbols or non-normal symbols, the state in which the symbols are stopped and displayed is maintained until a predetermined period of time has elapsed in order to confirm the symbols that have been stopped and displayed (confirmation display). I do. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a symbol per common symbol, a game per common symbol is performed in which the second starting port 25 is opened and then closed.

The above-mentioned non-electronic support state and electric support state include the probability of being determined to be a "normal symbol hit" in the ordinary symbol hit determination (herein also referred to as "general symbol hit probability"), the mode of fluctuation display of the ordinary symbol, It is set by changing the mode of the game per normal figure. In other words, in the non-electronic support state, the probability of hitting a normal symbol is about 1/100, and a long time is likely to be selected as the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (1000 msec, 2000 msec, 3000 msec are equally selected). ), and during the normal game, the second starting port 25 is open for a short time (16 msec x 1 time).

On the other hand, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal symbol is about 99/100, and a short time is likely to be selected as the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (1000 msec, 1252 msec, 1500 msec, etc. (selected), the second starting port 25 remains open for a long time (840 msec x 2 times) during the normal game. As a result, during the non-electric support state, the frequency (ratio) of the second starting port 25 being in the open state becomes low, and the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 25 also becomes low. On the other hand, during the electric support state, the frequency (ratio) of the second starting port 25 being in the open state increases, and the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 25 also increases.

<Display contents of the effect display device 41>
The processing for playing the games as described above is mainly performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, effects are performed in which various images are displayed on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the above-described games. Processing for performing such effects is mainly performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220.

For example, in the performance display device 41, a performance (hereinafter also referred to as "symbol variation performance") that matches the variable display (symbol variation game) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed. That is, in synchronization with the start timing of the variable display (symbol variable game) of the special symbols (first special symbol or second special symbol), the variable display of the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is simultaneously performed on the performance display device 41. start on. Thereafter, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed in various ways until the special symbol variation time elapses. Then, the variable display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c is ended in synchronization with the end timing of the variable display of the special symbol (stop display of the special symbol). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a pattern (designed) showing nine numbers from "1" to "9" can be displayed as a decorative pattern.

FIG. 6A conceptually shows how three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are variably displayed all at once. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the variable display, normally, the left decorative pattern 41a is first stopped and displayed as a pattern indicating any number from "1" to "9", and then the right decorative pattern 41a is stopped and displayed. The decorative pattern 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the medium decorative pattern 41b is stopped and displayed. The combination of the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 41 is the special pattern (the first 1 special drawing or 2nd special drawing).

Specifically, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern, a pattern combination (in this specification, " (Also called "Zoro") is stopped and displayed. Also, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small winning symbol, the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a "Zero". That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, a type 1 win is performed, but the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small win symbol. In this case, there is a probability of approximately 100% that two kinds of winnings will be made (via the small winning game). These things are the same from the perspective of a jackpot game being played, so even if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, the second special symbol is a small prize symbol. Even if the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed at "Zero", the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed at "Zero".

On the other hand, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is stopped and displayed as a missing pattern, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are the same pattern and are not aligned (hereinafter referred to as "discrete pattern"). ) is stopped and displayed. Note that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c that have been stopped and displayed remain in a stopped display state (determined display) until the final display time of the special symbol has elapsed.

In this way, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display section 51 or the second special symbol display section 52 and the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c displayed on the effect display device 41 have different display contents. They correspond to each other, and when the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are also stopped and displayed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 41 is provided at a more visible position than the first special figure display section 51 or the second special figure display section 52 (segment display section 50), and the display Since the screen is large and the displayed contents are easy to understand, players usually play the game while viewing the screen of the effect display device 41.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the left decorative pattern 41a that is first stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41, and the right decorative pattern 41c that is subsequently stopped and displayed are ”, the player is worried that the medium decorative pattern 41b that is stopped and displayed last will be stopped and displayed, and the “Zero” will be stopped and displayed, so the player may You will have to keep an eye on the fluctuating display (symbol fluctuating effect).

In this way, two decorative patterns (decorative patterns excluding one of the plurality of decorative patterns) are displayed in a static manner in a manner that can become a "Zero", and the last decorative pattern is displayed in a fluctuating manner. The effect performed is called a "reach effect," and by generating this reach effect, it is possible to increase the interest in the game. Incidentally, the variable display of the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c can also be regarded as "decorative pattern variation."

In addition, at the bottom of the display screen of the production display device 41, there is a first reservation display area 41d for indicating the first reserved number of special symbols, and a second reservation display area 41e for indicating the second reserved number of special symbols. is set. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, by displaying the same number of "reserved symbols (small circular symbols in the figure)" as the number of reserved special symbols in the first reserved display area 41d, the number of reserved special symbols ( The upper limit number is 4), and the second reserved number of special symbols is indicated by displaying the same number of "reserved symbols" as the second reserved number of special symbols (upper limit is 4) in the second reserved display area 41e. In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is shown that the number of first reserved special symbols is four, and the number of second reserved special symbols is also zero.

Naturally, the number of reservations indicated by the reservation symbols displayed on the display screen of the production display device 41 and the first special symbol reservation display section 53 and the second special symbol reservation display section 54 of the segment display section 50 are also displayed. The indicated pending number matches.

<Main progress modes of the game>
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game is mainly played in the following manner. FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the main game progress modes of this embodiment. In particular, FIG. 7 shows the main game progress in the non-electric support state, and FIG. 8 shows the main game progress in the electric support state.

During the non-electric support state, the frequency of the second starting port 25 being in the open state is low. For this reason, even if the game ball is "hitted to the right", it is rare for the game ball to enter the second starting port 25. Therefore, during the non-electronic support state, as shown in FIG. , herein also referred to as a "first special figure-based game") is played. When the game ball enters the first starting port 24 by hitting the ball to the left (ev. 1), a "jackpot determination for the first special pattern" is performed and a variable display of the first special pattern is performed ( ev.2). In the "Jackpot determination for the first special symbol", it is determined that it is a "jackpot" with a probability of about 1/300, so in most cases, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a missed symbol. While repeating the variable display of the first special symbol, if it is determined to be a "jackpot" in the "Jackpot determination for the first special symbol", the first special symbol will be stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol ( ev.3), one type per type is performed (ev.4).

Then, when this one type is completed, as described above using FIG. 5(a), the non-electric support state is set with a probability of about 50% (ev. A power support state is set for the number of times of 100 (ev.6). Among these, when the non-electric support state is set (ev. 5), the frequency of the second starting port 25 being in the open state remains low. The first special figure-based game) will be repeated.

On the other hand, when the electric support state is set (ev.6), the game progresses as follows. That is, during the electric support state, the second starting port 25 is frequently in the open state, and it is easy to cause the game ball to enter the second starting port 25. Therefore, during the electric support state, as shown in FIG. In the specification, a game (also referred to as a "second special figure-based game") is played. Then, when a game ball enters the second starting port 25 (ev.11), a "jackpot determination for the second special figure" is performed and a variable display of the second special figure is performed (ev.12).

Similarly to the "jackpot determination for the first special drawing", the "jackpot determination for the second special drawing" is determined to be a "jackpot" with a probability of about 1/300. If it is determined to be a "jackpot", the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (ev. 13), and the first type of winning is performed (ev. 14).

Then, when this one type is completed, as described above using FIG. 5(b), the non-electric support state is set with a probability of about 20% (ev.15), and the non-electric support state is set with a probability of about 80%. A power support state is set for the number of times of 100 (ev.16).

In addition, in the "Jackpot determination for the second special drawing", it is determined that it is a "small hit" with a probability of about 1/60. If it is determined as a "small win", the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small win symbol (ev. 17), and a small win game is played (ev. 18). Then, during the small winning game, when a game ball enters the small prize opening 35 and the game ball enters the specific opening 38 (ev. 19), a two-type winning is performed (ev. 20). On the other hand, even if a small winning game is played, if the game ball does not enter the specific slot 38 (ev. 23), the second type winning will not be played. However, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a small winning game is played, if the ball is hit right, the game ball will enter the small winning hole 35 with almost 100% probability. Therefore, when a small winning game is played, there is an almost 100% probability that two types of winning will occur, and if a variable display of the second special symbol is performed, there will be a probability of about 1/60 ( Through the small winning game), two kinds of winnings will be performed.

When the second type is completed (ev. 20), the non-electrical support state is set with a probability of about 20% (ev. 21), as described above using FIG. A power support state with 100 power support times is set (ev.22). Among these, when the electric support state with 100 electric support operations is set (ev. 22), the frequency of the second starting port 25 being in the open state remains high, so the above-mentioned right-handed game (The game based on the second special figure shown in FIG. 8) will be repeated. On the other hand, if the non-electronic support state is set (ev.21), the left-handed game (game based on the first special symbol) described above with reference to FIG. 7 will be played.

In addition, if the electric support state is set, if the symbol variation game is played for the number of electric support (100 times) without a jackpot game after that (when the electric support number reaches 0), the electric support will be activated. A non-electric support state is set instead of the support state. In this case as well, the above-mentioned game of left-handed hitting (the game mainly based on the first special figure shown in FIG. 7) will be played.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when "jackpot determination for the second special symbol (fluctuation display of the second special symbol)" is performed during the electric support state, the second special symbol is a jackpot symbol. In addition to the case where the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small winning symbol, the player can be made to feel as if a jackpot game is being played. In other words, in the electric support state, the probability that the jackpot symbol will stop displaying in the variable display of the second special symbol is about 1/300, and the probability that the small winning symbol will stop displaying is about 1/60. It is possible to make the player feel that a jackpot game will be played with a total probability of about 1/50.

C. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the game control process for controlling the progress of the game. The game control process is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 at predetermined intervals (for example, based on a timer interrupt that occurs every 4 msec). Hereinafter, the game control processing performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 will be explained according to the flowchart. Note that, in the following description, descriptions of well-known processes such as initialization processing of the CPU 201, interrupt disabling processing, and interrupt enabling processing are omitted.

<Output processing>
As shown in FIG. 9, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs an output process (S100). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, various commands to be sent to various control boards including the sub-control board 220 are stored in an output buffer secured in the RAM 203 in various processes to be described later. In the output process (S100), various commands thus stored in the output buffer are transmitted to various control boards. By doing this, for example, the sub control board 220 will control the performance according to the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 will control the drive of the payout motor 243 (payout of game balls). That will happen.

<Input processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs input processing (S200). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above, a game ball enters any one of the first starting port 24, second starting port 25, other ball entry ports 30, large winning port 28, and small winning port 35. If so, the game ball is paid out. Therefore, in the input process (S200), regarding the sensors that detect these entering balls (the first starting hole sensor 24s, the second starting hole sensor 25s, the large winning hole sensor 28s, the small winning hole sensor 35s, etc.), the game Determine whether or not a ball is detected. As a result, if game balls are detected, a payout command indicating the number of game balls to be paid out is stored in the above-mentioned output buffer. The payout command thus stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S100).

<Random number update processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs random number update processing (S300). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, jackpot determination and common pattern hit determination are performed based on predetermined random determination numbers. Specifically, the jackpot determination is performed based on the "jackpot determination random number", and the normal pattern hit determination is performed based on the "normal pattern hit determination random number". Furthermore, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment based on a variation pattern described later, and this variation pattern is selected based on a "variation pattern selection random number."

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the jackpot determination result is a "jackpot", one of the jackpot symbols among the plurality of types of jackpot symbols is stopped and displayed, and when the jackpot determination result is a "small hit" One of the plurality of types of small winning symbols is stopped and displayed, and the type of these symbols is selected based on the "symbol selection random number". In the random number update process (S300), these random numbers are updated. Note that these random numbers are updated not only in the random number update process (S300), but also in the period from the end of the game control process until the start of the next game control process (the next timer interrupt). Good too. Alternatively, a dedicated circuit for updating random numbers may be provided and the random numbers may be updated using this dedicated circuit.

<Sensor detection processing for starting ports, etc.>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a sensor detection process (S400) such as a starting port. In this starting opening etc. sensor detection process (S400), first, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the normal symbol activation gates 71, 72 based on the detection results of the gate sensors 71s, 72s. As a result, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gates 71 and 72, it is determined whether the game is in the middle of a normal symbol game, in the fluctuating display of the normal symbol, or in the fixed display of the normal symbol. As a result, when the normal symbol is not being played during the normal symbol winning game, the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, and the normal symbol is being being displayed as a fixed symbol, the ordinary symbol winning determination random number is acquired and the ordinary symbol winning determination random number is stored.

After performing the processing related to the gate sensors 71s and 72s in this way, it is then determined whether the game ball has entered the first starting port 24 based on the detection result of the first starting port sensor 24s. As a result, if the game ball enters the first starting port 24, it is determined whether the number of reserved first special symbols has reached the upper limit of four. If the number of first reserved special symbols does not reach four, then a jackpot determination random number, a variable pattern selection random number, and a symbol selection random number are acquired and these random numbers are stored as the first reserved special symbols. The first special figure reservation (acquisition information) is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area (acquisition information storage means) secured in the RAM 203 so that the stored order can be identified.

Here, the variable display of the first special symbol (symbol variable game) is performed based on the jackpot determination random number, the variable pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number obtained as the first special symbol is reserved. In addition, the performance (symbol fluctuation performance) performed in accordance with the fluctuating display of the first special symbol is also performed based on the jackpot judgment random number, the fluctuation pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number acquired as the first special symbol is reserved. Therefore, if you memorize the first special figure reservation, even if the fluctuation display based on the first special figure reservation has not started yet (even if the fluctuation start condition is not satisfied), the first special figure reservation It is possible to determine the mode of the variable display and performance (symbol variation game and symbol variation performance based on the first special symbol reservation) based on the above. For example, even before the variable display based on the first special figure reservation is performed, the result of the jackpot judgment (jackpot, miss) for the first special figure reservation, or the result of the jackpot judgment becomes "jackpot". If so, it is possible to determine the type of jackpot game to be started, whether or not a reach effect is performed (whether or not the obtained information is predetermined information), etc. Such a determination is called a preliminary determination, and in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first special symbol reservation is stored, a preliminary determination is made regarding the first special symbol reservation, and the preliminary determination result is is stored in association with the first special figure reservation.

In this way, when the first special symbol reservation is stored and the preliminary determination result for the first special symbol reservation is stored, a preliminary determination result command indicating this preliminary determination result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The preliminary determination result command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100). By doing so, the sub-control board 220 can execute various effects based on the preliminary determination result of the first special symbol reservation. In addition, if the game ball has not entered the first starting port 24 or if the number of reserved first special symbols has already reached four, the new reserved first special symbol will not be stored and the number of reserved first special symbols will not be stored. No judgment is made.

After performing the process related to storing the first special symbol reservation in this way, it is then determined whether the game ball has entered the second starting port 25 based on the detection result of the second starting port sensor 25s. As a result, when the game ball enters the second starting port 25, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved second special symbols has reached the upper limit of four. If the second special figure reservation number does not reach four, the jackpot determination random number, the fluctuation pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number are acquired and these random numbers are stored as the second special figure reservation. The second special figure reservation is stored in a second special figure reservation storage area secured in the RAM 203 so that the stored order can be identified. Once the second special figure reservation is stored in this way, the same preliminary determination as described above is performed for the second special figure reservation. However, in the preliminary determination regarding the second special symbol reservation, it is also determined whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is a small hit.

In this way, when the second special symbol reservation is stored and the preliminary determination result for the second special symbol reservation is stored, a preliminary determination result command indicating this preliminary determination result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The preliminary determination result command stored in the output buffer in this way is also transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100). By doing so, the sub-control board 220 can execute various effects based on the preliminary determination result of second special symbol reservation. In addition, if the game ball has not entered the second starting port 25 or if the number of reserved second special symbols has already reached four, the new reserved second special symbol will not be stored and the number of reserved second special symbols will not be stored. No judgment is made.

<Normal operation processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs normal operation processing (S500). In this normal operation process (S500), a process of displaying the normal symbols in a variable manner and executing a game per common symbol is performed. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the normal figure hit determination random number has been stored in the above-mentioned starting port etc. sensor detection process (S400). As a result, if a random number for determining whether a common symbol has been determined is stored, the stored random number for determining whether a common symbol has been determined is read out, and a determination regarding whether a common symbol has been determined is performed based on the random number for determining whether a common symbol has been determined.

After performing the hit determination, it is determined whether the result of the hit determination is a hit. As a result, if the result of the normal pattern hit judgment is a normal pattern hit, the normal pattern per pattern (stopped pattern) to be stopped and displayed in the current normal pattern fluctuation display is determined, and the determined normal pattern per pattern is displayed. Remember. That is, when the symbol 1100 per ordinary symbol is determined as a stop symbol, it is stored that the left LED (see FIG. 4) of the ordinary symbol display section 56 is lit as a result of the current fluctuating display of the ordinary symbol. On the other hand, if the symbol 1101 per ordinary symbol is determined as a stop symbol, it is remembered that the right LED (see FIG. 4) of the ordinary symbol display section 56 is lit as a result of the current fluctuating display of the ordinary symbol. do. On the other hand, if the result of the normal pattern hit determination is that the normal pattern is out, the normal pattern out pattern 1102 is stored as a pattern to be stopped and displayed (stopped pattern) in the current normal pattern variable display. That is, it is memorized that the left and right (two) LEDs (see FIG. 4) of the normal pattern display section 56 are to be turned on as a result of the current variable display of the normal pattern.

In this way, once the symbols to be stopped and displayed (stopped symbols) in the current variable display of normal symbols are stored, the variation time of the normal symbols is set. Specifically, if it is in a non-electrical support state, it is set to 1000 msec, 2000 msec, or 3000 msec, and if it is in an electrically supported state, it is set to 1000 msec, 1252 msec, or 1500 msec. After setting the variation time of the normal symbol, start displaying the variation of the normal symbol. Then, the random number for determining whether a common symbol is hit this time is deleted from the storage area.

The above has explained the processing in the case that the normal symbol is not being played during the normal symbol winning game, the normal symbol is fluctuatingly displayed, and the normal symbol is being determined and displayed. On the other hand, when the normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the normal symbols being displayed in a variable manner has elapsed. As a result, if it is determined that the variable time has elapsed, the normal symbols being displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed in a pre-stored manner. That is, if the result of the normal pattern hit determination is a normal pattern hit and the pattern 1100 per normal pattern is to be stopped and displayed, the left LED of the general pattern display section 56 is turned on (the pattern 1100 per normal pattern is stopped and displayed). ), when the symbol 1101 per ordinary symbol is to be displayed in a stopped state, the right LED of the ordinary symbol display section 56 is turned on (the symbol 1101 per ordinary symbol is to be displayed in a stopped state). On the other hand, if the result of the normal pattern winning determination is a failure, the left and right (two) LEDs of the normal pattern display section 56 are turned on (the normal pattern missing pattern 1102 is stopped and displayed). After the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in this way, the fixed display of the normal symbols starts, so the fixed display time of the normal symbols is set.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol is being displayed in a fixed manner, it is determined whether or not the fixed display time has elapsed. As a result, if the confirmed display time has elapsed, it is determined whether the normal symbol stopped and displayed (determined display) this time is a symbol per common symbol (lighting of the left LED of the common symbol display section 56). As a result, when the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a symbol per common symbol, the opening pattern (number of openings, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the second starting port 25 in the per common symbol game is set.

Specifically, when in the non-electric support state, an opening pattern is set in which the second starting port 25 is opened only once for 16 m seconds. On the other hand, if it is in the electric support state, an opening pattern is set in which the second starting port 25 is opened only twice for 840 msec. Once the opening pattern is set in this way, a game with a common symbol is started.

During execution of the normal figure game, the opening/closing door 26 is operated by controlling the second starting port solenoid 26m so that the second starting port 25 is in the open state and closed state in the above-mentioned opening pattern. Then, when the control according to this opening pattern is completed, the game for winning a common figure ends. When ending the game per normal figure, a game end command per normal figure indicating the end of the game per normal figure is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game end command per normal figure stored in the output buffer in this way is also transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

<Special operation processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs special operation processing (S600). In this special operation process (S600), a process of variably displaying a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), executing a jackpot game, and executing a small win game is performed. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first selects the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) during the jackpot game, during the small prize game, during the variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol). ) is currently being displayed.

As a result, if it is neither of these, it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area. As a result, if the second special figure reservation is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area, the second special figure reservation (jackpot judgment random number , variable pattern selection random number, symbol selection random number). Then, a jackpot determination (jackpot determination for the second special figure) is performed based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read second special figure reservation. In the "Jackpot determination for the second special drawing", it is determined whether it is a "big hit", "small hit", or "miss".

On the other hand, if the second special figure reservation is not stored, then it is determined whether or not the first special figure reservation is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area. As a result, if the first special figure reservation is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area, the first special figure reservation (jackpot judgment random number , symbol selection random number, fluctuation pattern selection random number). Then, a jackpot determination (jackpot determination for the first special figure) is performed based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read first special figure reservation. In the "Jackpot determination for the first special drawing", it is determined whether it is a "jackpot" or a "miss".

Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number is a random number that is updated in the range of 0 to 65535 (a random number that can take 65536 values), and is If the jackpot determination random number obtained as the 2-special figure reservation is any value corresponding to "jackpot", it is determined as "jackpot". By appropriately setting the value corresponding to such a "jackpot", the probability of being judged as a "jackpot" in both "jackpot judgment for the first special drawing" and "jackpot judgment for the second special drawing" can be increased. It is set to approximately 1/300.

Further, if the jackpot determination random number obtained as the second special figure reservation is any value corresponding to a "small hit", it is determined as a "small hit". By appropriately setting a value corresponding to such a "small hit", the probability of being determined as a "small hit" in the "jackpot determination for the second special drawing" is set to approximately 1/60.

If the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot", the current special symbol fluctuation display (symbol fluctuation game ) to select the type of jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed. That is, as described above using FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the jackpot symbols 101 to 300 can be stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, and the jackpot symbols 501 to 700 can be displayed as the second special symbol. It is possible to stop display. Therefore, when the first special symbol reservation is read, the symbol selection random number read as the first special symbol reservation is referred to the jackpot symbol selection table (not shown) in which symbol selection random numbers are assigned to jackpot symbols 101 to 300. The jackpot symbol corresponding to is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. In addition, when the second special figure reservation is read out, the jackpot symbol selection table in which the symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the jackpot symbols 501 to 700 is referred to, and the jackpot corresponding to the symbol selection random number read out as the second special figure reservation is determined. Select a symbol as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. Incidentally, the jackpot symbol selection table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

In addition, if the result of the jackpot determination for the second special symbol is a "small hit", the fluctuation display of the current special symbol (symbol fluctuation Select the type of small winning symbol to be stopped and displayed in the game). That is, as described above using FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the small winning symbols 701 to 800 can be stopped and displayed as the second special symbol. Therefore, by referring to the small winning symbol selection table in which the symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the small winning symbols 701 to 800, the small winning symbol corresponding to the symbol selection random number read out as the second special symbol pending is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. select. Note that the small winning symbol selection table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination is "miss", if the special symbol reservation read this time is the first special symbol reservation, the losing symbol 401 is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed, and the special symbol reservation read this time is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. If the second special symbol is on hold, the missed symbol 801 is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. Incidentally, the jackpot symbol, small prize symbol, and missing symbol selected as symbols to be stopped and displayed are stored in a stop symbol storage area secured in the RAM 203.

After selecting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in this way, a variation pattern of the special symbol variation display (symbol variation game) is selected. A fluctuating pattern is the time (fluctuation time) from when a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts fluctuating display until it stops displaying, and each fluctuating pattern is distinguished from other fluctuating patterns. Information (variation pattern ID) for changing the pattern is attached. In the process of selecting a variation pattern, the variation pattern selection table is referred to. As shown in FIG. 10, the variation pattern selection table is a table in which variation pattern selection random numbers are assigned to a plurality of variation patterns (variation pattern ID, variation time). In the process of selecting a fluctuation pattern, with reference to such a fluctuation pattern selection table, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selection random number read this time as the 1st special figure reservation or the 2nd special figure reservation is selected as the current fluctuation pattern. Determine as. Therefore, the probability that each variation pattern is selected is determined by the proportion of random numbers allocated to each variation pattern among the obtainable variation pattern selection random numbers.

The variation pattern selected in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 as a variation pattern designation command to be described later. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command, it recognizes the fluctuation pattern of the current symbol fluctuation game based on the fluctuation pattern designation command, and displays the symbols in a production pattern based on (corresponding to) the recognized fluctuation pattern. Execute variable performance.

In the above-described process of selecting a variable pattern, instead of always referring to the same variable pattern selection table, variable pattern selection tables corresponding to various game progress situations are referred to. In detail, as shown in FIG. 11, the type of special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), the currently set gaming state, the jackpot determination result, the stored first special symbol pending and The variable pattern selection table corresponding to the number of second special symbols on hold is referred to. In addition, although not shown, refer to the variation pattern selection table corresponding to the type per type or per type 2 that will be started this time (type per type or per type described above using FIG. 5). . By doing this, it becomes possible to select a variation pattern corresponding to various game progress conditions, and as a result, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can execute a symbol variation performance with a performance pattern corresponding to various game progress conditions.

For example, if the result of "jackpot determination for the first special symbol" or "jackpot determination for the second special symbol" is "jackpot," the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 controls the decorative symbol 41a, A symbol variation effect is executed in which 41b and 41c are stopped and displayed as "Zero". Furthermore, even if the result of the "jackpot determination for the second special symbol" is a "small hit", after the reach performance, a symbol variation performance is executed in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "Zero". .

In addition, if the result of "Jackpot determination for the 1st special symbol" or "Jackpot determination for the 2nd special symbol" is "miss", the decorative symbol will be displayed without performing the reach effect or after the reach effect. A symbol variation effect is executed in which the symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed in a "disappearance" manner. Note that each variation pattern selection table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

In this way, after selecting a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the current variable display of special symbols and selecting a variation pattern for the current variable display of special symbols, the variable display of the special symbols is started. Then, a variation pattern designation command indicating the currently selected variation pattern is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The variation pattern designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In addition, the first special figure reservation or the second special figure reservation, which was the subject of the current jackpot determination, is deleted from the first special figure reservation storage area or the second special figure reservation storage area.

The above describes the processing when the game is not in the middle of a jackpot game, a small win game, a variable display of a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), or a fixed display of a special symbol. On the other hand, when the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether or not the variable time of the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner has elapsed. As a result, if it is determined that the variable time has elapsed, the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed as a symbol previously stored in the stop symbol storage area (determined display is started). When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in this way, the final display of the special symbol starts, so the final display time of the special symbol is set. Then, a fluctuation stop command indicating that the special symbol has been stopped and displayed is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The fluctuation stop command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

If the special symbol is being displayed in a final manner, it is determined whether or not the final display time has elapsed. As a result, when the confirmed display time has elapsed, it is determined whether the special symbol stopped and displayed (confirmed display) this time is a jackpot symbol, a small win symbol, or a losing symbol.

As a result, if the stopped and displayed special symbol is a missed symbol, it is also determined whether the electric support state is set. Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a missing symbol during the electric support state, the number of electric support is subtracted by one. As a result, when the number of times of electric support reaches 0, a non-electric support state is set in place of the electric support state. When the non-electric support state is newly set in this way, a gaming state designation command indicating the newly set gaming state (here, the non-electric support state) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The gaming state designation command thus stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

On the other hand, even if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a small winning symbol, it is first determined whether or not the electric support state is set, and if the electric support state is set, the electric support state is set. Subtract 1 from the support count. As a result, when the number of times of electric support reaches 0, a non-electric support state is set in place of the electric support state. When the non-electric support state is newly set in this way, a gaming state designation command indicating the newly set gaming state (here, the non-electric support state) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The gaming state designation command thus stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

In addition, in response to the stop display of the small winning symbols, the opening pattern (number of openings, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the small winning hole 35 in the small winning game is set. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the small prize opening 35 remains open for 1.6 seconds during the small winning game, so such an opening pattern of the small winning hole 35 is set. After setting the opening pattern of the small prize opening 35 in this way, the small winning game is started. Then, a small winning game start command indicating the start of the small winning game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The small winning game start command stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

Further, when the stopped and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the opening pattern (number of openings, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the big winning hole 28 for each type is set. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of round games per type varies depending on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. Therefore, the opening pattern of the big winning hole 28 is set corresponding to the type of the stopped and displayed jackpot symbol. Once the opening pattern of the big prize opening 28 is set in this way, one type of winning is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating the start of one type of winning is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This jackpot game start command also includes information indicating the type of one type to be started this time (see FIG. 5). The jackpot game start command stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

The above has explained the processing when the special symbol is being displayed as confirmed. On the other hand, when a small winning game is in progress, the small winning hole solenoid is operated so that the small winning hole 35 is in the open state and closed state in the above-mentioned opening pattern (opening pattern in which it is opened for 1.6 seconds). 35m to operate the opening/closing door 36. When the control of the small prize opening solenoid 35m (operation of the opening/closing door 36) according to the above-mentioned opening pattern is completed, a small winning game end command indicating the end of the small winning game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The small winning game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

Then, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the small prize opening 35 during the current small winning game. As a result, if a game ball enters the small prize opening 35 during the current small winning game, it is determined whether the game ball enters the specific opening 38 or not. As a result, when the game ball enters the specific opening 38, the opening pattern (number of openings, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the big prize opening 28 for two types of winnings is set in order to start two types of winnings. After setting the opening pattern of the big prize opening 28 in this way, the two types of winnings are started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating the start of two types of winnings is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This jackpot game start command also includes information indicating the type of two types of winnings to be started this time (see FIG. 5). The jackpot game start command stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

The above has explained the processing when the small winning game is in progress. On the other hand, when a jackpot game is being played (during one type of winning or two types of winning), the big winning hole solenoid 29m is operated so that the big winning hole 28 is in the open state and closed state in the above-mentioned opening pattern. The opening/closing door 29 is operated under control. At the start of the round game, a round game start command indicating the start of the round game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and at the end of the round game, a round game end command indicating the end of the round game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. do. The round game start command and round game end command stored in the output buffer in this way are transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

Further, when the control of the jackpot solenoid 29m (operation of the opening/closing door 29) according to the above-mentioned opening pattern is finished, the jackpot game ends. Then, a jackpot game end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The jackpot game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100). When the jackpot game is finished, the game state is set to a non-electric support state or an electric support state (an electric support state with 100 electric support) depending on the type of the jackpot game (see FIG. 5). Even when the gaming state is set in this way, a gaming state designation command indicating the set gaming state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

<Pending number processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs pending number processing (S700). In this reservation number processing (S700), the number of first special figure reservations stored in the first special figure reservation storage area and the number of second special figure reservations stored in the second special figure reservation storage area are calculated. are read out, and a pending number transmission command indicating these numbers is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The pending number transmission command thus stored in the output buffer is also transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100). By doing this, the sub-control board 220 displays various effects based on these numbers, such as displaying on the effect display device 41 the reserved symbols corresponding to the number of first reserved special symbols and the number of second reserved special symbols. It becomes possible to execute.

In addition, the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that executes the special symbol variation, which is a variation display of the special symbol, can also be regarded as a "special symbol variation means", and the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that executes the jackpot game. It can be regarded as a "big hit game execution means", and the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" which can set a non-electric support state and an electric support state can also be regarded as a "game state setting means". In addition, the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that executes the small winning game can be regarded as a "small winning game execution means", the small prize opening 35 can also be regarded as a "variable ball entry opening", and the specific opening 38 can also be regarded as a "specific area".

D. Production control processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a production control process for controlling production. The production control process is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 at predetermined intervals (for example, based on a timer interrupt that occurs every 10 msec). Hereinafter, the production control processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 will be explained according to the flowchart. Note that, in the following description, descriptions of well-known processes such as initialization processing of the CPU 221, interrupt prohibition processing, and interrupt permission processing are omitted.

When the production control process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first performs a command analysis process (S800). Here, each time the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a command from the main control board 200, it stores the received command in the received command storage area of the RAM 223 as an external interrupt process. In the command analysis process (S800), an effect corresponding to the command stored in the received command storage area, that is, a command received from the main control board 200 is determined, and the image and audio control board 230 and the lamp are used to perform this effect. Commands to be sent to the control board 226 and the like are stored in an output buffer secured in the RAM 223.

The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 then performs output processing (S900). In this process, commands stored in the output buffer of the RAM 223 are transmitted to the image and audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the like. Upon receiving a command from the sub-control board 220, the image and audio control board 230 displays an image corresponding to the received command on the effect display device 41, and outputs sound corresponding to the received command from various speakers 6a, 6b, etc. do. Further, the lamp control board 226 causes the various lamps 5a to 5c to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the received command.

As described above, the sub control board 220 cooperates with the image and audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc. to execute various effects, but in this specification, for convenience of explanation, such various effects are executed. This is also simply expressed as "the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes various effects."

FIG. 13 shows processing (such as various effects) performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in response to commands received from the main control board 200. As shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the preliminary determination result command, it performs a preliminary performance that is a performance based on the preliminary determination result. For example, an image of a character or the like corresponding to the preliminary determination result may be displayed on the effect display device 41, or the manner of a pending symbol to be displayed in the first pending display area 41d or the second pending display area 41e of the presentation display device 41 may be determined in advance. The method may be set according to the result. Note that the pre-judgment performance does not need to be performed all the time when the pre-judgment result command is received, and may be performed when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a predetermined lottery is won).

Further, upon receiving the reservation number transmission command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 transmits the same number of reservation symbols as the first special symbol reservation number and the second special symbol reservation number indicated by this command to the first reservation symbol of the effect display device 41. It is displayed in the hold display area 41d and the second hold display area 41e. It is not necessary to always display both the first special figure pending number and the second special figure pending number, for example, a non-electronic support state in which left-handed play is performed, that is, a state in which a game based on the first special figure is played. In this case, the number of reserved 1st special symbols is displayed, and in the non-electronic support state where the right hand is played, that is, the state where the game mainly focuses on the 2nd special symbol, the number of reserved 2nd special symbols is displayed. Good too.

Further, upon receiving the variation pattern designation command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 displays the symbol corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol). A variable performance (including a variable display of decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c) is started.

In other words, when receiving a variation pattern (variation pattern specification command) that is selected when the result of "Jackpot determination for the 1st special drawing" or "Jackpot determination for the 2nd special drawing" is "Jackpot", ( When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol), a symbol variation performance is started in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed as a "Zero" after the reach performance. Also, if a fluctuation pattern (variation pattern specification command) that is selected when the result of "Jackpot determination for the 2nd special symbol" is "small hit" is received (the 2nd special symbol stops at the small hit symbol) After the ready-to-reach performance, a symbol variation performance is started in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "Zero".

In addition, if you receive a fluctuation pattern (variation pattern specification command) that is selected when the result of "Jackpot determination for the 1st special drawing" or "Jackpot determination for the 2nd special drawing" is "miss", ( (If the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a missed symbol), the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a "breakout" without performing a reach effect or after a reach effect. The symbol variation effect starts. When a fluctuation stop command is received during execution of the symbol fluctuation performance, the symbol fluctuation performance is ended.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the small winning game start command, it starts a small winning game performance indicating that the small winning game is in progress. Then, upon receiving the small winning game end command, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 ends the small winning game performance. In addition, when a specific opening ball entry command is received during a small winning game, a specific opening ball entry effect indicating that the game ball has entered the specific opening 38 (indicating that it has been confirmed that the 2nd type winning has started) Execute. The specific opening ball entry command starts a small winning game (a small winning game based on the second special drawing) when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small winning symbol, and the ball enters the game during the small winning game. This is a command sent from the main control board 200 when a ball enters the specific opening 38, in other words, when a two-type hit is made. As the specific opening ball entry performance, for example, a performance that displays a character image of "V" is executed.

Further, upon receiving the jackpot game start command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts a jackpot game production indicating that a jackpot game is in progress. For example, at the timing when the jackpot game is started, a fanfare effect indicating the start of the jackpot game is executed, and a moving image (so-called movie) indicating that the jackpot game is in progress is started to be displayed. Further, a performance suggesting the number of round games of the started jackpot game and a performance suggesting the game state (non-electric support state or electric support state) to be set after the end of the started jackpot game are executed. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a plurality of jackpot game effects having different modes (for example, videos to be displayed, etc.) as such jackpot game effects, and which jackpot game effect to execute is determined. , is determined according to the predetermined lottery results and the type of jackpot game.

When a round game start command is received during a jackpot game, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts a round game performance indicating that a round game is being played (eg, superimposed on the jackpot game performance). For example, an effect indicating the number of round games in the jackpot game being executed (for example, an effect displaying 1R, 2R, 3R, etc.) is started. When the round game end command is received, the round game performance is ended, and when the jackpot game end command is received, the jackpot game performance is ended.

Further, upon receiving the gaming state designation command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts an effect corresponding to the set gaming state. For example, the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c and their background images may be displayed in a manner (color, shape, etc.) that corresponds to the gaming state, or if the power support state is set, the remaining power support number is displayed. or start a performance.

E. Reach production:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute four types of ready-to-reach performances, namely ready-to-reach performances A to D, as described above with reference to FIG. 6(b). Specifically, it is possible to execute reach effect A in which character A is displayed, reach effect B in which character B is displayed, reach effect C in which character C is displayed, and reach effect D in which character D is displayed. be. Since the symbol variation performance is performed in accordance with the variation pattern, these ready-to-reach performances performed as part of the symbol variation performance are also performed when the corresponding variation patterns are selected.

For details, if the result of "Jackpot determination for the first special drawing" or "Jackpot determination for the second special drawing" is "Jackpot" and the fluctuation pattern corresponding to each reach effect is selected, this fluctuation After the ready-to-win performance corresponding to the pattern is performed, a symbol variation performance is performed in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "Zero". In addition, if the result of "Jackpot determination for the second special figure" is "Small hit" and a variation pattern corresponding to each reach effect is selected, after the reach effect corresponding to this variation pattern is performed. , a symbol variation effect is performed in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "Zero".

In addition, if the result of "Jackpot determination for the first special symbol" or "Jackpot determination for the second special symbol" is "miss" and the fluctuation pattern corresponding to each reach effect is selected, this fluctuation pattern After the ready-to-win performance corresponding to is performed, a symbol variation performance is performed in which the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed in a "rose eye" state.

Reach effects A to D are "the possibility that the first special symbol or the second special symbol will be stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (possibility that a type 1 hit will occur)" or "the second special symbol will be stopped as a small prize symbol. In other words, it is an effect that suggests the possibility of being displayed (possibility of a two-type winning), or in other words, the possibility of a jackpot game being played (herein also referred to as "jackpot expectation level"). The "jackpot expectation level" suggested by these reach effects is lowest when reach effect A is performed, and when reach effect B is performed → reach effect C is performed → reach effect D is performed The value increases as the value increases. Therefore, the player is made to expect a reach performance higher than the "jackpot expectation level".

In FIG. 14, the “jackpot expectation level” of reach performances A to D is shown. As shown in FIG. 14, the "jackpot expectation level" is 10% when reach effect A is performed (decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as zeros with a probability of 10%), and the reach The rate is 30% when the effect B is performed (the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed with a probability of 30%), and it is 40% when the reach effect C is performed (40% The probability is that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c will be stopped and displayed on the zero mark), and if reach effect D is performed, the probability is 50% (the probability that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c will be stopped on the zero mark) is 50%. Is displayed).

Such "jackpot expectation level" is realized by appropriately setting the execution probabilities of the ready-to-reach performances A to D (the probability that the fluctuation patterns corresponding to the ready-to-reach performances A to D will be selected). In detail, the execution probabilities of reach effects A to D (the probability that the variation patterns corresponding to reach effects A to D will be selected) are based on the fluctuations assigned to each variation pattern in the variation pattern selection table described above with reference to FIG. This is achieved by appropriately setting the proportion of pattern selection random numbers.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, "when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol" or "when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small prize symbol", in other words, When winning one kind or winning two kinds is performed (when the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed on a zero), the "execution probability of reach effect A" is the lowest, and the "execution probability of reach effect B" is the lowest. ” → “Probability of execution of reach effect C” → “Probability of execution of reach effect D”.

Conversely, ``when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a missed symbol'', in other words, when a jackpot game is not played (the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed as a missed symbol). case), the "probability of execution of reach effect A" is the highest, and it is set so that it becomes lower as "probability of execution of reach effect B" → "probability of execution of reach effect C" → "probability of execution of reach effect D" has been done.

As a result, the suggested "jackpot expectation level" is lowest when reach effect A is performed, and as it increases when reach effect B is performed → reach effect C is performed → reach effect D is performed. It gets expensive. As a result, the player is made to expect a reach performance with a higher "jackpot expectation level".

Incidentally, "reach effects A to D" that suggest the possibility that the special symbol will be stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (jackpot expectation level) can also be regarded as "jackpot suggestion effect".

F. Electrical support status when reaching the ceiling:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. The electric support status is set after the end of ``, but in addition to this, the electric support status is also set in the following cases.

That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), a "variable display in which the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed" (herein also referred to as "jackpot variation") is used. ), "Fluctuating display in which small winning symbols are stopped and displayed" (also referred to as "Spot winning variation" in this specification), and "Fluctuating display in which losing symbols are stopped and displayed" (in this specification, "Fluctuating display in which small winning symbols are stopped and displayed"). ) can be carried out. Then, when the number of consecutive "missing fluctuations" reaches the "ceiling number" of these, the electric support state is set instead of the non-electric support state. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, "1000 times" is set as the "ceiling number of times."

The number of consecutive "missing fluctuations" is the number of consecutive "missing fluctuations" without any "big hit fluctuations (jackpot games)" or "small winning fluctuations (small winning games)" occurring in the middle. In this specification, it is also expressed as "the number of times it gets stuck." That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the electric support state is set when the "number of hooks" reaches the "ceiling number of times (1000 times)" in the non-electric support state. In this way, it is possible to give the player a sense of surprise and increase interest in the game.

In order to realize the setting of such an electric support state, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the following "ceiling reaching process" as part of the "special operation process (S600 in FIG. 9)". .

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the "ceiling reaching process." When starting the ceiling reaching process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether a non-electrical support state is being set (S1000). If the non-electrical support state is being set (S1000: yes), it is determined whether or not the timing has come to end the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) (S1002).

As a result, if it is the timing at which the variable display of the special symbol has ended (S1002: yes), it is determined whether the variable display of the special symbol that has ended this time is a "missing variation" (S1004). As a result, if the fluctuation display of the special symbol that has ended this time is not a "missing fluctuation" (S1004: no), that is, if it is a "jackpot fluctuation" or "small hit fluctuation", the "number of hits" is set to "0 times". (reset) (S1006). In other words, the "number of hits" is the number of times that "missing fluctuations" occur continuously (without intervening jackpot fluctuations or small winning fluctuations), so "jackpot fluctuations" and "small winning fluctuations" occur. If so, set (reset) the "Number of jams" to "0 times".

On the other hand, if the variable display of the special symbol that has ended this time is a "missing variation" (S1004: yes), "1 time" is added to the "number of hits" (S1008). By doing this, the "number of times the device gets stuck" during the setting of the non-electric support state is counted.

Then, when "one time" is added to the "number of times of getting stuck" (S1008), it is determined whether the "number of times of getting stuck" has reached the "ceiling number of times (1000 times)" (S1010). Then, when the "number of addictive times" reaches the "ceiling number of times (1000 times)" (S1010: yes), an electric support state with the number of electric support times of 100 is set (S1012), and a newly set gaming state is set. A game state designation command indicating (here, electric support state) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 (sent to the sub control board 220). Then, in preparation for counting the "number of times of getting stuck" next time, the "number of times of getting stuck" is set (reset) to "0 times" (S1014).

It should be noted that the "missing variation" can also be considered as "non-jackpot variation", and the "ceiling number of times (1000 times)" can also be considered as "regular number of times".

G. Suggestion of “remaining number of times to reach the ceiling” based on cumulative points:
G-1. overview :
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the "number of hooks" reaches the "ceiling number" while setting the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set in place of the non-electric support state. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" is suggested while the non-electric support state is being set. This "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is the remaining number of "missing fluctuations" until the "number of stuck-on hits" reaches the "ceiling number". In other words, the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is the number of times the "number of times the vehicle is stuck" is subtracted from the "number of times the vehicle reaches the ceiling".

In this way, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is not directly suggested, but the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is indirectly suggested. do. Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, points can be awarded to the player, and the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" is suggested based on the "cumulative points" that are the total of these points.

More specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. A "point awarding gate PG" is provided through which the game balls that have been played can pass. This "point awarding gate PG" is provided with a sensor (not shown) that can detect the game ball that has passed through the "point awarding gate PG", and the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the output from this sensor. Based on the signal, it is detected that the game ball has passed through the "point awarding gate PG".

Then, as shown in FIG. 16(a), when the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG" while the non-electric support state is set, points are awarded to the player, and the total number of awarded points is stored. do. Specifically, the RAM 223 (or non-volatile storage unit, not shown) of the sub-control board 220 is provided with a "cumulative point storage area" that stores "accumulated points." When the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG" during the setting of the non-electric support state, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 reads out the "accumulated points" that have been stored in the "accumulated point storage area" until then. Points newly given to the player are added to the "cumulative points" and the added value is stored as new "cumulative points" in the "cumulative point storage area."

Then, as shown in FIG. 16(b), when such "accumulated points" reach the "target points", the "character image suggestion effect" is started. "Character image suggestion performance" is a performance that suggests the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" by displaying a "character image." After that, the "cumulative points" are further added, and when the "cumulative points" reach the "change point", (instead of the character image suggestive performance) (end the character image suggestive performance) "Image Suggestive Performance" begins. The ``number of times image suggestion effect'' is a effect that suggests the ``remaining number of times the ceiling is reached'' by displaying a ``number of times image.''

FIG. 17(a) shows how the "character image suggestion effect" is being performed. As shown in FIG. 17(a), in the "character image suggestion effect", a "character image" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 41. As the "character image", a "character image X" representing the character X, a "character image Y" representing the character Y, and a "character image Z" representing the character Z can be displayed. Then, in the "Character image suggestion effect" when the "Remaining number of times reaching the ceiling" is 501 or more, "Character image "Character image Y" is displayed (always or with the highest probability) in the "character image suggestion effect" when the number of times is more than 500 times, and "character image Y" is displayed when the "remaining number of times reaching the ceiling" is less than 200 times. In ``Character Image Suggestive Performance'', ``Character Image Z'' is displayed (always or with the highest probability). By displaying the "character image" in this manner, the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" is suggested in the "character image suggestion effect".

When such a ``character image suggestion effect'' is performed, it is suggested that the ``remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached'' will be smaller for the player who is expecting the ``remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached'' to be lower. This makes it possible for the user to expect that the "character image" that will be displayed will be displayed. That is, it is possible to make the user expect that "character image Y" will be displayed more than "character image X" and that "character image Z" will be displayed more than "character image Y." In addition, this kind of "Character image suggestion performance" will be used until the "Number of times image suggestion performance" is started, or the "remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached" becomes 0 and the electric support state is set (non-electric support state). ) or until the jackpot game is executed (started).

On the other hand, FIG. 17(b) shows how the "number of times image suggestion effect" is performed. As shown in FIG. 17(b), in the "number of times image suggestion effect", a "number of times image" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 41. As this "number of times image", an image showing the same number as the "remaining number of times reaching the ceiling" (an image directly showing the remaining number of times reaching the ceiling itself) is displayed. When such a ``number of times image suggestion effect'' is performed, players who expect the ``remaining number of times to reach the ceiling'' will be informed that the number indicated by the ``number of times image'' is smaller. It is possible to give expectations. In addition, this kind of "number of times image suggestion performance" will continue until the "remaining number of times reaching the ceiling" becomes 0 and the electric support state is set (the non-electric support state ends), or until the jackpot game is executed (starts). ) will continue to be executed until

Note that the ``target point'' at which the ``character image suggestion performance'' is started and the ``change point'' at which the ``number of times image suggestion performance'' is started will be explained in detail later.

G-2. Points awarded to players:
FIG. 18 conceptually shows the points awarded to the player when the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG", that is, the points added to the "accumulated points". In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, based on (corresponding to) the "game situation (game progress situation) when the game ball passes through the "point granting gate PG" while the non-electric support state is set," Points are awarded to the player (accumulated points are added).

In other words, as shown in FIG. 18, ``the gaming situation when the game ball passes through the ``point awarding gate PG'' while the non-electric support state is set'' is ``not in execution of the reach effect, but on hold for the first special figure''. If the number is 2 or less, 1 point is awarded to the player (added to the accumulated points).

In addition, the ``gaming status when the game ball passes through the ``point granting gate PG'' while the non-electric support state is set'' is ``Reach effect is in progress, and the number of 1st special symbols pending is 2 or less.'' situation'', 2 points are awarded to the player (added to the accumulated points).

In addition, the ``game situation when the game ball passes the ``point award gate PG'' while the non-electric support state is set'' is ``the situation where the reach effect is not in progress and the number of 1st special symbols pending is 3''. ”, 2 points are awarded to the player (added to the accumulated points).

In addition, the ``game situation when the game ball passes the ``point award gate PG'' while the non-electric support state is set'' is ``a situation where the reach effect is not in progress and the number of reserved first special symbols is 4''. ”, 3 points are awarded to the player (added to the accumulated points).

In addition, the ``game situation when the game ball passes the ``point award gate PG'' while the non-electric support state is set'' is ``the situation where the reach effect is in progress and the number of 1st special symbols pending is 3''. ”, 5 points are awarded to the player (added to the accumulated points).

In addition, the ``game situation when the game ball passes through the ``point granting gate PG'' while the non-electric support state is set'' is ``the situation where the reach effect is in progress and the number of reserved first special symbols is 4''. ”, 6 points are awarded to the player (added to the accumulated points).

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the more easily the game ball is stopped by the player in the game situation, the more points will be awarded to the player when the game ball passes through the "point granting gate PG". (added to cumulative points). This makes it easier for players who expect to be awarded more points to continue firing game balls, and as a result, it becomes possible to increase the operating rate of the pachinko machine 1. Furthermore, even though the same event occurs, that is, the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG", the points awarded to the player (points added to the cumulative points) may differ depending on the gaming situation. , it is possible to provide a sense of surprise to the players and increase their interest in the game.

Note that the points awarded to the player (points added to the cumulative points) may be varied depending on the type of reach effect being executed when the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG". For example, the higher the "jackpot expectation" of the reach effect, the more points (or the fewer points added to the cumulative points) to be given to the player.

G-3. Point granting process:
FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of the "point granting process". This "point granting process" is a process for granting points to the player (adding accumulated points), and is executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 as a timer interrupt process (for example, every 10 msec). Ru.

When the "point granting process" is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not a non-electric support state is being set (S1100). If the non-electric support state is being set (S1100: yes), it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the "point awarding gate PG" (S1102).

As a result, if the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG" (S1102: yes), first, the current game situation is detected (S1104). Then, as described above using FIG. 18, points are awarded to the player based on (corresponding to) the detected gaming situation (points corresponding to the gaming situation are given to the player) (S1106). In other words, the "cumulative points" previously stored in the "cumulative point storage area" are read out, the points to be newly given to the player are added to the "accumulative points", and this added value is used as the new "accumulative points". The accumulated points are stored in the accumulated points storage area.

G-4. Initial cumulative point setting process:
FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the "initial cumulative point setting process". This "initial cumulative point setting process" is a process for setting "initial cumulative points when the non-electric support state is set (also referred to as "initial cumulative points" in this specification)", and This is executed by the CPU 221 as a timer interrupt process (for example, every 10 msec).

When the "initial cumulative point setting process" is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether it is the setting timing (start timing) of the non-electric support state (S1200). In other words, in the judgment process of S1200, the non-electric support state is set at the timing when the non-electric support state is set with the end of "non-electric support hit", or the timing when the electric support state is set after the number of electric support is 100 (electric support state It is determined whether or not the non-electric support state is set at any of the timings (accompanying the fact that 100 winning fluctuations are performed without a jackpot game being played).

If it is the setting timing (start timing) of the non-electric support state (S1200: yes), it is determined whether the non-electric support state has been set with the end of "non-electric support support" (S1202). . As a result, when the non-electric support state is set with the end of the "non-electric support support", 0 points are set as the "initial accumulated points" (S1204). That is, 0 points are stored in the "cumulative point storage area" as "accumulative points" (overwriting the cumulative points stored up to that point).

On the other hand, when the non-electric support state is not set upon the end of "non-electric support" (S1202: no), in other words, when the electric support state ends after 100 electric support If the non-electric support state is set (as a result of 100 losing fluctuations without a jackpot game being played in the electric support state), 200 points are set as "initial cumulative points" (S1206) . That is, 200 points are stored in the "cumulative point storage area" as "accumulative points" (overwriting the cumulative points stored up to that point).

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, "initial accumulated points" are set based on (corresponding to) the trigger for setting the non-electric support state (the gaming situation when the non-electric support state is set). do. For this reason, for players who are expecting more "initial accumulated points" (character image suggestion performance and image suggestion performance to be performed more quickly), there is an opportunity to set the non-electronic support state (non-electronic support It is possible to realize novel gameplay that draws attention to the game situation (when the state is set), and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

Note that when the "non-electric support support win" ends, "initial accumulated points" may be set based on (corresponding to) the type of the "non-electric support support win". For example, when the "1st type of 6R non-electric support" (first jackpot game) ends, 200 points (first number of points) are set as "initial cumulative points", and "10R non-electric support When the 1st type win or 10R non-electric support 2nd type win (second jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than the first jackpot game) ends, 0 points (the first number It is also possible to set a second number of points smaller than .

In this way, a novel gameplay experience is realized in which players who are expecting a higher number of "initial accumulated points" are made to pay attention to the type of "non-electric support hit" that is the trigger for setting the non-electric support state. This makes it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, when the "Non-Electric Support Point" ends, the "Initial Accumulated Points" will be calculated based on (corresponding to) the number of reserved first special drawings that was stored when the "Non-Electric Support Point" started. It is also possible to set For example, if the number of reserved first special drawings stored when the "non-electronic support win" starts is 3 or more, when the "non-electronic support win" ends, the "initial accumulated points" If you set 200 points (first number of points) and the number of reserved first special drawings stored at the time the relevant "Non-Electric Support Point" is started is 2 or less, the "Non-Electric Support Point" will be applied. When the "win" ends, 0 points (a second number of points smaller than the first number) may be set as the "initial accumulated points".

In this way, for players who are expecting a larger number of "initial accumulated points," the number of reserved special drawings will be increased at the time when the "non-electronic support win" is started, which is the trigger for setting the non-electronic support state. It is possible to realize novel gameplay that attracts attention to people, and it is possible to increase interest in the game. In addition, players who expect to have more "initial accumulated points" will try to increase the number of reserved first special symbols when "non-den support hit" starts, and as a result, pachinko players will It becomes possible to increase the operating rate of machine 1.

In addition, at the timing of setting (starting) the non-electric support state, the "initial cumulative points" are not newly set, and the "cumulative points" that were previously stored in the "cumulative point storage area" are stored as they are (cumulative points (carry over). For example, based on (corresponding to) the trigger for setting the non-electric support state (the gaming situation when the non-electric support state was set), whether or not to newly set "initial accumulated points" (to carry over the accumulated points) or not). More specifically, when the "1st type of 6R non-electronic support" (first jackpot game) ends, "10R non-electronic support" will be played without setting new "initial accumulated points" (accumulated points will be carried over). When the "1 type of support game" or "2 types of 10R non-electric support game" (second jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than the first jackpot game) ends, 0 points are set as the "initial cumulative points". (setting a new initial accumulated point).

In this case as well, the innovative approach is to draw attention to the trigger for setting the non-electronic support state (the gaming situation when the non-electronic support state is set) for players who are expecting a higher number of "initial accumulated points". It is possible to realize a high level of gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

In addition, if the "initial accumulated points" are set as described above, of course, when points are subsequently awarded to the player, those points will be added to the "initial accumulated points" (accumulated points will not be added. ). Furthermore, in the case where the "cumulative points" are carried over, of course, when points are subsequently awarded to the player, the points are added to the "accumulative points" carried over.

G-5. Target point setting process:
FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the "target point setting process". This "target point setting process" is a process for setting "target points" and "change points." That is, as described above using FIG. 16(b), in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "accumulated points" reach the "target points", the "character image suggestion performance" is started, and then When the ``total points'' reach the ``change point'' (instead of the character image suggestion performance) (the character image suggestion performance is ended) the ``number of image suggestion performance'' is started. Therefore, in the "target point setting process" shown in FIG. 21, "target points" and "change points" are set. This "target point setting process" is executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 as a timer interrupt process (for example, every 10 msec).

As shown in FIG. 21, when the "target point setting process" is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether it is the setting timing (start timing) of the non-electric support state (S1300). In other words, in the judgment process of S1300, the non-electric support state is set at the timing when the non-electric support state is set with the end of "non-electric support hit", or the timing when the electric support state is set after the number of electric support is 100 (electric support state is set) It is determined whether or not the non-electric support state is set at any of the timings (accompanying the fact that 100 winning fluctuations are performed without a jackpot game being played).

If it is the setting timing (start timing) of the non-electric support state (S1300: yes), it is determined whether the non-electric support state has been set with the end of "non-electric support support" (S1302). . As a result, if the non-electric support state is set due to the end of the "non-electric support", 500 points are set as the "target points" (S1304), and 800 points are set as the "change points". (S1306). Specifically, the RAM 223 (or non-volatile storage unit, not shown) of the sub-control board 220 has a "target point storage area" that stores "target points" and a "change point storage area" that stores "change points". is provided. Therefore, in the process of S1304, 500 points are stored as "target points" in the "target point storage area", and in the process of S1306, 800 points are stored as "change points" in the "change point storage area".

On the other hand, when the non-electric support state is not set upon the end of "non-electric support" (S1302: no), in other words, when the electric support state ends after 100 electric support If the non-electric support state is set (as a result of 100 losing fluctuations without a jackpot game being played in the electric support state), 300 points are set as the "target points" (S1308) , 600 points are set as "change points" (S1310). That is, in the process of S1308, 500 points are stored as "target points" in the "target point storage area", and in the process of S1310, 800 points are stored as "change points" in the "change point storage area".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, "target points" and "change Set "points". For this reason, for players who expect fewer "target points" and "change points" (character image suggestion effects and frequency image suggestion effects to be performed more quickly), a non-electronic support state is set. It is possible to realize novel gameplay that draws attention to the opportunity (the gaming situation when the non-electric support state is set), and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

Note that when the "non-electric support hit" ends, "target points" and "change points" may be set based on (corresponding to) the type of the "non-electric support hit". For example, when the "6R non-electric support per type" (first jackpot game) ends, 300 points (third number of points) are set as the "target points" and 600 points (the third number of points) are set as the "change points". 4th number of points), "10R non-electric support per type" or "10R non-electric support per type 2" (second jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than the first jackpot game) When ending, 500 points (fifth number of points) may be set as the "target points" and 800 points (sixth number of points) may be set as the "change points".

In this way, players who are expecting fewer ``target points'' and ``change points'' will be able to focus on the type of ``non-electric support hit'' that triggers the setting of a non-electric support state. It is possible to realize the gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

In addition, when the "Non-Electric Support Point" ends, the "Target Points" and It is also possible to set a "change point". For example, if the number of reserved first special symbols stored when the "Non-electronic support win" starts is 3 or more, when the "Non-electronic support win" ends, the "target points" will be 300 points (third number of points) are set, and 600 points (fourth number of points) are set as "change points", and the number of points that was stored when the "Non-electric support hit" was started is set. If the number of reserved special maps is 2 or less, when the "Non-Electric Support Per" ends, 500 points (5th number of points) will be set as "target points" and 800 points will be set as "change points". (sixth number of points) may be set.

In this way, for players who are expecting fewer "target points" and "change points," the player who is expecting fewer "target points" and "change points" will be able to receive the It is possible to realize an innovative game feature that draws attention to the number of reserved special drawings, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game. In addition, players who are expecting fewer "target points" and "change points" will try to increase the number of reserved first special charts when the "non-den support hit" starts. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the operating rate of the pachinko machine 1.

Also, at the timing of setting (starting) the non-electric support state, "target points" and "change points" are not newly set, and the "target points" and "change points" that were previously stored in the "target point storage area" and "change point storage area" are not set. It is also possible to store the "target points" and "change points" as they are (carry over the target points and change points). For example, whether or not to newly set "target points" and "change points" based on (corresponding to) the trigger for setting the non-electric support state (the gaming situation when the non-electric support state was set). It is also possible to decide whether or not to carry over target points and change points. In more detail, when the "6R non-electric support per type" (first jackpot game) ends, "target points" and "change points" are not newly set (target points and change points are carried over) ), when the "10R non-electric support game per type" or "10R non-electric support game per type 2 win" (second jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than the first jackpot game) ends, the "target point It is also possible to set 500 points (fifth number of points) as "change points" and set 800 points (sixth number of points) as "change points" (newly set target points and change points).

In such cases, players who are expecting fewer "target points" and "change points" will be given a chance to set the non-electric support state (the gaming situation when the non-electric support state is set). It is possible to realize novel gameplay that attracts attention, and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, when the "target points" and "change points" are set as mentioned above, of course, when the "cumulative points" reach the "target points", the "character image suggestion effect" will start, and the "character image suggestion effect" will start. When the ``cumulative points'' reach the ``change point'' (the character image suggestion effect ends), the ``number of image suggestion effects'' begin.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, points are awarded to the player when the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG", and the "accumulated points" in which the points are accumulated are the "target points". When this is reached, a ``character image suggestion effect'' is executed. In this way, a novel gameplay feature is created in which the player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the game ball reaches the ceiling" focuses on whether or not the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG" and points are awarded. This can be realized, and as a result, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay in which the user expects the "accumulated points" to reach the "target points", and it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, for players who expect to be awarded points to determine the "remaining number of times they reach the ceiling," the novel gameplay feature allows players to aim for the game ball to pass through the "point awarding gate PG." This makes it possible to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "character image suggestion performance" is being executed, the "character image suggestion performance" is replaced based on the "cumulative points" reaching the "change point". and changes to ``Number of Image Suggestions''. In other words, the manner in which the "remaining number of times reaching the ceiling" is suggested changes from the manner suggested by the "character image" to the manner suggested by the "number of times image". For this reason, while the "Character image suggestion performance" is being executed, players who are expecting the suggestion mode of "Remaining number of times to reach the ceiling" to change (change to the number of times image suggestion performance) As a result, it is possible to realize an innovative game experience in which the player expects the "accumulated points" to reach the "change points", and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

Note that the "CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220" that provides points to the player can also be regarded as a "point providing means." Furthermore, the "CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220" that indicates the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" can also be regarded as a "number of times suggesting means." Further, the "point awarding gate PG" can also be considered as a "predetermined awarding area", and "the game ball passing through the point awarding gate PG" can also be considered as a "predetermined awarding condition".

H. Variant example:
Next, a modification will be explained.
H-1. Modification example 1:
In the embodiment described above, when the "cumulative points" reach the "target points", the "character image suggestion effect" is automatically started. Furthermore, when the ``total points'' reach the ``change point'', the ``number of times image suggestion performance'' is automatically started (instead of the character image suggestion performance) (ending the character image suggestion performance).

This is not limited to this, but the "Character Image Suggestion Production" will not start if the "accumulated points" reach the "target points", and the predetermined execution conditions will not start when the "accumulated points" reach the "target points". If established, "character image suggestion performance" may be started. Then, if the "cumulative points" reach the "change point", the "number of image suggestion effects" will not start, but if the "cumulative points" reach the "change point" and the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, It is also possible to start a "number of times image suggestion effect".

For example, as shown in FIG. 22(a), in a situation where the "accumulated points" have reached the "target points", if the player performs a specific operation (for example, operating the effect button 10a), "Character image suggestion Start the performance. Alternatively, in a situation where the "accumulated points" have reached the "target points", if a specific performance (for example, a reach performance, etc.) is performed, a "character image suggestion performance" is started.

On the other hand, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point", when the player performs a specific operation (for example, operating the performance button 10a), the "number of times image suggestion performance" is started. Alternatively, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point", if a specific performance (for example, reach performance, etc.) is performed, the "number of times image suggestion performance" is started.

The "character image suggestion performance" may end when the "cumulative points" reach the "change point", or after that, when a predetermined execution condition is met (the number of times the image suggestion performance is started). ) may also be terminated.

In addition, if a specific effect (for example, a reach effect) is performed in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target point", a "character image suggestion effect" may be started with a probability based on the specific effect. good. For example, if reach effect A is performed in a situation where the ``accumulated points'' have reached the ``target points'', there is a 10% probability that the ``character image suggestion effect'' will be started, and the ``accumulated points'' have reached the ``target points''. If reach effect D is performed in a situation where "points" have been reached, "character image suggestion effect" may be started with a probability of 80%.

In such modification 1, when a specific operation (for example, operation of the effect button 10a, etc.) is performed after the "accumulated points" reach the "target points", the "character image suggestion effect" is executed. For this reason, players who are trying to determine the "remaining number of times they reach the ceiling" are asked to perform a specific operation (for example, operating the performance button 10a) when their "accumulated points" have reached the "target points". It is possible to realize novel gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

Further, when a specific effect (for example, reach effect) is executed after the "accumulated points" reach the "target point", a "character image suggestion effect" is executed. For this reason, for players who are trying to determine the ``remaining number of times the ceiling has been reached,'' we have created a novel approach that makes players pay attention to whether or not a specific performance will be executed in a situation where their ``cumulative points'' have reached the ``target points.'' It is possible to realize the gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

Further, when a specific operation (eg, operation of the effect button 10a, etc.) is performed after the "cumulative points" reach the "change point", the "number of times image suggestion effect" is executed. For this reason, a player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the ceiling has been reached" is required to perform a specific operation (for example, operating the performance button 10a) when the "accumulated points" have reached the "change point". It is possible to realize novel gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

Furthermore, when a specific effect (for example, a reach effect) is executed after the "cumulative points" reach the "change point", a "number of times image suggestion effect" is executed. For this reason, for players who are trying to determine the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached", in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point", it is a novel method that makes the player pay attention to whether or not a specific effect will be executed. It is possible to realize the gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

H-2. Modification 2:
In addition, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target points", if the "first execution condition" is met, the "character image suggestive performance" (or "number of image suggestive performances") will be started, and the "cumulative points ” has reached the “change point” and a “second execution condition” that is different from the “first execution condition” is established, the “number of times image suggestion performance” (or “character image suggestion performance”) is started. Good too.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22(b), in a situation where the "accumulated points" have reached the "target points", if the player performs a specific operation (for example, operating the effect button 10a), "Character image suggestion ``Production'' (or ``Number of Image Suggestion Production'') is started.

On the other hand, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point", even if the player performs a specific operation (for example, operating the effect button 10a), the "number of image suggestion effects" (or the "character The "image suggestion performance") is not started, but when a specific performance (for example, reach performance, etc.) is performed, the "number of times image suggestion performance" (or "character image suggestion performance") is started.

In addition, "Character image suggestion performance" (or "Number of image suggestion performance") started when "Accumulated points" reached "Target points" will be started at the timing when "Accumulated points" reach "Change point". The process may be terminated, or may be terminated if the "second execution condition" is satisfied thereafter.

In addition, if a specific performance (for example, a reach performance) is performed in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point", the probability of "number of image suggestion performances" (or "character image suggestion performance") based on the specific performance is It may also be possible to start a performance. For example, if reach effect A is performed in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point", there is a 10% probability that the "number of image suggestion effects" (or "character image suggestion effects") will be started, If reach effect D is performed in a situation where the ``cumulative points'' have reached the ``change point'', there is an 80% probability that a ``number of image suggestion effect'' (or ``character image suggestion effect'') will be started. good.

In such modification example 2, the "accumulated points" have reached the "target points" but have not reached the "change points", and the "accumulated points" have reached the "target points" but have not reached the "change points". The conditions for starting the "character image suggestive performance" and the "number of times image suggestive performance" differ depending on the situation in which the character image has been reached. That is, one condition is "to perform a specific operation" and the other condition is "to perform a specific effect." For this reason, for a player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached", the situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target points" but has not reached the "change points" and the "cumulative points" are " In the situation where the player has reached the "target point" and has also reached the "change point," it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to mutually different conditions, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

H-3. Variation 3:
In addition, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target points", regardless of whether the "cumulative points" have reached the "change points", if the "first execution condition" is met, the "character image suggestion When a "second execution condition" different from the "first execution condition" is satisfied, the "number of image suggestion performance" may be started.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22(c), in a situation where the "accumulated points" have reached the "target points", the player cannot specify whether the "accumulated points" have reached the "change points" or not. Once the operation (for example, operation of the effect button 10a) is performed, the "character image suggestion effect" is started.

On the other hand, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target points", a specific performance (for example, reach performance, etc.) will be performed regardless of whether the "cumulative points" have reached the "change point". When it does, start the ``Number of Image Suggestions''.

Note that the "character image suggestion performance" that is started when the player performs a specific operation (for example, the operation of the performance button 10a) is executed once the "second execution condition" is satisfied (the number of times the image suggestion performance starts). It may be possible to terminate the process (if it occurs).

In addition, if a specific effect (for example, a reach effect) is performed in a situation where the ``cumulative points'' have reached the ``target point'', the probability based on the specific effect is that the ``number of image suggestion effects'' (or the ``character image suggestion effect'') is performed. It may also be possible to start a performance. For example, if reach effect A is performed in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target points", there is a 10% probability that the "number of image suggestion effects" will start, and the "cumulative points" will reach the "target points". If reach effect D is performed in a situation where the above is reached, the "number of times image suggestion effect" may be started with a probability of 80%.

In such modification example 3, in a situation where the "cumulative points" have reached the "target points", if a specific operation is performed, a "character image suggestion effect" will be executed, and if a reach effect is executed, a "number of image suggestion effects" will be executed. "Performance" is executed. Therefore, players who are expecting the "character image suggestion performance" to be performed can be made to perform a specific operation, and players who are expecting the "character image suggestion performance" to be performed can be made to perform a specific operation. It is possible to realize a novel gaming experience in which the players who are present are made to expect that the reach effect will be executed, and it is possible to increase their interest in the game.

In addition, in Modifications 2 to 4 (in a situation where the cumulative points have reached the target points or cumulative points), the execution conditions for performing the "character image suggestion performance" or the "number of times image suggestion performance" may be displayed. You can also use it as For example, the display screen of the effect display device 41 may display text such as ``Suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached if a specific operation is performed'' or ``Suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached if a reach effect is executed.'' good.

Further, "reach performance" can also be considered as "possibility suggestion performance" and "specific performance". Further, the "CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220" that executes the reach effect can also be regarded as a "effect execution means."

H-4. Modification example 4:
Next, modification 4 will be explained. In Modified Example 4, "accumulated points" are stored in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The points awarded to the player based on passing the "PG" are expressed as "first points." In addition, the "cumulative points" in the above-mentioned embodiment, in other words, the "cumulative points" in which the points given to the player when the game ball passes through the "point giving gate PG" are added (accumulated) and stored. This is expressed as the "first cumulative point."

That is, in modification example 4, as shown in FIG. 23(a), when the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG" during the setting of the non-electric support state, the "first point" is awarded to the player, The awarded "first points" are accumulated (added) and stored as "first cumulative points."

In addition to this, in Modification 4, when the reach effect is executed while the non-electric support state is set, "second points" are given to the player, and these "second points" are accumulated ( (additional points) and stored as "second accumulated points".

Then, as shown in FIG. 23(b), when the "first accumulated points" reach the "first target points", the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the "character image suggestion effect". Then, when the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" becomes 0 and the electric support state is set (when the non-electric support state ends), or when the jackpot game is executed (started), the "character image suggestion performance" end.

Further, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the "number of times image suggestion effect" when the "second accumulated points" reach the "second target points". Then, when the "remaining number of times reaching the ceiling" becomes 0 and the electric support state is set (when the non-electric support state ends), or when the jackpot game is executed (started), the "number of times image suggestion effect" is displayed. end.

Note that the "first target points" and "second target points" are set by performing the same process as the process for setting the "target points" in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the "first target points" and "second target points" may be set to the same value or different values. Further, at the setting timing of the non-electric support state, the "initial cumulative points" similar to those in the above-described embodiment are set as both the "first cumulative points" and the "second cumulative points".

In such modification 4, there are "first cumulative points" and "second cumulative points" as "accumulated points". Based on the fact that the "first cumulative points" reach the "first target points", it is also possible to suggest the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" (character image suggestion effect is executed), and the "second cumulative points" It is also possible to suggest the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" based on reaching the "second target point" (the number of times image suggestion effect is executed). For this reason, a player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is made to expect that the "first cumulative points" will be the "first target points", and the "second cumulative points" will be the "first target points". It is possible to realize a novel gameplay in which the player expects to reach the second target point, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, in modification 4, when the "first cumulative points" reach the "first target points", the "character image suggestion effect" is executed, and the "second cumulative points" reach the "second target points". If so, the ``number of times image suggestion effect'' is executed. In other words, ``a case where the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached is suggested based on the first cumulative point reaching the first target point'' and a case where ``a case where the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached is suggested based on the second cumulative point reaching the second target point'' It is possible to suggest the ``remaining number of times the ceiling is reached'' in different ways. For this reason, for players who expect the "remaining number of times to reach the ceiling" to be suggested (character image suggestion effect to be executed) in one mode (first mode), the "first cumulative The expectation is that the "points" will reach the "first target points," and the other mode (second mode) will suggest the "remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached" (the number of times image suggestion effect will be executed). For players who play the game, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that makes them look forward to their "second accumulated points" reaching the "second target points," making it possible to increase their interest in the game. .

Note that "the game ball passes through the point award gate PG" and "the reach effect is executed" can also be considered as "predetermined award conditions."

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope stated in each claim. The present invention extends to a range that can be easily replaced from those, and improvements can be added as appropriate based on the knowledge commonly possessed by those skilled in the art.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples, points given to the player (first point, second point), accumulated points (first accumulated point, second accumulated point), target points (first target point , second target point), or a change point may be suggested. For example, an image showing these points may be displayed at a corner of the display screen of the effect display device 41.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, if the "number of times image suggestion performance" is started while the "character image suggestion performance" is being executed, the "character image suggestion performance" is not terminated; It is also possible that the "character image suggestion performance" and the "number of times image suggestion performance" can be executed in parallel.

In addition, in the embodiments and modifications described above, points (first points, second points) are awarded when the game ball passes through the "point awarding gate PG" or when a reach effect is executed. However, various conditions can be adopted as conditions for awarding such points. For example, when a player pays money to a gaming hall, gaming machine manufacturer, etc., points may be awarded to the player.

Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, "accumulated points" are stored in association with the pachinko machine 1 (in the accumulated point storage area), but "accumulated points" are stored in association with the player. It may also be remembered. For example, "accumulated points" may be stored in a hall computer installed in a game hall in association with player identification information (player ID). When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs the various processes described above using the "accumulated points", the "accumulated points" may be read from the hall computer.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the "number of hits" is the number of consecutive "missing fluctuations", but the "number of hits" is not limited to this. It may also be the number of times that "variable display of a certain special symbol" has been performed consecutively. In other words, the electric support state may be set based on the consecutive number of times of "fluctuating display of special symbols that are either miss fluctuations or small hit fluctuations" (number of hits) reaching the "ceiling number". good. In addition, in the case of such a configuration, "missing fluctuations" and "small hit fluctuations" can be regarded as "non-jackpot fluctuations". Further, the "number of hits" may be the number of "small hit fluctuations". That is, the electric support state may be set based on the number of "small hit fluctuations" reaching the "ceiling number". In addition, in the case of such a configuration, "small hit fluctuation" can be regarded as "non-jackpot fluctuation".

Furthermore, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine 1 that gives a player a profit (gaming value) as a result of a game by paying out game balls supplied from an island facility in a game hall. The present invention is not limited to this, but can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that provides gaming profits in a form different from "paying out game balls". For example, by storing data that indicates the amount of profit (size of gaming value) corresponding to the entry of game balls into various ball entrances, it is possible to The present invention can also be applied to a type of pachinko machine that gives a player a value (value), and in this case, the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, as a type of pachinko machine that converts gaming profits (gaming value) into data and gives it to the player, there is a type of pachinko machine that circulates and uses multiple game balls built into the pachinko machine, specifically, An example of this is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return game balls ejected to the back side of a game board through various ball entrances or exit ports to a firing position and fire them.

<Game machines A1 to A7 that can be extracted from the above embodiments>
The pachinko machines of the above-described embodiments can also be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A7.

<Game machine A1>
<Summary>
Electrical support status can be set based on the number of jams reaching a specified number of times.
Based on the "cumulative points", it suggests "the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached, which is the number of remaining non-jackpot fluctuations until the number of hooks reaches the specified number".
<Claim format>
A special symbol variation means capable of performing a special symbol variation that is a variable display of a special symbol based on a game ball entering a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means capable of executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the special symbol variation is performed;
A game state setting means that can set a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a game ball enters the starting port more frequently than the non-electric support state as a gaming state;
Equipped with
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, it is possible to execute a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed,
In the gaming machine, the electric support state can be set based on the number of hooks, which is the number of non-jackpot fluctuations, reaching a specified number of times,
a point awarding means for awarding points to a player when a predetermined awarding condition is met;
a number suggesting means capable of suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached, which is the remaining number of non-jackpot fluctuations until the number of hits reaches the prescribed number;
Equipped with
The gaming machine is characterized in that the number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on cumulative points stored by accumulating the points given by the point giving means.

Normally, the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state) upon completion of the jackpot game. In this regard, in this gaming machine, the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state) when the "number of addictive times" reaches a specified number, so it can give the player a sense of surprise and increase the enjoyment of the game. It becomes possible to increase the

In addition, in such gaming machines, the player usually tries to determine the timing when the electric support state is set, and in order to recognize such timing, the player has to wait until the number of addictive times reaches the specified number of times. The remaining number of times the ceiling is reached, which is the number of remaining non-jackpot fluctuations, is determined. In this regard, in this gaming machine, points are awarded to the player when predetermined award conditions are met, and the ``remaining number of times the ceiling is reached'' is indicated based on the ``cumulative points'' in which the points are accumulated. . In this way, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay experience in which the player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" focuses on whether or not the predetermined awarding conditions are met and points are awarded. In addition, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to the "accumulated points", and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

<Game machine A2>
<Summary>
Dependent on gaming machine A1.
The predetermined awarding condition is established based on the game ball passing through the predetermined awarding area.
<Claim format>
In gaming machine A1,
A gaming machine characterized in that the predetermined awarding condition is established based on the game ball passing through a predetermined awarding area.

In such a gaming machine, points are awarded based on the game ball passing through a predetermined awarding area. In this way, players who expect to be awarded points to determine the "remaining number of times they reach the ceiling" can enjoy a novel gameplay experience in which they are forced to aim for the game ball to pass through a predetermined awarding area. This makes it possible to increase the interest in the game.

<Game machine A3>
<Summary>
Dependent on gaming machine A1 and gaming machine A2.
When the player performs a predetermined operation after the "cumulative points" reach the target point, the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" is indicated.
<Claim format>
In gaming machine A1 or gaming machine A2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached when a predetermined operation is performed by the player after the cumulative points reach the target points.

In such a gaming machine, when the player performs a predetermined operation after the "accumulated points" reach the target point, the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" is indicated. In this way, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay in which a player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the ceiling has been reached" is required to perform a predetermined operation when the "accumulated points" reach the target point. It is possible to increase interest.

<Game machine A4>
<Summary>
Dependent on gaming machine A1 and gaming machine A2.
When a specific performance is executed after the "cumulative points" reach the target points, the "remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached" will be indicated.
<Claim format>
In gaming machine A1 or gaming machine A2,
comprising a performance execution means capable of executing a possibility suggesting performance indicating the possibility that the jackpot game will be played;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a specific performance as the possibility suggesting performance,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached when the specific effect is executed after the cumulative points reach the target points.

In such a gaming machine, when a specific performance is executed after the "accumulated points" reach the target points, the "remaining number of times the player reaches the ceiling" is indicated. In this way, a novel gameplay feature is realized in which the player who is trying to determine the ``remaining number of times the ceiling is reached'' is forced to pay attention to whether or not a specific effect will be executed when the ``accumulated points'' reach the target point. This makes it possible to increase interest in the game.

<Game machine A5>
<Summary>
Dependent on gaming machine A1 and gaming machine A2.
In a state where the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is suggested, the manner in which the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is suggested can be changed based on the "cumulative points" reaching the change point.
<Claim format>
In gaming machine A1 or gaming machine A2,
In the state where the remaining number of reaching the ceiling is suggested, the number of times suggesting means can change the manner of suggesting the remaining number of reaching the ceiling based on the cumulative points reaching a change point. A gaming machine with special features.

In such a gaming machine, when the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is indicated, the manner in which the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is changed based on the "cumulative points" reaching the change point. It is possible. By doing this, in a state where the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" is being suggested, the "accumulated points" will be changed to the change point for the player who is expecting the suggested form of the "remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached" to change. It is possible to realize a novel gameplay in which the player expects to reach the goal, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

<Game machine A6>
<Summary>
Dependent on gaming machine A1.
The "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" can be suggested based on the "first cumulative points" reaching the first target points and the "second cumulative points" reaching the second target points.
<Claim format>
In gaming machine A1,
As the cumulative points, there are first cumulative points and second cumulative points,
The number of times suggesting means is capable of suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target point and the second accumulated points reaching the second target point. A gaming machine featuring:

In such a gaming machine, the "accumulated points" include "first accumulated points" and "second accumulated points." It is also possible to suggest the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" based on the "first cumulative points" reaching the first target points, and also based on the "second cumulative points" reaching the second target points. It is possible to suggest the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached". In this way, the player who is trying to determine the "remaining number of times the ceiling is reached" will be made to expect that the "first cumulative points" will be the first target points, and the "second cumulative points" will be the second target points. It is possible to realize a novel gameplay that makes the player expect to win points, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

<Game machine A7>
<Summary>
Dependent on gaming machine A6.
``When suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached based on the first cumulative point reaching the first target point'' and ``When suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling will be reached based on the second cumulative point reaching the second target point'' ”, it is possible to suggest the “remaining number of times the ceiling is reached” in different ways.
<Claim format>
In gaming machine A6,
The number-of-times suggestion means may suggest the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target point, and based on the second accumulated points reaching the second target point. The gaming machine is characterized in that the remaining number of times reaching the ceiling can be suggested in different ways depending on when the remaining number of times reaching the ceiling is suggested.

In such gaming machines, ``the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached is indicated based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target points'' and ``the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached is indicated based on the second accumulated points reaching the second target points''. It is possible to suggest the ``remaining number of times the ceiling is reached'' in different ways. In this way, players who are expecting the "remaining number of times to reach the ceiling" to be indicated in one mode (first mode) are made to expect that the first accumulated points will reach the first target points. Then, the player who expects to be informed of the "remaining number of times to reach the ceiling" in the other mode (second mode) is made to expect that the second accumulated points will reach the second target point. It is possible to realize novel gameplay and increase the interest in the game.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for the gaming machine used in the gaming hall.

1... Pachinko machine (game machine), 24... First starting opening, 25... Second starting opening, 28... Big winning opening, 35... Small winning opening, 38... Specific opening, 41... Performance display device, 50... Segment display Part, 200...Main control board, 201...CPU (special symbol variation means, jackpot game execution means, game state setting means), 202...ROM, 220...Sub control board, 221...CPU (point giving means, number of times suggestion means, performance execution means).

Claims (7)

A special symbol variation means capable of performing a special symbol variation that is a variable display of a special symbol based on a game ball entering a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means capable of executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the special symbol variation is performed;
A game state setting means that can set a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a game ball enters the starting port more frequently than the non-electric support state as a gaming state;
Equipped with
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, it is possible to execute a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed,
In the gaming machine, the electric support state can be set based on the number of hooks, which is the number of non-jackpot fluctuations, reaching a specified number of times,
a point awarding means for awarding points to a player when a predetermined awarding condition is met;
a number suggesting means capable of suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached, which is the remaining number of non-jackpot fluctuations until the number of hits reaches the prescribed number;
Equipped with
The gaming machine is characterized in that the number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on cumulative points stored by accumulating the points given by the point giving means. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine characterized in that the predetermined awarding condition is established based on the game ball passing through a predetermined awarding area. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached when a predetermined operation is performed by the player after the cumulative points reach the target points. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
comprising a performance execution means capable of executing a possibility suggesting performance indicating the possibility that the jackpot game will be played;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a specific performance as the possibility suggesting performance,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the number-of-times suggestion means suggests the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached when the specific effect is executed after the cumulative points reach the target points. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
In the state where the remaining number of reaching the ceiling is suggested, the number of times suggesting means can change the manner of suggesting the remaining number of reaching the ceiling based on the cumulative points reaching a change point. A gaming machine with special features. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The cumulative points include first cumulative points and second cumulative points,
The number of times suggesting means is capable of suggesting the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target point and the second accumulated points reaching the second target point. A gaming machine featuring: In the gaming machine according to claim 6,
The number-of-times suggestion means may suggest the remaining number of times the ceiling is reached based on the first accumulated points reaching the first target point, and based on the second accumulated points reaching the second target point. The gaming machine is characterized in that the remaining number of times reaching the ceiling can be suggested in different ways depending on when the remaining number of times reaching the ceiling is suggested.

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