JP2023173962A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that enables reduction of a risk in which players might undergo disadvantages due to an opening state of a discharging port.SOLUTION: A game machine is provided, including: a shooting device for shooting game balls; a game ball storage space that is a space for storing game balls sequentially shot by the shooting device and where a discharging port is provided from which stored game balls can be discharged; and display means capable of displaying a caution image urging players to be cautious, if a predetermined display condition is satisfied in an open state where the discharging port is opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

The game machine is provided with a space (a firing storage space) in which game balls fired from a firing device are stored. The firing storage space is provided with an extraction port for extracting game balls (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP2020-081467A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the risk that a player will suffer a disadvantage due to the exit opening being in an open state.

A gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, includes a firing device that fires game balls, and a space that stores the game balls that are sequentially fired by the firing device, and from which the stored game balls are extracted. A game ball storage space provided with an ejection port that allows the player to take out the game ball, and when the ejection port is in an open state and a predetermined display condition is satisfied, a caution image is displayed to call the player's attention. The present invention is characterized by comprising a display means capable of.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a player will suffer a disadvantage due to the exit opening being in an open state.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (a) is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the big prize area in a unit game (unit game that constitutes a jackpot game) with the bonus area closed, and (b) is a diagram with the bonus area open. It is a schematic diagram showing the state inside the big winning area in the unit game (small winning game) in . It is a diagram showing decorative symbols and reserved symbols displayed in the display area. It is a diagram for explaining the gaming nature (transition of gaming state) of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a diagram for explaining a special performance normally performed in the first game state (first chance). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2 (another example from FIG. 7). FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. (a) is a schematic diagram of the firing storage space seen from above ((a-1) is the exit port closed state, (a-2) is the exit port open state), and (b) is the exit port open state. It is a diagram showing how the number of game balls stored in the firing storage space decreases (limited to the downstream space) when the ball is in the firing storage space. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a caution image that is not displayed when the extraction port is in the closed state (a) but may be displayed when the extraction port is in the open state (b). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1-1 (extracted state). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-6. It is a diagram for explaining specific effects. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining volume adjustment (volume image). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1-2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3.

1) Basic configuration of gaming machine Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, unless otherwise specified, various images in the following description include not only still images but also moving images. In addition, when it is said that "a game ball enters ○○ (winning)", strictly speaking, it means that a sensor provided in the concerned ○○ has detected a game ball that has entered.

The overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 (see FIG. 1) will be briefly described. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The game board 90 is formed of approximately square plywood, and the guide rail 903, which constitutes a path for guiding the game ball fired by operating the firing device 908 (launching handle) to the gaming area 902, has a roughly arc shape. It is set up like this. The gaming area 902 is provided with a starting area 904, a big winning area 906, an out exit 907, and the like.

A display area 911 of the display device 91 is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. Note that in some of the figures, the shape of the display area 911 exposed without being covered by the game board 90 is shown in a simplified manner (described as a rectangle), but the size and shape of the part can be changed as appropriate. be.

Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the manner in which the game balls flow down when they collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes into various modes depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a gaming machine 1, a game ball is fired toward the gaming area 902 by operating the firing device 908. When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 enters a winning area such as a starting area 904 or a big winning area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by a payout device.

2) Game performance (specs, etc.)
2-1) Win/fail lottery (special design lottery)
When the game ball enters the starting area 904, a numerical value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as lottery information) is obtained from a random number source. A win/fail lottery (generally referred to as a special symbol (special pattern) lottery, etc.) is executed using the numerical value. Basically, similarly to well-known gaming machines, the numerical value is compared with a predetermined numerical value for determination (a winning/failure lottery table), and a winning/failure lottery result is derived. Further, the numerical value is also used when determining what kind of performance to perform as a fluctuating performance (described later).

In this embodiment, a first starting area 904a and a second starting area 904b located at a different position from the first starting area 904a are provided as the starting area 904. The first lottery information is acquired when the game ball enters the first starting area 904a, and the first lottery (special drawing 1 lottery) is executed based on the first lottery information. The second lottery information is acquired when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b, and the second lottery (special figure 2 lottery) is executed based on the second lottery information. The first starting area 904a is an area into which the game ball enters by launching the game ball so as to flow down the left side of the game area 902 (the left side of the display area 911) (performing what is called "left-handed hitting"). The second starting area 904b is an area into which the game ball enters by launching the game ball so as to flow down the right side of the game area 902 (the right side of the display area 911) (performing a so-called "right hit"). In this embodiment, the game ball does not enter the first starting area 904a when "hitting right", and the game ball does not enter the second starting area 904b when "hitting left". is set to not.

In this embodiment, a "win" may occur as a result of the first lottery. Here, in this embodiment, all "wins" that occur as a result of the first win/fail lottery are considered to be "big wins", and "small wins" do not occur. However, although a "small win" may occur as a result (part of a win) of the first win/fail lottery, if the first win/fail lottery is followed, it is effectively possible to obtain a "big win via the small win" (details will be described later). A configuration that is considered impossible may be used. That is, in the case of a small win after the first win/fail lottery, the opening time of the privilege area 10 may be extremely short, and it may be configured such that it is virtually impossible to enter the privilege area 10 with a game ball. The jackpot probability of the first lottery in this embodiment is approximately 1/319.

Furthermore, if the result of the first lottery is not a "win" (in this embodiment, a jackpot), it is possible to win "suddenly" ("suddenly" is an abbreviation for "sudden time saving"). It should be noted that an "unexpected" win is not included in the concept of a "win" win in which a small winning game or a jackpot game (described later) in which the big prize area 906 is opened ("unexpected" winning) is executed. ” is a result of a lottery that is different from winning a “win”). The "sudden" election corresponds to the acquisition of the right to transition to a state. The state transition right is the right to cause a game state transition (transition to high opening/closing mode) without going through a small winning game or a big winning game. Incidentally, if the configuration is such that there is no chance of an accidental winning (acquiring the state transition right) at the same time as a jackpot, the jackpot lottery and the sudden lottery may be performed separately. For example, a jackpot lottery may be performed based on the first lottery information, and when the jackpot is not a jackpot, an unexpected lottery may be executed by another lottery based on the first lottery information. Further, although a jackpot and an unexpected lottery are performed together, if a jackpot and an unexpected lottery are won at the same time, the jackpot may be given priority. In any case, from the player's perspective, the outcome of the lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting area (first starting area 904a) is set as an ``sudden event'' (winning). (No matter what lottery method is used, it is sufficient to ensure that there is a predetermined probability of winning at random).

In this embodiment, "emergency A" and "emergency B" are provided as emergency winning modes (state transition right modes). The winning of "Emergency A" is to acquire the state transition right A to shift to the special first gaming state (details will be described later). Winning “Emergency B” means acquiring state transition right B to transition to the second gaming state (details will be described later).

In this embodiment, a "win" may occur as a result of the second lottery. Here, in this embodiment, the "win" that occurs as a result of the second lottery is defined as a "big win" or a "small win." In this embodiment, the probability of jackpot in the second lottery is approximately 1/319 (same as the probability of jackpot in the first lottery), and the probability of small win in the second lottery is approximately 316/319. It is considered an outlier. It should be noted that a configuration may be adopted in which there is no difference in the results of the second lottery (all results are big wins or small wins). In addition, in this embodiment, an "emergency" does not occur as a result of the second lottery. In other words, the game state does not change without winning a "win".

2-2) Winning Game If a jackpot is won, a jackpot game is executed. In addition, in order to distinguish it from a jackpot (game) via a small win, which will be described in detail later, a jackpot win is sometimes referred to as a "direct win." A jackpot game refers to a unit game (so-called one "round" game) in which the jackpot area 906 (normally closed) is opened until a predetermined condition is met. In the following explanation, it will be referred to as a "round". ) is repeated one or more times. In this embodiment, the unit game ends when either the winning condition that 10 game balls enter the big winning area 906 or the time condition that a predetermined time elapses is satisfied (the big winning area 906 is closed). do. If the game ball is continuously fired toward the big winning area 906, the winning condition is established before the time condition is satisfied. As the number of unit games (number of rounds) included in a jackpot game increases, the profit (expected value of profit) of the player obtained in the jackpot game increases. In this embodiment, the big prize area 906 is provided on the right side of the gaming area 902 (see FIG. 1), and the player plays the game so that the game ball enters the right side of the gaming area 902 (so-called "right-handed hitting"). conduct).

If a small win is won, a small win game is executed. In the small winning game, the big winning area 906 is opened and the privilege area 10 (see FIG. 2) provided in the big winning area 906 is opened. The letter "V" is attached near the bonus area 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the "V" is used to indicate the bonus area 10 to the player. The privilege area 10 is normally closed, but it is temporarily opened when a small win is won. In addition, two exit areas are provided in the big winning area 906, and the game ball that enters the big winning area 906 will pass through either of the two exit areas. One of the two exit areas is designated as the privilege area 10 (see FIG. 2). A sensor is provided in each of the exit areas, and a game ball that passes through any of the exit areas is treated as having won a prize in the big winning area 906. In other words, the game ball that has entered the bonus area 10 has also entered the big winning area 906.

When the game ball enters the privilege area 10, a jackpot game is executed. In other words, it is possible not only to win a jackpot through a lottery, but also to win a jackpot through a small win (in order to win a jackpot, one game ball only needs to enter the privilege area 10). Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the privilege area 10 is provided outside the big winning area 906.

A small winning game can also be viewed as a unit game corresponding to one round of a jackpot game obtained through the small winning game. For example, a 10-round jackpot via a small win (a jackpot in which a unit game is executed 10 times) means that a small win game (a game in which the big prize area 906 is released and the bonus area 10 is also released) is the first round. As a game, the opening of the big winning area 906, which is executed as a subsequent jackpot game, is executed as a game in the 2nd to 9th rounds (if the game ball does not enter the bonus area 10, the opening of the big winning area 906 is executed as a subsequent jackpot game). The eye game is not executed and the game ends with only a small winning game). Like the unit games that constitute the jackpot game, the small win game ends when at least one of the time condition and winning condition (10 prizes in this embodiment) is satisfied. If you continuously fire game balls, the winning conditions will be met first, so in a small winning game you can get the same prize balls as in a single unit game. Note that the number of unit games (number of rounds) included in the various jackpot games may be any number, so the explanation will be omitted.

In this embodiment, when a small win is won, the bonus area 10 is opened together with the big prize area 906, but the time is long enough for the game ball to enter the bonus area 10. Secured. The bonus area 10 is provided on the right side of the gaming area 902, and in order to cause the game ball to enter the bonus area 10, the player must hit the ball to the right.If the player continues to hit the ball to the right, the player will almost certainly hit the bonus. A game ball enters the area 10 (see FIG. 2(b)). When winning a small hit, an instruction to execute the right hit is displayed in the display area 911, so the player only has to follow the instruction. The game ball is set to almost certainly enter the privilege area 10 even if the player starts hitting the ball to the right more than 10 seconds after the instruction is issued. In this way, in this embodiment, the setting is essentially that "small win = big win" (small win leads to big win). In addition, in this embodiment, the privilege area 10 is in a closed state (see FIG. 2(a)) in a unit game that constitutes a jackpot game other than a small win game.

A gaming machine like the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, which has the possibility of winning a jackpot not only when winning a jackpot but also when winning a small jackpot, is called a "mixed machine of one kind and two" (small winning machine). Obtaining a jackpot via this method is a "two-way" type of gameplay).

2-3) Decorative Patterns The winning/failure lottery result is notified by the decorative pattern 80 (see FIG. 3) displayed in the display area 911. In this embodiment, three decorative pattern groups 80g each including a plurality of types of decorative patterns 80 are set. Specifically, the left decorative pattern group 80gL displayed on the left side of the display area 911, the right decorative pattern group 80gR displayed on the right side, and the medium decoration displayed between the left decorative pattern group 80gL and the right decorative pattern group 80gR. There are three in the pattern group 80gC. A lottery result is announced based on a combination of three decorative patterns 80 selected and displayed from each decorative pattern group 80g. The effect from when the three decorative symbol groups 80g start to fluctuate to when the variation stops and the combination representing the lottery result is displayed is a fluctuating performance (hereinafter simply referred to as "fluctuation", "rotation", etc.) ). Note that in some drawings, illustration of the decorative pattern 80 is omitted. In this embodiment, decorative patterns 80 that include the same numbers are considered to be the same type of decorative pattern 80 (those that include different types of numbers are different types).

In this embodiment, when winning a jackpot or a small jackpot, three sets of decorative symbols 80 of the same type are displayed. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the setting is essentially that "small win = jackpot win", so regardless of whether the winning is a jackpot or a small win, it is a "winning combination". Three sets of decorative patterns 80 of the same type are displayed.

Note that a symbol (separate symbol) other than the decorative symbol 80 may be displayed, and a jackpot or small win may be indicated by the symbol. The separate symbol may be displayed in a small size near the outer edge of the display area 911, or may be displayed outside the display area 911 (a lighting pattern of a lamp or the like displayed outside the display area 911). good. However, the appearance of the different symbols when winning a jackpot or small win is not patterned so that the winning mode can be easily distinguished, so it is difficult to determine the specific content of the win or failure from the different symbols. . Therefore, a normal player (a player who plays the game by looking at the decorative symbols 80 without looking at other symbols, etc.) can play the decorative symbols 80 or the display area 911 without being aware of the appearance of the other symbols. The player can enjoy the game by watching the various performances and the like being executed.

On the other hand, if it is a loss, a combination of decorative symbols 80 other than the above-mentioned "winning combination" (a loss combination) is displayed. Also, in the event of an "accidental" win, a combination of decorative symbols 80 other than the "winning combination" is displayed. In other words, the "sudden" winning (acquisition of state transition rights) is not indicated by the combination of decorative symbols 80. However, in this embodiment, the display area 911 determines whether or not you have won "Sudden B" in the "first chance" (described later) (whether you have acquired the state transition right B). This will be notified by a special effect (an image other than the decorative pattern 80 displayed in the display area 911). It should be noted that a separate symbol as described above may be used to indicate whether or not "Sudden B" has been won. In addition, as such separate symbols, separate symbols for jackpots and small wins (jackpot symbol, small prize symbol) and other symbols for unexpected situations (time-saving symbol) may be prepared. However, as described above, a normal player can grasp the presence or absence of a jackpot or small win, or the presence or absence of an unexpected win, from the decorative pattern 80 and other images displayed in the display area 911.

2-4) Hold When the game ball enters the first starting area 904a and new first lottery information is acquired, the fluctuating performance corresponding to the first lottery information acquired earlier is executed. (when the decorative pattern 80 is changing), the new first lottery information is stored in a storage means (not shown) as pending information (pending). In this embodiment, the maximum number of pieces of first reservation information (special map 1 reservation) acquired as the first lottery information is four.

In a first game state (described later) in which a game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a, the first reservation information stored in the storage means may be displayed as a reservation symbol 70 (Fig. (See 3). In this embodiment, the pending symbols 70 are divided into pending symbols 71 during fluctuation and pending symbols 72 before fluctuation. The fluctuating pending symbol 71 indicates the existence of lottery information in which the fluctuating performance for the corresponding win/fail lottery result has not started, but the notification of the win/fail lottery result has not been completed (the fluctuating performance has not ended). It shows. Although the lottery information does not strictly correspond to pending information, it is generally referred to as "the floating pending" etc., so the symbol indicating the existence of the lottery information is replaced with the floating pending symbol 71. shall be. The pre-fluctuation pending symbol 72 indicates the existence of lottery information (suspended information) in which the fluctuating production for the corresponding winning/failure lottery result has not been started.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second lottery information is not stored as reservation information (special drawing 2 reservation=0). However, this does not negate a configuration in which the second lottery information is also stored as pending information (with such specifications). When the second lottery information is stored as pending information, the pending information may be displayed as the pending symbol 70.

When the fluctuating performance based on the second lottery information is being executed, the fluctuating performance based on the first lottery information is not executed (the first lottery information is stored in the storage means as first pending information). In other words, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called special drawing 2 priority play (the result of the second lottery is notified preferentially).

2-5) Game state The game state in which the player plays with the aim of winning a jackpot (launching the game ball aiming at the starting area 904) can be roughly divided into a first game state and a second game state (Fig. (see 4). The first game state is a game state in which the game ball should be fired aiming at the first starting area 904a (so-called "left-handed hitting" should be performed). If the player plays "right-handed" in the first game state, the player will not be able to enjoy the profits as expected (the benefits that can be enjoyed will be significantly lower than when "left-handed" is played). ), if it is detected that the player is hitting the ball right-handed, the player is warned to play the ball left-handed. On the other hand, the second game state is a game state in which the game ball should be fired aiming at the second starting area 904b (so-called "right-handed hitting" should be performed). If the player plays "left-handed" in the second gaming state, the player will not be able to enjoy the profits as intended (the benefits that can be enjoyed will be significantly lower than when "right-handed"). ), if it is detected that the player is hitting the ball left-handed, a warning is given to hit the player right-handed.

The first gaming state is divided into a normal first gaming state and a special first gaming state (see FIG. 4). Normally, the first gaming state is a state in which a low opening/closing mode (details will be described later) is set. The special first gaming state is a state in which a high opening/closing mode (details will be described later) is set. Note that the second gaming state is a state in which the high opening/closing mode is set. Among the normal first gaming state, special first gaming state, and second gaming state, the special first gaming state is the most disadvantageous gaming state for the player, and the second gaming state is the most advantageous gaming state for the player. be.

2-6) Opening/closing mode, opening lottery There are a low opening/closing mode and a high opening/closing mode as opening/closing modes (see Figure 4). The low opening/closing mode and the high opening/closing mode differ in the ease with which the second starting region 904b (see FIG. 1) is opened. The second starting area 904b is an area that is normally closed (game balls cannot enter when it is closed), and an open lottery (appropriate or not) that is executed when a game ball enters the starting area 904. This is a lottery that is different from the lottery (special symbol lottery), and is generally referred to as the regular lottery, the ordinary symbol (ordinary symbol) lottery, etc.). area).

The open lottery is executed based on a numerical value (open lottery information) obtained when a game ball enters the normal area 905. In this embodiment, one or more left normal areas 905L are provided on the left side of the gaming area 902, and one or more right normal areas 905R are provided on the right side (see FIG. 1). If you hit to the left, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the left normal area 905L (although there is no possibility that the game ball will enter the right normal area 905R), and if you hit to the right (there is no possibility that the game ball will enter the right normal area 905R). Although there is no possibility that a game ball will enter the normal area 905L, there is a possibility that a game ball will enter the right normal area 905R. In other words, the configuration is such that there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the normal area 905 regardless of whether the ball is hit to the left or right.

The method of notifying the success or failure of the open lottery can be performed in the same manner as in a general gaming machine, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, notification is made by a lighting pattern of a lamp provided outside the display area 911 (the lighting pattern of the lamp corresponds to a "normal symbol"). In addition, if a game ball newly enters the normal area 905 while the notification of the result of the open lottery has not been completed (while the normal symbols are changing), the open lottery information is stored in a storage means (not shown). . In this embodiment, the maximum number of stored pieces of open lottery information is four (maximum value of normal symbol retention=4).

Although a winning/failure lottery is not executed (no lottery information is acquired) when a game ball enters, a general winning area is provided in which a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In the present embodiment, the general winning area provided at a position that can be entered when the player shoots a game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a (when hitting left-handed) is the left normal area 905L. (See Figure 1). In other words, the winning of a game ball in the general winning area is an opportunity for an open lottery. That is, upon detection of winning of game balls in the general winning area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out and an open lottery is executed. In this embodiment, there are provided a plurality of general winning areas into which the game ball can enter when the ball is hit to the left, all of which are the left normal area 905L. A configuration may be adopted in which only a part of the plurality of general winning areas is set as the left normal area 905L.

In this embodiment, the right normal area 905R is not a general winning area. In other words, even if a game ball enters the right normal area 905R, a prize ball will not be paid out. In this embodiment, by hitting the ball to the right, the game ball relatively easily enters the right normal area 905R. Specifically, the probability that a game ball will enter the left normal area 905L when hitting left-handed (the expected value of the number of game balls that will enter the left normal area 905L if 100 balls are fired with left-handed hitting) , the probability that a game ball will enter the right normal area 905R when hitting right is higher (the expected value of the number of game balls that will enter the right normal area 905R if 100 balls are fired when hitting right).

The right normal area 905R in this embodiment is a "gate"-like mode (so-called "through") through which the game ball passes through and flows down the gaming area 902, and the left normal area 905R is like a "gate" where the game ball that enters is taken inside. This area is different from the area 905L (general winning area) (see FIG. 1). In a general gaming machine, the area that is the trigger for the opening lottery (the trigger for opening the electric chew) is shaped like the right normal area 905R, and the area that is shaped like the left normal area 905L. Not normal. Therefore, it can be said that not many players consider the left normal area 905L to be an area that triggers an open lottery (usually it is considered to be an area that only functions as a general winning area).

The probability of winning the open lottery when the high open/close mode is set is higher than the probability of winning the open lottery when the low open/close mode is set. The probability of winning the open lottery when the low opening/closing mode is set may be 0%. Furthermore, the probability of winning the open lottery when the high opening/closing mode is set may be 100%. Therefore, basically, the game ball enters the second starting area 904b (starting area 904) more easily when the high opening/closing mode is set than when the low opening/closing mode is set. This can be said to be advantageous for players. However, although the special first game state is a high opening/closing mode, it is not a state in which the game ball easily enters the second starting area 904b. Specifically, the special first gaming state is a state in which it is easier to win the open lottery compared to the normal first gaming state, but even if you win the open lottery, the time period during which the second starting area 904b is opened is is extremely short, and it is virtually impossible to enter the game ball into the second starting area 904b in the special first game state. Therefore, the first special game state is a state in which the player should play left-handed (hitting right would be disadvantageous for the player). In other words, although the special first game state is a high opening/closing mode in which the second starting area 904b is easily opened, it is virtually impossible to receive its benefits (benefits due to opening the second starting area 904b). The appearance (from the player's perspective) is the same as the normal first gaming state. Note that even when winning the opening lottery in the first gaming state, the time during which the second starting area 904b is opened is extremely short, and it is virtually impossible to enter the game ball into the second starting area 904b. There is.

In this way, although it is virtually impossible to enter the game ball into the second starting area 904b in the special first gaming state, it is strictly a "high opening/closing mode" (time saving state), and the special first gaming state is Since one game state is a game state in which the game ball should be "hit to the left," it is necessary to provide a normal region 905 in an area into which a game ball hit to the left can enter. Even though it is in "high opening/closing mode", it is against the rules (regulations regarding gaming machine certification and model verification, etc.) to have a configuration in which you cannot receive an open lottery in the recommended firing mode (left-handed firing). Therefore, even if you cannot benefit from the high opening/closing mode, it is necessary to be able to receive the opening lottery in the recommended firing mode. However, if an area (for example, a gate-shaped area such as the right normal area 905R) that clearly triggers an opening lottery is provided on the left side of the gaming area 902, an opening lottery will be held even when the player is left-handed, and the game ball will enter the game ball. There is a risk that the player may think that the second starting area 904b may be opened to the extent possible (that is, he or she may be needlessly conscious of the second starting area 904b). As in this embodiment, by configuring the general winning area into which entered game balls are taken in to also serve as the left normal area 905L, an area that becomes an opportunity for an open lottery is provided on the left side of the gaming area 902. If it is, it will be difficult for the player to notice.

2-7) Types of jackpots In this embodiment, the types of jackpots are set as normal jackpot (non-specific jackpot) and specific jackpot (see FIG. 4). Note that the jackpot mentioned here includes not only what can be won directly but also what can be won via small wins. Further, the number of rounds for each jackpot may be any number, so a description thereof will be omitted. It may be configured such that two or more types of normal jackpots with different numbers of rounds are set, or two or more types of specific jackpots with different numbers of rounds may be set.

A normal jackpot is a jackpot in which the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game becomes a special first gaming state. The specific jackpot is a jackpot in which the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game becomes the second gaming state. Since the second gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the first special gaming state, if we focus on the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game, the specific jackpot is more advantageous to the player than the normal jackpot. It can be said that it was a big hit.

2-8) Flow of the Game Although it overlaps in part with the above explanation, the flow of the game (transition of game state) according to this embodiment will be explained. In the initial state after a predetermined reset operation is performed (after the reset condition is satisfied), the first gaming state is normally set (see FIG. 4). Note that the reset operation can be performed by the game store (game store staff), and cannot be performed by the player. In this embodiment, the RAM clear operation corresponds to the reset operation, and power OFF/ON is not the reset operation. However, the setting may be such that turning the power OFF/ON is a reset operation.

Normally, in the first game state, the player plays a left-handed game. Triggered by the game ball entering the first starting area 904a, first lottery information is acquired, and a first win/fail lottery (special drawing 1 lottery) based on the first lottery information is executed. Here, in this embodiment, the lottery executed based on the first acquisition of the first lottery information (initial winning of the first starting area 904a) in the normal gaming state is regarded as the "first chance". There is. Specifically, it is as follows.

The probability of winning a jackpot in the first lottery based on the first lottery information is approximately 1/319. In other words, you almost never win the jackpot. In this embodiment, if the jackpot is not won in the first lottery in the first normal gaming state, the jackpot is always won "suddenly". In other words, if the player does not win the jackpot of approximately 1/319 in the "first chance", the state transition right will be acquired without exception. The distribution (ratio) of the "emergency" is 90% for emergency A (acquisition of state transition right A) and 10% for emergency B (acquisition of state transition right B) (Figure 4 reference). If you win the accidental A, you will go to the special first gaming state, and if you win the accidental B, you will move to the second gaming state, so you can win a jackpot of about 1/319 with the "first chance". If you do not win, you will be transferred to the special first gaming state or the second gaming state with a 9:1 distribution (ratio).

In this embodiment, in the "first chance for a spin" (first fluctuating performance) in the first normal gaming state, a performance (special performance) exclusively for the first chance is executed (see FIG. 5). The special performance leads to an advantageous outcome indicating that the situation is advantageous to the player, or an unfavorable outcome indicating that the situation is disadvantageous to the player, which is the outcome when the advantageous outcome is not achieved. The advantageous outcomes include special advantageous outcomes and normal advantageous outcomes. Normally, if the first spin in the first game state is a jackpot (approximately 1/319 win), a special advantageous outcome will be obtained and the jackpot will be announced (see FIG. 5(b)). Since it is a jackpot win, the jackpot combination of decorative symbols 80 is also displayed at the special advantageous ending. Although the first spin is not a jackpot, if you suddenly win B (if you acquire state transition right B), you will be notified that you will normally have an advantageous outcome and will be transferred to the second gaming state (see Figure 5). c). In this embodiment, the second gaming state is called "○○RUSH", so if the outcome is usually advantageous, an image indicating that the state will shift to "○○RUSH" is displayed in the display area 911. Ru. On the other hand, if you do not win in case B, that is, if you win in case A (if you acquire state transition right A), you will find that you have reached an unfortunate situation with an unfavorable outcome (second game state (see FIG. 5(d)). Note that the normal advantageous ending and unfavorable ending are cases in which the jackpot is not won, so the combination of the decorative symbols 80 is a combination other than the jackpot combination.

In the special first gaming state, the player plays a left-handed game as in the normal first gaming state. Triggered by the game ball entering the first starting area 904a, first lottery information is acquired, and a first win/fail lottery (special drawing 1 lottery) based on the first lottery information is executed. Here, since the special first gaming state is already in the high opening/closing mode (although it cannot benefit from it), it is a state in which the right to transition to the high opening/closing mode is not acquired. That is, in the special first gaming state, if the jackpot is not won, the player will not "accidentally" win and shift to the second gaming state (acquire the state transition right B). The high opening/closing mode of the special first gaming state will continue until you lose 10,000 times in a row, so in effect it will continue until the next jackpot (about 1/319 not winning will not occur 10,000 times in a row) (virtually impossible). Therefore, the transition of the gaming state from the special first gaming state does not occur unless a jackpot is won. It should be noted that even if a player wins in an "unexpected situation", the configuration may be such that the player can win in the special first gaming state as long as the game state is not shifted accordingly. In short, the special first gaming state only needs to be such that the state transition right when a jackpot is not won cannot be acquired.

The distribution of jackpots obtained through the first lottery in the first gaming state (normal first gaming state (one lottery) and special first gaming state) is 50% for normal jackpots and 50% for specific jackpots. (See Figure 4). That is, when a jackpot is won in the first gaming state, after the end of the jackpot game, there is a 50% probability that the player will shift to the special first gaming state, and a 50% probability that he will shift to the second gaming state.

In the second gaming state, the player plays a right-handed game. An opening lottery is executed when a game ball enters the right normal area 905R, and a second starting area 904b is opened when the game ball enters the right normal area 905R. The opening time of the second starting area 904b is long (overwhelmingly longer than the opening time of the second starting area 904b when winning the opening lottery in the special first game state), so you can continue to hit right. If so, the game ball enters the second starting area 904b relatively easily. The second lottery information is acquired when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b. If you win a jackpot through the second lottery (special drawing 2 lottery) based on the second lottery information (second lottery information) (if you win a jackpot via a direct win or a small win), a jackpot game will be executed. be done. The distribution of jackpots (including via small wins) obtained through the second lottery in the second gaming state is 20% for normal jackpots and 80% for specific jackpots (see FIG. 4). That is, when a jackpot is won in the second gaming state, after the end of the jackpot game, there is a 20% probability that the player will shift to the special first gaming state, and an 80% probability that he will shift to the second gaming state.

In the second gaming state, the high opening/closing mode (time saving state) continues until the lottery result becomes a loss 100 times in a row (number of times of continuation = 100 times). As mentioned above, the probability of winning the jackpot in the second lottery is approximately 1/319 (same as the probability of winning the jackpot in the first lottery), and the probability of small winning in the second lottery is approximately 316/319. 317/319 is associated with winning a jackpot (the actual jackpot probability is about 317/319). Therefore, it is virtually impossible for 100 consecutive failures (approximately 2/319 to occur 100 times in a row). In other words, the second gaming state is a state in which the next big hit (including a small hit) is virtually guaranteed. Then, 80% of the jackpots obtained through the second lottery are specific jackpots, and after the jackpot game ends, the game will go back to the second gaming state, so there is an 80% probability that the player will be in the second gaming state. The gameplay is that the numbers are looped (playing successive games). In addition, in the second lottery in the second gaming state, a configuration in which no losses occur (a configuration in which the actual jackpot probability is 1/1) may be adopted.

If the jackpot obtained in the second gaming state is a normal jackpot, after the jackpot game ends, the game will move to the special first gaming state (see Figure 4), so a left-handed game will be played, and the first win/fail lottery will be held. He will once again aim to win the jackpot after going through this process.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, there is a possibility that the state transition right can be acquired if the jackpot is not won in the first win/fail lottery in the first gaming state, and this is the state transition right. If it is B, the player moves to the second gaming state, which is the most advantageous gaming state (top state). Normally, the first gaming state is a state that transitions to after a predetermined reset operation performed by the game parlor, so an interesting gaming experience is realized in which there is a chance to transition to the second gaming state immediately after the opening of the store (the so-called first-in-the-morning state). Ru.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the state transition right B cannot be acquired, the state transition right A will be acquired and the transition will be made to the special first gaming state, so from then on, you will have to win the jackpot. If so, it becomes impossible to shift to the second gaming state. In this way, if the state transition right B cannot be acquired, the state transition right A will be acquired without exception and the transition will be made to the special first gaming state, so the player will be able to move from the normal first gaming state to the second gaming state. This means that there is only one chance to migrate.

In addition, in this embodiment, after the jackpot game acquired through the first win/fail lottery or the second win/fail lottery ends, although there is a possibility of transitioning to the special first game state or the second game state, There is no possibility of transitioning to the gaming state. By doing so, the gaming experience is such that the opportunity to benefit from being in the normal first gaming state (the chance to obtain the state transition right B) is limited after the reset operation is performed. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a gaming experience in which the player does not suffer any loss even if he or she stops playing the game immediately after the end of the jackpot game (so-called quitting the game immediately).

In this embodiment, the probability that the state transition right acquired in the "first chance" is state transition right B is 10% (the probability that it is state transition right A is 90%). In other words, the "first chance" is a chance to acquire the state transition right B at a rate of 1/10. The probability can be set as appropriate.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, modifying, embodying, etc. the matters related to the above-mentioned gameplay will be explained. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of items described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

○Specific example 1-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that if you do not win a jackpot in the normal first gaming state, you will always win suddenly, but even if you do not win a jackpot, you will suddenly win. The configuration may not be limited.

For example, the probability of a jackpot in the first game state is usually about 1/319, the probability of a sudden hit is about 50/319, and the others (about 268/319) are misses (neither jackpot nor sudden). ) (see Figure 6). If the result of the first win/fail lottery is a loss, the gaming state does not shift and the first gaming state is normally maintained. In other words, if the jackpot is not won, the normal first gaming state will continue until the jackpot is won at about 50/319. By doing this, the chance to acquire the transition to the second gaming state (acquire the state transition right B) is not limited to "only one spin" as in the above embodiment, but (if you do not win the jackpot) ) A game feature that continues until you suddenly win is realized. In other words, instead of deciding whether to move to the second gaming state or the special first gaming state by just one spin, you can expect to move to the second gaming state until you suddenly win. , the gameplay is such that the player will normally play the game for a relatively long time in the first gaming state.

○Specific example 1-2
In addition to or in place of the reset operation as in the above embodiment, another condition may be set as the condition for transitioning to the normal first gaming state. For example, the configuration is such that the normal first gaming state is entered after the normal jackpot game ends (see FIG. 7). By doing this, the player is given a chance to acquire the transition to the second gaming state (state transition right B) after the end of the normal jackpot game. It can be said that it is an unfortunate event for the player that the jackpot he has taken the trouble to obtain is not a specific jackpot but a normal jackpot, but even in the case of such a normal jackpot, there is no chance to move to the second gaming state. The gameplay is realized. In addition, if the game is to be such that the player does not suffer any loss even if he or she stops playing after the normal jackpot game ends, a configuration may be adopted in which the player does not shift to the first normal gaming state after the normal jackpot game ends, as in the above embodiment.

As another example, instead of setting the second gaming state to a state in which the next jackpot is guaranteed as in the above embodiment, the second gaming state is set to a so-called ST state (a state that ends when the game loses a specified number of times in a row). In this case, the configuration may be such that the normal first gaming state is entered after the ST state ends (see FIG. 8). For example, the second game state is an ST state in which the actual jackpot probability is approximately 1/80 and ends when the player loses 100 times in a row. A game feature in which winning a jackpot of /80 is a consecutive win). With such a configuration, a gaming feature is realized in which a chance to acquire a transition to the second gaming state (state transition right B) is given after exiting the so-called ST state.

○Specific example 1-3
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that a special effect (see FIG. 5) is executed during fluctuations in the normal first gaming state, but it is possible to perform such a special effect also in the special first gaming state. You can also do this. In other words, the performance that occurs as part of the fluctuating performance in the normal gaming state is a common performance that can also occur as part of the fluctuating performance in the special first gaming state. By doing this, the player cannot tell whether the game is in the normal first gaming state or not from the contents of the fluctuating performance.

For example, as in the above embodiment, after a predetermined reset operation (RAM clear operation) is performed, the first gaming state is normally entered, but if the reset operation is not performed and the power is turned OFF/ON only, the first gaming state is normally returned. In cases where this is not allowed, not only the first rotation in the normal first gaming state after a reset operation is performed, but also the special first gaming state after a reset operation is not performed and only the power is turned OFF/ON. The special effect (common effect) is also executed during the first rotation (the first rotation after the power is turned on when no reset operation is performed) (see FIG. 9). If, as in the above embodiment, the chance to acquire the state transition right B in the normal first gaming state is named "first chance" and a special effect is generated accordingly, no reset operation is required. To generate a special effect of ``first turn chance'' even in the first turn in a special first game state after only the power is turned OFF/ON. In addition, since state transition right B is not acquired in the special first gaming state, the special performance that occurs in the special first gaming state will result in a special advantageous outcome if the first spin is a jackpot (Figure 5 If the result is a loss (see FIG. 5(b)), an unfavorable outcome (see FIG. 5(d)) is reached, and an advantageous outcome (see FIG. 5(c)) is not normally reached.

A player cannot clearly determine whether a gaming machine that is in the so-called first-morning state is after a reset operation (normally, whether it is in the first gaming state or not). By doing as in this example, it is possible to improve the gameplay in that the first change in the so-called first state in the morning is executed in a state where the player does not know whether it is the normal first game state or the special first game state. Become.

3) Function to call attention to lack of stored game balls 3-1) Storage space for firing In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, game balls are fired by the firing device 908 (operation of the firing handle). The game balls stored in the firing storage space 21 are fired by the firing device 908 . Specifically, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a so-called upper tray 20 and a lower tray 25 (see FIG. 1), and the upper tray 20 constitutes a firing storage space 21. . A space in which game balls can be stored is also formed in the lower tray 25 (hereinafter, this space will be referred to as an auxiliary storage space 26). Note that the configurations of the firing device 908, the upper tray 20 (the firing storage space 21), and the lower tray 25 (auxiliary storage space 26) are publicly known (it is not possible to adopt the same configuration as a known gaming machine). can).

Since the bottom surface of the firing storage space 21 is inclined toward the right when viewed from the front (player side), the game balls within the firing storage space 21 are naturally guided to the right. If the firing device 908 is operated, the game balls coming out from the right side of the firing storage space 21 will be fired one by one by the firing device 908.

An extraction port 22 is formed in the upper tray 20 (bottom surface of the firing storage space 21) from which the game ball stored in the firing storage space 21 can be extracted (see FIG. 10(a)). The extraction port 22 is opened and closed (opened or closed) by an opening/closing member 23. If the exit port 22 is in the open state (see FIG. 10(a-2)), the game balls that have fallen from the exit port 22 are guided to the auxiliary storage space 26. If the exit port 22 is in the closed state (see FIG. 10(a-1)), the game balls will not fall from the exit port 22. The structure for opening and closing the extraction port 22 by the opening/closing member 23 may be of any type (it is the same as that of a known gaming machine), so a description thereof will be omitted.

Although not shown, a discharge port is formed in the lower tray 25 (bottom surface of the auxiliary storage space 26) for discharging the game balls stored in the auxiliary storage space 26 to the outside (so-called dollar box or automatic game ball counting device). has been done. The outlet can be switched between an open state and a closed state. By opening the discharge port, the game balls in the auxiliary storage space 26 are discharged to the outside.

When a prize ball is paid out or a ball lending operation is performed, game balls flow into the shooting storage space 21 from the left side of the space. When the extraction port 22 is in the closed state, game balls are stored in the firing storage space 21. The game balls overflowing from the firing storage space 21 (overflowing game balls) are guided to the auxiliary storage space 26 (a guide path is formed inside the game machine 1 to guide the game balls to the auxiliary storage space 26). ). On the other hand, if the ejection port 22 is in the open state, the game ball that has entered the firing storage space 21 reaches the ejection port 22 and exits from the ejection port 22. Therefore, when the extraction port 22 is in the open state, even if game balls are continuously flowing into the firing storage space 21, the game balls will come out from the extraction port 22, so the extraction port in the firing storage space 21 Although game balls are stored in the space on the right side of the outlet 22 (hereinafter referred to as the downstream space 21a), game balls are stored in the space on the left side of the extraction port 22 (hereinafter referred to as the upstream space 21b). It will be in a state where it is not stored (see FIG. 10(b)). That is, when the extraction port 22 is in the open state, game balls are stored only in the downstream space 21a, which is a part of the firing storage space 21 (not stored in the upstream space 21b), so that the firing storage space 21 The number of game balls that can be stored is smaller than when the extraction port 22 is in the closed state.

3-2) Caution Image In this embodiment, a caution image 30 may be displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 11(b)). The caution image 30 is displayed when the exit port 22 is in an open state and a predetermined display condition is satisfied, and is for calling attention to the player. Therefore, the caution image 30 is not displayed when the extraction port 22 is in the closed state (see FIG. 11(a)). In this embodiment, a caution image 30 including the words "Top tray is open" is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 11(b)). Note that the caution image 30 directly or indirectly indicates that the extraction port 22 is in an open state or that the game ball is leaving the firing storage space 21 (being in a state of leaving). Any image that looks like this is fine. For example, it is conceivable that the caution image 30 includes text such as "The upper plate or the ball is coming out."

Any method may be used to detect that the extraction port 22 is in the open state, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a sensor (not shown) is provided to detect that the opening/closing member 23 is located at an open position that opens the extraction port 22, and the opening/closing member 23 is detected by the sensor (when the sensor is ON). 2) state, it is determined that the extraction port 22 is in the open state.

As explained in the above embodiment, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has "two types" of gaming features in which it is possible to obtain a jackpot via a small jackpot. When winning a small hit, an instruction image (for example, an image containing the words "Aim for "V") indicating that the game ball should be fired at the bonus area 10 in the small winning game is displayed in the display area 911. Ru. In this small winning game, as long as the game ball is continuously fired towards the bonus area 10 (if it is continuously hit right), the game ball will almost certainly enter the bonus area 10. It is in a state where In other words, the small winning game can be said to be in a state where it is easy to obtain a bonus, in which it is easy to obtain the bonus "big win (game)". In such a privilege acquisition gaming state (during a small winning game), the above-mentioned caution image 30 may be displayed (see FIG. 11(b)). In other words, the above display condition is set to be in a benefit acquisition easy state (a state in which the game ball should be fired aiming at the benefit area 10).

When a game ball cannot enter the privilege area 10 during a predetermined time (during the period in which the privilege area 10 is open) in a small winning game, a so-called "punk" occurs and a jackpot cannot be obtained. As mentioned above, when the extraction port 22 is open, the game balls are stored only in the downstream space 21a, which is a part of the firing storage space 21 (because there are few stored game balls), so the small hit The risk of a "flat tire" due to the game balls disappearing (balls running out) from the firing storage space 21 (upper tray 20) during the game increases. By displaying the caution image 30 when the exit port 22 is in the open state in a small winning game as in this embodiment, the probability that the player notices that the exit port 22 is in the open state is increased. This increases the risk of a "flat tire".

In this embodiment, the caution image 30 is deleted when it is detected that the extraction port 22 is in the closed state (the opening/closing member 23 is located in the closed position). Note that if the caution image 30 is displayed for a certain period of time, the player will notice that the exit port 22 is in the open state, so the player will be able to play for a certain period of time without determining whether the exit port 22 is in the closed state. A configuration may also be adopted in which the caution image 30 is deleted after the elapse of time.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improvements, modifications, and embodiments of the above-mentioned functions related to alerting the lack of stored game balls will be described. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of items described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

○Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the display condition is that the player is playing a small winning game (a state in which bonus acquisition is easy), but in addition to or in place of this, another display condition may also be provided. good. Note that there may be one display condition, or two or more display conditions.

(1) Specific example 2-1-1
For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the display condition is set to be a gaming state in which one can expect to win a big win via a small win. In the above embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot via a small win is higher in the second gaming state (state in which you should play to the right) than in the first gaming state (state in which you should play to the left). The configuration is such that certain things are set as display conditions. By doing this, even during the fluctuating performance in the second game state, if the exit port 22 is in the open state, the caution image 30 will be displayed, so that the small winning game will actually occur. The probability that the player will know that the extraction port 22 is in the open state is increased.

(2) Specific example 2-1-2
Further, the display condition may be set to be in a state where the game ball is actually pulled out through the pull-out port 22 (hereinafter referred to as the pulled-out state). A sensor (extraction detection sensor 22s) for detecting the game ball passing through the extraction port 22 is provided (see FIG. 12(a)). If the specified time has not passed since the game ball was detected by the extraction detection sensor 22s (the specified time has not passed since the last time the game ball was detected), the game ball will continue to be removed from the extraction port. It is determined that it is in the extraction state where it is coming out from 22. That is, when the game ball is detected by the withdrawal detection sensor 22s at an interval less than the specified time, it is determined that the game ball is in the withdrawal state where the game ball is continuously coming out from the withdrawal port 22 (FIG. 12). b)). It is preferable that the specified time be about 10 seconds. In addition, in the case of this example, since it is true that the game balls are continuously coming out from the extraction port 22, the caution image 30 can be made with a message such as "The ball is being pulled out." Even if the ejection port 22 is in the open state, there is a low risk that the ball will break if the game ball is not actually ejected, so as in this example, it is detected that the game ball is ejected. The caution image 30 may be displayed in this case. This reduces the possibility that the player will become irritated due to frequent display of the caution image 30 (display of the caution image 30 in unnecessary situations).

○Specific example 2-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the area that is the condition for acquiring a jackpot via a small hit is the bonus area 10, but it is a big disadvantage for the player that the game balls do not enter (simply a few A configuration in which other areas may be used as the privilege area 10 may be used as long as the area is such that the loss of about a few dozen balls is not a major disadvantage.

As a well-known gaming machine, a so-called V-probability changing machine is known. In the V probability changing machine, the condition for transitioning to a probability varying state (high probability state) is for the game ball to enter the V area that is opened during a jackpot game. In order to prevent the ball from running out when the game ball should be fired aiming at the V area, the above-mentioned attention calling function is provided. For example, when a part of the plurality of rounds constituting a jackpot game is a V round in which the V area is opened, the caution image 30 may be displayed when the exit port 22 is in the open state during the V round. composition.

○Specific example 2-3
The gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment includes an upper tray 20 in which a firing storage space 21 is formed and a lower tray 25 in which an auxiliary storage space 26 is formed, and the game ball that comes out from the extraction port 22 is inserted into the auxiliary storage space. Although it has been described that the lower tray 25 (auxiliary storage space 26) is not provided, the lower tray 25 (auxiliary storage space 26) may not be provided. In other words, the configuration may be such that the game balls that come out of the extraction port 22 of the firing storage space 21 are directly moved to the outside (so-called dollar box or automatic game ball counting device). Since such a configuration (gaming machine without the lower tray 25) is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

○Specific example 2-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the caution image 30 is displayed on the main display device 91 (the display area 911 in which the decorative pattern 80 indicating the validity is displayed), but the caution image 30 may also be displayed in other places. good. Further, a structure may be adopted in which attention is alerted by emitting light from a light emitter provided at a predetermined location. For example, it may be configured such that a light-emitting body provided on the upper tray 20 emits light when it is in the easy-to-obtain benefit state and the display conditions are met (the light emitted from the light-emitting body corresponds to the caution image 30). (In other words, the caution image 30 only needs to be one that the player can visually understand).

○Specific example 2-5
It has been explained that the caution image 30 is displayed in the display area 911 as the caution function in the above embodiment, but in addition to or in place of this, the speaker 65 is (See FIG. 1) It may also be possible to output a sound (attention sound) that calls the player's attention. The warning sound includes characters that directly or indirectly indicate that the extraction port 22 is in an open state or that the game ball is leaving the firing storage space 21 (being in a state of leaving). It is preferable that the Moreover, it is preferable that the warning sound is a sound that is not output when the extraction port 22 is in the closed state.

○Specific example 2-6
It is assumed that an image that directs the player's attention to the exit port 22 is displayed as the caution image 30. For example, an image including an arrow pointing to the extraction port 22 is displayed as the caution image 30 (see FIG. 13). Considering the positional relationship between the display area 911 and the extraction port 22 as in the above embodiment, it is assumed that an image including an arrow pointing to the lower left is displayed as the caution image 30. By doing so, the player who sees the caution image 30 will pay attention to the exit port 22, thereby reducing the risk of the ball being out of stock.

4) Specific production 4-1) Specific sound (candidate sound)
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of executing a specific performance (see FIG. 14) as a performance constituting the fluctuating performance. In the specific effect, an image for effect (effect image 40) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 14(a)), and a specific sound is output from the speaker 65 (see FIG. 14(b)). be. The effect image 40 may have any specific form. In this embodiment, the effect image 40 including a predetermined character is displayed in the display area 911. A specific sound is output during the period in which the effect image 40 is displayed (at least a portion of the period in which the effect image 40 is displayed and the period in which the specific sound is output overlap).

The specific performance in this embodiment is a so-called chance-up performance that can occur in the first gaming state (special first gaming state). That is, the probability that the winning lottery result corresponding to the fluctuating performance including the specific performance will be a jackpot (jackpot reliability) is higher than the probability that the winning lottery result corresponding to the fluctuating performance that does not include the specific performance will be a jackpot. In other words, it can be said that the occurrence of a specific performance in the fluctuating performance is a pleasant event for the player.

In this embodiment, a plurality of types of candidate sounds (hereinafter referred to as candidate sounds) that can be output as specific sounds are provided. In this embodiment, two types of candidate sounds are provided: sound A (see FIG. 14(b-1)) and sound B (see FIG. 14(b-2)). When a specific effect occurs, either sound A or sound B will be output (two or more candidate sounds will not be output in one specific effect). Here, the difference in the types of sounds (candidate sounds) is determined by whether the melodies are the same. It is assumed that sounds with the same melody are of the same type, and sounds with different melodies (the pitches (intervals) of the sounds that make up the melody are different) are of different types. In addition. When a melody has the same sound, it means that it is the same from the beginning to the end (from the start of the sound output to the end), and does not include that the melodies are the same in part. Further, it is assumed that the difference in volume (sound volume (sound pressure)) that is increased or decreased by the volume adjustment means described later is not a factor that determines whether the types of sounds are different or different. In other words, if the sounds have the same melody, they are considered to be the same type of sound even if they have different sizes. In the drawings, differences in the melodies of sounds are represented by different characters (for example, in FIG. 14, sound A is represented by the character "burn" and sound B is represented by the character "don").

In particular, in this embodiment, sound A is longer than sound B (output time is longer). In other words, it can be said that sound A is a more noticeable sound than sound B. In this embodiment, the output time of sound A is 3 seconds, and the output time of sound B is 1.5 seconds.

4-2) Volume Adjustment Means The game machine 1 according to the present embodiment allows the player to arbitrarily change (adjust) the volume (loudness) of the sound output from the speaker 65 in stages. Equipped with appropriate volume adjustment means. Since the volume adjusting means itself is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, the volume can be adjusted in five levels (Volume 1 (lowest volume) to Volume 5 (maximum volume)). However, the number of stages can be changed as appropriate.

Any operation method may be used to change the volume by the volume adjustment means. In this embodiment, the volume is changed by operating the left and right sides of the cross key 62, which is a type of operation means that can be operated by the player. Specifically, operating one of the left and right sides of the cross key 62 lowers the volume by one level, and operating the other one increases the volume by one level (see Figure 15; (Here is an example of increasing the value by two levels). In this embodiment, an image (volume image 50) indicating that the volume has changed due to the operation is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c)). In this embodiment, the volume can also be changed while the fluctuating effect is being executed. However, the volume may not be changed while the fluctuating performance is being executed, but may be configured to be able to change the volume while the fluctuating performance is not being executed (standby state).

4-3) Relationship between volume and specific sound In this embodiment, the sound that is output as a specific sound when a specific effect occurs in a state where the volume level by the volume adjustment means is maximum and in other states. The types of (candidate sounds) are different. In this embodiment, the volume 5 is the maximum, so if a specific effect occurs when the current volume is 5, sound A will be used as the specific sound, and if the current volume is one of the volumes 1 to 4, sound A will be used as the specific sound. When a specific effect occurs in a certain state, sound B is output as a specific sound (see FIG. 14(b)). Note that the reference time point for determining the current volume can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the volume at the start of the fluctuating performance is defined as the "current volume." For example, if you change the volume from 4 to 5 while a certain fluctuating performance is being executed, the volume in that certain fluctuating performance will be 4, and the next fluctuating performance will be at volume 5. Suppose there is. Differently from that, a configuration may be adopted in which the start time of the specific performance is set as the reference time.

When the volume is maximized, there is a high probability that the player is looking for a flashy game. Therefore, in this embodiment, the type of specific sound output is different depending on whether the volume is set to the maximum or not, and the player's request (desired game) estimated from the set volume is adjusted. The game is designed to improve the interest of the game.

In particular, in this embodiment, the output time of sound A, which is output as a specific sound when the volume is set to the maximum, is longer than that of sound B, which is output as a specific sound when the volume is not set to the maximum. In other words, for players who may be looking for a flashy game with the volume set to maximum, a longer specific sound is output to provide a flashy specific performance.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, modifying, embodying, etc. the matters related to the above-mentioned specific effects will be explained. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of items described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

○Specific example 3-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the type of sound (candidate sound) output as a specific sound is different depending on whether the volume selected by the player is the maximum or not. You can also use it as

(1) Specific example 3-1-1
For example, assume that the type of sound (candidate sound) output as the specific sound is different depending on whether the volume selected by the player is the minimum or not. As in the above embodiment, if the number of adjustable levels of volume is 5 levels from volume 1 to volume 5, when volume 1 is set and when one of volume 2 to volume 5 is set. This means that the type of sound (candidate sound) output as the specific sound is different depending on the case where the specified sound is selected (see FIG. 16). When the volume is set to the minimum, there is a high probability that the player is looking for a quiet game. Therefore, the type of specific sound that is output is different depending on whether the volume is set to the minimum or not, thereby improving the interest of the game in accordance with the player's requests (the game he/she is looking for). Let them do it.

As in the above embodiment, if sound A is longer than sound B (longer output time), if the volume selected by the player is the minimum (volume 1), sound B will be In other cases (any one of volume 2 to volume 5), it is preferable that sound A is output as the specific sound (see FIG. 16(b)). In other words, for players who are likely looking for a quiet game with the volume set to the minimum, it is preferable to output a shorter specific sound to provide a quieter specific performance.

(2) Specific example 3-1-2
It is not necessary to have a configuration in which whether the volume selected by the player is the maximum or minimum is the criterion for determining the type of specific sound to be output, as in the above embodiment and specific example 3-1-1. . For example, the type of sound output as the specific sound may be different depending on whether the selected volume is one of volume 1 or volume 2 and when it is one of volume 3 to volume 5 (Fig. 17). There is a higher probability that the player is looking for a relatively flashy game when either volume 3 to volume 5 is set than when volume 1 or volume 2 is set. As a result, the type of sound output as the specific sound is different between the former case and the latter case.

As in the above embodiment, if sound A is longer than sound B (longer output time), if the volume selected by the player is either volume 1 or volume 2, sound B will be , the sound A is preferably output as the specific sound when the sound volume is any one of the volume 3 to 5 (see FIG. 17(b)). In other words, a shorter specific sound is output for a player who may be looking for a relatively quiet game, and a shorter specific sound is output for a player who is looking for a relatively flashy game. To output a long specific sound so as to provide a specific performance in accordance with a player's request.

Note that setting the boundary (reference) between volume 2 and volume 3 is just an example. For example, the type of sound output as the specific sound may be different depending on whether the selected volume is one of volume 1 to volume 3 and when it is one of volume 4 or volume 5.

○Specific example 3-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that two types of sounds (candidate sounds), sound A and sound B, are provided as sounds (candidate sounds) that can be output as specific sounds, but a configuration may be provided in which three or more types of candidate sounds are provided. For example, three types of sound A, sound B, and sound C may be provided as candidate sounds. In this case, the selectable volume level is divided into three levels, and one type of sound is associated with each level. Assuming that there are five selectable volume levels, volume 1 to volume 5, as in the above embodiment, the five levels are divided into three, and one type of sound is associated with each of the five levels. For example, when the volume selected by the player is volume 5 (maximum), sound A is the specific sound, and when the volume selected by the player is between volume 2 and volume 4, sound B is the specific sound, and volume 1 (minimum). In this case, the sound C is output as the specific sound (see FIG. 18).

When doing the above, the length of the output time should be set so that sound A is longer than sound B, and sound B is longer than sound C (sound A>sound B>sound C). is preferred. In other words, it is preferable that the higher the selected volume, the longer the output time of the sound is output as the specific sound.

○Specific example 3-3
A configuration may be adopted in which multiple types of performances are set as the specific performance. In this case, multiple types of candidate sounds that can be output are provided for each of multiple types of specific effects, and which type of candidate sound is output as the specific sound is determined according to the set volume. shall be taken as a thing.

For example, a first specific effect in which the first effect image 41 is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 19(a)), and a second effect image 42 (an image in a different form from the first effect image 41) is displayed. It is assumed that a second specific effect (see FIG. 19(c)) may occur. The sounds (first candidate sounds) that can be output when the first specific effect occurs are sound A1 (see Figure 19 (b-1)) and a different type of sound B1 (see Figure 19 (b-2)). ), sound A2 (see FIG. 19(d-1)) and sound B2 of a different type (see FIG. 19(d-1)) are selected as sounds (second candidate sounds) that can be output when the second specific effect occurs. 2)) shall be provided. When the first specific performance is executed, sound A1 is output when volume 5 is set, and sound B1 is output when any of volume 1 to volume 4 is set. When the second specific performance is executed, sound A2 is output when volume 5 is set, and sound B2 is output when any of volume 1 to volume 4 is set.

By doing as in this example, for multiple types of performances (specific performances) that can be executed during a fluctuating performance, the volume selected by the player (the aspect of the game desired by the player, estimated from the selected volume) can be adjusted. A game feature is realized in which a corresponding sound (specific sound) is output.

○Specific example 3-4
The specific performance is set to be a so-called confirmed performance. That is, when a specific performance occurs during a fluctuating performance, it is determined that the winning lottery result (target winning lottery result) corresponding to the fluctuating performance becomes a jackpot. In addition, in the case where winning a so-called small hit is substantially connected to acquiring a jackpot, it is assumed that "small win winning = jackpot winning". In other words, the occurrence of a specific performance in a certain fluctuating performance means that a small win or a jackpot (so-called direct win) is confirmed (the acquisition of a jackpot via a small win or a direct win is confirmed).

In this case, the specific sound (any of a plurality of candidate sounds) output in the specific performance is a sound indicating that a jackpot has been confirmed (so-called confirmed sound). This type of confirmation sound is a sound that attracts the attention of other players, and the type of sound output as the confirmation sound is made to differ depending on the volume set by the player. For example, if volume 5 is selected, there is a high probability that the player is looking for a game that stands out, so sound A, which is more noticeable, is selected as the final sound, and if any of volume 1 to 4 is selected, sound A is selected as the final sound. Since there is a high probability that the player is looking for an unobtrusive game, sound B (which is less conspicuous than sound A) is output. Various methods can be considered for making sound A more "conspicuous" than sound B. For example, it is possible to set the output time of sound A to be longer than that of sound B.

○Specific example 3-5
Although it has been described that the specific performance in the above embodiment is a performance that can occur as part of a fluctuating performance, it may also be a performance that can occur while the fluctuating performance is not being executed. For example, it may be a performance that can occur as part of a performance executed during a jackpot game.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It has been explained that the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment has the so-called "two types" of gameplay in which it is possible to obtain a jackpot via a small win. Except for the configuration that cannot be achieved without the above, the configuration described in the above embodiment can also be applied to a gaming machine (a "type" of gaming machine) in which it is not possible to obtain a big win via a small win.

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

○Means 1-1
The first lottery is based on the first lottery information acquired when the game ball enters the first starting area, and the second lottery information is acquired when the game ball enters the second starting area. an opening/closing mode setting means capable of switching between a low opening/closing mode and a high opening/closing mode in which the second starting region is more likely to be opened than in the low opening/closing mode; The first game state in which a game ball is to be fired aiming at the first starting area is a normal first game state in which the low opening/closing mode is set, and a state in which the high opening/closing mode is set. A special first game state is set in which the opening time of the second starting area is short and it is disadvantageous for the player to fire a game ball aiming at the second starting area, and the second starting area is set. A second game in which the game ball should be fired aiming at the target, the high opening/closing mode is set, and the opening time of the second starting area is longer than when the special first game state is set. If the first lottery is not a win, there is a possibility that the normal first gaming state will shift to the second gaming state, but in the special first gaming state, the second gaming state may be entered. A gaming machine characterized by having no possibility of transitioning to a gaming state.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to realize an interesting gaming experience in which the first gaming state normally has a chance to shift to the second gaming state.

○Means 1-2
The gaming machine according to means 1-1, wherein the gaming machine enters the normal first gaming state after a predetermined reset operation that cannot be performed by the player is performed.
By doing so, it is possible to realize a gaming experience in which there is a chance to shift to the second gaming state after the reset operation is performed.

○Means 1-3
Means 1-1 characterized in that, in the normal first gaming state, if the first lottery is not a win and the second gaming state is not shifted, the first gaming state is shifted to the special first gaming state. Or the gaming machine described in means 1-2.
By doing this, if you cannot acquire the right to move to the second gaming state in the normal first gaming state, you can enter the special first gaming state (when the first lottery is not a win, the second gaming state It is possible to realize a gaming property in which the player shifts to a first gaming state in which there is no possibility of shifting to a state in which there is no possibility of shifting to the first gaming state, and the player is in a state where he or she cannot normally benefit from the first gaming state.

○Means 1-4
Means 1-1 characterized in that there is no possibility of transitioning to the normal first gaming state after the winning game executed by the first winning lottery or the second winning lottery ends. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1-3.
By configuring the game so that it does not normally shift to the first gaming state after a winning game, it is possible to provide a gaming experience that does not cause any loss even if the game is stopped immediately after a winning game.

○Means 2-1
a firing device that fires game balls; a game ball storage space that stores the game balls sequentially fired by the firing device and is provided with an extraction port from which the stored game balls can be taken out; A gaming machine comprising: display means capable of displaying a warning image to call attention to a player when a predetermined display condition is satisfied in an open state where an ejection port is open.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to reduce the risk that the player will suffer a disadvantage due to the exit opening being in an open state.

○Means 2-2
A bonus area is provided in which a condition for awarding a bonus is that a game ball enters, and one of the display conditions is that a game ball is launched toward the bonus area into which the game ball can enter. The gaming machine according to means 2-1, characterized in that the gaming machine is set to be in a state where it is easy to obtain the bonus.
By doing this, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ball will run out in the easy-to-obtain benefit state.

○Means 2-3
A withdrawal detection sensor is provided that detects a game ball that has passed through the withdrawal port, and one of the display conditions is that a game ball has not been pulled out for a specified period of time since the game ball was detected by the withdrawal detection sensor. The gaming machine according to means 2-1 or 2-2, characterized in that the gaming machine is set to be in an active state.
In this way, a caution image may be displayed when it is detected that a game ball is actually coming out of the exit.

○Means 3-1
A volume adjustment means that allows a player to step-by-step change the volume output from a speaker, and a performance execution means that allows a player to execute a specific performance accompanied by a specific sound, and the specific performance is , one of the plurality of candidate sounds having different aspects from each other is output as the specific sound, and which one of the plurality of candidate sounds is output as the specific sound based on the currently set volume level. A game machine characterized in that it is determined whether a specific sound is output.
According to the gaming machine described above, an interesting gaming experience is realized in which the sound (specific sound) output during a specific performance changes depending on the set volume.

○Means 3-2
The type of the candidate sound to be output as the specific sound is different depending on a state where the currently set volume level is the maximum and a state where the currently set volume level is not the maximum. The gaming machine described in Means 3-1.
Setting the volume to the maximum means that there is a high probability that the player wants a flashy game, so the specific sound that is output when the volume is at the maximum is made different from the specific sound that is output when the volume is not at the maximum. Good.

○Means 3-3
The candidate sound that is output as the specific sound when the currently set volume level is the maximum is better than the candidate sound that is output as the specific sound when the currently set volume level is not the maximum. The gaming machine according to means 3-2, characterized in that the sound is longer than the candidate sound.
If the volume is set to maximum, there is a high probability that the player wants a flashy game, so the specific sound that is output when the volume is at maximum is longer than the specific sound that is output when the volume is not at maximum. It is good to take it as a thing.

○Means 3-4
The type of the candidate sound to be output as the specific sound is different depending on a state where the currently set volume level is the minimum level and a state where the currently set volume level is not the minimum level. The gaming machine described in Means 3-1.
Setting the volume to the minimum means that there is a high probability that the player wants a quiet game, so the specific sound that is output when the volume is at the minimum is made different from the specific sound that is output when the volume is not at the minimum. Good.

○Means 3-5
The candidate sound that is output as the specific sound when the currently set volume level is the minimum is better than the candidate sound that is output as the specific sound when the currently set volume level is not the minimum. The gaming machine according to means 3-4, characterized in that the sound is shorter than the candidate sound.
If the volume is set to the minimum, there is a high probability that the player wants a quiet game, so the specific sound that is output when the volume is at the minimum is shorter than the specific sound that is output when the volume is not at the minimum. It is good to take it as a thing.

○Means 3-6
If the specific performance occurs as part of a fluctuating performance from when the decorative pattern that informs the winning/failure lottery result starts to fluctuate until it stops in a manner according to the winning/failure lottery result, the winning/failure lottery result becomes a win. The gaming machine according to any one of means 3-1 to 3-5, characterized in that:
When the specific performance is a so-called confirmed performance, the specific sound is a so-called confirmed sound that other players will pay attention to. By doing the above, a game feature is realized in which different types of confirmed sounds (specific sounds) are output according to the set volume.

1 Game machine 10 Privilege area 20 Upper tray 21 Shooting storage space (21a downstream space 21b upstream space)
22 Extraction port 22s Extraction detection sensor 23 Opening/closing member 30 Caution image 40 Production image 62 Cross key 65 Speaker 70 Reserved symbols (71 Retained symbols during fluctuation 72 Retained symbols before fluctuation)
80 Decorative patterns (80L left decorative pattern 80R right decorative pattern 80C middle decorative pattern)
80g Decorative pattern group (80gL Left decorative pattern group 80gR Right decorative pattern group 80gC Medium decorative pattern group)
904 Starting area (904a first starting area 904b second starting area)
905 Normal area (905L Left normal area (general winning area) 905R Right normal area)
906 Big winning area 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (3)

a launcher that launches a game ball;
a game ball storage space that stores game balls that are sequentially fired by the firing device and is provided with an extraction port from which the stored game balls can be extracted;
a display means capable of displaying a warning image to call attention to the player when the exit port is in an open state and a predetermined display condition is satisfied;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: There is a bonus area where the condition for awarding the bonus is that the game ball enters.
2. The display condition according to claim 1, wherein one of the display conditions is that the game ball is in a state where it is easy to obtain a benefit in which the game ball should be launched toward the benefit area into which the game ball can enter. gaming machines. An extraction detection sensor is provided to detect the game ball that has passed through the extraction port,
Claim 1 or claim 1, wherein one of the display conditions is set that the game ball is in an unloaded state where a prescribed time has not elapsed since the game ball was detected by the unloading detection sensor. 2. The gaming machine described in 2.

Images