JP2024083684A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the amusement of a game.SOLUTION: Execute forms of a notice performance includes a first form which executes a first notice performance (reservation display change performance), a second form which executes a second notice performance (chance zone performance), and a third form which executes the second notice performance after an execution of the first notice performance. A pachinko game machine PY1 can execute, as the second notice performance, a special performance (setting to a chance zone which can display a forest background image G70) different from a normal performance for a plurality of variations. An execution rate of the third form which executes the second notice performance (chance zone performance) after the execution of the first notice performance (reservation display change performance) is higher in when a performance mode of the first notice performance (reservation display change performance) is not a form (red) having a higher expectation degree for turning out an advantageous state than in when it is the form (red). Additionally, the pachinko game machine PY1 can end the special performance (setting to the chance zone) on the basis of a chance zone end operation by a player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 42

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine is known that determines whether or not a jackpot has been won, and based on the result of that determination, changes the display mode of the reserved display for the performance from normal white to a special blue or red, etc., to give the player hope of winning the jackpot, as described in Patent Document 1 below.

JP 2016-112132 A

However, the method of executing effects as described in Patent Document 1 is now commonly seen, and there is room for improvement in order to provide players with more excitement.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
It is possible to execute a preview effect that makes the player expect an advantageous situation to be achieved,
The execution format of the preview performance includes a first format in which a first preview performance is executed, a second format in which a second preview performance having a higher expectation of achieving the advantageous state than the first preview performance is executed, and a third format in which the second preview performance is executed after the first preview performance is executed.
The execution rate of the third format is higher when the performance mode of the first preview performance is not a predetermined mode having a high expectation of becoming the advantageous state than when the performance mode is the predetermined mode;
As the second notice performance, a special performance different from the normal performance can be executed over multiple variations,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the special effects can be ended based on the player's operation.

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the excitement of the game through its presentation.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. 2 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a seven-segment display. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is an example of a hit determination table, (B) is an example of a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an example of an auxiliary game control table. (A) is an example of a jackpot determination table, (B) is an example of a jackpot pattern type determination table, and (C) is an example of a reach determination table. This is an example of a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is an example of a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. 13 is an example of a look-ahead determination table. 13 is an example of a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation modes. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in the special chart fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in a special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object performance. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. A diagram showing a game board relating to a characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1. A diagram showing the display contents of the display section relating to the characteristic features of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. 11 is a table for explaining the display mode of the hold display. This is a lottery table for the pending display change effect. This is a lottery table for pending change scenarios. This is a lottery table with a chance zone effect. This is the lottery table for SP Reach. A figure showing a specific example of a chance zone presentation. A figure showing a specific example of a SP reach exclusive to the chance zone. This is a figure showing a specific example of a chance zone exclusive SP reach following Figure 38. This is a diagram showing a specific example of a chance zone exclusive SP reach following Figure 39. A figure showing a specific example of a common SP reach. This is a timing chart to explain the period during which the chance zone ending operation is possible. This is a timing chart to explain the period during which the chance zone ending operation is possible. This is a diagram of the display unit to explain the difference in the development of the presentation when and if the chance zone end operation is not performed. This is a table to explain examples of combined execution of hold display change effects, chance zone effects, and SP reaches. FIG. 46 is a diagram of the display unit for explaining the case where the performance execution example 1 shown in FIG. 45 is executed. A diagram of the display unit to explain the case where performance execution example 5 shown in Figure 45 is executed. This is a timing chart to explain the execution control of the pre-reading effects (hold display change effects, chance zone effects) related to special chart 1 based on winning at the first starting port, and the execution control of the pre-reading effects (hold display change effects, chance zone effects) related to special chart 2 based on winning at the second starting port. This is a diagram of the display unit to explain an example of the execution of the hold display change presentation when a win at the first start port and a win at the second start port occur simultaneously. This is a lottery table for the reservation change scenario in the second embodiment. 13 is a lottery table for the chance zone presentation according to the second embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations of the same parts will be omitted as a general rule. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity, a symbol or code referring to information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. may be written, and the name of the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to the symbol or code may be omitted or abbreviated. In addition, in any of the flowcharts described below, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistency occurs in the process content.

1. Structure of the gaming machine The pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5. In the following description, the left, right, up and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up and down directions (as viewed from the front) for a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. In addition, "forward" refers to the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rearward" refers to the direction approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. In this specification, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will first be described in terms of its conventional general configuration, and then its characteristic configuration (characteristic parts) will be described. For this reason, the configuration explained before the section "7. Characteristic parts of the Pachinko gaming machine PY1" may also be explained in the section "7. Characteristic parts of the Pachinko gaming machine PY1" and subsequent sections, but in this case, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is deemed to be configured with the contents explained in the section "7. Characteristic parts of the Pachinko gaming machine PY1" and subsequent sections.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 has a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game arcade, a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. The transparent plate 23t needs only to allow the game area 6 to be visible from the front of the pachinko game machine PY1.

At the lower right of the front of the front frame 23m, a handle 72k is provided that can be rotated to launch the game balls. The amount by which the handle 72k is operated (rotation angle) corresponds to the magnitude (launch strength) of the force (the amount by which the launching device 72 described below drives the launch solenoid) applied to the game balls to launch them. Thus, the game balls are launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation of the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the front frame 23m, a lower decorative body 36 that protrudes significantly forward is provided. An upper tray 34 is formed on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36 for storing the game balls supplied to the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the lower decorative body 36, a lower tray 35 is provided for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 34.

A first input device (hereinafter, "normal button") 40 that can be pressed downward is provided on the front side of the upper tray 34 on the upper surface of the lower decorative body 36. In addition, a second input device (hereinafter, "special button") 41 that can be pressed downward is provided on the right decorative body 32 that is formed by protruding forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The normal button 40 is configured to be vibrated. That is, the normal button 40 has a built-in vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40, and when a vibration motor included in this vibration mechanism is driven, the normal button 40 vibrates so that it can be visually recognized by the player. Note that a known configuration can be appropriately adopted for the vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40. The normal button 40 is an example of an operation unit and an example of a vibrating body.

A speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which is formed by protruding forward from the top of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Furthermore, frame lamps 53 capable of emitting light are provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower plate 35 on the front of the lower decorative body 36. Furthermore, a movable frame movable device 58 is attached to the upper side of the left and right edges of the front frame 23m as a performance device aimed at increasing interest in the game. The frame movable device 58 consists of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

The positions and number of components and devices installed in the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be described mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 and a presentation unit 1U attached to the back side of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. An opening 1A that is roughly circular when viewed from the front is formed in roughly the center of the game board 1. A roughly ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B is formed to protrude forward along the opening 1A for partitioning a game area 6 into which game balls can flow. In addition, a roughly ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C is formed to protrude forward on the outside of the inner wall portion 1B for partitioning the game area 6.

A play area 6 surrounded by an inner wall portion 1B, an outer wall portion 1C, etc. is formed on the front side of the play board 1. In other words, the front side of the play board 1 is divided by the inner wall portion 1B and the outer wall portion 1C into the play area 6 and the rest of the area.

The play area 6 is an area where game balls released by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing on the pachinko game machine PY1. Note that a large number of game nails (not shown) are protruding from the play area 6. The game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start gate 11, the second start gate 12, the general winning gate 10, the gate 13, the first large winning gate 14, and the second large winning gate 15, which will be described later. Note that the start gates such as the first start gate 11 and the second start gate 12 are referred to as ball entry gates, the large winning gates such as the first large winning gate 14 and the second large winning gate 15 are referred to as special winning gates or specific winning gates, and the gates can be referred to as pass gates or pass areas.

A center frame (center ornament) 61 that decorates the periphery of the opening 1A is provided near the center of the game area 6. The center frame 61 is provided with a stage that can guide the game ball to the first starting hole 11 (described below), and a warp that can guide the game ball to the stage.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first start winning device 11D having a first start hole 11 through which the game ball can enter, and a second start winning device (a so-called "electric chute") 12D that allows or prevents the ball from entering the second start hole 12.

The first start winning device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which the game ball can enter the first start hole 11 remains constant (unchanging). The entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 1, described below; hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 1 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1. In addition, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening/closing member 12k. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position that prevents the game ball from entering the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position that allows the game ball to enter the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the open position is also called the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12 only when it is in the open state. On the other hand, the electric chute opening/closing member 12k in the closed position is also called the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D being in the "open state" is also called "the electric chute 12D is open," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D is closed."

The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 2 related random number described below: hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls. In addition, a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 12 is provided in the game area 6.

The game area 6 is also provided with a general winning opening (normal winning opening) 10 through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of game balls (three in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a gate 13 through which the game ball can pass. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the drawing of a regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol") (i.e., obtaining and determining a regular symbol random number: hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol drawing") and the variable display of the regular symbol. The electric chute 12D is opened by the execution of the auxiliary game. In other words, the auxiliary game is a game that involves the opening of the electric chute 12D.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize winning device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") in which a first large prize winning opening 14 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated in an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is operated to the open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, a game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in the open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a second large prize winning device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") in which a second large prize winning opening 15 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The second large prize winning device 15D is provided with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize winning opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. A game ball can enter the second large prize winning opening 15 only when the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize winning opening 15 is also referred to as a "closed state." In this way, the second large prize winning opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large prize winning opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The second large prize winning device 15D will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Inside the second large prize winning device 15D, a gate-shaped second large prize winning port sensor 15a is provided that can detect a game ball that has entered the second large prize winning port 15 and allow the game ball to pass downward.

In the downstream area of the second large prize opening sensor 15a, there are a specific area 16 and a non-specific area 17 through which game balls can pass (enter). Game balls that pass through the second large prize opening sensor 15a are sorted by a sorting device 16D into the specific area 16 or the non-specific area 17. The sorting device 16D is equipped with a sorting member 16k made of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and a sorting solenoid 16s that drives the sorting member 16k. The sorting member 16k is configured to be slidable left and right by the drive of the sorting solenoid 16s.

When the distribution solenoid 16s is not energized, the distribution member 16k is in a first state (passage prevention state: in a front view of FIG. 3(A), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the right of the left end of the specific area 16, and the distribution member 16k covers the specific area 16 directly above) that prevents the game ball from passing through to the specific area 16. When the distribution member 16k is in the first state, after a game ball enters the second large prize opening 15 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, it cannot pass through the specific area 16, and passes through the non-specific area 17. The route of the game ball flowing down from the second large prize opening 15 to the non-specific area 17 is called the first route.

On the other hand, when the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, the distribution member 16k is in a second state that allows the game ball to pass (enter) the specific area 16 (passage-allowing state: when viewed from the front in FIG. 3(B), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the left of the right end of the specific area 16, the distribution member 16k does not cover the specific area 16 directly above, and the area directly above the specific area 16 is open). When the distribution member 16k is in the second state, a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 can easily pass through the specific area 16 after passing through the second large prize opening sensor 15a. The route of the game ball that flows down from the second large prize opening 15 to the specific area 16 is called the second route.

In principle, the distribution member 16k is held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 16R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the state can change to the second state. The operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate.

Specific area 16 and non-specific area 17 are provided with specific area sensors 16a and non-specific area sensors 17a that detect game balls that pass through (enter) each area 16, 17 and allow the game balls to pass downward.

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with the game. Also, depending on the gameplay, it is possible to provide two large prize winning devices, such as the first large prize winning device 14D, that do not have a specific area or a distribution device. Also, although the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D are provided, it is possible to use only the first large prize winning device 14D or only the second large prize winning device 15D, depending on the gameplay. Note that if only the first large prize winning device 14D is used, processing related to the second large prize winning device 15D is not performed, and if only the second large prize winning device 15D is used, processing related to the first large prize winning device 14D is not performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, two outlets 19 are provided at the bottom of the game area 6 to discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. The game board 1 is also provided with an illuminating board lamp 54.

The game area 6 through which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area 6A (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6B (second game area) on the right side. The operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the left game area 6A is called "left hit". On the other hand, the operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the right game area 6B is called "right hit". In the pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by right hit is called the second flow path R2. The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are also composed of a large number of game nails, etc.

On the first flow path R1, there is a first start port 11 and two general winning ports 10. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the first start port 11 or the general winning port 10 by hitting the game ball from the left so that it flows down the first flow path R1. On the other hand, on the second flow path R2, there are a second start port 12, a general winning port 10, a gate 13, a first large winning port 14, and a second large winning port 15. Therefore, a player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the second start port 12, the general winning port 10, the first large winning port 14, or the second large winning port 15 by hitting the game ball from the right so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

In addition, game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12, general winning hole 10, first large winning hole 14, and second large winning hole 15) are guided to the outlet hole 19 and discharged. In addition, the number of winning balls that enter each winning hole can be set appropriately.

In addition, displays 8 are arranged to the lower left of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (part other than the play area 6). As shown in FIG. 4, the displays 8 include a special chart 1 display 81a that variably displays special chart 1, a special chart 2 display 81b that variably displays special chart 2, and a general chart display 82 that variably displays general charts. The displays 8 also include a special chart 1 reserved display 83a that displays the special chart 1 reserved number (U1: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 1 by the special chart 1 display 81a) described below, and a special chart 2 reserved display 83b that displays the special chart 2 reserved number (U2: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 2 by the special chart 2 display 81b) described below.

The variable display of special chart 1 is executed when a special chart 1 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the first starting hole 11. The variable display of special chart 2 is executed when a special chart 2 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the second starting hole 12. In the following explanation, special chart 1 and special chart 2 are collectively referred to as special charts or special patterns, and special chart 1 lottery and special chart 2 lottery are collectively referred to as special chart lottery. Furthermore, special chart 1 display 81a and special chart 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as special chart display 81. Furthermore, special chart 1 reserve display 83a and special chart 2 reserve display 83b are collectively referred to as special chart reserve display 83.

The variable display of the special chart notifies the result of the special chart lottery. In the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed in a variable manner and then displayed in a static manner. The statically displayed special chart (static special chart, special pattern derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one special chart selected from multiple types of special charts by the special chart lottery. If the static special chart is a predetermined specific special chart (a special chart with a specific stopping mode, i.e., a jackpot pattern), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14 and second jackpot opening 15) are opened. The game state in which a jackpot game is being played is called a jackpot game state. The jackpot game state is an example of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

The special chart display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special chart according to the result of the special chart lottery according to the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the result of the special chart lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), the special chart display 81 displays a jackpot pattern consisting of the lighting of the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). Also, if the result of the special chart lottery is a loss, the special chart display 81 displays a loss pattern consisting of only the lighting of the rightmost LED, such as "■■■■■■■□". Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special chart lottery is not limited and can be set appropriately. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to represent a loss pattern.

In addition, in the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed for a predetermined variable time before the special chart is displayed in a stopped state. The mode of variable display of the special chart is, for example, a mode in which each LED is lit so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. Note that the mode of variable display of the special chart is not particularly limited, and if each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (illuminated display in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at once.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, various random numbers (an example of judgment information) for performing a special drawing lottery, etc., may be obtained. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reservations in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105 described below. In the following, the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the first start hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the second start hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2 related random numbers." Here, the special drawing 1 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reservations in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. On the other hand, the special drawing 2 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 2 reservations in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (four in this embodiment) is set for the number of reserved special drawings 1 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 1 storage unit 105a and the number of reserved special drawings 2 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 2 storage unit 105b. The upper limit for the reserved special drawing number and the reserved special drawing number can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be "none." In the following, reserved special drawings 1 and reserved special drawings 2 are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawings," and the reserved special drawing number and reserved special drawing number are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawing number." In addition, the random numbers related to the special drawing 1 and the random numbers related to the special drawing 2 are collectively referred to as "random numbers related to the special drawing."

In the pachinko game machine PY1, if the variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately after the game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, specifically, if a prize is won while the variable display of the special chart is being performed or while a jackpot game is being played, the variable display of the special chart for that prize (or the right to draw a special chart) can be reserved. The reserved special chart stored in the reserved special chart memory unit 105 is consumed when the variable display of the special chart based on that reserved special chart becomes possible. In other words, consuming the reserved special chart means determining the special chart-related random number, etc., that corresponds to that reserved special chart, and executing the variable display of the special chart to show the result of that determination.

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. Each of the reserved special drawing 1 display 83a and the reserved special drawing 2 display 83b is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings can be displayed by lighting up the LEDs in accordance with the number of reserved special drawings.

The variable display of the regular map also notifies the result of the regular map lottery. In the variable display of the regular map, the regular map is displayed variably and then stopped. The regular map that is stopped (stop regular map, regular map derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one regular map selected from multiple types of regular maps by the regular map lottery. If the regular map that is stopped is a specific regular map that has been determined in advance (a regular map with a predetermined stopping pattern, i.e. a winning pattern), an auxiliary game is played in which the second starting hole 12 (electric chute 12D) is opened.

The regular map display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, the regular map display 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A mode in which all LEDs are off may also be adopted to represent a losing pattern. Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate.

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display mode of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the variable display mode of the normal map is not particularly limited, and if the LEDs are not displayed as stopped (lit in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the game ball passes through the gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of judgment information) for performing a normal pattern lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 described below, provided that the variable display of the normal pattern or the auxiliary game is not being executed. The number of normal patterns reserved (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 is set to an upper limit (four in this embodiment). The upper limit of the number of normal patterns reserved can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be set to "none". In the following, the normal pattern random number obtained by the game ball passing through the gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number". In addition, in this embodiment, a normal pattern reserve display that displays the normal pattern reserve number is not provided, but a normal pattern reserve display may be added to the display unit 8. As the normal pattern reserve display, for example, one with a configuration similar to that of the special pattern reserve display 83 can be adopted.

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the presentation unit 1U attached to the back of the game board 1. The presentation unit 1U is a unit made up of multiple devices that mainly perform presentations. The presentation unit 1U is equipped with an image display device 50, a first board movable device (hereinafter "above-board movable device") 55, and a second board movable device (hereinafter "below-board movable device") 56.

The image display device 50 is composed of a 3D liquid crystal display of a predetermined screen size, and is equipped with a display unit (display screen) 50a capable of displaying 3D images. Note that the image display device 50 may be another display device, such as one composed of multiple liquid crystal displays or one composed of an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, as long as it is capable of displaying images.

The above-board movable device 55 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

Figure 5 (A) shows a schematic diagram of the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k being held in a normal standby state (initial position) when not in operation. When the drive source of the above-board movable device 55 is driven, the above-board movable body 55k moves downward (descends), and when the drive source of the below-board movable device 56 is driven, the below-board movable body 56k moves upward (rises). At this time, the image display device 50 is covered by the lowered above-board movable body 55k or the raised below-board movable body 56k, making the image display device 50 difficult to see.

The positions and number of components and devices installed on the game board unit YU can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 to 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls game profits such as special drawing, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of game state to be described later, regular drawing, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game (progress of game), a performance control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub control board") 120 that controls game performances (special drawing variable performances, reserved performances, operation performances, big win game performances, etc.) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and performances such as customer waiting performances, and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., on the rear side further than the image display device 50 of the game board 1. The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit (main control unit) that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit (sub-control unit) that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, the lamp control circuit 151, and the sound control circuit 161 described later. The performance control unit only needs to have at least the sub-control board 120 and be capable of controlling various performances using the performance means (the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc.).

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices through these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a RAM clear switch 191 that can be pressed. The RAM clear switch 191 (specific operation means) is for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear") the game information (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information such as the number of reserved special figures and the result of the jackpot judgment) stored in the gaming RAM 104 of the gaming control microcomputer 101 described later when the power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 arranged on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, only employees of the gaming facility who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by the player. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101. Note that in this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate, and it may be provided, for example, on the main control board 100 or on a dedicated board.

The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power supply circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. In addition, a power switch 193 is connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is turned on and off by turning the power switch 193 on and off. Note that a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for game control") 101 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for game control 101 includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs and tables for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 used as a work memory, and a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103.

The game ROM 103 stores programs for performing main control processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 may be external.

The gaming RAM 104 is also provided with the special game reserve memory section 105 and the regular game reserve memory section 106 mentioned above. The gaming RAM 104 is also provided with a non-erasable memory section 107, which is provided with a total number of winning balls memory section 107a, a total number of shot balls memory section 107b, and a difference in number of balls memory section 107c. The non-erasable memory section 107 is designed so that the gaming CPU 102 does not erase the stored contents even if a RAM clear is executed.

The game control microcomputer 101 counts the total number of winning balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the counted total number of winning balls is stored in the total number of winning balls memory unit 107a. The total number of winning balls is the number of winning balls that the player acquires (is paid out to the player) in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.). The game control microcomputer 101 also counts the total number of shot balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the counted total number of shot balls is stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b. The total number of shot balls is the number of shot balls that the player shoots in all game states. The game control microcomputer 101 also calculates the difference in the number of balls by subtracting the total number of shot balls from the total number of winning balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the calculated difference in the number of balls is stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c. The game control microcomputer 101 disables the game when the difference in number of balls (an example of a specific measurement number) becomes equal to or exceeds a reference number (e.g., "80,000"). This function is called the over-award ball prevention function. The over-award ball prevention function may be activated when the maximum difference in number of balls (also called the maximum number of balls held, MY, etc.) becomes a predetermined reference number. The maximum difference in number of balls is the difference between the minimum difference in number of balls, which is the lowest value of the measured difference in number of balls, and the peak (highest value) of the difference in number of balls after the minimum difference in number of balls is measured. In this case, the maximum difference in number of balls corresponds to the specific measurement number.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a 7-segment display 300, a setting key cylinder 180, and a special reset switch 181 (special operation means) (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment 7-segment display with a total of 32 lighted (illuminated) parts. Specifically, the 7-segment display 300 is provided with a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340, in that order from left to right. Each of the four display areas 310, 320, 330, and 340 has eight lighted parts (LED elements) LB1 to LB8, LB9 to LB16, LB17 to LB24, and LB25 to LB32, so that the numbers from "0" to "9" can be displayed. Display control of the 7-segment display 300 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The setting key cylinder 180 functions as an operating means when setting a setting value corresponding to the probability of determining a big win. With a setting key (not shown) inserted inside the setting key cylinder 180, it is rotated between an initial position and a rotation position. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position and turning on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 191, it is possible to transition to a setting mode in which a setting value can be set. In this setting mode, the setting value can be set to "1". However, in this pachinko game machine PY1, only one setting value, "1", is provided. Therefore, the setting value cannot be changed from "1". Note that when the setting mode is set, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting mode ends and the RAM is cleared.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a special reset switch 181 that can be pressed. As shown in FIG. 8, the special reset switch 181 is provided on the main control board 100 located on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Therefore, only arcade employees who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the special reset switch 181. In other words, the special reset switch 181 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by a player. The function of the special reset switch 181 will be described in detail later. The main control board 100 is also equipped with a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

Furthermore, various sensors MS and actuators MA are connected to the main control board 100 via a predetermined relay board (not shown). Therefore, signals output by the various sensors MS are input to the main control board 100. Furthermore, the main control board 100 outputs signals to the various actuators MA.

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 12a, a general prize port sensor 10a, a gate sensor 13a, a first large prize port sensor 14a, a second large prize port sensor 15a, a specific area sensor 16a, and a non-specific area sensor 17a.

The first start opening sensor 11a detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 12. The general winning opening sensor 10a detects a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 10. The general winning opening sensor 10a is provided for each general winning opening 10. The gate sensor 13a is provided at the gate 13 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13. The first large winning opening sensor 14a detects a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14. The second large winning opening sensor 15a detects a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15. The specific area sensor 16a detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16). The non-specific area sensor 17a detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17). When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal according to the detection result to the main control board 100.

Although not shown in FIG. 6, the various sensors MS include an outlet sensor that detects all game balls (total number of balls fired) flowing down the game area 6. Game balls that flow down outside the game area 6 are discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1 through an outlet path (not shown) provided at the bottom of the game board mounting frame 2A. For this reason, the outlet sensor is provided within the outlet path. The various sensors MS also include a magnetic sensor that detects illegal magnetism. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field generated when a player illegally uses a magnet or the like to cause a game ball to enter the various winning holes 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15. When each of the above-mentioned sensors detects a game ball, it outputs a signal corresponding to the detection content to the main control board 100.

The various sensors MS also include a front door open sensor that detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the outer frame 22, and a front frame sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 23m relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. When the front door open sensor detects the opening of the front door 23, it outputs a signal according to the detection content to the main control board 100. When the front frame sensor detects the opening of the front frame 23m, it outputs a signal according to the detection content to the main control board 100. The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid 12s, a first large prize opening solenoid 14s, a second large prize opening solenoid 15s, and a distribution solenoid 16s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The first large prize opening solenoid 14s drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D. The second large prize opening solenoid 15s drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D. The distribution solenoid 16s drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D.

The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, displays 8 (special chart display 81, regular chart display 82, and special chart reserved display 83) are connected to the main control board 100. The display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY1, which enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card) and a prize ball payout device 73, as well as to a launching device 72 via a launch control circuit 175. The launching device 72 includes a handle 72k (see Figure 1).

Based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU, the payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls. The paid-out game balls are detected by a prize ball sensor 73a for counting, and a detection signal from the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170.

The launching device 72 is also provided with a touch switch 72a capable of detecting contact with the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) by a person such as a player. When the player operates the handle 72k, the touch switch 72a detects the player's contact with the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170. A launch volume knob 72b capable of detecting the rotation angle (operation amount) of the handle 72k is also connected to the launching device 72. The launching device 72 drives the launch solenoid 72s so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 72k detected by the launch volume knob 72b. In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the rotation operation of the handle 72k is maintained, one game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

The payout control board 170 is also connected to the external terminal board 160. That is, the external terminal board 160 is connected to the main control board 100 via the payout control board 170. The external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal sent from the main control board 100 to an external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) provided outside the pachinko game machine PY1. Information contained in the outer end signal includes, for example, information indicating whether a jackpot has been won, information on the game status, and information indicating an error or fraud (abnormality). Note that the external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal to the external unit GU by parallel communication, but the outer end signal may also be transmitted by asynchronous serial communication (a common asynchronous serial communication port). Additionally, while the main control board 100 is connected to the external terminal board 160 via the dispensing control board 170, the main control board 100 may be connected to the external terminal board 160 via a board other than the dispensing control board 170 (e.g., a relay board), or the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 160 may be directly connected.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands containing information related to the game to the sub-control board 120 as the game progresses. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (control contents of the game) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 120 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling presentations (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for controlling presentations") 121, which controls the presentations of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for controlling presentations 121 includes a ROM for presentations 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the main control board 100, a RAM for presentations 124 used as a work memory, and a CPU for presentations 122 that executes the programs stored in the ROM for presentations 123.

The performance ROM 123 also stores programs for performing sub-control main processing, reception interrupt processing, 1 ms timer interrupt processing, and 10 ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be external.

The sub-control board 120 also includes an I/O port 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 139. The RTC 139 measures the current date and time. The RTC 139 operates on power when the pachinko game machine PY1 is supplied with power from a specified island power supply device (not shown), and operates on power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided on the power supply board 190 when power is not supplied from the island power supply device. Therefore, the RTC 139 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is not turned on. A backup power circuit for the RTC 139 may be provided on the sub-control board 120. The backup power circuit may include a circuit including a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the sub-control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the sub-control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100. The connection between the sub-control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows both the transmission of signals from the sub-control board 120 to the image control board 140 and the transmission of signals from the image control board 140 to the sub-control board 120.

The image control board 140 includes an image ROM 142 that stores programs for image control, an image RAM 143 that is used as a work memory, and an image CPU 141 that executes the programs stored in the image ROM 142. The image control board 140 also includes a CGROM 145 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display device 50, a VRAM 146 that is used to expand the image data stored in the CGROM 145, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144. Of course, all or part of these electronic components may be configured on a single chip. The CGROM 145 stores, for example, image data (still image data and video data, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns) and background images) for displaying images to be displayed on the image display device 50.

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and displays it in the display area in the VRAM 146 according to a display list created by the image CPU 141 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. The VDP 144 then appropriately combines the displayed image data to draw an image in the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. The image drawn in the frame buffer is then output to the image display device 50 as an RGB signal. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The display list is made up of a set of commands that instruct the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains various parameter information such as the type of image to be drawn, the position at which the image is to be drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the transparency of the image.

The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100.

Audio data such as the sound output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120. The audio control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and audio data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 52 may also be connected to the image control board 140 and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The sub-control board 120 is also connected to various switches that serve as input units, various actuators SA that serve as drive sources, and various lamps SL via a specified relay board (not shown). Signals output by the various switches are input to the sub-control board 120. The sub-control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators SA. The sub-control board 120 also controls the lighting of the various lamps SL via a lamp control circuit 151 based on commands received from the main control board 100.

The various switches connected to the sub-control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. The normal button detection switch 40a detects when the normal button 40 is pressed. The special button detection switch 41a detects when the special button 41 is pressed. Each detection switch 40a, 41a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators SA connected to the sub-control board 120 include an upper board drive motor 55m that drives the upper board movable device 55, a lower board drive motor 56m that drives the lower board movable device 56, and a frame drive motor 58m that drives the frame movable device 58. The performance control microcomputer 121 can drive these motors to cause each movable device to perform a predetermined operation. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The sub-control board 120 is also connected to a vibration motor (not shown) for vibrating the normal button 40. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not interfere with the game.

The various lamps SL connected to the sub-control board 120 include a frame lamp 53, a board lamp 54, etc. The performance control microcomputer 121 is capable of illuminating each lamp. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the light pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the lamp control circuit 151 as a circuit board. In this case, the CPU may be made to control the lighting of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and data related to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 may be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 17. The tables shown in Figures 10 to 17 are general ones for the purpose of the description of this section, and if a different table is shown in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table is used in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. However, for configurations that do not show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section is used, and also for configurations that show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section can be changed to the table shown in this section.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is performed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a static display after a variable display). Here, the statically displayed normal figures include winning figures and losing figures. The losing figures of the normal figures are also called "losing normal figures" to distinguish them from the losing figures of the special figures described later. When a winning figure is statically displayed, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing normal figure is statically displayed, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, hereinafter, the passing of the game ball through the gate 13 is referred to as "establishment of the normal figure start condition."

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular game lottery, variable display of regular games, auxiliary games), it acquires regular game-related random numbers when the regular game start conditions are met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 10 (A). Regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers used to determine whether a win has occurred. The random numbers are also called determination information. Appropriate ranges are set for the random numbers.

3-1-1. Hit Judgment Hit judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not a win (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) according to a hit judgment table as shown in FIG. 11 (A). The hit judgment table is associated with the game state described later. That is, the hit judgment table includes a hit judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a hit judgment table for non-time-saving) and a hit judgment table used in a time-saving state (a hit judgment table for time-saving). In each hit judgment table, the judgment value of the normal pattern random number (normal pattern random number value) is allocated to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges whether the result is a hit or a miss by judging the acquired normal pattern random number according to the hit judgment table. Then, based on the result of the hit judgment, a normal pattern variation pattern judgment is performed for performing a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, a winning pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the hit judgment is a miss, a miss normal pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. The probability of winning may be changed as appropriate. Also, the win determination table does not need to be divided for each game state.

3-1-2. Normal map fluctuation The normal map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the normal map fluctuation pattern according to the normal map fluctuation pattern judgment table as shown in Fig. 11 (B). The normal map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the normal map, such as the normal map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). In other words, there are normal map fluctuation pattern determination tables, a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table). Note that the normal map fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be divided for each game state.

In each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table, a normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, is stored for each normal map that is stopped. That is, the pachinko game machine PY1 can make the normal map fluctuation time different in the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map (losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds is determined. Also, in the time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds is determined. The variable display of the normal map corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the normal map display device 82. In addition, the time for these map fluctuations can be changed as appropriate. In this way, hit determination and map fluctuation pattern determination are performed, and the map is displayed variably on the map display 82.

Auxiliary games are played when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (a result of a lottery for a regular symbol) in the variable display of the regular symbol.

The elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components) include various elements such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game according to an auxiliary game control table such as that shown in FIG. 11 (C) based on the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The auxiliary game control table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times each of these elements opens and the opening time can be changed as appropriate.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is different between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary game". In addition, in the auxiliary game in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.0 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary game". Note that the opening time of the electric chute 12D may be the same between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state.

3-2. Games related to special figures Next, games related to special figures will be explained. When the launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special figure 1 lottery. When the special figure 1 lottery is performed, the special figure 1 display 81a performs a variable display of the special figure 1 (a stop display after performing a variable display) to notify the result of the special figure 1 lottery. Here, the special figure 1 that is stopped and displayed has a jackpot pattern and a loss pattern. In other words, the results of the special figure 1 lottery include a jackpot and a loss. When the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is ended. On the other hand, when a loss pattern is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on the winning is ended.

Similarly, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special drawing for the 2nd drawing when the released game ball enters the second starting hole 12. When the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is performed, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is variably displayed (variably displayed and then stopped) on the special drawing for the 2nd drawing device 81b to notify the result of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing. Here, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing that is stopped includes a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. In other words, the results of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing include a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. When a jackpot pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is not performed and the game based on the winning is terminated.

In the following, the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbol is also referred to as the "losing special symbol" to distinguish it from the losing normal symbols described above.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs such a series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met, and performs various judgments on the random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers (win symbol type random numbers), reach random numbers, and special symbol change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 10(B). The special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make a jackpot judgment. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make a jackpot symbol type judgment (win symbol type judgment). The reach random numbers are random numbers used to make a reach judgment. The special symbol change pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make a judgment on the change pattern of the special symbols. The random numbers are also called judgment information. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) according to a jackpot determination table as shown in FIG. 12(A). The jackpot determination table is associated with the game state, specifically, whether it is a normal probability state or a high probability state. That is, the jackpot determination table includes a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (normal probability jackpot determination table) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (high probability jackpot determination table).

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY1 determines whether the acquired special symbol random number is a jackpot or a miss by judging it according to the jackpot determination table. As shown in FIG. 12(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be jackpots than the normal probability jackpot determination table. Also, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate. Also, if it is configured so that a small jackpot can be won, the result of the jackpot determination can include a small jackpot win.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination (winning symbol type determination)
The jackpot symbol type determination is a determination for determining the type of the jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) according to a jackpot symbol type determination table as shown in Fig. 12 (B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. Each type of jackpot symbol is associated with the contents of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot that are composed of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. That is, the jackpot symbol type determination table includes a jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1, and a jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2.

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, a determination value (jackpot symbol type random number value) of the jackpot symbol type random number (win symbol type random number) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type that is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 determines the type of jackpot symbol by determining the acquired jackpot symbol type random number according to the jackpot symbol type determination table. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number value is appropriately assigned to various jackpot symbols. The allocation rate of the jackpot symbol type can be changed as appropriate. Also, the types of jackpot symbols can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type determination for special chart 1 can be set to 50% for jackpot pattern A and 50% for jackpot pattern B, and the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type determination for special chart 2 can be set to 100% for jackpot pattern C. In this way, it is possible to make the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type different between the special chart 1 lottery performed when the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 and the special chart 2 lottery performed when the game ball enters the second starting hole 12. In addition, if a small prize is allowed to be won, the type of the small prize pattern can be determined when a small prize is won. The winning pattern type determination includes the determination of the type of the jackpot pattern and the determination of the type of the small prize pattern. The determination of the type of the small prize pattern is also performed using a winning pattern type random number, just like the determination of the type of the jackpot pattern.

Reach judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later according to a reach judgment table as shown in FIG. 12 (C) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss.

The reach judgment table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are reach judgment tables, one for use in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving reach judgment table) and one for use in the time-saving state (time-saving reach judgment table). Note that it is not necessary to separate the reach judgment tables for each game state.

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "no reach (reach does not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges the acquired reach random number according to the reach judgment table to judge whether the reach is reached or not (whether or not the reach occurs). As shown in FIG. 12 (C), the number of reach random number values judged as "reach is reached (reach occurs)" is different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that the probability of judging as "reach is reached" can be changed as appropriate. In the following, "reach is reached (reach occurs)" which is performed on the premise that the result of the jackpot judgment is "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "no reach (reach does not occur)" is also referred to as "no reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern change pattern determination The special pattern change pattern determination is a determination for determining the change pattern (special pattern change pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using a special pattern change pattern determination table (special pattern change pattern determination table) as shown in Figures 13 to 14, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern change pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance described later. In addition, the special pattern change pattern includes identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination, in addition to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance. The identification information included in the special pattern change pattern can be changed as appropriate. In addition, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern change patterns with different identification information as the special pattern change pattern, and the number of them can be changed as appropriate.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table is associated with the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2) that performs the variable display to be judged, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the special pattern variation pattern judgment was made. That is, the special pattern variation pattern judgment table includes a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 13) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1, and a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 14) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2. Note that the special pattern variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2).

And each special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table includes a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). On the other hand, the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table also includes a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). It is not necessary to separate the special chart fluctuation pattern judgment tables for each game state.

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) is further associated with a jackpot determination result and a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be divided according to the jackpot determination result and the reach determination result.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, there is a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Furthermore, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. Specifically, there is a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4. Note that the special chart variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the reserved number of special charts.

Then, the special chart display 81 performs a variable display of the special chart for the special chart variation time according to the special chart variation pattern determined by each special chart variation pattern judgment. Then, when the jackpot pattern is displayed as a static display result (the result of the special chart lottery) in the variable display of the special chart, the next variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately, and the jackpot game is executed next.

In addition, each special chart change pattern is associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the tables of Figures 13 and 14. Note that it is not necessary to associate a special chart change pattern with a special chart change presentation flow.

Also, as shown in the rightmost column of the tables in Figures 13 and 14, the special chart variation patterns are sometimes called by names related to the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a miss is called a "miss variation." Among the jackpot variations, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "SP jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach is performed is called an "L jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach is called an "N jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern in which the same numbers line up as soon as a reach is established is called an "instant jackpot variation." On the other hand, among the misses with reach, the special chart change pattern in which the SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called "SP miss change", the special chart change pattern in which the L reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called "L miss change", the special chart change pattern in which the special chart change performance ends with the N reach, which is a type of reach, is called "N miss change", and the special chart change pattern related to the miss without reach is called "normal miss change". There are three types of normal miss changes with different change times (normal A miss change, normal B miss change, normal C miss change). In addition, the special chart change pattern related to the miss without reach that has a shorter change time than the "normal miss change" is called "shortened miss change". There are two types of shortened miss changes with different change times (shortened A miss change, shortened B miss change). In addition, when referring to SP big win and SP miss fluctuations collectively, they are called SP fluctuations or SP reach fluctuations.

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs a pre-reading judgment according to a pre-reading judgment table as shown in FIG. 15 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. The pre-reading judgment is performed before the jackpot judgment (specifically, for example, at the time of winning in the start hole). The pre-reading judgment includes, for example, a judgment of whether or not the special symbol random number is judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, a judgment of which jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be a jackpot pattern type in the jackpot symbol type judgment, and a judgment of which special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be a special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The pre-reading judgment table is associated with the type of start hole (first start hole 11/second start hole 12) related to the start winning. That is, the pre-reading judgment table includes a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) when the first start hole 11 is won, and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) when the second start hole 12 is won. Since the first starting hole 11 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1, the first look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 1 look-ahead judgment table. Also, since the second starting hole 12 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2, the second look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 2 look-ahead judgment table. Note that the look-ahead judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of starting hole (first starting hole 11/second starting hole 12). Also, a starting winning is a winning at a starting hole.

The look-ahead judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are look-ahead judgment tables used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and look-ahead judgment tables used in the time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, the look-ahead judgment tables include a first look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, and a third look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced. Note that the look-ahead judgment tables do not need to be separated for each game state. Also, the types of judgments to be included in the look-ahead judgment can be changed as appropriate.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, the jackpot game will be described. The jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play accompanied by the opening and closing of the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15), an opening (also referred to as OP) from the start of the jackpot game until the start of the first round of play, and an ending (also referred to as ED) from the end of the final round of play until the end of the jackpot game. Each round of play starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ending. It is also possible not to provide an OP or an ED. In the following, a predetermined number of rounds (predetermined order) of play will simply be referred to as a "round". For example, the first (first) round of play will be referred to as "1st round (1R)", and the tenth round of play will be referred to as "10th round (10R)".

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14, second jackpot opening 15) are opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time for each opening, the time it is closed until the next opening (closing time or interval time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special chart is stopped and displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game in accordance with a jackpot game control table such as that shown in FIG. 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, the jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game (e.g., for each jackpot game A to C). In each jackpot game, from 1R to 15R, a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. Then, in 16R (the final round), a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. In each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensors 14a and 15a, the round game is ended even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14 and 15 has elapsed.

It is possible to configure the jackpot game A shown in FIG. 16 to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern A (see FIG. 12(B)), the jackpot game B to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern B, and the jackpot game C to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern C.

The number of times and the time for each jackpot game component can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or only one of them. In a configuration in which only the first jackpot opening 14 is used for jackpot games, or in which only the second jackpot opening 15 is used for jackpot games, the unused jackpot opening may not be provided. The number of types of jackpot games that can be played may be multiple or only one.

The specific area 16 will now be described in detail. The specific area 16 is placed in a closed state, in which winning is not possible, and an open state, in which winning is possible, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be said to be the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In addition, the open state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-open", and the closed state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-closed".

The distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (i.e., the specific area 16 is controlled in a certain opening/closing mode). For example, for 15 seconds after the second large prize opening 15 starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled in the second state (FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16). On the other hand, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing during which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to make the game ball enter the specific area 16). In this way, by combining a certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (a certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 in a jackpot game, it is possible to set the difficulty (ease) of making the game ball enter the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. The operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate. If another operating mode is shown in the description of "Characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the pachinko game machine PY1 adopts that operating mode.

Note that during a jackpot game, a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern) in which it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing") is called a "V-long jackpot", and a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern) in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 is called a "V-short jackpot".

3-4. Game state Next, the game state will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state". The "low probability low base game state" may be abbreviated to "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" to "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" to "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" to "high probability high base state". The game states include a state related to the probability of being determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability low base game state" or a "low probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability low base game state" or a "high probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1, the normal probability state is set. Then, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state by winning a jackpot. For example, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot pattern. Whether the trigger for switching to the high probability state is V passing or the type of jackpot pattern is determined in advance according to the gameplay to be realized. In the high probability state, a certain number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning the jackpot, or it is possible to switch from the high probability state to the normal probability state by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state", "high probability low base game state" or "jackpot game state". The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or "high probability high base game state", and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary game is likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g., 3.0 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, the special chart change pattern is determined according to a special chart change pattern determination table that is determined so that a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 13 to 14). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special chart reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special chart reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal map change time is more likely to be shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a normal map change time (5 seconds) is determined that is shorter than the normal map change time (30 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state (Figure 11 (B)). Therefore, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time is greater.

In addition, the time-saving state is more likely to be judged as a hit in the hit judgment than the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a hit is judged with a higher probability (e.g., 59936/65536) than the probability of a hit being judged as a hit in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6600/65536) (Figure 11 (A)). Therefore, the time-saving state is judged as a hit more often per unit time.

In this way, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time per unit time compared to the non-time-saving state, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, where the base is high, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls in the player's possession. Therefore, it can be said that the time-saving state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the non-time-saving state.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 is first powered on, the non-time-saving state is set. Then, for example, the time-saving state can be set by winning a jackpot. In the time-saving state, a predetermined number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning a jackpot, or the time-saving state can be changed to the non-time-saving state by winning the next jackpot.

In addition, in the time-saving state, compared to the non-time-saving state, it is easier to win a prize, the normal chart change time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one auxiliary play is more likely to be longer. In other words, three points about the game related to the normal chart are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points set to be advantageous to the player may only be part of these. Also, the special chart change pattern determination table in the time-saving state does not have to be one in which a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state.

After the pachinko game machine PY1 is first powered on, the game state is a "low probability, low base game state" in which the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state are set. This game state is also called the "normal game state." In the "jackpot game state," a normal drawing (a hit determination for a normal drawing) is performed but a special drawing (a hit determination) is not performed, so the non-time-saving state is set with the start of the jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the game states described above for the game state. In addition, it is assumed that the various game states described in this specification can be arbitrarily expressed in the form of an "nth game state" (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1). In addition, a low-probability, low-base game state (low-probability, low-base state) can be called a low-probability, non-time-saving state, a low-probability, high-base game state (low-probability, high-base state) can be called a low-probability, time-saving state, a high-probability, low-base game state (high-probability, low-base state) can be called a high-probability, non-time-saving state, and a high-probability, high-base game state (high-probability, high-base state) can be called a high-probability, time-saving state.

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4-1. Presentation mode First, the presentation mode will be described. Presentation mode is a category of presentation (or a higher conceptual attribute). The pachinko game machine PY1 can set the following presentation modes: a customer waiting presentation mode, a normal presentation mode, a probability variation presentation mode, a time-saving presentation mode, and a big win presentation mode.

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart change performance is not being performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart change performance is not being performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 18 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a, and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed.

The normal presentation mode can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability low base game state" or the "high probability low base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image (daytime normal background image G102) showing a daytime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-1), a second normal presentation mode in which a background image (evening normal background image G103) showing an evening mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-2), and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image (nighttime normal background image G104) showing a nighttime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-3), and can be switched under the condition that the special chart change presentation is performed once or multiple times without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The special probability mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in a "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the special probability mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-4), a background image representing space (special probability background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the special probability mode includes a special probability pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special chart change presentation, and a special probability post-stage presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the special probability pre-stage presentation mode, the special probability background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the special probability post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in the normal probability state and the time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a first stage of time-saving presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a second stage of time-saving presentation mode after a reach is established. In the first stage of time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the second stage of time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the round of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-2), a round presentation is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the ending of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-3), a jackpot ending presentation is performed in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode to be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total prize ball number paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The types of presentation modes can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-2. Special chart change performance Next, the special chart change performance (also simply called "change performance") will be explained. When the pachinko game machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special chart, it executes the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (the jackpot determination result, the jackpot pattern type determination result, the reach determination result, and the special chart change pattern determination result). In the special chart change performance (one example of the notification performance), the display unit 50a displays the change of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. In the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern stops after changing. That is, after the special chart change time and the change display of the performance pattern are performed, the change stops and the stop display of the performance pattern is performed. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is notified by the stop display of the performance pattern.

In addition to the display of the changing special symbols, other effects can be performed using various devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, other effects can be continued even after the display of the stopped symbols.

4-2-1. Display area of the effect pattern As shown in FIG. 19(A), the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a left effect pattern area 50b1, a middle effect pattern area 50b2, and a right effect pattern area 50b3 on the left side, the center, and the right side of the display unit 50a, which are divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts. The left effect pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left effect pattern EZ1 when the effect pattern is stopped in the special pattern change effect. Similarly, the middle effect pattern area 50b2 and the right effect pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle effect pattern EZ2 and the right effect pattern EZ3.

As shown in FIG. 19(A), a small pattern area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display unit 50a. The small pattern area 50c is an area that variably displays the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when the special pattern is being variably displayed.

In FIG. 19(A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are indicated by dashed two-dot lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed. Furthermore, the range of each area can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, not only the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3), but also the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are examples of "performance patterns" because they are patterns displayed on the display unit 50a for performance purposes.

4-2-2. Normal Variation In the special chart variation presentation, the pachinko game machine PY1 can first perform normal variation. The normal variation functions as a presentation that suggests that the variable display of the special chart has started.

When the variable display of the special chart is started, for example, as shown in Figure 19 (A), on the display unit 50a, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen, while the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2 and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special chart is not being performed and the state is waiting for the variable display of the special chart.As shown in Figure 19 (B), with the start of the variable display of the special chart, the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2 and EZ3 is started, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2 and KZ3 is started. And, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss change", as shown in Fig. 19 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in Fig. 19 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, a special pattern change pattern with a reach such as "N miss change", as shown in Fig. 19 (C-2), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stop mode, and a reach is established. In detail, first the left performance pattern EZ1 stops on a certain pattern (for example, 5), then the right performance pattern EZ3 stops on the same pattern as the left performance pattern EZ1 (5), and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to change, and a reach performance is performed according to the special pattern change pattern. The stopping order and stopping mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-3. N Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform N Reach when a reach is achieved in normal variation. N Reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination may be a "jackpot" and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the N reach, as shown in FIG. 20(A), the state in which the reach is established is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 20(B), the speed of change of the middle performance pattern EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N miss change", the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes) as shown in FIG. 20(C-1). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N jackpot change", as shown in FIG. 20(C-2), the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (so-called double numbers). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot. In addition, the content of the N Reach effect is not limited to the middle effect pattern EZ2 gradually slowing down, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

In addition, with regard to the stopping patterns of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that indicate a miss, the spread when the reach is not established is called a "non-reach spread" or a "non-reach miss" and the spread when the reach is established is called a "reach spread" or a "reach miss". The combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the non-reach spread (for example, "2, 3, 1" or "5, 8, 6") and the combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the reach spread (for example, "2, 1, 2" or "5, 4, 5") are selected by the performance control microcomputer 121. In addition, the combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the stopping pattern (double number) that indicates a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the type of jackpot symbol that has been selected.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an SP reach after an N reach. The SP reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination is more likely to be a "jackpot" than the N reach, and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (SP reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 21(B), a performance dedicated to the SP reach (for example, a battle performance) is performed. Then, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP jackpot change", a performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character (one of the ally characters) has won the battle and is standing with his/her arms crossed) is performed on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 21(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopping state (so-called double numbers) suggesting a jackpot. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a big win. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP miss variation," then as shown in FIG. 21 (C-2), a performance that suggests a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character standing with its arms crossed after winning a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner that suggests a miss (so-called barake eyes). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a miss. Note that the performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

Here, we will explain in detail the possibility that the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 for each reach will stop in a manner indicating a jackpot (jackpot expectation). The jackpot expectation for each reach is determined by the execution probability based on the result of the jackpot determination. For example, if the execution probability of a variation that ends in an N reach is set to 10% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 50% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," and the execution probability of a variation that develops into an SP reach is set to 4% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 50% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," then it is possible to set the jackpot expectation for an SP reach higher than that for an N reach. Furthermore, by making SP reach A and SP reach B executable as SP reaches, and setting the execution probability of SP reach A to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 30% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", and setting the execution probability of SP reach B to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 20% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", it is possible to set the jackpot expectation of SP reach A higher than the jackpot expectation of SP reach B. In this way, it is possible to set the jackpot expectation by appropriately setting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination.

4-2-5. L Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an L reach after an N reach. The L reach is a performance that suggests that the possibility that the result of the special chart lottery was a "jackpot" is lower than that of the SP reach but higher than that of the N reach, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a jackpot. The execution time of the reach performance of the L reach is shorter than that of the reach performance of the SP reach (FIGS. 13 and 14). Therefore, in the reach performance of the L reach, for example, a video shorter than that of the reach performance of the SP reach is displayed on the display unit 50a. The content of the reach performance of the L reach can be changed as appropriate. In addition, a special chart variation pattern in which the reach performance of the SP reach is executed in a developed manner after the reach performance of the L reach may be provided.

4-3. Hold icon display area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 22 (A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4, and the hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, and 50d4 according to the number of reserved special figures 1 or the number of reserved special figures 2. For example, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "1", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e is capable of displaying the icon TA (also called the reserved icon TA) that is the same as the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance. Note that an icon different from the reserved icon HA may be displayed as the icon TA.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. The reserved icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the reserved number of special chart 1 and the reserved number of special chart 2, or a display area that displays only one of them. It is also possible to provide the reserved icon display area 50d but not the icon display area 50e, or to provide neither.

4-3-1. Hold performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a hold performance in response to the game ball entering the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. The hold performance can notify the player of the number of special chart 1 holds or special chart 2 holds.

In the reserved performance, when the number of reserved special chart 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the special chart change performance starts, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, for example, as shown in FIG. 22(B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change performance, the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 22(C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change performance ends and a new special chart change performance starts, as shown in FIG. 22(D), the reserved icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserved icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a notice performance at any timing during the special chart change performance. The notice performance is a performance using the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, the movable devices 55, 56, 58, the input device (the normal button 40, the special button 41), etc., and can suggest the result of the jackpot determination or the result of the special chart change pattern determination.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a movable body effect as a preview effect using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58. The movable body effect is an effect in which the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 are operated, and functions as an effect that makes the player expect a big win.

In the movable body performance, for example, when the N reach develops into the SP reach, as shown in FIG. 23(A), the movable device on the board 55 and the movable device below the board 56 are operated, and the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move so as to overlap on the display unit 50a, suggesting the development into the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k. After that, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state (initial position) and develop into the SP reach. This movable body performance is an example of a development performance. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of development into the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the movable device operated in the movable body performance can be changed as appropriate. Also, if the performance does not progress (for example, in the case of an N miss variation), it is possible to perform a moving body performance as a so-called false performance. A moving body performance is also called a moving body drive performance.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an operation performance as a preview performance using the normal button 40 or the special button 41. The operation performance is a performance that makes the player operate the normal button 40 or the special button 41, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a big win.

In the operation presentation, for example, in the SP reach, a period (operation valid period) occurs during which the pressing operation of the input device (special button 41) is valid, and with the occurrence of this operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), a presentation (operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41. In the operation promotion presentation, an operation promotion image G30 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The operation promotion image G30 includes an image (special button image G31) that imitates the special button 41, an image (operation method instruction image G32) that shows the operation method of the special button 41 (i.e., pressing operation), and an image (valid period image G33) that shows the remaining time of the operation valid period. The valid period image G33 is generally composed of a curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the valid operation period, or after the valid operation period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated during the valid operation period, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 24(B), and the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operation presentation is not limited to the operation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation promotion presentation that encourages the operation of the operation means (operation unit) such as the special button 41 or the normal button 40 is also referred to as an operation instruction presentation.

4-4-3. Pre-reading performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a pre-reading performance for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve for which the special chart lottery has not been performed as a notice performance. The pre-reading performance functions as a performance to suggest in advance the lottery result of the special chart lottery for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve.

In the pre-reading performance, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reservation is a "jackpot", the reservation icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle" in the reservation icon display area 50d, may be displayed as a "☆" as shown in FIG. 22 (C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss", the reservation icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. In this way, the pre-reading performance in which the reservation icon HA or the icon TA is displayed in a special mode (for example, "☆" in this embodiment, also called a special display mode) rather than in a normal mode (in this embodiment, "circle", also called a normal display mode) is called a reservation change performance or a reservation display change performance. Also, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are collectively called a reservation display or a specified icon. In this embodiment, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are displayed as a reservation display, but it is also possible to configure it so that only the reservation icon HA is displayed and the icon TA is not displayed. In addition, the timing for the special mode of the hold display in the hold change performance may be when the start winning occurs, which triggers the hold display, or when the hold display shifts (when the display area of the hold icon HA is changed), or when the special chart change (the so-called change in question) corresponding to the hold display is in progress (when it is displayed as the icon TA). Also, there may be multiple types of special modes of the hold display.

Note that the look-ahead effect can be performed on both or either of the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Furthermore, the look-ahead effect is not limited to a change in the display mode of the reserve icon HA, but can be changed or added as appropriate. Examples of look-ahead effects other than the reserve change effect include so-called continuous previews.

5. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 Next, the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 26. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 25 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, permission settings for access to the game RAM 104, settings for the game CPU 102, settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

In addition, in the power-on process (S001), when the game control microcomputer 101 receives a signal based on pressing the RAM clear switch 191, it executes a RAM clear. When a RAM clear is executed, the game information stored in the game RAM 104 (for example, game state information such as a high probability state, the number of reserved special figures, the result of the jackpot determination, etc.) is erased. This sets the game state to a normal game state (low probability low base state, low probability non-time-saving state). However, even if a RAM clear is executed, the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c are not cleared.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 10 (A) and 10 (B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Also, at least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers that are generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[2. Main side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in Fig. 26, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, input process (S102) is executed. In the input process (S102), the game control microcomputer 101 takes in, for example, a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores it in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of FIG. 25. That is, the update process of the counter values of the various random numbers shown in FIG. 10 (A) and FIG. 10 (B) is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S107). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S107), a sorting device control process (S108) is performed to control the sorting device 16D. The sorting device 16D is operated when a special game using the second large prize device 15D is played. However, the sorting device 16D may be operated in a constant manner from the time the power is turned on.

Next, the gaming control microcomputer 101 executes an output process (S112). In the output process (S112), the commands and other information set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each of the above processes are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, etc.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S113) and ends the main timer interrupt process (S005). Other processes (S113) include power off monitoring process when the power is turned off and updating the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Another other process (S113) is a payout control process that pays out prize balls to the player. In the payout control process, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

Then, the gaming control microcomputer 101 repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process (see FIG. 25) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt process (S005).

[2-1. Sensor detection process]
In the sensor detection process (S104), the general winning hole sensor process, the gate sensor process, the second starting hole sensor process, the first starting hole sensor process, the first large winning hole sensor process, the second large winning hole sensor process, the specific area sensor process, and the outlet sensor process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The general prize opening sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the general prize opening sensor 10a. In addition, a command for the general prize opening sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

In the gate sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the gate sensor 13a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, the normal pattern random number indicated by the counter value of the normal pattern random number counter is obtained, and the obtained normal pattern random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 provided in the gaming RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal pattern random numbers (e.g., four) are stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106, the newly obtained normal pattern random number is not stored. In addition, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the result of this process.

In the second start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 12a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 2 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 2 related random number is stored in the special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 2 related random number is not stored. In addition, a second look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 2 related random number and the second look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the second start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 2 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reserved number) stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a second start winning command representing the result of the second look-ahead judgment.

In the first start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 1 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern variation pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 1 related random number is stored in the special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 1 related random number is not stored. In addition, a first look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 1 related random number and the first look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the first start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 1 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reserved number) stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a first start winning command representing the result of the first pre-reading judgment.

In the first large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first large prize opening sensor 14a. In addition, a command for the first large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

The second large prize opening sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second large prize opening sensor 15a. In addition, a command for the second large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the specific area sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 16a. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the result of this process.

The outlet sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the outlet sensor.

[2-2. Normal Operation Processing]
In the normal operation process (S105), a normal symbol waiting process, a normal symbol variation process, a normal symbol determination process, and an auxiliary game control process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The normal pattern standby process is a process that is performed during standby when no variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is being performed. In the normal pattern standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal pattern random number stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal pattern change pattern is determined by making a normal pattern change pattern determination based on the current game state. Then, a normal pattern change start command is generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal pattern change pattern. Then, the normal pattern display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern change time associated with the determined normal pattern change pattern.

The normal pattern change process is a process that is performed during the variable display of the normal map. In the normal pattern change process, the normal map is stopped based on the hit determination result as the normal map change time elapses from the start of the variable display of the normal map being executed. Then, a normal map change stop command is generated, which indicates the end of the variable display of the normal map.

The normal symbol determination process is a process that is performed when a normal symbol is displayed stationary. In the normal symbol determination process, a determination is made as to whether or not the normal symbol displayed stationary is a winning symbol when a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stationary display of the ongoing normal symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed stationary, an auxiliary game is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command is generated to indicate the start of the auxiliary game.

The auxiliary game control process is a process that is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. In the auxiliary game control process, the auxiliary game is controlled based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. In addition, a command for controlling the auxiliary game is generated according to the result of the process.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S107), a special symbol waiting process, a special symbol variation process, a special symbol determination process, a big win game control process, and a game state setting process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

[2-3-1. Special symbol waiting process]
The special symbol standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the special symbol is not being displayed variably, not in a jackpot game state. In the special symbol standby process, a special symbol 2 determination process and a special symbol 2 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 2 related random number stored in the special symbol 2 reserved memory unit 105b, and a special symbol 2 reserved memory unit shift process is performed. In addition, a special symbol 1 determination process and a special symbol 1 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 1 related random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a, and a special symbol 1 reserved memory unit shift process is performed.

In the special chart 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers and the special chart 2 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 2 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 2 determination process. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 2 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reservation number) stored in the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b. Then, a special chart 2 variation start command representing the determined special chart 2 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 2 variation start command includes information that it is a special chart 2, information about the result of the jackpot determination, information about the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information about the result of the reach determination, information about the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 2 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 2 display 81b starts variable display of the special chart 2 based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 2 change pattern.

The special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 2 determination process and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 2 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b. In this way, the special chart 2 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 2 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 2 reserved number after the process.

In the special chart 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers and the special chart 1 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 1 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 1 determination process. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 1 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reservation number) stored in the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a. Then, a special chart 1 variation start command representing the determined special chart 1 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 1 variation start command includes information regarding the special chart 1, information regarding the result of the jackpot determination, information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information regarding the result of the reach determination, information regarding the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 1 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 1 display 81a starts to display the special chart 1 in a variable manner based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 1 change pattern.

The special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 1 determination process and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 1 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a. In this way, the special chart 1 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 1 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 1 reserved number after the process.

When both the number of reserved special charts 2 and the number of reserved special charts 1 are present, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel. In other words, when there is a reserved special chart 2, the game control microcomputer 101 will not perform the special chart 1 determination process even if there is a reserved special chart 1. The variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 may be configured to be performed in the order of winning, or to be performed simultaneously.

[2-3-2. Special symbol variation processing]
The special symbol variation process is a process performed during the variable display of the special symbol. In the special symbol variation process, as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol display device 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol and stops displaying the special symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the miss symbol indicating a miss is stopped and displayed. Then, a special symbol variation stop command indicating the end of the variable display of the special symbol is generated.

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special pattern determination process is a process performed when the special pattern is stopped. In the special pattern determination process, if the currently stopped special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the game is transitioned to a jackpot game state. Then, an opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the high probability state is to be terminated, a normal probability state is set. Then, a high probability end command indicating a transition to a normal probability state is generated. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the time-saving state is to be terminated, a non-time-saving state is set. Then, a time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is generated. Note that if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the number of reserved special patterns 2 and the number of reserved special patterns 1 are "0", a customer waiting command indicating that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a standby state is generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The jackpot game control process is a process carried out in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played according to a jackpot game control table. After transition to the jackpot game state, each round of play is started according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round game is generated. Also, an ending is started according to the end of the final round game. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot symbol type determination.

[2-3-5. Game status setting process]
The game state setting process is a process performed when the jackpot game state ends. In the game state setting process, when changing from a normal probability state to a high probability state, the high probability state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the high probability state, the duration of the high probability state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the high probability state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a high probability setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the high probability state. Also, when changing from a non-time-saving state to a time-saving state, the time-saving state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the time-saving state, the duration of the time-saving state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the time-saving state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a time-saving setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the time-saving state.

The commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 in each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 29. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Fig. 27 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and a random number update process is executed (S4003). In the random number update process (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make decisions regarding various effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number update process is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that receives the command displays an image on the display unit 50a according to the received command (executes various performances using images). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to emit light via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes various light-emitting performances using light), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executes various movable body performances using operations). In this way, various performances (special chart change performances, reserved performances, operation performances, pre-reading performances, other advance notice performances, big win game performances, customer waiting performances, control of performance modes, etc.) are realized.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S112) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[2.1 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011), as shown in Fig. 28, an input process (S4101), a light emission data output process (S4102), a movable device control process (S4103), and a watchdog timer process (S4104) are sequentially performed.

In the input process, the operation of the operation unit that can be operated by the player, such as the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a, is detected, and commands are set and performance data is created according to the detection result. In the light emission data output process, based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later, the light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to make lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 light up at a timing that matches the performance by the image, etc. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 makes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 light up in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable device control process, based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later, the drive data is output to perform a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. at a predetermined timing. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. in a predetermined operation mode according to the drive data. The watchdog timer process performs the reset setting for the watchdog timer.

[3. 10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012), as shown in Fig. 29, a received command analysis process (S4201), a performance timer update process (S4202), a sound control process (S4203), and a performance data creation process (S4204) are sequentially performed.

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process, a timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process, the start timing and end timing of the effective operation period of the operation parts such as the normal button 40 and the special button 41 are measured. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the processing results of the input process and the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process.

Here, an example of processing when the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a command from the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The command received by the performance control microcomputer 121 is a special chart fluctuation start command (special chart 1 fluctuation start command or special chart 2 fluctuation start command). When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a special chart fluctuation start command, it selects a special chart fluctuation performance performance pattern (sub-fluctuation pattern) based on the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the command as a processing at the time of receiving the fluctuation start command, sets information on the sub-fluctuation pattern, and sets a fluctuation performance start command including information on the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart fluctuation start command is SP fluctuation (SP big win fluctuation or SP miss fluctuation), it selects a sub-fluctuation pattern that performs SP reach, and sets a fluctuation performance start command corresponding to the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. After that, each process (such as command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), and audio control process (S4203)) is executed to realize a special chart change effect corresponding to the selected sub-change pattern. The process flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects such as big win game effects, customer waiting effects, pre-reading effects, and so-called advance notice effects associated with the change.

7. Characteristic Parts of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1 The characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described in detail below.

First, the game board 1 in the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described based on FIG. 30. The pachinko game machine PY1 is equipped with the game board 1 shown in FIG. 30. In the description of FIG. 30, the components that perform the same role as the components of the game board 1 in FIG. 2 described above will be given the same reference numerals as above, and the description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 30, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a first gate 28 in the left game area 6A in the game area 6, and a second gate 29 in the right game area 6B. Inside the first gate 28, a first gate sensor (not shown) that detects a game ball that has passed through the first gate 28 is provided, and inside the second gate 29, a second gate sensor (not shown) that detects a game ball that has passed through the second gate 29 is provided. When the game ball passes through the first gate 28 (when the first gate sensor detects the game ball) and when the game ball passes through the second gate 29 (when the second gate sensor detects the game ball), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a lottery for a normal symbol (obtaining and determining a normal symbol random number). In other words, both the first gate 28 and the second gate 29 are passing areas that trigger the execution of the lottery for a normal symbol.

In this embodiment, the electric chute 12D is arranged at the junction of the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 so that the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12 whether it has passed through the left playing area 6A or the right playing area 6B. Therefore, the game ball may enter the second starting hole 12 not only when hitting from the right side in the time-saving state, but also when hitting from the left side in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the result of the lottery for the normal pattern may be a winning pattern even in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 11 (A)). In this case, the normal pattern is displayed as a winning pattern after a 30-second variable display (see FIG. 11 (B)), and the electric chute 12D is opened for 0.08 seconds (see FIG. 11 (C)). Therefore, even when playing with a left hit in the non-time-saving state, if the game ball passes through the first gate 28, the electric chute 12D may be opened and the game ball may enter the second starting hole 12. And, when there is a special chart 1 reservation based on winning at the first starting port 11 and a special chart 2 reservation based on winning at the second starting port 12, the pachinko game machine PY1 is configured to prioritize the consumption of the special chart 2 reservation (the judgment of whether it is a win or lose and the special chart change based on the special chart 2 reservation) over the consumption of the special chart 1 reservation (the judgment of whether it is a win or lose and the special chart change based on the special chart 1 reservation).

Next, the display contents of the display unit 50a in the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described based on FIG. 31. When the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a non-time-saving state, as shown in FIG. 31, it can display, for example, the daytime normal background image G102 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "normal background") while displaying the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, KZ3 on the display unit 50a. Also, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a non-time-saving state, it can display a reserved icon (referred to as the special chart 1 reserved icon HA1) corresponding to the special chart 1 reserved based on winning the first start port 11 in the special chart 1 reserved icon display area HR1, and a reserved icon (referred to as the special chart 2 reserved icon HA2) corresponding to the special chart 2 reserved based on winning the second start port 12 in the special chart 2 reserved icon display area HR2. In addition, the pachinko game machine PY1 can display the icon TA corresponding to the winning during the variable performance in the icon display area TR. The special chart 1 reserved icon display area HR1 and the special chart 2 reserved icon display area HR2 each have four display areas (i.e., the number of display areas corresponds to the upper limit number of special chart reserved), which are a display area displaying a reserved icon HA corresponding to the first special chart reserved, a display area displaying a reserved icon HA corresponding to the second special chart reserved, a display area displaying a reserved icon HA corresponding to the third special chart reserved, and a display area displaying a reserved icon HA corresponding to the fourth special chart reserved. Therefore, a maximum of four special chart 1 reserved icons HA1 and special chart 2 reserved icons HA2 may be displayed.

When a winning entry occurs in the first starting hole 11, and when a winning entry occurs in the second starting hole 12, the pachinko game machine PY1 can execute a reserve display change effect and a chance zone effect as a look-ahead effect based on the results of the look-ahead judgment. The special reserve corresponding to the winning entry that triggered the execution of the look-ahead effect is called a target reserve.

The pending display change effect is an effect in which the display mode of the pending display (pending icon HA or the icon TA) is displayed in a special display mode different from the normal display mode. In this embodiment, the pending display is a circular icon, and as shown in FIG. 32, the display mode of the pending display includes a normal display mode in which the icon is displayed in white, a first special display mode in which the icon is displayed as if blinking in white, a second special display mode in which the icon is displayed in blue, and a third special display mode in which the icon is displayed in red. Each display mode of the pending display is assigned a different value as pending display mode data, and the performance control microcomputer 121 displays the pending display on the display unit 50a based on the value of this pending display mode data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a lottery for the pending display change effect so that the relationship of the jackpot expectation degree for each display mode is normal display mode (white) < first special display mode (white blinking) < second special display mode (blue) < third special display mode (red). The pending display change effect is an example of a first advance suggestion effect and a first notice effect. Additionally, the blue display mode (second special display mode) is an example of the first mode, and the red display mode (third special display mode) is an example of the second mode.

Figure 33 is a lottery table for the pending display change presentation in the non-time-saving state, and Figure 34 is a lottery table for the pending change scenario. When the presentation control microcomputer 121 receives a start winning command (first start winning command, second start winning command, see Figure 15) from the game control microcomputer 101 in the non-time-saving state, it determines the final display mode of the pending display based on the table shown in Figure 33, and determines the pending change scenario based on the table shown in Figure 34. The pending change scenario is a scenario that defines the transition of the display mode of the pending display.

In the lottery for the pending display change presentation, as shown in FIG. 33, if the pre-read judgment result indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a "jackpot", the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects, as the final display mode of the pending display, the "white" display mode (normal display mode) at a rate of 10%, the "white flashing" display mode (first special display mode) at a rate of 15%, the "blue" display mode (second special display mode) at a rate of 30%, and the "red" display mode (third special display mode) at a rate of 45%.

In addition, when the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is "SP reach miss" (i.e., a miss in which the SP reach is made), the performance control microcontroller 121 selects, as the final display mode of the pending display, the "white" display mode (normal display mode) at a rate of 20%, the "white flashing" display mode (first special display mode) at a rate of 25%, the "blue" display mode (second special display mode) at a rate of 40%, and the "red" display mode (third special display mode) at a rate of 15%.

In addition, when the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is an "L reach miss" (i.e. a miss in which an L reach is made) or an "N reach miss" (i.e. a miss that ends with an N reach), the performance control microcontroller 121 selects the "white" display mode (normal display mode) 50% of the time, the "white flashing" display mode (first special display mode) 30% of the time, the "blue" display mode (second special display mode) 15% of the time, and the "red" display mode (third special display mode) 5% of the time, as the final display mode of the pending display.

In this embodiment, if the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a "normal miss" (i.e. a miss where a reach does not occur), the presentation control microcomputer 121 does not change the display mode of the pending display, but always displays the pending display in the normal display mode.

In this way, in this embodiment, the final display mode of the reserved display is determined by the allocation rate shown in FIG. 33, so the probability of winning for each display mode of the reserved display increases in the order of normal display mode (white) < first special display mode (flashing white) < second special display mode (blue) < third special display mode (red). Also, when the result of the pre-reading judgment is a SP reach miss, the blue or red display mode is more likely to be selected, and the white or flashing white display mode is less likely to be selected, compared to when the result of the pre-reading judgment is an L reach miss or an N reach miss. Therefore, the blue or red display mode also functions as an effect that gives the expectation that a variable effect that develops into an SP reach will be executed. Note that the allocation rate shown in FIG. 33 is an example, and can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not impair the function of the reserved display change effect. This is also the same for the execution lottery of other effects.

After determining the final display mode of the reserved display based on the lottery table shown in FIG. 33, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines the reserved change scenario based on the lottery table shown in FIG. 34. In the lottery for the reserved change scenario, as shown in FIG. 34, if the final display mode of the reserved display is "red", the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 011" at a rate of 50% if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the fourth reserved item, and selects the reserved change scenario "No. 012" at a rate of 50%. Also, if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the third reserved item, the reserve change scenario "No. 013" is selected at a rate of 50% and the reserve change scenario "No. 014" is selected at a rate of 50%. In addition, if the special reserved item that triggered this lottery occurred as the second reserved item, the reserved item change scenario "No. 015" will be selected 100% of the time, and if the special reserved item that triggered this lottery occurred as the first reserved item, the reserved item change scenario "No. 016" will be selected 100% of the time.

The change in the reserved display according to the "reserved change scenario No." is as shown in FIG. 34. To explain one specific example of the transition in the display mode of the reserved display, for example, when the reserved change scenario "No. 012" is selected, the performance control microcomputer 121 displays a white flashing reserved display (first special display mode) as the reserved display corresponding to this target reserve while the target reserve that triggered the execution of the reserved display change performance is the fourth special reserve (reserved 4) and the third special reserve (reserved 3), and when the target reserve becomes the second special reserve (reserved 2) (when the reserved display corresponding to the target reserve shifts from the display area corresponding to the third to the display area corresponding to the second), it changes the reserved display to blue (second special display mode), and further, when the target reserve becomes the first special reserve (reserved 1) (when the reserved display corresponding to the target reserve shifts from the display area corresponding to the second to the display area corresponding to the first), it changes the reserved display to red (first special display mode). During the change based on the reserved target (the change), the reserved display is displayed in red (first special display mode) as the icon TA. When the display mode of the reserved display changes to "red" in this way, the player is made aware that there is a high probability of a jackpot being expected for the change based on the reserved target, and the player's sense of anticipation can be heightened.

In addition, when the final display state of the reserved display is "green", if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the fourth reserved, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 021" at a rate of 50%, and selects the reserved change scenario "No. 022" at a rate of 50%. In addition, if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the third reserved, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 023" at a rate of 50%, and selects the reserved change scenario "No. 024" at a rate of 50%. In addition, if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the second reserved, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 025" at a rate of 100%, and if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the first reserved, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 026" at a rate of 100%.

In addition, when the final display mode of the reserved display is "white flashing", if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the fourth reserved item, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 031" at a rate of 50%, and selects the reserved change scenario "No. 032" at a rate of 50%. In addition, if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the third reserved item, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 033" at a rate of 50%, and selects the reserved change scenario "No. 034" at a rate of 50%. In addition, if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the second reserved item, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 035" at a rate of 100%, and if the special reserved that triggered this lottery occurred as the first reserved item, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserved change scenario "No. 036" at a rate of 100%.

Comparing the reserved change scenarios of "No. 022" and "No. 024" with the reserved change scenarios of "No. 012" and "No. 014", the display mode of the reserved display is the same until the target reserved is the second special chart reserved. Therefore, if the display mode of the reserved display is "flashing white" until the target reserved is the third special chart reserved, and the display mode of the reserved display when the target reserved is the second special chart reserved is "blue", the player will pay attention to how the display mode of the reserved display changes when the target reserved becomes the first special chart reserved.

In addition, if the reserved change scenarios of "No. 031" and "No. 033" are compared with the reserved change scenarios of "No. 022", "No. 024", "No. 012", and "No. 014", the display mode of the reserved display is the same until the target reserved is the third special chart reserved. Therefore, if the display mode of the reserved display is "flashing white" until the target reserved is the third special chart reserved, the player will pay attention to how the display mode of the reserved display changes when the target reserved becomes the second special chart reserved.

In addition, when the final display mode of the reserve display is "white," and the special reserve that triggered this lottery has occurred as the fourth reserve, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot," the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the reserve change scenario "No. 041" with a probability of 70% and the reserve change scenario "No. 042" with a probability of 30%, whereas if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "reach miss" (either SP reach miss, L reach miss, or N reach miss), the reserve change scenario "No. 041" with a probability of 98% and the reserve change scenario "No. 042" with a probability of 2%. In addition, when the special reserved pattern that triggers this lottery occurs as the third reserved pattern, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot," the reserve change scenario "No. 043" is selected with a probability of 70% and the reserve change scenario "No. 044" is selected with a probability of 30%, while if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "missed reach," the reserve change scenario "No. 043" is selected with a probability of 98% and the reserve change scenario "No. 044" is selected with a probability of 2%. In addition, when the special reserved pattern that triggers this lottery occurs as the second reserved pattern, the reserved change scenario "No. 045" is selected 100% of the time, regardless of whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot" or a "missed reach," and when the special reserved pattern that triggers this lottery occurs as the first reserved pattern, the reserved change scenario "No. 046" is selected 100% of the time, regardless of whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot" or a "missed reach."

Here, the reserved display change scenarios of "No. 041", "No. 043", "No. 045", and "No. 046" are scenarios in which the reserved display is displayed in white (normal display mode) regardless of whether the display position of the reserved display is from the position corresponding to the fourth special reserved (reserve 4) to the position corresponding to the first special reserved (reserve 1), and the reserved display remains in white (normal display mode) even when the display position of the reserved display becomes the position corresponding to the change. In contrast, the reserved display change scenarios of "No. 042" and "No. 044" are characteristic reserved display change scenarios in which the final display mode of the reserved display is "white" (normal display mode), but the reserved display in a special display mode is displayed from the reserved display displayed at the time of the start winning to the reserved display corresponding to the second special reserved (reserve 2).

In detail, when the reserve change scenario of "No. 042" or "No. 044" is selected, the performance control microcomputer 121 displays a reserve display that flashes white (first special display mode) as the reserve display corresponding to this target reserve until the target reserve that triggered the execution of the reserve display change performance becomes the third special reserve (reserve 3), and when the target reserve becomes the second special reserve (reserve 2) (when the reserve display corresponding to the target reserve shifts from the display area corresponding to the third to the display area corresponding to the second), changes the reserve display to blue (second special display mode). Then, when the target reserve becomes the first special reserve (reserve 1) (when the reserve display corresponding to the target reserve shifts from the display area corresponding to the second to the display area corresponding to the first), changes the reserve display to white (normal display mode), and displays the reserve display in white (normal display mode) as the icon TA during the change based on the target reserve (the change in question). In other words, when the reserved change scenario "No. 042" or "No. 044" is selected, the effect control microcomputer 121 executes a "preserved change stop effect" in which the display mode of the reserved display is changed from the special display mode to the normal display mode when shifting the reserved display from the display position corresponding to reserved 2 to the display position corresponding to reserved 1. This preserved change stop effect can give the player a sense of tension that even if the reserved display in the special display mode is displayed, it may eventually return to the normal display mode. As a result, in this embodiment, monotonous play is prevented, and interest in the game is expected to increase. The preserved change stop effect can also be said to be an effect that demotes the display mode of the reserved display from one with a high expectation of a jackpot to one with a low expectation of a jackpot. The preserved change stop effect is an effect that gives a great surprise to players who play the game thinking that the display mode of the reserved display will not change from one with a high expectation of a jackpot to one with a low expectation of a jackpot.

As mentioned above, the allocation rate of the reserved change scenario of "No. 042" and "No. 044" accompanied by the reserve change stop performance differs depending on whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot" or a "reach miss" (either SP reach miss, L reach miss, or N reach). Specifically, if a special reserved with the reserved display final display mode determined to be "white" in the lottery for the reserve display change performance occurs as Reserve 4, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot," "No. 042" accompanied by the reserve change stop performance is selected at a rate of 30%, and "No. 041" with no change in the display mode of the reserved display is selected at a rate of 70%. On the other hand, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "reach miss," "No. 042" accompanied by the reserve change stop performance is selected at a rate of 2%, and "No. 041" with no change in the display mode of the reserved display is selected at a rate of 98%. Similarly, when a special reserved pattern in which the final display mode of the reserved display is determined to be "white" in the lottery for the reserved display change effect is generated as reserved 3, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "jackpot," "No. 044" accompanied by a reserved change stop effect is selected with a probability of 30%, and "No. 043" in which the display mode of the reserved display does not change at all is selected with a probability of 70%. On the other hand, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss in the reach," "No. 044" accompanied by a reserved change stop effect is selected with a probability of 2%, and "No. 043" in which the display mode of the reserved display does not change at all is selected with a probability of 98%. In other words, when the fourth or third reserved special chart occurs due to the start winning, and the result of the pre-reading judgment regarding the start winning is a "jackpot" and the final display mode of the reserved display is determined to be "white", the reserved change stop effect is executed to a certain extent (30% in the embodiment), but when the fourth or third reserved special chart occurs due to the start winning, and the result of the pre-reading judgment regarding the start winning is a "missed reach" and the final display mode of the reserved display is determined to be "white", the reserved change stop effect is almost never executed. Therefore, in this form, the reserved change stop effect is an effect in which the reserved display change effect that displays the reserved display in a special display mode ends and the reserved display is displayed in a normal display mode, but it is actually an effect with a high probability of winning. However, the probability of the reserved change stop effect occurring during play is not so high that it changes the display mode with the lowest probability of winning among the display modes of the reserved display, which is white (normal display mode).

In addition, if we compare the reserved display change scenarios of "No. 042" and "No. 044", which involve a reserved display stop effect, with the reserved display change scenarios of "No. 012" and "No. 014", the display mode of the reserved display is the same until the target reserved is the second special reserved, but when the target reserved becomes the first special reserved, the display mode of the reserved display is different in that it either returns from "blue" (second special display mode) to "white" (normal display mode) or is promoted from "blue" (second special display mode) to "red" (third special display mode). Therefore, the reserved display change effect of the reserved display change scenarios of "No. 042" and "No. 044" can be said to be an effect that ends the reserved display change effect of the reserved display change scenarios of "No. 012" and "No. 014" midway.

Next, the lottery for the chance zone performance will be described. The chance zone performance is a performance that can be executed over multiple changes from a special chart change (or change performance) based on a special chart reservation before the target reservation that triggered the execution of the chance zone performance to a special chart change (or change performance) based on a target reservation, and is a performance that changes the background image displayed on the display unit 50a from a normal background such as the daytime normal background image G102 to a different chance background (in this embodiment, a "forest background image G70" that represents a forest, see FIG. 37 (B)). The performance mode in which the forest background image G70 is displayed (the performance mode in which the chance zone performance is executed) is called the chance zone. The chance zone performance is also a performance that controls the performance mode to the chance zone. The chance zone performance is an example of the second advance suggestion performance and the second notice performance. In addition, the setting to the chance zone that can display the forest background image G70 (chance background) is an example of a special performance, and the setting to the normal performance mode that can display a normal background such as the daytime normal background image G102 is an example of a normal performance.

Figure 35 is a lottery table for the chance zone presentation in the non-time-saving state. When the presentation control microcomputer 121 receives a start winning command (first start winning command, second start winning command, see Figure 15) from the game control microcomputer 101 in the non-time-saving state, it determines whether or not to execute the chance zone presentation based on the table shown in Figure 35. The selection of the chance zone presentation is performed after the selection of the hold display change presentation.

As shown in FIG. 35, whether or not to execute the chance zone effect is determined by lottery in association with whether or not the above-mentioned hold change stop effect is executed and the final display mode of the hold display. Specifically, in the lottery for the hold display change effect, as shown in FIG. 35, when the pre-reading judgment result indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "big win" and the execution of the hold change stop effect is scheduled, the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone effect 99% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 1% of the time. In contrast, when the pre-reading judgment result is "big win" and the execution of the hold change stop effect is not scheduled, if the final display mode of the hold display is a "white" display mode (normal display mode), the chance zone effect is executed 60% of the time and the chance zone effect is not executed 40% of the time, and if the final display mode of the hold display is a special display mode ("white flashing", "blue", or "red" display mode), the chance zone effect is not executed.

In addition, when the result of the look-ahead judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP reach miss" and the execution of the hold change stop effect is scheduled, the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone effect 25% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 75% of the time. In contrast, when the look-ahead judgment result is "SP reach miss" and the execution of the hold change stop effect is not scheduled, if the final display mode of the reserved display is a "white" display mode (normal display mode), the chance zone effect is executed 15% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 85% of the time, and if the final display mode of the reserved display is a special display mode (a "white flashing", "blue", or "red" display mode), the chance zone effect is not executed.

In addition, when the result of the look-ahead judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "L reach miss" or "N reach miss" and the execution of the hold change stop performance is scheduled, the performance control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone performance 15% of the time and does not execute the chance zone performance 85% of the time. In contrast, when the look-ahead judgment result is "L reach miss" or "N reach miss" and the execution of the hold change stop performance is not scheduled, if the final display mode of the reserved display is the "white" display mode (normal display mode), the performance control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone performance 2% of the time and does not execute the chance zone performance 98% of the time, and if the final display mode of the reserved display is the special display mode (the "white flashing", "blue", or "red" display mode), the chance zone performance is not executed.

In this embodiment, the presentation control microcomputer 121 will not execute the chance zone presentation if the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a "normal miss" (i.e., a miss where a reach does not occur).

In this way, in this embodiment, when the execution of the guaranteed change stop effect is scheduled, if the result of the look-ahead judgment is a "jackpot", the chance zone effect is almost always executed, whereas if the result of the look-ahead judgment is not a "jackpot" (if the result is an "SP reach miss", "L reach miss", or "N reach miss"), the chance zone effect is rarely executed. Also, when the execution of the guaranteed change stop effect is not scheduled and the final display state of the reserved display is "white", the execution probability of the chance zone effect is lower than when the execution of the guaranteed change stop effect is scheduled, regardless of the result of the look-ahead judgment. However, the tendency that the chance zone effect is more likely to be executed if the result of the look-ahead judgment is a "jackpot" and less likely to be executed if it is not a jackpot remains unchanged. Therefore, the chance zone effect functions as an effect that suggests to the player that the expectation of a jackpot is high for the fluctuation based on the target reservation of the effect.

In this embodiment, the chance zone effect is executed as an effect that has a higher expectation of winning a jackpot than the reserved display change effect in which the final display state is red. Therefore, when the chance zone effect is executed, the player will have a stronger expectation of winning a jackpot than when the reserved display is red.

Also, as shown in the remarks column of FIG. 35, the timing of the execution of the chance zone effect when the reserve change stop effect is not executed is the first shift of the target reserve, which is the trigger for the execution of the chance zone effect. In other words, it is the first time the reserve display shifts display after the occurrence of the target reserve. In contrast, the timing of the execution of the chance zone effect when the reserve change stop effect is executed is immediately after the reserve change stop effect is executed. Therefore, by executing the chance zone effect, it is possible to give a player who is disappointed that the reserve change stop effect has lowered his chances of winning the jackpot a happy joy that he may still have hope of winning the jackpot after all.

Here, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is controlling the performance mode to the chance zone (i.e., when the chance zone performance is being executed), it can execute a chance zone exclusive SP reach (an example of a specific performance). The chance zone exclusive SP reach is an SP reach that is not executed when the chance zone is not controlled. FIG. 36 is a lottery table for the SP reach in the non-time-saving state. In the non-time-saving state, as shown in FIG. 36, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart fluctuation start command (special chart 1 fluctuation start command, special chart 2 fluctuation start command, see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP big win fluctuation", if the chance zone performance is not being executed (i.e., when the normal background such as the daytime normal background image G102 is displayed on the display unit 50a), the chance zone exclusive SP reach is not selected, and the common SP reach that can be executed whether the chance zone performance is being executed or not is selected at a rate of 100%. On the other hand, when the chance zone effect is being performed (i.e., when the chance background (forest background image G70) is displayed on the display unit 50a), the chance zone exclusive SP reach is selected 50% of the time, and the common SP reach is selected 50% of the time.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP miss change," if the chance zone effect is not being executed (the normal background is being displayed), the effect control microcomputer 121 will not select the chance zone exclusive SP reach, but will select the common SP reach with a probability of 100%. In contrast, if the chance zone effect is being executed (i.e., the chance background (forest background image G70) is being displayed), the chance zone exclusive SP reach will be selected with a probability of 2% and the common SP reach will be selected with a probability of 98%.

In this way, in this embodiment, if the fluctuation when the chance zone is set is an SP jackpot fluctuation, the probability that the chance zone exclusive SP reach will be executed is 50%, which is fairly high, but if it is an SP miss fluctuation, the probability that the chance zone exclusive SP reach will be executed is an extremely low 2%. Therefore, the chance zone exclusive SP reach functions as a presentation with a higher probability of winning than the common SP reach.

Next, the contents of the chance zone performance, the chance zone exclusive SP reach, and the common SP reach will be specifically explained. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a specific example of the chance zone performance. FIG. 37 (A) shows a scene where the variable performance corresponding to the icon TA has ended while the daytime normal background image G102 (normal background) is displayed on the display unit 50a (the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, KZ3 are definitely stopped and displayed). In this scene, four special chart 1 reserved icons HA1 are displayed (four special chart 1 reserved icons have been accumulated), and the execution of the chance zone performance has been determined by the pre-reading lottery when the fourth special chart 1 reserved icon occurs. In other words, the fourth special chart 1 reserved icon is the target reserved icon for the chance zone performance. The display mode of the reserved icon HA corresponding to the target reserved icon is the normal display mode (white).

When the next variable display starts from the state shown in FIG. 37(A), as shown in FIG. 37(B), each special chart 1 reservation icon HA1 is shifted to the display area next to it (one ahead). That is, the first special chart 1 reservation icon HA1 is displayed as the icon TA, and the second to fourth special chart 1 reservation icons HA1 are displayed as the first to third special chart 1 reservation icons HA1. The performance control microcomputer 121 executes a chance zone performance when the reservation icon HA corresponding to this target reservation is shifted for the first time. Specifically, the background image displayed on the display unit 50a is changed from the daytime normal background image G102 to the forest background image G70, and a zone entry image G72 including a text image of "CHANCE ZONE" is displayed in the center of the top, bottom, left, and right of the display unit 50a. The zone entry image G72 functions as a display indicating that the chance zone performance has started (transition to the chance zone).

Then, as shown in FIG. 37(C), the performance control microcomputer 121 displays the zone entry image G72 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this embodiment) and then hides it, displays a band image G74 including the characters "CHANCE ZONE" at the top of the display unit 50a, and displays a zone end selection image G76 at the bottom right of the display unit 50a. The band image G74 is an image for indicating that the current performance mode is the chance zone. The zone end selection image G76 is an image for indicating that a chance zone end operation (hereinafter also simply referred to as "zone end operation") is possible to end the chance zone and return to the normal performance mode (the performance mode in which the normal background is displayed). In other words, in this embodiment, when the chance zone is set, the player can end the chance zone at his own discretion and return to the normal performance mode (the mode in which the normal background is displayed). This point will be described in detail later.

Figures 38 to 40 are diagrams showing specific examples of chance zone exclusive SP reaches. Figure 38 (A) shows a scene in which a variable performance based on a target hold that triggered the execution of a chance zone performance has started in a chance zone (while a forest background image G70 (chance background) or the like is displayed on the display unit 50a). In other words, the icon TA shown in Figure 38 (A) is a hold display related to the target hold that triggered the execution of the chance zone performance. Note that the display mode of the hold icon HA corresponding to the target hold is the normal display mode (white). It is also assumed that the performance control microcomputer 121 has decided to execute a chance zone exclusive SP reach in the variable performance based on this target hold.

The chance zone exclusive SP reach is an SP reach that starts immediately when the display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts, without showing the process of the reach being established. In other words, it is an SP reach that is executed using almost the entire fluctuation time of the SP jackpot fluctuation. Such an SP reach is called a direct SP reach. In this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 121 executes a battle reach in which a main character (knight) and a specific enemy character (a horse character with a horse motif) battle as a chance zone exclusive SP reach. The performance content of this chance zone exclusive SP reach can be broadly divided into a first part and a subsequent second part. The first part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach is the performance content of the growth process of the main character until he becomes a knight who can fight the enemy character (Figure 38). In contrast, the second part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach is the performance content of a battle scene between the grown main character and a specific enemy character (horse character) (Figures 39 and 40). In other words, the special chance zone reach is designed to give players a deeper understanding of the main character.

Specifically, in the variable performance with the SP Reach exclusive to the chance zone, as shown in Fig. 38 (A) (B), as soon as the variable display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts, "CHOU SP" is displayed in white letters on a solid black background. This indicates to the player that the SP Reach has started. When displaying the letters "CHOU SP", the performance control microcomputer 121 displays both the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 as 7 symbols. This also allows the player to recognize that the performance that has started is a Reach performance because the performance symbols are Reach. In this way, in the variable performance with the SP Reach exclusive to the chance zone, an image suggesting the start of the SP Reach (the letter image of CHOU SP) and the performance symbols in the Reach state are suddenly displayed together with the start of the variable performance, without showing any process of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 becoming Reach (Fig. 38 (B)).

Then, the microcomputer 121 for controlling the performance returns to the screen displaying the forest background image G70 and displays the process of the main character growing up in the forest. That is, first, a scene is displayed in the forest in which the main character is an infant interested in a toy sword (Fig. 38(C)), and then a scene is displayed in which the main character, who has grown up a little, is playing proudly with the toy sword (Fig. 38(D)). Then, a scene is displayed in which the main character, who has grown into a young man, is devoted to practicing swordsmanship in the forest (Fig. 38(E)(F)), and then a scene is displayed in which the main character grows further and becomes a fine knight (Fig. 38(G)(H)). Such a series of performances shown in Fig. 38(B) to (H) is the first part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach. In this embodiment, while the forest background image G70 is displayed, an image G78 of a mini character (a fruit character with a fruit motif) representing a fairy living in the forest is appropriately displayed (see Fig. 38(A), (C) to (H)). The display of this mini-character image G78 expresses that the forest in which the main character grew up is a special forest.

When the first part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach ends, the microcomputer 121 for controlling the performance starts the second part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach. In the second part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, first, an image is displayed indicating that a battle between the main character and a specific enemy character (horse character) will start in the forest (Fig. 39(A)). After that, a battle scene between the main character and the specific enemy character (horse character) is displayed. As a battle scene, a scene in which the main character uses a technique in the forest (Fig. 39(B)) or a scene in which a specific enemy character (horse character) uses a technique in the forest (Fig. 39(C)) is displayed. Note that this horse character is the master of the forest displayed as the background image. In other words, the performance contents of the chance zone exclusive SP reach in both the first and second parts are related to the content of the chance zone performance (display of the forest background image G70).

In the latter part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, a scene of the main character and the horse character competing against each other against a forest background image G70 is finally displayed (FIG. 40(A)), and a win/lose branch (success/fail branch) is reached. In the win/lose branch, an operation presentation is presented to encourage the player to operate the normal button 40, superimposed on the scene of the main character and the horse character competing in the forest (FIG. 40(B)). If the player operates the normal button 40 within the effective operation period of this operation presentation, or if the effective operation period has elapsed without the normal button 40 being operated, in the case of a chance zone exclusive SP reach based on a jackpot fluctuation, a victory presentation (success presentation, successful mode) showing a scene of the main character winning in the forest is displayed (FIG. 40(C)). Then, following the winning effect, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as a double number (a stop mode indicating a big win) while the forest background image G70 is still displayed, and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed as a double number (Fig. 40(D)). On the other hand, if it is a chance zone-only SP reach based on a miss variation, a defeat effect (failure effect, failure mode) showing a scene in which the main character is defeated in the forest is displayed (Fig. 40(E)). Then, following the defeat effect, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as a miss number (a stop mode indicating a miss) while the forest background image G70 is still displayed, and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed as a miss (Fig. 40(F)).

In this way, in this embodiment, the chance zone-only SP reach consisting of the front part shown in Figures 38 (B) to (H) and the rear part shown in Figures 39 and 40 may be executed only when the chance zone is set. And because this SP reach is a direct SP reach that starts at the start of the variable presentation, it is possible to provide high interest in terms of the unexpectedness of the start timing of the SP reach and the richness of the presentation content of the SP reach, compared to gaming machines where an SP reach that simply performs a battle scene can only be performed via an N reach.

After the chance zone exclusive SP reach has started, the band image G74 and the zone end selection image G76 are hidden even while the chance zone is being set (Figures 38 to 40). The band image G74 is hidden to prevent the presentation from becoming complicated. Also, the zone end selection image G76 is hidden because, as will be described later, it is impossible to perform the zone end operation after the chance zone exclusive SP reach has started.

Figure 41 is a diagram showing a specific example of a common SP reach. The common SP reach is an SP reach that is executed after the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 become reaches in the variable performance and then N reaches (see Figures 19 and 20), and is an SP reach that may be executed whether the mode is set to normal performance mode (a performance mode in which the normal background is displayed on the display unit 50a) or to chance zone (a performance mode in which the forest background image G70 (chance background) is displayed on the display unit 50a).

In this form, a common SP reach is achieved by performing a battle scene in which the main character (knight) battles a specific enemy character (an enemy character other than the horse character that appears in the chance zone-only SP reach). The enemy character in the common SP reach is a character that is not associated with the forest background image G70.

Specifically, in the common SP reach, first, an image is displayed indicating that a battle between the main character and a specified enemy character will start in a place other than the forest (Fig. 41 (A)). Next, a battle scene between the main character and the specified enemy character is displayed. As a battle scene, a scene in which the main character attacks the specified enemy character is displayed (Fig. 41 (B)), and a win/fail branch (success/fail branch) is reached. Then, if the common SP reach being executed is based on a jackpot fluctuation, a victory effect (success effect, success mode) indicating that the main character has won is displayed superimposed on the victory background image (Fig. 41 (C)). Then, following this victory effect, the background image is basically returned to the one before the execution of the SP reach (in this example, it is returned to the daytime normal background image G102), and the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are definitely displayed as double numbers (stop mode indicating a jackpot win), and the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed as double numbers (Fig. 41 (D)).

On the other hand, if it is a common SP reach based on a miss variation, a defeat effect (failure effect, failure mode) indicating that the main character has been defeated is displayed superimposed on the defeat background image (Fig. 41 (E)). Then, following this defeat effect, the background image is essentially returned to the one before the SP reach was executed (in this example, it is returned to the normal daytime background image G102), and the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are definitely displayed as a reach miss (stop mode indicating a miss), and the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed as a miss (Fig. 41 (F)).

Next, the chance zone end operation will be described with reference to FIG. 42 to FIG. 44. In this embodiment, when the chance zone is set, the player can end the chance zone by performing the chance zone end operation using the operation unit (the normal button 40 and the up, down, left, right select keys (not shown)) except for a predetermined end operation impossible period. This function is designed to take into consideration players who prefer the normal presentation mode (the presentation content when the normal background such as the daytime normal background image G102 is displayed) rather than the presentation content of the chance zone. In other words, even if the chance zone is set, the player does not necessarily have to continue playing in that presentation mode for some time, but can end the chance zone and return to the normal presentation mode according to his or her preference. Although not shown, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a select key consisting of four directional keys, up, down, left, and right, near the normal button 40. The configuration of the select key may be appropriately adopted from known configurations. The execution of the chance zone end operation is one example of a predetermined end condition.

Figures 42 and 43 are timing charts showing the relationship between the chance zone effect, the SP reach, and the chance zone end operation. Figure 42 shows a case where the target hold that triggers the execution of the chance zone effect occurs as hold 4, and then the target hold progresses from hold 3 to hold 2 to hold 1 to the corresponding change, and the chance zone exclusive SP reach is executed in the change based on the target hold. In this case, the execution of the chance zone effect starts when the target hold shifts to hold 3, and ends when the change based on the target hold ends (Figure 42 (A)). Also, the chance zone exclusive SP reach is executed together with the start of the change based on the target hold, and the chance zone exclusive SP reach ends together with the end of the change based on the target hold (Figure 42 (B)). In this case, the period during which the chance zone end operation is possible is the period from when the chance zone effect starts until the chance zone exclusive SP reach starts, and during the execution of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, it becomes a period during which the chance zone end operation is impossible (Figure 42 (C)).

This is because the effects of the chance zone exclusive SP reach are related to the forest background image G70 that is displayed in the chance zone. In other words, when the chance zone exclusive SP reach starts, the effects related to the forest background image G70 are already being executed, and since it is not desirable to stop this effect midway, the chance zone end operation is not possible.

Figure 43 shows a case where the target reservation that triggers the execution of the chance zone performance occurs as reservation 4, and then the target reservation progresses from reservation 3 to reservation 2 to reservation 1 to the corresponding change, and a common SP reach is executed in the change based on the target reservation. In this case, the execution of the chance zone performance starts when the target reservation shifts to reservation 3, and the execution of the chance zone performance ends when the change based on the target reservation ends (Figure 43 (A)). In addition, in the change based on the target reservation, the common SP reach starts after the normal change and N reach are performed, and the common SP reach ends shortly before the change based on the target reservation ends (before the time required to display the background image according to the performance mode and to definitively stop and display the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3) (Figure 43 (B)). In this case, the period during which the chance zone end operation is possible is the period from when the chance zone performance starts to when the common SP reach ends (Figure 43 (C)). In other words, unlike during the execution of the chance zone-only SP reach, during the execution of the common SP reach, it is a period during which the chance zone end operation is possible.

This is because the presentation content of the common SP reach is not related to the forest background image G70 displayed in the chance zone. In other words, even if the chance zone end operation is performed after the common SP reach has started, no inconsistency occurs in the presentation content. Therefore, in this embodiment, the chance zone end operation is possible even while the common SP reach is in progress.

Figure 44 shows a specific example of a case where, after a chance zone effect is executed, a common SP reach is executed in a change based on the target hold that triggered the execution of this chance zone effect. As shown in Figure 44 (A), the icon TA in the normal display mode is displayed as the hold display related to the target hold, and a forest background image G70 is displayed on the display unit 50a as the background image. Also displayed on the display unit 50a are a band image G74 indicating that it has been set to a "chance zone" and a zone end selection image G76 indicating that the chance zone end operation is possible.

In this way, while the forest background image G70, band image G74, and zone end selection image G76 are displayed, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reach a reach (Figure 44 (B)), and then the common SP reach begins. When the common SP reach begins, the forest background image G70 is hidden, a background image (not shown) for the common SP reach that shows a scene other than a forest is displayed, and the band image G74 is also hidden, but the zone end selection image G76 continues to be displayed (Figure 44 (C)). In other words, the chance zone end operation is possible even during the execution of the common SP reach. If the common SP reach ends without the chance zone end operation being performed, as shown in Figure 44 (D), the definitive stop display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 is performed with the same forest background image G70 as before the execution of the common SP reach as the background image.

In contrast, if a chance zone end operation is performed during execution of the common SP reach (Figure 44 (E)) and the common SP reach ends, as shown in Figure 44 (F), the definitive stopped display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, KZ3 is performed with the daytime normal background image G102 (normal background) as the background image.

Here, the chance zone end operation will be described. The chance zone end operation is an operation in which the selection cursor displayed in the zone end selection image G76 is moved from the default NO position (see FIG. 44(C)) to the YES position (see FIG. 44(D)) by operating the select keys (up and down keys), and the operation is confirmed (determined) by operating the normal button 40. In this embodiment, the zone end selection image G76 includes a text image of "Zone end?" asking whether to end the chance zone, option images in response to the question (NO image, YES image), and images of the up and down keys indicating that the selection cursor can be moved with the up and down keys. The method of the chance zone end operation can be changed as appropriate, and the display content of the zone end selection image G76 can be changed as appropriate depending on the method of the chance zone end operation.

Next, an example of a composite presentation executed based on the results of the lottery for the hold display change presentation, the lottery for the chance zone presentation, and the lottery for the SP reach described above will be explained with reference to FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a table showing the state transitions of each presentation element of the hold display, background image, and reach presentation when the target hold that triggered the execution of the hold display change presentation or the chance zone presentation progresses from hold 4 → hold 3 → hold 2 → hold 1 → the corresponding change (change based on the target hold). Note that the target hold in each presentation execution example shown in FIG. 45 is a special chart hold related to the SP change (SP jackpot change, SP miss change).

"Performance execution example 1" shown in FIG. 45 is an example in which, when the fourth special reserved pattern occurs, it is decided to execute the reserved display change performance of reserved change scenario No. 012 (see FIG. 34) in which the final display mode is red, it is decided not to execute the chance zone performance, and it is decided to execute the common SP reach at the start of the fluctuation based on the target reserved. In this "Performance execution example 1", a white flashing reserved icon HA is displayed when the target reserved occurs, and when the reserved icon HA related to the target reserved shifts from the position of reserved 3 to the position of reserved 2, it is changed to a blue reserved icon HA, and further, when the reserved icon HA related to the target reserved shifts from the position of reserved 2 to the position of reserved 1, it is changed to a red reserved icon HA. Then, the red icon TA is displayed as the reserved display related to the fluctuation. During this time, the normal background such as the daytime normal background image G102 continues to be displayed as the background image. In the fluctuation performance based on the target reserved, after the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are made into a reach, they are developed into a common SP reach. According to this performance execution example 1, the player gradually increases his/her sense of anticipation for winning the jackpot as a flashing white reserve icon HA is displayed when a target reserve occurs, and as a blue reserve icon HA is displayed when the target reserve becomes reserve 2, the player's sense of anticipation for winning the jackpot increases as the reserve icon HA finally changes to a red reserve icon HA. Note that in this embodiment, the icon TA and reserve icon HA are not displayed during the SP reach, but the icon TA and reserve icon HA may be configured to continue to be displayed during the SP reach.

Here, FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the display unit 50a from the occurrence of a target hold in the performance execution example 1 until the variable performance based on the target hold is started. As shown in FIG. 46(A)(B), while the daytime normal background image G102 (normal background) is displayed, the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 flashing white (first special display mode) is displayed as a hold display corresponding to the fourth special chart 1 hold, and as shown in FIG. 46(C), even when the target hold is hold 3, the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 flashing white (first special display mode) is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 46(D), when the hold display related to the target hold is shifted from hold 3 to hold 2, the display mode of the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 corresponding to the target hold changes to blue (second special display mode), and further, as shown in FIG. 46(E), when the hold display related to the target hold is shifted from hold 2 to hold 1, the display mode of the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 corresponding to the target hold changes to red (third special display mode). When a change based on a reserved target starts, as shown in FIG. 46(F), the icon TA is displayed in red as a reserved indicator related to the reserved target. Note that when a change based on this reserved target starts, the common SP reach shown in FIG. 41 is executed.

"Performance execution example 2" shown in FIG. 45 is an example in which when the fourth special reserved pattern occurs, reserve change scenario No. 041 (see FIG. 34) is determined, which does not change the display mode of the reserved display to white, it is determined to execute the chance zone performance, the chance zone end operation is not performed during the chance zone performance, and it is determined to execute the common SP reach at the start of the change based on the target reserved. In this "Performance execution example 2", a white reserved icon HA is displayed when the target reserved pattern occurs, and the white display mode is not changed while the reserved icon HA related to the target reserved pattern is in the reserve 1 position from the reserve 3 position, and even after it becomes the icon TA. On the other hand, the background image is changed from the normal background to a forest background image G70 (chance background) when the target reserved pattern becomes the third special reserved pattern (reservation 3). The forest background image G70 is displayed until the common SP reach is executed in the change. According to this performance execution example 2, the player's expectation of winning the jackpot is increased by the chance zone performance being executed when the target reserved pattern becomes the reserve 3 (reservation 3) (see FIG. 37).

"Performance execution example 3" shown in FIG. 45 is an example in which when the fourth special reserved pattern occurs, the reserved change scenario No. 041 (see FIG. 34) is determined, in which the display mode of the reserved display is not changed to white, it is determined to execute the chance zone performance, the chance zone end operation is not performed during the chance zone performance, and it is determined to execute the chance zone exclusive SP reach at the start of the fluctuation based on the target reserved. In this "Performance execution example 3", a white reserved icon HA is displayed when the target reserved pattern occurs, and the white display mode is not changed while the reserved icon HA related to the target reserved pattern is in the reserved pattern 1 position from the reserved pattern 3 position, and even after it becomes the icon TA. On the other hand, the background image is changed from the normal background to the forest background image G70 (chance background) when the target reserved pattern becomes the third special reserved pattern (reservation 3). The forest background image G70 is displayed until the end of the fluctuation. In the fluctuation, the chance zone exclusive SP reach is executed according to the start of the fluctuation. According to this performance execution example 3, the player's anticipation of winning the jackpot increases when the chance zone performance is executed when the target reservation becomes reservation 3 (see Figure 37), and the player's anticipation of winning the jackpot increases further when the chance zone exclusive SP reach is executed in the fluctuation based on the target reservation (see Figures 38 to 40).

"Performance execution example 4" shown in FIG. 45 is an example in which when the fourth special pattern is reserved, the reservation change scenario No. 041 (see FIG. 34) is determined, in which the display mode of the reserved display is not changed to white, it is determined to execute the chance zone performance, the chance zone end operation is performed when the target reservation is the second special pattern reservation (reservation 2), and it is determined to execute the common SP reach at the start of the fluctuation based on the target reservation. In this "Performance execution example 4", a white reservation icon HA is displayed when the target reservation occurs, and the display mode is not changed to white while the reservation icon HA related to the target reservation is in the reservation 1 position from the reservation 3 position, or even after it becomes the icon TA. On the other hand, the background image is changed from the normal background to the forest background image G70 (chance background) when the target reservation becomes the third special pattern reservation (reservation 3). However, since the chance zone end operation is performed when the target reservation is reservation 2, the forest background image G70 (chance background) is returned to the normal background when the target reservation becomes the first one (reservation 1). In other words, in this form, if a zone end operation is performed while the target reservation is changing from reservation 3 to reservation 1, the background will return to the normal background at the start of the next change. Note that if a zone end operation is performed after the start of a change based on a target reservation and before the end of the common SP reach, the background image will return to the normal background after the end of the common SP reach in the change based on the target reservation (see Figures 44 (E) and (F)).

In the fourth example of performance execution, the normal background returned from the forest background image G70 is displayed until the common SP reach is executed in the variation based on the reserved target. According to this fourth example of performance execution, the player can increase his/her expectation of winning the jackpot by the chance zone performance being executed when the reserved target becomes reserved 3, and can end the chance zone that he/she does not like and enjoy the variation based on the reserved target in the normal performance mode. In this regard, since the chance zone exclusive SP reach in this embodiment is an effect with an extremely high expectation of winning the jackpot (FIG. 36), for players who do not like such an effect with a high expectation of winning the jackpot, by performing the chance zone end operation, the possibility of the chance zone exclusive SP reach being selected as the SP reach of the variation based on the reserved target can be eliminated, and the player can enjoy waiting for the result of whether or not the jackpot will be won in the common SP reach.

"Performance Execution Example 5" shown in FIG. 45 is an example in which when the fourth special reserved symbol occurs, the reserved symbol change scenario No. 042 (see FIG. 34) is determined, in which the final display mode becomes white with the reserved symbol change stop performance, it is determined to execute the chance zone performance, the chance zone end operation is not performed during the chance zone performance, and it is determined to execute the chance zone exclusive SP reach at the start of the change based on the target reserved symbol. In this "Performance Execution Example 5", when the target reserved symbol occurs, the reserved symbol HA flashing white (first special display mode) is displayed, and when the reserved symbol HA related to the target reserved symbol shifts from the reserved symbol 3 position to the reserved symbol 2 position, it is changed to the reserved symbol HA of blue (second special display mode). Up to this point, it is the same as the above-mentioned performance execution example 1. Therefore, the player gradually increases his or her expectation of winning the jackpot as the reserved symbol HA flashing white is displayed when the target reserved symbol occurs, and the reserved symbol HA of blue is displayed when the target reserved symbol becomes reserved symbol 2.

However, in this performance execution example 5, when the hold icon HA related to the target hold shifts from the hold 2 position to the hold 1 position, it changes to a white hold icon HA (normal display mode). In other words, the display mode of the hold display is returned from the special display mode to the normal display mode, and the hold display change performance ends (the hold change stop performance is executed). Thereafter, the display mode of the hold display remains white (normal display mode) until the change based on the target hold ends.

The background image is a normal daytime background image G102 while the target reservation is between reservation 4 and reservation 2, but when the target reservation becomes reservation 1 and the reservation change stop effect is executed, the normal background changes to a forest background image G70 (chance background) shortly thereafter. In other words, in the performance execution example 5, the chance zone effect is executed after the reservation change stop effect is executed. For this reason, the player is surprised and disappointed at the novelty of the reservation display changing from blue to white, which has a lower chance of winning a jackpot, due to the reservation change stop effect, but soon thereafter the chance zone effect is executed and the player begins to have hope for a jackpot again. In other words, according to this embodiment, a novel effect that stirs the player's emotions can be executed.

The forest background image G70 is displayed until the end of the change based on the reserved target. In the change based on the reserved target, a chance zone exclusive SP reach is executed in response to the start of the change. By executing this chance zone exclusive SP reach, the player will have high hopes for a big win, thinking that he or she has won the big win after all, even though the reserved change cancellation performance has been executed.

Here, the specific performance from the occurrence of the target hold in performance execution example 5 to the start of the variable performance based on the target hold is as shown in Figures 46 (A) to (D) and 47. That is, as shown in Figures 46 (A) and (B), while the daytime normal background image G102 (normal background) is displayed, the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 flashing white (first special display mode) is displayed as the hold display corresponding to the fourth special chart 1 hold, and as shown in Figure 46 (C), even when the target hold is hold 3, the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 flashing white (first special display mode) is displayed. Then, as shown in Figure 46 (D), when the hold display related to the target hold is shifted from hold 3 to hold 2, the display mode of the special chart 1 hold icon HA1 corresponding to the target hold changes to blue (second special display mode). Up to this point, it is the same as the performance execution example 1 described above.

However, when the reserved display related to the target reservation is shifted from reserved 2 to reserved 1, the display mode of the special chart 1 reserved icon HA1 corresponding to the target reservation changes to white (normal display mode) as shown in FIG. 47 (A). In other words, the reserved change stop performance is executed. At this time, a speech bubble image G80 with the words "Reserved change stopped!" is displayed above the white special chart 1 reserved icon HA1 related to the target reservation. This speech bubble image G80 is an image suggesting that the reserved display change performance has been stopped. This speech bubble image G80 is hidden for a predetermined time (2 seconds in this embodiment), and then, while the previous target reservation is still being changed, as shown in FIG. 47 (B), the background image is changed to a forest background image G70 and a zone entry image G72 is displayed. In other words, the chance zone performance is executed. Then, while the forest background image G70 is displayed, a change performance based on the target reservation is started (see FIG. 47 (C)), and in this change performance, a chance zone exclusive SP reach is performed (see FIG. 38 to FIG. 40).

The transition format of the display mode of the pending display in performance execution example 1 shown in Figure 45 (the format shown in Figures 46 (A) to (F)) is an example of the first format of the pending display change performance. Also, the transition format of the display mode of the pending display in performance execution example 5 shown in Figure 45 (the format shown in Figures 46 (A) to (D) and Figure 47) is an example of the second format.

Next, the prohibition of the look-ahead performance will be explained based on Fig. 48 to Fig. 50. As described above, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the left hand is being hit in the non-time-saving state, winnings in the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 occur (see Fig. 30). Therefore, if the lottery for the reserved display change performance and the lottery for the chance zone performance are executed in the same way as when only one of the winnings occurs when the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 occur simultaneously (when the special chart 1 reservation and the special chart 2 reservation occur simultaneously), various look-ahead performances will be mixed, and it may be difficult for the player to recognize which change he or she can expect. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lottery for the reserved display change performance and the lottery for the chance zone performance are executed as shown in Fig. 48.

Specifically, when a winning entry into the first starting port 11 occurs but a winning entry into the second starting port 12 does not occur, the performance control microcomputer 121 draws a lottery for the reserved display change performance (FIGS. 33 and 34) based on the generated special chart 1 reservation, and also draws a lottery for the chance zone performance (FIG. 35) (see timing t1 shown in FIG. 48). Also, when a winning entry into the second starting port 12 occurs but a winning entry into the first starting port 11 does not occur, the performance control microcomputer 121 draws a lottery for the reserved display change performance based on the generated special chart 2 reservation, and also draws a lottery for the chance zone performance (see timing t2 shown in FIG. 48). On the other hand, when a winning entry into the first starting port 11 and a winning entry into the second starting port 12 occur simultaneously, the performance control microcomputer 121 does not draw a lottery for the reserved display change performance for the pre-reading performance based on the generated special chart 1 reservation, and only draws a lottery for the chance zone performance. On the other hand, for the pre-reading effect based on the generated special chart 2 reservation, a lottery is held for the reservation display change effect, and then a lottery is held for the chance zone effect (see timing t3 shown in FIG. 48). In this case, the lottery for the chance zone effect based on winning at the first starting hole 11 determines whether or not to execute the chance zone effect according to the table in which the "reserved change cancellation effect" shown in FIG. 35 is not present and the "final display mode of the reservation display" is in white.

Figure 49 is a diagram showing an example of the execution of the reserve display change performance when the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 win simultaneously (when the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve occur simultaneously). Figure 49 (A) shows a situation in which two special chart 1 reserves are accumulated and no special chart 2 reserves are accumulated while the daytime normal background image G102 is displayed. In such a situation, it is assumed that the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 win simultaneously. In this case, the display mode of the reserve display based on the win at the first start port 11 is determined to be a white display mode without going through a lottery for the reserve display change performance. On the other hand, the display mode of the reserve display based on the win at the second start port 12 is determined by a lottery for the reserve display change performance. In this example, it is assumed that the display mode of the reserve display based on the win at the second start port 12 is determined to display a red reserve icon HA from the reserve display at the time of winning.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 49(B), a white Special Chart 1 Reserve icon HA1 is displayed as the reserve display related to the third Special Chart 1 reserve, and a red Special Chart 2 Reserve icon HA2 is displayed as the reserve display related to the first Special Chart 2 reserve. In this form, the change of Special Chart 2 is executed in priority to the change of Special Chart 1. Therefore, the next change will be the change related to the red Special Chart 2 Reserve icon HA2. Therefore, the player can expect to win the jackpot by focusing only on the change related to the red reserve display. If the red Special Chart 1 Reserve icon HA1 were also displayed as the reserve display related to the third Special Chart 1 reserve, there is a concern that the player will not be able to enjoy the game by concentrating his or her expectations of winning the jackpot on the change related to the red Special Chart 2 Reserve icon HA2 that is executed first. In this embodiment, when a win occurs at the first start port 11 and a win occurs at the second start port 12 at the same time (when a special chart 1 hold and a special chart 2 hold occur at the same time), the hold display change performance is not executed based on the generated special chart 1 hold, which can eliminate the above concerns.

In this embodiment, unless winning at the first start port 11 and winning at the second start port 12 occur simultaneously, it is possible to display a pending display of a special display mode related to one of the start ports while a pending display of a special display mode related to the other start port is being displayed. This is because it is believed that in this case, there is less risk of confusion about the content of the presentation by understanding the meaning of each presentation one by one in the order of occurrence.

Even if the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 win simultaneously, the chance zone performance is drawn for each of the wins. In this form, if the hold change cancellation performance is not executed, the chance zone performance with the special chart 2 reserved as the target reserve is executed at the first shift of the special chart 2 reserved, and the chance zone performance with the special chart 1 reserved as the target reserve is executed at the first shift of the special chart 1 reserved. Therefore, even if it is decided to execute the chance zone performance in both the drawing of the chance zone performance based on the newly created special chart 2 reserve and the drawing of the chance zone performance based on the special chart 1 reserve, the execution of the chance zone performance based on the special chart 2 reserve ends first, and then the execution of the chance zone performance based on the special chart 1 reserve starts, so it is considered that there is no risk that the player will be confused by the performance content and his interest in the game will decrease.

8. Effects of the embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute the reserve display change performance (FIG. 46) that can progress stepwise and the chance zone performance (FIG. 37) as the look-ahead performance, and the reserve display change performance is sometimes executed in the first format (the format shown in FIG. 46(A)-(F)) and sometimes executed in the second format (the format shown in FIG. 46(A)-(D) and FIG. 47) that ends halfway through the first format. Therefore, even if the reserve display is displayed in a special mode (white flashing or blue), a sense of tension is generated that it may return to the normal display mode (white), which is expected to increase interest.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, even when a reserved display change effect is performed in the second format accompanied by a reserved change cancellation effect, a chance zone effect may be executed after the reserved display returns to the normal display mode (white) (Fig. 47, Fig. 35), so it is possible to maintain the anticipation of winning the jackpot, which is expected to increase interest.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, even if a ball lands in the first start hole 11 and the second start hole 12 at the same time, the pending display change presentation is only executed based on the ball lands in the second start hole 12 (Figures 48 and 49), which prevents the presentation from becoming complicated and prevents a decline in interest.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the chance zone effect is executed more frequently after the hold display change effect when the display mode of the hold display (presentation mode of the hold display change effect) is not red (third special mode), which has a higher chance of winning (Figs. 34 and 35), so even when the hold display is flashing white (first special display mode) or blue (second special display mode), it is possible to maintain the expectation of winning the jackpot, which is expected to increase interest.

Furthermore, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, it can be said that the chance zone effect is executed more frequently after the pending display change effect when it is executed in the second format (the format shown in Figs. 46(A)-(D) and 47), which ends midway, than when it is executed in the first format (the format shown in Figs. 46(A)-(F)) (Figs. 34, 35). Therefore, even if the pending display change effect ends midway in the first format, there is hope for the chance zone effect to be executed, which is expected to increase interest in the game.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the chance zone-only SP reach that follows the pending display change effect can be executed in conjunction with the variable effect (announcement effect that announces the results of the special chart lottery) (Figures 36, 38 to 40), which can favorably increase the interest in the variable effect during the chance zone.

Furthermore, according to this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the player can end the chance zone at will by performing a chance zone ending operation. This chance zone ending operation is only possible when the chance zone exclusive SP reach is not in progress (Figures 42 and 43), so while the chance zone exclusive SP reach is in progress, the player can focus his or her attention on the presentation, and it is possible to prevent a decline in interest in the chance zone and the chance zone exclusive SP reach.

9. Modifications The following describes modifications of the pachinko game machine PY1. Of course, the configurations of the modifications may be combined as appropriate. In addition, the technical features in the above embodiment and the following modifications may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, when the final display mode of the reserved display is determined to be white (normal display mode), a reserved change scenario (No. 42 or No. 44 shown in FIG. 34) accompanied by a reserved change stop performance can be selected. In contrast, in the pachinko game machine of the second embodiment, a reserved change scenario accompanied by a reserved change stop performance is not included. That is, as shown in FIG. 50, when the final display mode of the reserved display is determined to be white (normal display mode), the reserved icon HA is displayed in white (normal display mode) regardless of the reserved display related to any of the reserved special charts from the fourth to the first, and the icon TA is also displayed in white (normal display mode). In other words, when the final display mode of the reserved display is determined to be white (normal display mode), no reserved display change performance is performed at all. Note that the final display mode of the reserved display is determined based on the table shown in FIG. 33, as in the first embodiment.

In the pachinko game machine of the second embodiment, the lottery for the chance zone effect following the lottery for the reserved change display effect is performed based on the table shown in FIG. 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 51, when the result of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot, if the final display state of the reserved display is "white", the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone effect 65% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 35% of the time. If the final display state of the reserved display is "white flashing", the chance zone effect is executed 60% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 40% of the time. If the final display state of the reserved display is "blue", the chance zone effect is executed 55% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 45% of the time. If the final display state of the reserved display is "red", the chance zone effect is executed 50% of the time and does not execute the chance zone effect 50% of the time.

When the result of the pre-reading judgment is a SP reach miss, if the final display state of the reserved display is "white", the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone effect 15% of the time, and does not execute the chance zone effect 85% of the time. If the final display state of the reserved display is "flashing white", the chance zone effect is executed 12% of the time, and does not execute the chance zone effect 88% of the time. If the final display state of the reserved display is "blue", the chance zone effect is executed 9% of the time, and does not execute the chance zone effect 91% of the time. If the final display state of the reserved display is "red", the chance zone effect is executed 6% of the time, and does not execute the chance zone effect 94% of the time.

When the result of the pre-reading judgment is an L reach miss or an N reach miss, if the final display state of the reserved display is "white", the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the chance zone effect with a probability of 4% and does not execute the chance zone effect with a probability of 96%. If the final display state of the reserved display is "white flashing", the chance zone effect is executed with a probability of 3% and does not execute the chance zone effect with a probability of 97%. If the final display state of the reserved display is "blue", the chance zone effect is executed with a probability of 2% and does not execute the chance zone effect with a probability of 98%. If the final display state of the reserved display is "red", the chance zone effect is executed with a probability of 1% and does not execute the chance zone effect with a probability of 99%.

In any case, if it is decided to execute the Chance Zone effect, the Chance Zone effect will start to be executed at the first shift of the reserved target that triggered the execution of the Chance Zone effect.

In this way, in the second embodiment, the chance zone presentation is more likely to be executed when the result of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot than when it is a miss (SP reach miss, L reach miss, N reach miss). Also, regardless of whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot, SP reach miss, L reach miss, or N reach miss, the chance zone presentation is most likely to be executed when the final display state of the reserved display is "white," which has the lowest jackpot expectation, next most likely to be executed when the final display state of the reserved display is "white flashing," which has the next lowest jackpot expectation, next most likely to be executed when the final display state of the reserved display is "blue," which has the next lowest jackpot expectation, and least likely to be executed when the final display state of the reserved display is "red," which has the highest jackpot expectation. In other words, in this embodiment, the lower the jackpot expectation of the reserved display is, the more likely it is that the chance zone presentation with the highest jackpot expectation is executed. Therefore, even if the display mode of the pending display is one with a relatively low probability of winning, the player can still expect the chance zone to be performed, reducing disappointment and increasing interest in the game.

In the second embodiment, the reserve change scenario includes a scenario (scenarios No. 32 and No. 34 shown in FIG. 50) in which the reserve display at the time of winning is in the normal display mode, but the target reserve of the reserve display change performance changes to a special display mode before the change occurs. However, if there is a case where the display is in a special display mode, the display may always be in one of the special display modes from the time of winning. This is the same as in the first embodiment described above. In this configuration, it can be said that the execution timing of the reserve display change performance (at the time of winning) is earlier than the execution timing of the chance zone performance (when the special reserve shifts) (the execution timing based on the occurrence of the target reserve is earlier).

In the second embodiment, the execution ratio of the chance zone effect is varied based on the type of the final display mode of the reserved display, thereby realizing a configuration in which a display mode with a low expectation of a jackpot is more likely to be set as a chance zone than a display mode with a high expectation of a jackpot. In contrast, the setting timing of the chance zone (execution timing of the chance zone effect) is selected by lottery from among "at the time of winning", "when the target reserved is reserved 3", "when the target reserved is reserved 2", "when the target reserved is reserved 1", and "when changing based on the target reserved". In this lottery, the lottery result of the reserved change scenario is also referenced, and the timing in which the display mode of the reserved display related to the target reserved has a low expectation of a jackpot is more likely to be selected when the pre-reading judgment result is a jackpot and less likely to be selected when it is a miss, thereby realizing a configuration in which a display mode with a low expectation of a jackpot is more likely to be set as a chance zone than a display mode with a high expectation. This is because a chance zone effect (high expectation advance effect) performed when the expectation of winning a jackpot is low can make the player feel a stronger sense of elation than a chance zone effect performed when the expectation is already high. In this configuration, the hold display change presentation in which the final display state of the hold display is red may be more likely to be set as a chance zone than the hold display change presentation in which the final display state of the hold display is blue or flashing white.

<Other changes>
The types of pending change scenarios and the display modes of pending displays shown in the above embodiments (first and second embodiments) are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

In the above embodiment, the zone end operation in the chance zone cannot be performed during the execution of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, but can be performed during the non-execution of the chance zone exclusive SP reach (FIGS. 42 and 43). In other words, the chance zone can be ended more easily by the zone end operation during the non-execution of the chance zone exclusive SP reach in the chance zone than during the execution of the chance zone exclusive SP reach in the chance zone. In contrast, the zone end operation in the chance zone may be performed only during the chance zone exclusive SP reach. Specifically, for example, the zone end operation may be accepted only during the execution period of the first part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, which is the direct SP reach, and when the zone end operation is performed during this period, instead of the second part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, another SP reach (for example, the common SP reach in the above embodiment) having the same performance time as this second part may be executed. Even with this configuration, the connection between the performance content of the first part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach (the process in which the main character grows into a knight) and the performance content of the following other SP reach (a battle between the main character and an enemy character) is not broken. This configuration satisfies the needs of players who want to see the performance of the first part of the chance zone exclusive SP reach, but also want to see a battle with an enemy character different from the enemy character in the chance zone exclusive SP reach, and prevents a decline in interest in the chance zone and the chance zone exclusive SP reach. This configuration can be said to be a configuration in which it is easier to end the chance zone by a zone end operation when the chance zone exclusive SP reach is being executed in the chance zone than when the chance zone exclusive SP reach is not being executed in the chance zone (a configuration in which the chance zone end condition is easier to be established).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the chance zone can be ended based on a zone ending operation (the condition for ending the chance zone is that a zone ending operation is performed), but the chance zone may be ended based on the passage of the game ball through the second gate 29, which can be passed by hitting with the right hand (the condition for ending the chance zone is the passage of the game ball through the second gate 29). Note that the period during which the chance zone can be ended by the passage of the game ball through the second gate 29 can be set to, for example, the same period as the period during which the zone ending operation is possible in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the period during which the chance zone end operation is possible may be set based on a lottery. In this case, the period during which the chance zone end operation is possible may be set less easily when the chance zone dedicated SP reach is in progress than when the chance zone dedicated SP reach is not in progress, and the period during which the chance zone end operation is possible may be set more easily when the chance zone dedicated SP reach is in progress than when the chance zone dedicated SP reach is not in progress. The lottery for setting the period during which the chance zone end operation is possible may be set at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every 20 seconds).

In the above embodiment, when a win at the first start port 11 and a win at the second start port 12 occur simultaneously, the hold display change effect is not executed based on the win at the first start port 11, but the chance zone effect may be executed. In contrast, a configuration in which neither the hold display change effect nor the chance zone effect is executed based on the win at the first start port 11 may be used.

In the above embodiment, if a win at the first start port 11 and a win at the second start port 12 occur simultaneously, no lottery is conducted for the hold display change presentation based on the win at the first start port 11. However, it is also possible to conduct a lottery for the hold display change presentation based on the win at the first start port 11, and then only when a hold change scenario involving a hold change stop presentation is selected, the hold display change presentation for this hold change scenario is not conducted. This is because when this hold change scenario is selected, the presentation is more likely to be complicated than when other hold change scenarios are selected, as it involves the novel presentation of the hold change stop presentation.

Conversely, a lottery may be held for the reserve display change presentation based on winning at the first start port 11, and only when a reserve change scenario with a reserve change stop presentation is selected, the reserve display change presentation for this reserve change scenario may be performed, but when another reserve change scenario is selected, the reserve display change presentation may not be performed. This is because a reserve change scenario with a reserve change stop presentation is a novel presentation, and by not carrying out prohibition processing only for this special presentation, a decrease in interest in the game can be prevented.

In addition, even if the winning of the first start port 11 and the winning of the second start port 12 occur at the same time, a lottery for the reserve display change performance based on the winning of the first start port 11 is performed, and if it is decided that the reserve display change performance will be performed in the final display mode of "white flashing" or "blue", the reserve display change performance is performed, but if it is decided that the reserve display change performance will be performed in the final display mode of "red", the reserve display change performance may not be performed. In such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the reserve display in the special chart 1 reserve icon HA1 and the special chart 2 reserve icon HA2 includes a red reserve display, and the player's attention can be focused on one performance with a high probability of winning, thereby increasing the interest in the game. Conversely, if it is decided that the reserve display change performance will be performed in the final display mode of "white flashing" or "blue", the reserve display change performance is not performed, but if it is decided that the reserve display change performance will be performed in the final display mode of "red", the reserve display change performance may be performed. This configuration prevents a decline in interest in the game because it does not miss the opportunity to execute the "red" pending display change effect, which has a high chance of winning.

In addition, in the above embodiment, if a win at the first start port 11 and a win at the second start port 12 occur simultaneously, the execution of the hold display change effect based on a win at the first start port 11 is restricted, but if the effect of this configuration is not required, a configuration without such restrictions may be used.

In the above embodiment, the special chart 2 determination process is prioritized over the special chart 1 determination process (the special chart 2 change display is prioritized over the special chart 1 change display), but the special chart 1 determination process may be prioritized over the special chart 2 determination process (the special chart 1 change display is prioritized over the special chart 2 change display). In this case, it is preferable to make the special chart 1 lottery a lottery that is more likely to win a jackpot than the special chart 2 lottery. In this case, when a win in the first start port 11 and a win in the second start port 12 occur simultaneously, both the hold display change performance and the chance zone performance based on the win in the first start port 11 can be executed, but the hold display change performance is not executed based on the win in the second start port 12, and only the chance zone performance can be executed.

In the above embodiment, the chance zone effect is executed as a look-ahead effect (an effect that can be performed over multiple variations based on a look-ahead judgment, and a notice effect that gives hope for a big win), but the chance zone effect may be configured to be executed not as a look-ahead effect, but as a notice at the time of the variation (an effect that is performed only for that variation based on a lottery at the start of the variation, and a notice effect that gives hope for a big win). In this case, the setting of the chance zone is limited to one variation based on the special chart variation start command. Also, when executing a chance zone exclusive SP reach with a variation set in the chance zone, the chance zone exclusive SP reach (Figs. 38(B)-(H), 39, 40) can be executed immediately after executing the effect that suggests the setting of the chance zone (Fig. 37(B)).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the hold change scenario involving the hold change cancellation performance is configured to have only a scenario in which the display mode of the hold display immediately changes from blue (second special display mode) to white (normal display mode), but in addition to this scenario, or instead of this scenario, it may be configured to have a scenario in which the blue (second special display mode) hold display temporarily drops by one rank to a flashing white (first special display mode) hold display, and then returns to a white (normal display mode) hold display (ending the hold display change performance).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the selection ratio for each lottery can be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the game. For example, in the above embodiment, an effect that has an allocation rate of 0% (a configuration that is never executed) may be configured to be executed with a small probability (for example, about 1%) as long as the role of that effect is not hindered.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the SP reach exclusive to the chance zone may be performed only when the stable change stop performance is performed.

In the above embodiment, the reserved display change effect and the chance zone effect are performed during a non-time-saving state, but the game state in which these effects are performed is not limited to a non-time-saving state. In the above embodiment, setting the mode to a normal effect mode in which a normal background such as the daytime normal background image G102 is displayed corresponds to a "normal effect." However, if the reserved display change effect and the chance zone effect are configured to be performed in a high probability state or a time-saving state, setting the mode to a special probability effect mode in which the special probability background image G105 is displayed, or setting the mode to a time-saving effect mode in which the time-saving background image G106 is displayed, corresponds to a normal effect.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the chance zone effect has a higher chance of winning than the red pending display (third special display mode), but the chances of winning for both may be the same, or may be reversed from the above embodiment.

In addition, in the above-mentioned form, the content of each performance can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not impair the function of that performance.

In the above embodiment, the hold display change effect in which the display mode of the hold display (hold icon HA, icon TA) can be gradually changed, and the chance zone effect in which the effect mode is set to the chance zone are configured to be executable over multiple changes as pre-reading effects based on a pre-reading judgment, and the hold display change effect corresponds to the first pre-reading suggestion effect or the first notice effect, and the chance zone effect corresponds to the second pre-reading suggestion effect or the second notice effect. However, the type of effect of the first pre-reading suggestion effect or the first notice effect may be other than the hold display change effect, and the type of effect of the second pre-reading suggestion effect or the second notice effect may be other than the chance zone effect. For example, the image change effect in which a predetermined image such as a background image is gradually changed, and the stock effect in which a suggestion icon suggesting the type of effect to be executed are displayed may be configured to be executable over multiple changes as pre-reading effects based on a pre-reading judgment. In this case, the image change effect corresponds to the first pre-reading suggestion effect or the first notice effect, and the stock effect corresponds to the second pre-reading suggestion effect or the second notice effect. As an example of the image change effect, various special backgrounds (backgrounds different from the normal background) in which the relationship of the jackpot expectation is "first special background < second special background < third special background" may be changed in sequence from the first special background to the second special background to the third special background between the occurrence of the target reservation and the end of the change based on the target reservation. As an example of the stock effect, a suggestion icon suggesting that a special operation effect in which the special button 41 is operated will occur due to the change based on the target reservation may be displayed on the display unit 50a before the change based on the target reservation begins. The jackpot expectation of the stock effect may be higher than the jackpot expectation of the third special background being displayed. In addition, the background change effect may have a pattern (format) in which the second special background is displayed and then the normal background is returned to, and when this pattern is executed, the stock effect may be configured to be executed with a higher probability than when the background change effect is executed in other patterns after returning from the special background to the normal background. The special operation effect suggested to be executed by the stock effect is an example of a specific effect. Additionally, the type of effect suggested by the stock effect can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, if the above-mentioned image change effects are configured to be executable, the image change effects may be configured to be executed as "notice at the time of the relevant change" rather than as "pre-reading effects". In addition, if the above-mentioned stock effects are configured to be executable, the stock effects may be configured to be executed as "notice at the time of the relevant change" rather than as "pre-reading effects".

In the above embodiment, a first starting hole 11 (fixed starting hole) in which the ease of entry of the game ball does not change, and a second starting hole 12 (variable starting hole, starting hole related to the electric chute 12D) in which the ease of entry of the game ball can change are provided, but only one of them may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball game machines such as an arrange ball machine and a mahjong ball game machine. When the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, the game characteristics of the game machine can be changed as appropriate within the scope of not interfering with the game. In other words, the present invention can be appropriately adopted in so-called pattern probability change machines (game machines in which a transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of winning pattern), so-called V-certain machines (game machines that control a high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the large prize winning hole), so-called probability change loop type game machines (game machines that, once controlled to a high probability state, continue to be controlled to a high probability state until the start of the next big win game), so-called ST machines (game machines with a limited number of probability changes), so-called one-type two-type mixed machines and swing-type game machines, etc., as long as it does not interfere with the game. The present invention may also be applied to gaming machines that do not have a bottom tray 35 or other structure and in which balls enclosed within the gaming machine are circulated (so-called enclosed gaming machines, circulating gaming machines, managed gaming machines, and smart pachinko machines).

In the above embodiment, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed in a variable manner in approximately synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, but instead of being composed of three symbols like the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, they may be composed of two symbols other than three. For example, two symbols may be provided, one for special symbol 1 and one for special symbol 2. Also, one symbol common to special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 may be provided. In these cases, the display may be displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the sub-control board 120 may control it. Also, an LED device that displays the symbols may be provided in an area other than the play area 6 of the game board 1. In this case, the LED device may be controlled by the main control board 100 or the sub-control board 120.

In the above embodiment, the main control board 100 performs basic control over the progress of the game, and the sub-control board 120 performs basic control over the progress of the presentation according to the progress of the game (game control), so that game control and presentation control are performed on different boards, but they may also be configured to be performed on a single board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that single board, or may be provided separately from that single board.

When referring to a "state advantageous to the player (advantageous game state, advantageous state, or special game state)," not all jackpot game states may be configured to correspond to this. For example, a jackpot game state that is scheduled to be controlled to a high probability state afterwards may be configured to correspond to a "state advantageous to the player," or a jackpot game state in which a relatively large number of prize balls can be obtained, such as substantially 10R, may be configured to correspond to a "state advantageous to the player." In addition, the "state advantageous to the player" may not refer to a jackpot game state, but may refer to a small jackpot game state (a state in which a small jackpot game is being executed), or may refer to a high probability state or a high base state (a time-saving state). In a gaming machine equipped with a two-type jackpot, a series of game states including a small jackpot game state and a jackpot game state based on the passage of a game ball into a specific area 16 in the small jackpot game state may be configured to be advantageous to the player. Furthermore, if the "state advantageous to the player" refers to a high probability state or a high base state (time-saving state), the various effects that give the player hope of entering a "state advantageous to the player" are not limited to effects during the variable display of special symbols, but may also be effects that are performed at other times, such as during a jackpot game.

10. Inventions shown in the embodiments and their modifications The above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications show the inventions of the following means. In the explanation of the means described below, corresponding component names and expressions in the above-mentioned embodiments and the like, and symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions. Note that means A is a general term for the following means A1 to A3. Means B is a general term for the following means B1 to B2. Means C is a general term for the following means C1 to C3. Means D is a general term for the following means D1 to D2. Means E is a general term for the following means E1 to E2.

Means A1:
a first determination means (processing related to the jackpot determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for making a first determination (jackpot determination) as to whether or not to put the player in an advantageous state (jackpot game state) based on a ball entering a first ball entrance (first starting hole 11) or a second ball entrance (second starting hole 12) different from the first ball entrance;
A second determination means (processing related to the look-ahead determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for making a second determination (look-ahead determination) as to whether the advantageous state will be established before the first determination when the ball has entered the game;
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance;
The performance control means includes:
Based on the result of the second judgment, a first-ahead suggestion effect (a reserve display change effect, FIG. 46) that can be advanced in stages and a second-ahead suggestion effect (a chance zone effect, FIG. 37) that is different from the first-ahead suggestion effect can be executed;
A gaming machine characterized in that the first-ahead suggestion performance is sometimes executed in a first format (the format shown in Figures 46 (A) to (F)) and sometimes executed in a second format (the format shown in Figures 46 (A) to (D) and Figure 47) that ends halfway through the first format.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the first-goal hint performance of the second format that ends halfway through the first format creates a sense of tension, which is expected to increase interest.

Means A2:
A gaming machine according to the means A1,
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the first-ahead suggestion presentation of the second format is executed, the presentation control means is capable of executing the second-ahead suggestion presentation after the first-ahead suggestion presentation is executed (Figures 47 and 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if a first-precedence suggestion effect is performed in a second format that ends halfway through a first format, a second-precedence suggestion effect may be performed after the first-precedence suggestion effect is performed, so it is possible to maintain a sense of anticipation and increase interest.

Means A3:
A gaming machine according to the means A1 or A2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when a ball enters the first ball entry port and a ball enters the second ball entry port simultaneously, the presentation control means does not execute the first advance suggestion presentation based on the second judgment regarding the ball entering the first ball entry port, but executes the first advance suggestion presentation based on the second judgment regarding the ball entering the second ball entry port (Figures 48 and 49).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if a ball enters the first entry port and a ball enters the second entry port at the same time, the first-precedence suggestion effect is only executed based on the ball entering the second entry port, which prevents the effects from becoming complicated and prevents a decline in interest.

Means B1:
It is possible to execute a notice effect (a hold display change effect, a chance zone effect) that makes the player expect to enter a favorable advantageous state (a jackpot game state),
The execution format of the preview performance includes a first format for executing a first preview performance (a hold display change performance), a second format for executing a second preview performance (a chance zone performance) having a higher expectation of achieving the advantageous state than the first preview performance, and a third format for executing the second preview performance after executing the first preview performance.
The first advance notice performance (hold display change performance) has a first mode (blue) and a second mode (red) having a higher expectation of becoming the advantageous state than the first mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that the execution rate of the third format (execution example 5 shown in Figure 45) is higher when the presentation mode of the first preview presentation is not the second mode than when it is the second mode (Figures 34 and 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the probability that the second preview performance will be executed after the first preview performance is executed is higher when the performance mode of the first preview performance is not the second mode, which has a higher expectation of creating an advantageous state, than when the performance mode is the second mode, which has a higher expectation of creating an advantageous state. Therefore, even when the first preview performance is executed in the first mode rather than the second mode, it is possible to maintain the sense of expectation, which is expected to increase interest.

Means B2:
A gaming machine according to the means B1,
A determination is made as to whether the advantageous state will be established based on the entry of a ball into a first ball entry port (first starting port 11) or a second ball entry port (second starting port 12) different from the first ball entry port, and the advance notice performance can be executed based on the result of the determination.
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a ball enters the first ball entry port and a ball enters the second ball entry port simultaneously, the first preview performance based on the determination regarding the ball entering the first ball entry port is not executed, and the first preview performance based on the determination regarding the ball entering the second ball entry port is executed (Figures 48 and 49).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if a ball enters the first entry port and a ball enters the second entry port at the same time, the first preview performance is only executed based on the ball entering the second entry port, which prevents the performance from becoming complicated and prevents a decline in interest.

Means C1:
a first determination means (processing related to the jackpot determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for making a first determination (jackpot determination) as to whether or not to put the player in an advantageous state (jackpot game state) based on a ball entering a first ball entrance (first starting hole 11) or a second ball entrance (second starting hole 12) different from the first ball entrance;
A second determination means (processing related to the look-ahead determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for making a second determination (look-ahead determination) as to whether the advantageous state will be established before the first determination when the ball has entered the game;
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance;
The performance control means includes:
Based on the result of the second judgment, a first-ahead suggestion effect (a reserve display change effect, FIG. 46) that can be advanced in stages and a second-ahead suggestion effect (a chance zone effect, FIG. 37) that is different from the first-ahead suggestion effect can be executed;
The first-ahead suggestion performance may be executed in a first format (format shown in FIG. 46 (A) to (F)) or in a second format (format shown in FIG. 46 (A) to (D) and FIG. 47) that ends in the middle of the first format.
A gaming machine characterized in that the second format has a higher rate of execution of the second future suggestion effect after the first future suggestion effect is executed than the first format (Figures 34 and 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when a first-prediction performance that can progress in stages is executed in a second format that ends partway through the first format, the probability that a second-prediction performance will be executed after the execution of the first-prediction performance is higher than when it is executed in the first format. Therefore, even if the first-prediction performance ends partway through the first format, there is hope for the execution of the second-prediction performance, which is expected to increase interest in the game.

Means C2:
A gaming machine according to means C1,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when a ball enters the first ball entry port and a ball enters the second ball entry port simultaneously, the presentation control means does not execute the first advance suggestion presentation based on the second judgment regarding the ball entering the first ball entry port, but executes the first advance suggestion presentation based on the second judgment regarding the ball entering the second ball entry port (Figures 48 and 49).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if a ball enters the first entry port and a ball enters the second entry port at the same time, the first-precedence suggestion effect is only executed based on the ball entering the second entry port, which prevents the effects from becoming complicated and prevents a decline in interest.

Means C3:
A gaming machine according to the means C1 or C2,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second future suggestion effect is executed after the first future suggestion effect is executed, a specific effect (chance zone exclusive SP reach, Figures 38 to 40) corresponding to the execution of the second future suggestion effect (chance zone effect) can be executed along with a notification effect (variable effect) that notifies the result of the first judgment.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a specific effect corresponding to the second advanced suggestion effect after the first advanced suggestion effect is executed is executed in conjunction with a notification effect that notifies the result of the first judgment, so that the interest during the notification effect when the second advanced suggestion effect is executed is suitably increased by the specific effect.

Means D1:
A first determination means (processing related to the jackpot determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for making a first determination (jackpot determination) as to whether or not to put the player into an advantageous state (jackpot game state) that is advantageous to the player;
A second determination means (processing related to the look-ahead determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for making a second determination (look-ahead determination) as to whether the advantageous state will be achieved before the first determination;
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance;
The performance control means includes:
Based on the result of the second judgment, a first-ahead suggestion effect (a reserve display change effect, FIG. 46) that can be advanced in stages and a second-ahead suggestion effect (a chance zone effect, FIG. 37) that is different from the first-ahead suggestion effect can be executed;
As the second suggestion performance, a special performance (a setting to a chance zone that can display a forest background image G70 (chance background)) different from a normal performance (a setting to a normal performance mode that can display a normal background such as a daytime normal background image G102) can be executed over multiple variations,
During the execution of the special performance, a specific performance (a chance zone exclusive SP reach, FIG. 36) that is not executed in the normal performance can be executed,
The special effect is ended based on the establishment of a predetermined ending condition (a zone ending operation is performed),
A gaming machine characterized in that the ease with which the specified end condition is established differs between when the specific presentation is not being executed and when the specific presentation is being executed (FIGS. 42 and 43).

With this gaming machine configuration, when a special effect that is different from a normal effect is executed over multiple variations as a second-precedence suggestion effect that is different from a first-precedence suggestion effect that can progress in stages, a specific effect that is not executed in a normal effect is executed, which can increase the interest of the second-precedence suggestion effect, and since the ease with which the end conditions of the special effect (second-precedence suggestion effect) are met differs when the specific effect is being executed and when it is not being executed, it is possible to execute the special effect and the specific effect without decreasing the interest of the special effect and the specific effect.

Means D2:
A gaming machine according to means D1,
The performance control means includes:
The first-ahead suggestion performance may be executed in a first format (format shown in FIG. 46 (A) to (F)) or in a second format (format shown in FIG. 46 (A) to (D) and FIG. 47) that ends in the middle of the first format.
A gaming machine characterized in that when the first-ahead suggestion performance of the second type is executed, the second-ahead suggestion performance can be executed after the first-ahead suggestion performance is executed (Figures 47 and 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the presence of a first-precedence suggestion effect in the second format that ends in the middle of the first format creates a sense of tension, which is expected to increase interest, and even when a first-precedence suggestion effect is performed in the second format that ends in the middle of the first format, a second-precedence suggestion effect (special effect) may be performed after the first-precedence suggestion effect is executed, which can maintain the sense of anticipation and is expected to increase interest.

Means E1:
It is possible to execute a notice effect (a hold display change effect, a chance zone effect) that makes the player expect to enter a favorable advantageous state (a jackpot game state),
The execution format of the preview performance includes a first format in which a first preview performance (a hold display change performance) is executed, a second format in which a second preview performance having a higher expectation of becoming the advantageous state than the first preview performance (a chance zone performance) is executed, and a third format in which the second preview performance is executed after the first preview performance is executed.
As the second preview performance, a special performance (a setting to a chance zone capable of displaying a forest background image G70 (chance background)) different from a normal performance (a setting to a normal performance mode capable of displaying a normal background such as a daytime normal background image G102) can be executed over multiple variations,
During the execution of the special performance, a specific performance (a chance zone exclusive SP reach, FIG. 36) that is not executed in the normal performance can be executed,
The special effect is ended based on the establishment of a predetermined ending condition (a zone ending operation is performed),
A gaming machine characterized in that the ease with which the specified end condition is established differs between when the specific presentation is not being executed and when the specific presentation is being executed (FIGS. 42 and 43).

With this gaming machine configuration, when a special effect different from the normal effect is executed over multiple variations as the second preview effect, which has a higher expectation of being in a more advantageous state than the first preview effect, a specific effect that is not executed in the normal effect is executed, which can increase the interest of the second preview effect. In addition, since the ease of achieving the end conditions of the special effect (second preview effect) differs when the specific effect is executed and when it is not executed, it is possible to execute the special effect and the specific effect without decreasing the interest of the special effect and the specific effect.

Means E2:
A gaming machine according to means E1,
The first advance notice performance (hold display change performance) has a first mode (blue) and a second mode (red) having a higher expectation of becoming the advantageous state than the first mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that the execution rate of the third format (execution example 5 shown in Figure 45) is higher when the performance mode of the first preview performance is not the second mode than when it is the second mode (Figures 34 and 35).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the probability that the second preview performance (special performance) will be executed after the first preview performance is executed is higher when the performance mode of the first preview performance is not the second mode, which has a higher expectation of creating an advantageous state, than when the performance mode is the second mode, which has a higher expectation of creating an advantageous state. Therefore, even when the first preview performance is executed in the first mode rather than the second mode, it is possible to maintain the sense of expectation, and interest can be expected to increase.

As an example of a gaming machine, there has been known a pachinko gaming machine that determines whether or not a jackpot has been won, and based on the result of that determination, changes the display mode of the reserved display for the performance from normal white to a special blue or red, etc., to make the player hope for a jackpot, as described in JP2016-112132A. However, the method of executing the performance as described in JP2016-112132A is now commonly seen, and there is room for improvement in order to provide players with an interesting experience.

The above-mentioned means A differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "based on the result of a second judgment as to whether an advantageous state will be created that is made before a first judgment as to whether an advantageous state will be created that is advantageous to the player, a first advance suggestion performance that can progress in stages and a second advance suggestion performance that is different from the first advance suggestion performance can be executed, and the first advance suggestion performance is sometimes executed in a first format and sometimes executed in a second format that ends midway through the first format."

The above-mentioned means B also differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "the execution formats of the preview performance that gives the player the expectation of a favorable state include a first format that executes a first preview performance, a second format that executes a second preview performance that has a higher expectation of a favorable state than the first preview performance, and a third format that executes the second preview performance after executing the first preview performance, and the execution rate of the third format is higher when the performance mode of the first preview performance is not the second mode that has a higher expectation of a favorable state than the first mode than when it is the second mode."

The above-mentioned means C also differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "based on the result of a second judgment as to whether or not an advantageous state will be created that is made before a first judgment as to whether or not an advantageous state will be created that is advantageous to the player, a first advance suggestion effect that can progress in stages and a second advance suggestion effect that is different from the first advance suggestion effect can be executed, and the rate at which the second advance suggestion effect is executed after the first advance suggestion effect is executed is higher when the first advance suggestion effect is executed in the second format that ends halfway through the first format than when it is executed in the first format."

The above-mentioned means D also differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "based on the result of a second judgment as to whether an advantageous state will be created that is made before the first judgment as to whether an advantageous state will be created that is advantageous to the player, a first advance suggestion effect that can be advanced in stages and a second advance suggestion effect that can be executed over multiple variations of a special effect that is different from a normal effect can be executed while a special effect is being executed, a specific effect that is not executed in a normal effect can be executed while a special effect is being executed, and the special effect is terminated based on the establishment of a predetermined termination condition, and the ease with which the predetermined termination condition is established differs between when a specific effect is not being executed and when a specific effect is being executed."

The above-mentioned means E also differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "the execution formats of the preview performance that gives the player the expectation of a favorable state include a first format that executes a first preview performance, a second format that executes a second preview performance that has a higher expectation of a favorable state than the first preview performance, and a third format that executes the second preview performance after executing the first preview performance; the second preview performance can execute a special performance that is different from the normal performance over multiple variations; during the execution of the special performance, a specific performance that is not executed in the normal performance can be executed; the special performance is terminated based on the establishment of a predetermined termination condition; and the ease of establishment of the predetermined termination condition differs between when the specific performance is not being executed and when the specific performance is being executed."

The inventions of means A to E, by virtue of the differences described above, are able to solve the problem (achieve the effect) of "improving the entertainment value of the game through the presentation."

PY1... Pachinko game machine 11... First starting hole (first ball entry hole)
12...Second starting hole (second ball entry hole)
50... Image display device 50a... Display unit 101... Game control microcomputer 121... Performance control microcomputer G70... Forest background image G102... Daytime normal background image HA... Hold icon TA... The icon

Claims (1)

It is possible to execute a preview effect that makes the player expect an advantageous situation to be achieved,
The execution format of the preview performance includes a first format in which a first preview performance is executed, a second format in which a second preview performance having a higher expectation of achieving the advantageous state than the first preview performance is executed, and a third format in which the second preview performance is executed after the first preview performance is executed.
The execution rate of the third format is higher when the performance mode of the first preview performance is not a predetermined mode having a high expectation of becoming the advantageous state than when the performance mode is the predetermined mode;
As the second notice performance, a special performance different from the normal performance can be executed over multiple variations,
A gaming machine characterized in that the special effect can be ended based on an operation by a player.

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