JP5381838B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board.

  Various types of ball game machines are known as ball game machines that play a game by firing game balls on the game board. In these ball game machines, when a predetermined game condition is established in the game progression process, a special game state (special game effect mode) different from the normal game state (normal game effect mode) is generated, It is widely practiced to excite the player's entertainment interests.

  For example, in a so-called “seven machine”, a ball game machine (a ball game machine that displays a variation of a symbol when a game ball enters the start opening and starts a big hit game when the symbol stops and displays a big hit symbol) When the big hit game ends, the “probability change state” in which the big hit probability that the big hit game is generated (the probability that the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed) may be started may be started. When this probability change state is started, the game effect mode is changed to the “special game effect mode”, the game is advanced in a different effect mode than usual (such as changing the display style of the symbol), and the “advantageous game” It is possible to make the player recognize that the state is “state”.

  Alternatively, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the process of progressing the game (for example, the stop symbol display of the off symbol reaches a predetermined number of times), for example, a specific reach effect or a notice effect is likely to occur without changing the jackpot probability. It is also widely practiced to generate a “special game directing mode” to enhance the gaming interest.

  Furthermore, when these “special game effect modes” are ended, a special effect (end effect) is performed at the end so that the player can surely recognize that the special game effect mode ends. Such techniques have also been proposed (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).

JP 2005-31670 A JP 2009-273806 A

  However, even if a special game production mode is started, a specific game effect expected in the special game production mode (for example, prevention of “getting bored” due to a change in production) is always given to the player. Is not limited. On the contrary, when the special game effect mode is terminated without obtaining the specific game effect, there is a problem that the game interest of the player may be lowered.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and a ball game machine capable of preventing a player from deteriorating the gaming interests by appropriately ending a special game effect mode. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A design change that allows a display device to variably display a design by launching a game ball into a game board with a large winning opening that can be opened and closed and normally closed, and that the game ball enters the start port A ball game machine that performs a game,
Special effect mode generating means for generating a special effect mode in which the symbol variable game is performed in an effect display mode different from the normal effect mode when a predetermined condition is established during the symbol variable game in the normal effect mode;
When a winning condition is established during the symbol variation game in the normal effect mode or the special effect mode, a winning game execution means for executing a winning game that opens the big winning opening;
A special effect mode ending unit for ending the special effect mode when a predetermined end condition for ending the special effect mode is satisfied;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined specific game situation has occurred during the special performance mode when the special performance mode is terminated;
A normal end effect executing means for executing a normal end effect as an end effect for ending the special effect mode when the determining means determines that the specific gaming situation has not occurred;
Special ending effect execution means for executing a special ending effect in a form that compensates for the occurrence of the specific gaming situation as the ending effect when the determining means determines that the specific gaming situation has occurred ;
Number-of-times detecting means for detecting the number of times that the symbol variation game is performed in the special effect mode;
End lottery means for performing an end lottery regarding whether or not to end the special effect mode during the special effect mode;
With
The special effect mode ending means ends the special effect mode when a lottery result for ending the special effect mode is obtained in the end lottery,
The determination means determines that the specific game situation has occurred when the number of the symbol variation games executed in the special effect mode does not fall within a specified range when the special effect mode ends.
The special end effect execution means executes a special end effect of a different aspect according to the number of symbol variation games executed in the special effect mode .

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, a normal effect mode and a special effect mode are provided. Here, the “normal effect mode” is an effect mode (normal game effect mode) in which the symbol variation game is performed in the normal effect display mode, and the “special effect mode” is an effect different from the normal game effect. This is an effect mode (special game effect mode) in which the symbol variation game is performed in the display mode. In addition, when this special effect mode ends, it is possible to determine whether or not a “specific game situation” that causes a decrease in the player's gaming interests occurred during the special effect mode. Yes.

  Here, the “specific game situation” corresponds to the “game situation in which the gaming effect expected by the game machine designer cannot be obtained during the special performance mode”. It is defined as “reduced gaming situation”. This "specific game situation" can be set in various ways depending on the nature of the special performance mode. For example, "special game effects that do not occur in the normal performance mode (special notice effects, special reach effects, etc.) ) ”Can occur (or is likely to occur)”, “no special game effect is generated by the end of the special effect mode” is “a specific game situation” It corresponds to. Alternatively, in the case where the “probable change state in which a hit game is easy to start” is provided as the special effect mode, “no hit game is started in the special effect mode” corresponds to the “specific game situation”. Furthermore, when the “Concealment effect mode (so-called latent probability change state) in which the player does not know whether or not the probability change state is present” is provided as a special effect mode, the “Concealment effect mode (latency probability change state)” May cause an unfavorable development to the player, such as “continuing for a certain period of time” or “a certain number of game balls being fired in the production mode (latency probability variation state)”. It corresponds to. In addition, as the “end condition” for ending the special performance mode, for example, “to win a lottery (not limited to a lottery for determining whether or not to end the special performance mode)” or “ For example, “the game in the special effect mode has been continued for a certain period of time” or “a certain number of game balls have been fired in the special effect mode”.

  And in the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, when the special effect mode ends, the end effect for ending the special effect mode is performed. When performing the end effect, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned “specific game situation” has occurred during the special effect mode. If the “specific game situation” has not occurred, the normal end Produce (normal end effect). On the other hand, when a “specific game situation” has occurred, a special end effect in a form that compensates for the occurrence of the “specific game situation” is performed. Here, the “aspect that compensates for the occurrence of a specific gaming situation” can be a “mode that prevents a decrease in gaming interest due to the occurrence of a particular gaming situation”. For example, if the “specific game situation” corresponds to the above-mentioned “no special game effect is generated”, the mode in which the special game effect is generated when the special effect mode ends, Another game effect similar to the special game effect can be generated. Furthermore, if it is possible to expect an effect that supplements the player's psychology due to the occurrence of a “specific game situation”, it is possible to generate a game effect completely unrelated to the “specific game situation” It is.

  As described above, in the ball game machine of the present invention, at the end of the special performance mode, it is determined whether or not a “specific game situation” that may cause a decrease in the game interest of the player has occurred. If the “game situation” has occurred, a special end effect in a form that compensates for a decrease in gaming interest is performed. For this reason, after the special effect mode is started, the special effect mode can be appropriately terminated in accordance with the progress of the special effect mode, and it is possible to prevent the player from deteriorating the gaming interest.

In addition , in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention ,
Number-of-times detecting means for detecting the number of times that the symbol variation game is performed in the special effect mode;
End lottery means for performing an end lottery regarding whether or not to end the special effect mode during the special effect mode;
The special effect mode ending means ends the special effect mode when a lottery result for ending the special effect mode is obtained in the end lottery,
The determination means determines that the specific game situation has occurred when the number of the symbol variation games executed in the special effect mode does not fall within a specified range when the special effect mode ends.
The special end effect execution means executes a special end effect of a different mode according to the number of symbol variation games executed in the special effect mode .

For this reason , when the special performance mode continues for a long period (a period longer than the duration expected by the game designer) or only for a short period (a period shorter than the duration expected by the game designer). Even if there is not, a special end effect according to the “period” can be performed. For example, if the duration of the special performance mode is too long, the player may be bored, so a special game effect that will draw the player's attention (to date) Perform special end effects with non-appearing game effects). In this way, even when the special performance mode ends in a duration that is not anticipated by the designer (when a specific game situation occurs), it is possible to prevent the player from deteriorating the gaming interests.

In the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention,
A ball game machine according to claim 2,
The determination means determines that the specific gaming situation has occurred when the special effect mode is ended, and the symbol variation game in the special effect mode is not performed a predetermined lower limit number of times,
The special end effect executing means may execute an end effect in a form of performing the symbol variation game a plurality of times in a pseudo manner as the special end effect.

  In this way, even if the special effect mode lasts only for a short period (a period shorter than the continuation period expected by the game designer), a special end effect corresponding to the “short period” can be performed. For example, when the duration expected by the game designer is “X symbol variation games”, when “Y symbol variation games” shorter than that are performed and the special performance mode is ended. , Perform a special end effect that simulates “(X-Y) times of symbol variation game” and make it appear as if “X times of symbol variation game” has been performed and the special effect mode has ended. Can do. For this reason, even if the special performance mode ends in a duration less than the designer's assumption (when a specific game situation occurs) according to the progress of the game in the special performance mode, It is possible to prevent the decrease.

  As described above, according to the inventions described in the claims of the present application, it is possible to realize a bullet ball game machine that can prevent a player from deteriorating the gaming interests by appropriately ending a special game effect mode. .

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the production | presentation display apparatus mounted in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the display mode of the normal symbol display part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the stop display aspect of the special symbol notionally. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the game control processing which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is the flowchart which showed the special figure reservation related process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the intermediate part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special figure fluctuation | variation display process performed in a special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special figure change display process performed in a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the big hit lottery table used with the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the jackpot symbol determination table referred when determining a jackpot symbol based on the jackpot symbol determination random number. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the big hit fluctuation pattern table referred when determining the big hit fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the symbol determination table referred when determining a small hit symbol or a missing symbol based on a symbol determination random number. It is a flowchart of a normal deviation fluctuation pattern determination process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the deviation variation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit game process. It is a flowchart of the special deviation variation pattern determination process of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the special deviation fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart of the first half part of a game effect process. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of a game effect process. It is explanatory drawing which contrasted and showed the effect for normal modes, and the effect for special modes. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the production pattern table referred in order to determine the content of a game production. It is explanatory drawing which showed the content of the effect which the pachinko machine 1 of 1st Example performs at the time of completion | finish of special mode. It is a flowchart of the special deviation variation pattern determination process of the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the symbol fluctuation | variation was performed based on a specific fluctuation | variation pattern.

The present invention starts a game when a game ball is fired on the game board, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the game is continued while switching the game state between the normal game state and the special game state, It can be implemented in a ball game machine in which a special entrance that is normally closed is opened and a jackpot game is executed. Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine of a type called a seven machine will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Pachinko machine control contents:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special figure hold related processing:
C-3. Special design game processing:
C-4. Jackpot game processing:
C-5. Small hit game processing:
D. First embodiment:
D-1. Special deviation variation pattern determination processing of the first embodiment:
D-2. Game effect processing of the first embodiment:
E. Second embodiment:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular open portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the open portion 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch sensor 8a that detects that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 8. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball launched from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. In addition, a starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided below the central device 26. The start port 17 is a so-called variable start port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, a start port switch 17 s (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball (a game ball entering the start port 17) entering the start port 17 and a pair of wing pieces are operated. And a start-up solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and when the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is likely to enter the normal state.

  The central device 26 mainly includes a decorative center accessory 26 and an effect display device 27 provided in a state surrounded by the center accessory 26. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and can perform a symbol variation effect associated with a special symbol variation display in the symbol display device 28 described later. This symbol variation effect is realized mainly by displaying various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background symbol in a variable display and a stop display. The effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later. A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable manner and a stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a game ball that passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 (the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36) is provided inside the gate. There is provided a gate switch 36s (see FIG. 5) for detecting. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A big winning device 31 is provided below the start port 17. The large winning device 31 includes a large winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an open / close door 31e for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a large winning opening solenoid 31m for operating the open / close door 31e (see FIG. 5). ) Etc. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied and the opening / closing door 31e is opened, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability. A big hit game, which is a game state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 5) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d (a game ball entering the big prize opening 31d). Can be detected.

  An out port 48 is provided below the grand prize winning device 31, and an out switch (not shown) for detecting a game ball discharged from the out port 48 and a back ball preventing member 58 are provided below the out port 48. It has been. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position. Further, by counting the number of game balls detected by the out switch, it is possible to obtain a so-called out ball number.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute a normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute a special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 has one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter, a normal symbol). Called hold display LED 29b). The special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LEDs 30a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of special symbols held (hereinafter referred to as special symbols). Called hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment uses these 12 LEDs to display a normal symbol, the number of ordinary symbols held, a special symbol, and the number of special symbols held will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display. On the display screen, three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are provided as effect display symbols (effect symbols). A background pattern 27d is displayed. Among these, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the special symbol variation display in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to produce a game. ing. The three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start a variable display every time a special symbol jackpot lottery described later is performed, stop display when a predetermined variable time has elapsed, and display mode (stop) Depending on the display mode, it is a symbol for notifying the player of the result of the special symbol jackpot lottery.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards, but focusing on its functions, the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the winning ball The main control board 200 for controlling the control, the sub control board 220 for controlling the control of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the specific display of the effect display device 27 in accordance with instructions from the sub control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, a launch control board 260 that controls the game ball, and the like. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the input / output direction (transmission / reception direction) of data or signals. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, CPU 221, ROM 222, RAM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220, and CPU 231, ROM 232, RAM 233 mounted on the effect control board 230 only. Is shown.

  As shown in the figure, a CPU 201 is mounted on the main control board 200. The CPU 201 receives a detection signal of a game ball from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. After determining whether or not it is related to the basic progression and the winning ball, commands for instructing various operations are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 has a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17, a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, A symbol display device 28 that displays fluctuation stop display of normal symbols and special symbols is connected. By transmitting operation signals to the various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28, control of these operations is also possible. Is going.

  When the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the command and performs control for executing a game effect according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is transmitted to the effect control board 230 that performs display control of the effect display device 27 described above, an amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A drive signal is transmitted to the decorative drive substrate 226 that drives the lamp.

  The effect control board 230 includes an image ROM 234 and a VDP (not shown) in addition to the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 receives a control command (display control command) from the sub-control board 220, it reads out a control program corresponding to the received command from the ROM 232 and uses the RAM 233 as a work area. Control for displaying the effect image on the display screen of the effect display device 27 is performed. The image ROM 234 stores effect image data corresponding to various game effects such as symbol variation effects and jackpot game effects.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, the signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via the payout control board 240. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while transmitting / receiving data to / from the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. In addition, the payout control board 240 transmits a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 260 under the control of the main control board 200. In response to the launch permission signal, performs various controls for launching the game ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the firing handle 8, and the player can aim the launch position by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28 provided on the lower left side of the central device 26. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29 a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, the normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open. If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a hold, and the current normal symbol variation display ends. After that, the variable display is performed. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of normal symbols held is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided in the symbol display device 28. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), both of the two normal figure hold display LEDs 29b are turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit. When there are two holds, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right-side normal map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three holds, the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights. When the number of hold increases further to the upper limit of four, the left and right map hold display LEDs 29b blink. In this way, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of holds from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two common figure hold display LEDs 29b.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30 so that the special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner. As for the special symbol, a game ball enters the start port 17, and when the start port switch 17 s detects the game ball, the variable display is started, and thereafter, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with any of the symbols described below. It has become.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a stop display mode of special symbols. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided with the special symbol LED 30a including seven LEDs, and the special symbol is displayed by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, ten display modes are provided as the special symbol stop display mode. Further, these ten stop display modes are roughly classified into five types. First, the two stop display modes shown in the uppermost row in the figure correspond to “normal jackpot symbols”, and the two stop display modes shown in the second row from the top correspond to “probability big hit symbols”. The two stop display modes shown in the third row from the top correspond to the “special probability variation big hit symbol”, and the two stop display modes shown in the fourth row from the top correspond to the “small hit symbol”. The two stop display modes shown in the lower part correspond to “disappearing symbols”.

  The special symbol display unit 30 performs a special symbol variation display by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed according to any stop display mode. When either the “normal big hit symbol” or the “probability variable big hit symbol” symbol or the “special probability variable big hit symbol” is stopped and displayed, the big winning opening 31d that is normally closed is opened. A big hit game is started. The big winning opening 31d that has been opened in the big hit game returns to a closed state once a predetermined opening time has elapsed or a specified number of game balls have entered, but is again open after a predetermined closing time has elapsed. It becomes. The game from the opening of the grand prize winning opening 31d to the closing is called “round game (or simply round)”. When such rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the big hit game ends.

  In addition, when the “small winning symbol” is stopped and displayed, the big winning opening 31d is opened and the small winning game is started. As described above, since the special winning opening 31d is normally closed, it can be said that when the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, a game ball can be entered, which is advantageous to the player. However, in the small hit game, since the big winning opening 31d is opened in such a manner that it is difficult to enter the game ball, the game ball can hardly be entered even though the big winning opening 31d is opened. The small hit game ends. In addition, the big win game started when the “special probability variation big hit symbol” is stopped is displayed and the big winning opening 31d is opened in the same manner as the small hit game, and the game ends with almost no game ball being allowed to enter. Resulting in.

  Furthermore, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the “probable big hit symbol” or “special probable big hit symbol” shown in FIG. 7, until the predetermined condition is satisfied after the big hit game ends (for example, The probability that a special symbol will be stopped and displayed as a normal jackpot symbol, a probable variation jackpot symbol, or a special probability variation jackpot symbol until the next jackpot game occurs or until a special symbol is displayed a predetermined number of times) The function (probability change function) is activated (so-called probability variation state, or simply the probability change state). In particular, when a big hit game is started by “probable big hit symbol”, after the big hit game is finished, not only the probability variable function is activated, but also the function that shortens the fluctuation display time of normal symbols and special symbols (variation reduction) Function) is activated (so-called short-time state). In the short-time state, the function of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (open extension function) is also activated. On the other hand, when the big hit game by the “special probability change big hit symbol” is finished, the probability change function is activated, but the fluctuation shortening function and the open extension function are not activated. Further, when the “normal jackpot symbol” shown in FIG. 7 is stopped and displayed, the probability changing function does not operate, but the fluctuation shortening function and the release are performed until the predetermined condition ends after the jackpot game ends. The extension function is activated. In addition, the small hit game with the small hit design does not affect the operation state of the probability changing function, the fluctuation shortening function, and the opening extension function. Therefore, the operating state before the small hit game is continued even after the small hit game is generated.

  In addition, even when a game ball has entered the starting port 17, the special symbol variation display cannot be started (for example, when the special symbol is in a variable display or a big hit game). Even so, the fact that a game ball has entered the start port 17 is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a special symbol hold. Then, when the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner, the stored display can be used to perform the variable display. The stored number of special symbols is displayed by a special figure hold display LED 30b. The manner in which the number of special symbols held is displayed using the special figure hold display LED 30b is exactly the same as that of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG.

  In accordance with the above-described special symbol variation display and stop display, the effect display device 27 performs various effects (design variation effects) using the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three identification symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display that constitutes the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the special symbol LED 30a described above, also in the effect display device 27, these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed as identification symbols is prepared. Note that the identification symbol may be a symbol, character, graphic, symbol, or the like as a design in addition to numbers, as long as the player can identify the result of the big symbol lottery of the special symbol.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right identification symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle identification symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination (stop display mode) of these three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the stop display mode of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol LED 30a described above. Has been. For example, when the special symbol stops at “normal jackpot symbol” or “probability big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed at the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol stops with “probable big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol (“7-7-7”, etc.) representing an odd number. In the case of stopping at “symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol (“4-4-4” or the like) that represents an even number. On the other hand, when the special symbol stops at the “special probability variation big hit symbol” or “small hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with a predetermined specific symbol that is not aligned with the same symbol. . Also, when the special symbol stops at the “off symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c are out of alignment with the same symbol (except for the special symbol corresponding to the special probability variable big hit symbol and the small hit symbol). Stopped display.

  Thus, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol LED 30a and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other, and the respective display symbols are determined. The timing to perform (stop display) is also set to be the same. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 10 (game area 11), which is more noticeable than the special symbol LED 30a, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, a player usually plays a game while viewing the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the left identification symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right identification symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In such a case, the player may watch the fluctuation of the identification symbol as if the middle identification symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last is also stopped at the same symbol and the so-called jackpot game is started. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last identification symbol in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, which can increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It is possible.

C. Control details of pachinko machine:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a start opening return process, a special figure hold-related process, a special symbol game process, a big hit game process, a small hit game process, etc. Is executed repeatedly. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 progresses, and the sub control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. Hereinafter, the game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 will be described according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a game ball winning switch (such as the start opening switch 17s and the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for transmitting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the contents of the command, and transmits a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed ( S100). This determination is made by detecting whether the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no). . When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (the start port 17 is not open) (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (the start port 17 is open) (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped, and the open start port 17 is normally set. The process proceeds to a start port return process (S200), which will be described later, for returning to the state.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not there is a regular symbol hold (whether or not the number of holds is “0”). If there is a hold, a normal symbol winning lottery (normal symbol lottery) is performed. As described above, the holding of the normal symbol is set when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 36. In this embodiment, the upper limit value of the holding number is “4”. Then, in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a deviating symbol (see FIG. 6A). Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol, the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, the start port return process (S200) is performed. This start port return process (S200) is performed when the start port 17 is in an open state (when open), and when the start port 17 is not in an open state (when it is in a normal state), The process is terminated as it is, and the process proceeds to the next special figure hold related process (S300). On the other hand, when the start port 17 is in the open state, in the start port return process (S200), the opening time of the start port 17 has elapsed, or a prescribed number of game balls have entered the start port 17. When any of the conditions for balling is satisfied, processing is performed to return the start port 17 in the open state to the normal state. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is extended to about 5 seconds when the opening extension function described later is activated. On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S200) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish. In the game control process, when returning from the start opening return process (S200), the special figure holding related process described below is started (S300).

C-2. Special figure hold related processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing special figure hold related processing. In the special figure hold related process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S302). As a result, when a game ball enters the start port 17 (S302: yes), whether or not the number of reserved special symbols (the number of reserved special symbols) has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). Is determined (S304). If the special figure holding number has not reached the upper limit value (S304: no), a random number for special symbol lottery is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 (S306). Here, as the lottery random number of the special symbol, the jackpot lottery random number used for performing the jackpot lottery described later, the jackpot symbol determination random number used to determine the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28, Various random numbers such as a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect on the effect display device 27 are acquired. The lottery random number obtained in this way is stored in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 as a special symbol hold (special figure hold).

  When the acquired random number for lottery is stored as a special figure hold as described above, “1” is added to the special figure hold number (S308). Then, after a hold command indicating the number of special figure hold is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S310), the special figure hold related process shown in FIG. 10 is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when a game ball does not enter the starting port 17 (S302: no), or when the number of special figure reservations reaches the upper limit (here, “4”) (S304: yes) The special figure hold related process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated without transmitting the hold command, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Then, when returning from the special figure holding related process, the special symbol game process (S320) described below is started in the game control process.

C-3. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When starting the special symbol game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether the big hit game or the small hit game is being played (S322). If the game is a big hit game or a small hit game (S322: yes), the special game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the game is neither big hit game nor small hit game (S322: no), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S324). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30, and the special symbol (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as a special symbol) is provided. Variable display is possible.

  If the special symbol is not changing (S324: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S326). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol has elapsed (S326: no), the number of special symbols held (special symbol hold) It is determined whether or not (number) is “0” (S328). As described above, the special figure holding number can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the special figure holding number is “0” (S328: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the number of special symbol hold is not “0” (S328: no), the processing for starting the special symbol variation display (special symbol variation display processing) is started (S330).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the first half of the special figure variation display process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the special figure variation display process. As shown in the figure, when the special figure variation display process is started, first, a process for reading the random number for lottery stored the oldest is performed (S3300). As described above, a lottery random number such as a jackpot lottery random number, a jackpot symbol determination random number, a reach random number, or the like is stored as a lottery random number, and a process of reading these together is performed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state, that is, whether or not a probability variation flag is set (S3302). If the probability variation flag is set (S3302: yes), a big hit for probability variation is determined. A lottery table is selected (S3304), and if the probability variation flag is not set (S3302: no), a big hit lottery table for non-probability variation is selected (S3306). Here, the probability variation flag is a flag that is set when the gaming state becomes a probability variation state (a state in which the probability variation function is activated), and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the probability variation flag. . The jackpot lottery table is a table in which lottery results of the jackpot lottery are set in association with the jackpot lottery random numbers, and are stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. The random value associated with the lottery lottery result becomes the “big hit random value” used as the specific random value for the determination of specific hold.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jackpot lottery table stored in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16A shows a jackpot lottery table for non-probability change, and FIG. 16B shows a jackpot lottery table for probability change. As shown in the drawing, in the jackpot lottery table, lottery results of “hit” or “out” are set in association with the jackpot lottery random numbers. Further, as apparent from a comparison between FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the jackpot lottery table for probability variation shown in FIG. 16B is used for the non-probability variation shown in FIG. The lottery result of “big hit” is set to more random numbers than the big hit lottery table. In other words, a larger number of “big hit random numbers” is set in the big change lottery table for probability change than in the big hit lottery table for non-probability change.

  Subsequently, in the special figure variation display process of FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the big hit lottery result is “big hit” by referring to the selected big hit lottery table based on the big hit lottery random number read out earlier. (S3308). As described above, the probability variation jackpot lottery table referred to in the probability variation state is set with a larger number of “hit random number values” than the non-probability variation jackpot lottery table referred to when not in the probability variation state. Therefore, a lottery result of “big hit” is generated with a higher probability during probability change than during non-probability change.

  And when the result of the jackpot lottery is determined to be a jackpot (S3308: yes), after reading the jackpot symbol determination random number (S3310), the process of determining the jackpot symbol by referring to the jackpot symbol determination table This is performed (S3312).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jackpot symbol determination table that is referred to for determining a jackpot symbol. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, as the big hit symbol, two symbols are set for each of the normal big hit symbol, the probability variation big hit symbol, and the special probability variable big hit symbol, for a total of six symbols. Correspondingly, in the jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 17, stop symbols (jackpot symbols) of these six special symbols are set in association with the jackpot symbol determination random number. Therefore, the big hit symbol can be determined by referring to the big hit symbol determination table from the big hit symbol determination random number read in S3310 (S3312).

  When the big hit symbol is determined as described above, the big hit variation pattern table is selected (S3314). Here, the big hit variation pattern table is a table that is referred to in order to determine a pattern (fluctuation pattern) in which the special symbol is variably displayed before the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol. In addition, since the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner by actually switching the ten display modes shown in FIG. 7 one after another, the special symbol variation pattern is substantially different from the special symbols. Corresponds to the time to be displayed. However, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment, the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device 28 and the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c performed by the effect display device 27 are linked to each other. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time during which the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner is determined. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the contents of the symbol variation effect for displaying the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the screen of the effect display device 27 within the range of the variation display time.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a big hit variation pattern table. As shown in the drawing, in the jackpot variation pattern table, a plurality of types of variation patterns are set in association with random number values of variation pattern determination random numbers. Further, the variation pattern is associated with the variation time of the special symbol (hence, the time of the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 27). The jackpot variation pattern table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200.

  When the big hit fluctuation pattern table is selected in this way, the fluctuation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3316), and then the big hit fluctuation pattern table is referenced by referring to the big hit fluctuation pattern table using the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number. Is determined (S3318).

  In the above, in the special figure fluctuation display process shown in FIG. 14, when the result of the big hit lottery is determined to be a big hit (S3308: yes), specific processing contents for determining the big hit fluctuation pattern As described above, when the result of the big hit lottery is out (S3308: no), the following processing is performed. First, a random number determining symbol for losing / small hits is acquired (S3320). Here, the winning / small-hit symbol determination random number is a random number used to determine a special symbol stop symbol when the result of the big-hit lottery is not a big-hit. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, since there are two types of out symbols and two types of small symbols as stop symbols other than big hit symbols, out of these four symbols, out symbols or small symbols are provided. It is determined as one of the winning symbols. Next, by referring to the symbol determination table (the symbol for determining whether or not a small hit symbol has been set in advance) with respect to the random symbol for determining whether or not a bonus symbol has come out, The stop symbol is determined from (S3322).

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory view exemplifying a miss / small hit symbol determination table. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, two symbols are provided for each of the small hit symbol and the off symbol. Correspondingly, the four symbols (two small hit symbols and two missed symbols) are associated with the random symbol for determining the winning / small hits in the winning / small hit symbol determining table shown in FIG. Is set. Therefore, either the small hit symbol or the lost symbol can be determined by referring to the lost / small hit symbol determination table of FIG. 19 from the random symbol for determining the negative symbol / loss acquired in S3320 (S3322). Note that the big hit symbol determination random number acquired when the game ball is detected by the start port switch 17s of the start port 17 may also be used for determination of a missed symbol or a small hit symbol.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined to be either the off symbol or the small hit symbol (S3322), it is determined whether or not the determined stop symbol is the small hit symbol (S3324). If it is a small hit symbol (S3324: yes), a small hit variation pattern table (not shown) is selected (S3326). In the small hit variation pattern table, similarly to the big hit variation pattern table illustrated in FIG. 18, a plurality of variation patterns for small hits are set in association with the variation pattern determination random numbers. Accordingly, as in the case of determining the big hit variation pattern, after obtaining the variation pattern determination random number (S3316), the variation pattern for the small hit is determined by referring to the selected small hit variation pattern table (S3316). S3318). In this embodiment, the small hit variation pattern table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200, and the contents of the table are the same as the big hit variation pattern table of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the determined stop symbol is not a small hit symbol (S3324: no), a process for determining a variation pattern for detachment is started. The setting of the mode flag is confirmed (S3328 in FIG. 15). If the special mode flag is set to ON (S3328: yes), the special deviation variation pattern determination process is started (S1000). If the special mode flag is not set to ON (S3324: no) ), The normal deviation variation pattern determination process is started (S3330).

  Here, the special mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current gaming state is the special mode. When the gaming state is the special mode, the special mode flag provided on the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is changed. It is set to ON. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the special mode is determined after the end of the small hit game or after the end of the big hit game with the special big hit symbol, and the player determines whether or not the probability changing function is operating. This is a gaming state in which a special effect different from the normal time, which will be described later, is performed in a special state (latent probability change state) that cannot be performed. By doing so, it is possible to cause the player to expect that the probability changing function is operating, and to attract the player to the game. Therefore, the special mode flag setting is checked prior to determining the special symbol fluctuation pattern (outgoing fluctuation pattern). If the special mode flag is set to ON (S3324: yes), the special outlier fluctuation pattern is checked. The determination process (S1000) is performed.

  However, even if the game state is switched to the special mode, it may be difficult to attract the player's interest to the game depending on the progress of the game in the special mode. Therefore, in the special deviation variation pattern determination process (S1000), the deviation variation pattern is further determined in a special manner at the end of the special mode. Details of the special deviation variation pattern determination process (S1000) will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the special mode flag is not set to ON (S3328: no), the normal deviation variation pattern determination process described below is started (S3330).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of normal deviation variation pattern determination processing that is performed when the mode is not the special mode. In the normal deviation variation pattern determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S3332). Here, the fluctuation shortening flag is a flag indicating whether or not the fluctuation shortening function is operating. When the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, it indicates that the fluctuation shortening function is operating. Yes. The fluctuation shortening function is a function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol. In other words, the fluctuation pattern when the special symbol is removed and displayed in a stopped state is affected by whether or not the fluctuation reduction function is activated.Therefore, check the setting of the fluctuation reduction flag before selecting the fluctuation pattern table. (S3332). As a result, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, that is, when the fluctuation shortening function is operating (S3332: yes), the “reachless deviation variation pattern table” is selected (S3338). This variation pattern table is a variation pattern table that is selected when it is determined in the next determination that the reach effect is not performed. Therefore, the details of the “unreachable variation pattern table” will be described later together with the description of the variation pattern table selected according to the presence or absence of the reach effect.

  If it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S3332: no), it is then determined whether or not a reach effect is to be performed (S3334). This determination is made based on the reach random number acquired as the lottery random number. If the random number value of the reach random number is within the preset random number range, it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed (S3334: yes), and the “reach out and change pattern table” is selected. (S3336). On the other hand, if it is not within the preset random number range, it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (S3334: no), and the “no reach reach variation pattern table” is selected (S3338). In other words, the variation pattern when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the symbol out of place includes the variation pattern accompanied by the reach effect on the effect display device 27 (the variation pattern with reach reach), and the variation pattern without the reach effect (reach without reach). When determining the variation pattern, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening function is activated or whether or not the reach effect is performed (S3332 and S3334). Depending on the result, the fluctuation pattern table for determining “out-of-reach fluctuation pattern with reach” (out-of-reach fluctuation pattern table with reach) or the fluctuation pattern table for determining “out-of-reach fluctuation pattern” (with out reach fluctuation) One of the tables (pattern table) is selected (S3336, S33). 8).

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a deviation variation pattern table. In the “reachless deviation variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 21A, a plurality of variation patterns not accompanied by the reach effect on the effect display device 27 are set in association with the random value of the variation pattern determination random number. Yes. In addition, a relatively short variation time is set for these variation patterns. Therefore, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S3332 in FIG. 20: yes), the fluctuation time of the special symbol can be shortened by selecting the “unreachable deviation fluctuation pattern table” (S3338). It becomes possible. On the other hand, a plurality of variation patterns with reach effects are set in the “reach out of variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 21B, and relatively long variation times are set for these variation patterns. Is set. These deviation variation pattern tables are also stored in advance in the ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200.

  When any outlier variation pattern table is selected in this way (S3336, S3338), a variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S3340). Then, by using the obtained variation pattern determination random number and referring to the selected variation pattern table (S3342), the special pattern variation display shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is performed. Return to processing.

  In the special symbol variation display processing of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, when the variation pattern corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined as described above (S3318 of FIG. 14, S3342 of FIG. 20), the special symbol is determined with the determined pattern. After starting the variable display of (special figure) (S3344 in FIG. 15), “1” is subtracted from the special figure reservation number (S3346). Then, after sending a change start command to the sub-control board 220 (S3348), the special figure change display process shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. .

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S324: no in FIG. 11) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game processing of FIG. 11 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S324: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Accordingly, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time (special symbol variation time) has elapsed (S338). Since the special figure fluctuation time is determined in advance according to the fluctuation pattern, it is possible to determine whether the special figure fluctuation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as starting the fluctuation of the special symbol. If the special figure change time has not yet elapsed (S338: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S338: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S340). At the same time, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with the symbol set in advance (S342). Next, after setting the time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time for the special symbol) (S344), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has passed (S346). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S346: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S346: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one of the jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 7 (S348 in FIG. 12). ). If the symbol that has been stopped is a jackpot symbol (S348: yes), the jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot game is started is set to ON (S349). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the big hit flag is turned ON.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol displayed in a stopped state is a “special probability variation jackpot symbol” (S350). If it is not the “special probability variation big winning symbol” (S350: no), it is determined whether or not the special mode flag is set to ON (S351). As described above, the special mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current gaming state is the special mode. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when the big hit game with the “special probability variable big hit symbol” ends or the small hit game described later ends, the special mode flag is set to ON, the special mode is started, and the special mode is started. The production for is performed. If it is determined in S350 that the jackpot symbol that has been stopped is not the “special probability variable jackpot symbol”, the symbol has been stopped and displayed as either “normal jackpot symbol” or “probability jackpot symbol”. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to continue the special mode and produce the special mode. Therefore, if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is not the “special probability variable jackpot symbol” (S350: no), it is determined whether or not the special mode is in effect by checking the setting of the special mode flag (S351). If it is in the special mode (S351: yes), the special mode flag is set to OFF (S352), and a command (special mode end command) indicating termination of the special mode is sent to the sub-control board 220. (S353).

  On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol displayed in a stopped state is a “special probability variable jackpot symbol” (S350: yes), the jackpot game is completed in a short time as will be described later, and after the jackpot game ends. Since the special mode is started, even if the current gaming state is in the special mode, it is not necessary to end the special mode. Therefore, the process of confirming the setting of the special mode flag (S351) and the process of turning off the special mode flag and transmitting the special mode end command (S352, S353) are omitted. Further, even if the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is not the “special probability variation jackpot symbol” (S350: no), it is not necessary to end the special mode if the current gaming state is not the special mode. Therefore, in this case (S351: no), the processing (S352, S353) for turning off the special mode flag and transmitting the special mode end command is omitted.

  Subsequently, the opening mode and the number of rounds of the big winning opening 31d during the jackpot game are set according to the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed (S354). In the present embodiment, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is “ordinary big hit symbol” or “probability big hit symbol”, the opening of the big winning opening 31d is such that the game ball can easily enter. The opening mode is set to be opened for about 30 seconds, and the number of rounds (the number of round games from the opening of the special winning opening 31d to the closing) is set to 15 times. On the other hand, when the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a “special probability variation big hit symbol”, the open mode of the special winning opening 31d is a mode in which almost no game balls enter, and is released for about 0.5 seconds. And the number of rounds is set to two. It should be noted that the opening mode and the number of rounds of the big winning opening 31d when the “special probability variation big winning symbol” is stopped and displayed are the mode and the number of rounds in which the gaming ball can hardly enter the big winning port 31d during the big hit game. If so, various aspects and rounds can be set. For example, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d is several seconds (for example, 4 to 5 seconds), but it may be configured such that only a slight gap is opened so that a game ball cannot enter. Also, the number of rounds is not limited to two rounds, and for example, eight round games may be performed.

  Subsequently, after transmitting a command indicating that the jackpot game is started (a jackpot start command) to the sub-control board 220 (S355), it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S356). When the probability variation flag is set to ON (S356: yes), it can be determined that the current gaming state is the probability variation state and the probability variation function and the variation shortening function are operating. Therefore, the operation of the probability variation function is stopped by setting the probability variation flag to OFF (that is, changing the value of the probability variation flag from “1” to “0”) (S358). On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S356: no), the processing for setting the probability variation flag to OFF (S358) becomes unnecessary. Next to the probability variation flag, the setting of the variation shortening flag is confirmed (S360). When the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S360: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (the value of the fluctuation shortening flag is changed from “1” to “1” to stop the operation of the fluctuation shortening function). (S362). As described above, the fluctuation shortening flag is a flag that is set to ON when the fluctuation shortening function is operating, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the fluctuation shortening flag. Yes. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the fluctuation shortening function is activated, the function (open extension function) of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) is also activated. Therefore, when the fluctuation shortening flag is turned off and the fluctuation shortening function is stopped (S362), the special extension game shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is performed after the release extension flag is turned off (S364) to stop the release extension function. After exiting the process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S360: no), the process of turning off the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag (S362, S364) is unnecessary, and the special symbol is used as it is. After exiting the game process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S348: yes) has been described. However, if the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (S348: no), the following processing is performed. I do. First, it is determined whether or not the stop-displayed symbol is a small hit symbol (S366). If the result is a small hit symbol (S366: yes), the small hit flag is set to ON (S368). Here, the small hit flag is a flag indicating that a small hit game is started. Similarly to the big hit flag, the small hit flag is assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the small hit flag is turned ON. On the other hand, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is not a small hit symbol (S366: no), the processing for turning on the small hit flag (S368) is not performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the above-described variation shortening flag is set to ON (S370). If the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S370: yes), after subtracting “1” from the fluctuation shortening counter (S372), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter has become “0” (S374). ). Here, the fluctuation shortening counter is a dedicated counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol performed in a state where the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, and is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. ing. As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, after the big hit game by the “probable big hit symbol” or “probable big hit symbol”, the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON, and each big hit symbol is set. The initial value corresponding to is set in the fluctuation shortening counter. If the fluctuation shortening counter becomes “0” (S374: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag is turned off to stop the fluctuation shortening function (S376), and then the opening extension function is stopped to stop the opening extension function. The flag is also turned off (S378). On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening counter has not reached “0” (S374: no), the process of turning off the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag (S376, S378) is not performed. If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON in the first place (S370: no), a series of processing (S372 to S378) regarding the fluctuation shortening counter, the fluctuation shortening flag, and the release extension flag is not performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the special mode flag is set to ON (S380). As described above, the special mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current gaming state is the special mode. In addition, when the big hit game with the small hit game or the special big hit symbol is finished, the special mode is started, and an effect different from the normal time is performed. If the special mode flag is set to ON (S380: yes), “1” is added to the special mode counter (S382). Here, the special mode counter is a counter for counting the number of times that the special symbol variation display has been performed in the special mode (the number of jackpot lottery), and the predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is a special address. Used as a mode counter. On the other hand, if the special mode flag is not set to ON (S380: no), the special symbol game process of FIGS. 11 and 12 is terminated without adding “1” to the special mode counter, and FIG. Return to the game control process.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S390). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. If the jackpot flag is set to ON (S390: yes), the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts a jackpot game process described below (S400). On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not set to ON (S390: no), the jackpot game process (S400) is skipped.

C-4. Jackpot game processing:
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the first half of the jackpot game process, and FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the second half of the jackpot game process. By executing such jackpot game processing, a so-called jackpot game is performed. Hereinafter, the jackpot game process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When starting the big hit game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S400). The big winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the big winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S400: no), and it is determined whether or not the set number of rounds has been reached (S404). As described above, the number of rounds is set to 12 in the big hit game started with the normal jackpot symbol or the probable big hit symbol, while the round number is set to two in the big hit game started with the special probability variable big hit symbol. Is set to As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of executions of the round game has not reached the set number of times (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big winning opening 31d has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. In this embodiment, the closing time is set to 2 seconds. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S406: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. After the game is opened and the round game is started (S408), a command for designating the number of rounds (round number designation command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S410). Thereafter, the jackpot game process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the big hit game process (S400) is started again. . As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game process shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the big hit game is started and the big hit game processing of FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 is executed for the first time, as described above, the big winning opening 31d is opened in S408 and the processing is ended, but after about 4 msec. When the second round process is performed, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is open (S402: yes).

  If it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is open (S402: yes), it is next determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S412). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, but is closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a specified number of gaming balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, first, in S412, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed. Also, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d is set in the special symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. 12. When the big winning symbol is a normal big winning symbol or a probable big winning symbol, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The time is set to 30 seconds, and when the jackpot symbol is a special probability variable jackpot symbol, the opening time is set to 0.5 seconds. Then, if the set opening time has elapsed (S412: yes), after closing the big prize opening 31d (S416), the big hit game processing shown in FIGS. Return to the game control process. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not elapsed (S412: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a prescribed number (S414). When the specified number is reached (S414: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S414: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet elapsed, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has also reached the prescribed number. Therefore, the big win game process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, does the opening time of the special winning opening 31d elapse (S412: yes), or a prescribed number of gaming balls enter the special winning opening 31d? (S414: yes), when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S416), one round game is finished. Then, when the big hit game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the big winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the round game has reached the set number (S404). ) If the set number of rounds has not been reached (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S406: yes), the special winning opening 31d is again opened. A new round game is started (S408). On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the number of executions of the round game has reached the set number (S404: yes), the big hit flag is set to OFF to end the big hit game (S418), A command indicating the end (a jackpot end command) is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 (S420).

  In addition, when the big hit game is started by the normal big hit symbol or the probable big hit symbol, the player wins many prize balls because the round winning game 31d is opened 12 times for 30 seconds. It is possible. On the other hand, in the big hit game (special probability variable big hit game) started by the special probability variable big hit symbol, the opening time of the big winning opening 31d is only 0.5 seconds, and the round game is played only twice. For this reason, even if the special probability variable big hit game is performed, it is difficult for the player to enter the game ball into the big winning opening 31d, and the big hit game is ended with almost no winning ball being acquired. .

  As described above, when the big hit flag is turned off with the end of the big hit game and the big hit end command is transmitted (S418, S420), whether or not the big hit game is a big hit game based on the normal big hit symbol this time. Is determined (S422 in FIG. 23). If the game is a big hit game with a normal big hit symbol (S422: yes), after setting the fluctuation shortening counter to "100" (S426), the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON (S432, S434), the jackpot game process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is terminated. As a result, after the end of the jackpot game with the “normal jackpot symbol”, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates (the number of jackpot lottery) reaches 100 times. It becomes a gaming state in which the opening time of 17 is extended (so-called short-time gaming state).

  On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol that generated the jackpot game is not the normal jackpot symbol (S422: no), the jackpot game is played with either the "probability variation jackpot symbol" or the "special probability variation jackpot symbol". Therefore, the probability variation flag is turned ON to activate the probability variation function (S424). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol is a “special probability variation jackpot symbol” (S426). If it is not the special probability variable big hit symbol (S426: no), it means that the big hit game has been played with the probability variable big hit symbol, so after setting the variable reduction counter to “10000” (S428), the fluctuation reduction flag Then, the release extension flag is set to ON (S432, S434), and the big hit game process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is ended. As a result, after the big hit game with the “probable big hit symbol” is finished, the game state in which the probability changing function, the fluctuation shortening function, and the open extension function are activated until the special symbol fluctuation number (the number of jackpot lottery) reaches 10,000 times ( So-called probable gaming state). It should be noted that, until the number of fluctuations in the special symbol (the number of lottery wins) reaches 10,000 times, a big hit will definitely occur, so “until the number of fluctuations in the special symbol (number of lottery lotteries) reaches 10,000” Is substantially the same as “until the next jackpot occurs”.

  On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol that generated the jackpot game is “special probability variable jackpot symbol” (S426: yes), the special mode flag is set to ON (S436) and the start of the special mode is instructed. After the command (special mode start command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S438), the big hit game process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is terminated. In other words, after the big hit game with the “special probability variation big hit symbol”, the probability variation function is working, but the fluctuation shortening function and the release extension function remain inactive (the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag remain OFF), It becomes a special game state (so-called latent probability changing game state) in which a game is performed.

  Note that during the special mode, the variation shortening function and the open extension function are not activated even though the probability variation function is activated (the latent probability variation state). It is a gaming state and corresponds to the “special gaming state” in the present invention. In this special game state, at the end of the big hit game by the “special probability change big hit symbol”, the probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, and release extension flag are set to ON or OFF in the big hit game processing shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. The special mode flag is set to ON. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “special game state start means” in the present invention.

  Furthermore, the game state in which the special mode flag is not set to ON and neither the probability change function, the fluctuation shortening function, nor the open extension function is operating corresponds to the “normal game state” in the present invention, This normal game state is started at the same time when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment also corresponds to the “normal game state start means” in the present invention.

  Also, in this embodiment, as the big hit game performed by opening the big winning opening 31d, the big hit game by the “normal big hit symbol”, the big hit game by the “probable big hit symbol”, and the big hit game by the “special probability variable big hit symbol” Exists. However, the mode in which the big prize opening 31d is opened in the big hit game by the “special probability variation big hit symbol” is a mode in which the game ball can hardly enter, so it is substantially the same as the state in which the game ball is not opened. is there. Therefore, in this embodiment, the big hit game by the “normal big hit symbol” or the “probability variable big hit symbol” corresponds to the “big hit game state” in the present invention. Then, the big hit game by the “normal big hit symbol” or “probability big hit symbol” is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executing the big hit game processing of FIG. 22 and FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in this embodiment corresponds to the “big hit game execution means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the big hit game process (S400), it is determined whether or not the small hit flag is set to ON (S490). Even when it is determined that the big hit game flag is not ON (S390: no), it is determined whether or not the small hit flag is set to ON (S490). As a result, when the small hit flag is set to ON (S490: yes), the small hit game process (S500) described below is started. On the other hand, if the small hit flag is not set to ON (S490: no), the small hit game process (S500) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and the above-described prize ball related process ( S50) A series of subsequent processes are repeated.

C-5. Small hit game processing:
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the small hit game process. In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S502). As will be described later, the small winning game is performed by opening and closing the big winning opening 31d for a set number of times, but the big winning opening 31d is normally closed and immediately after the small winning game processing is started. Since the special winning opening 31d has not been opened yet, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d has not been opened (S502: no). If the special winning opening 31d is not opened, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d has been opened a predetermined number of times (S508). In the present embodiment, the number of times the large winning opening 31d is opened in the small hit game is set to two.

  Immediately after the start of the small hit game, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening 31d has not reached the set number (S508: no), so this time it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has elapsed. Judgment is made (S518). Here, the closing time of the special winning opening 31d is an elapsed time from the closing of the special winning opening 31d to the next opening. The closing time of the big winning opening 31d during the small hit game is also set to 2 seconds, similar to the closing time of the large winning opening 31d during the big hit game.

  Immediately after the small hit game process is started, it has been determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed since the time of two seconds or more has elapsed since the special winning opening 31d was closed (S518: yes) After the special winning opening 31d is opened (S520), the small hit game process of FIG. 24 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. As described above, in the game control process, after a series of processes following the prize ball related process (S50), the small hit game process is started again (S500). In the small hit game processing that has been started again, it is first determined that the big winning opening 31d is now open (S502: yes), and then the open time during the small hit game has elapsed. Whether or not (S504). The opening time of the big winning opening 31d during the small hit game is set to 0.5 seconds. Immediately after the big winning opening 31d is opened, the predetermined opening time during the small hit game has not elapsed, so it is determined as “no” in S504, and the small hit game processing of FIG. Return to 9 game control processing. While it is determined that the predetermined opening time (0.5 seconds) during the small hit game has elapsed while repeating such determination (S504: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S506). .

  When the special winning opening 31d is closed in this way, it is determined whether or not the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d has reached a preset number (two in this embodiment) (S508). Here, since the first opening has only been completed, it is determined that the set number of times has not been reached (S508: no), and then whether or not the closing time (2 seconds) of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed. Is determined (S518). If the closing time has not elapsed (S518: no), the small hit game process of FIG. 24 is terminated and the game control process of FIG. 9 is resumed, but it is determined that the closing time has elapsed. (S518: yes), after the special winning opening 31d is opened (S520), the small hit game process of FIG. 24 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In the small hit game process shown in FIG. 24, after the special winning opening 31d is opened for a predetermined opening time (0.5 seconds) in this way, the operation for closing the predetermined winning time (2 seconds) is repeated. . Then, after the special winning opening 31d is opened after the predetermined number of times (twice) is closed (S506), the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d is set in the subsequent S508. Since it is determined that the number of times has been reached (S508: yes), in order to end the small hit game, the small hit flag is set to OFF (S510), and a command indicating the end of the small hit game (small hit end command) is issued. The data is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S512). Then, the special mode flag is set to ON (S514), a special mode start command indicating the start of the special mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S516), and then the small hit game process of FIG. Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  Thus, the special mode flag is set to ON not only when the big hit game with the special big hit symbol is finished but also when the small hit game is finished. As a result, even after the end of the small hit game, the special mode is started in the same manner as after the end of the big hit game with the special big hit symbol. In addition, in the big hit game with the special probability variable big hit symbol, the round winning game 31d is opened twice for 0.5 seconds, and the big winning slot 31d is closed for 2 seconds between round games. Done in On the other hand, the small hit game is performed in such a manner that the special winning opening 31d is opened for 0.5 seconds, then closed for 2 seconds, and then opened again for 0.5 seconds. That is, the big win game with the special probability variable big hit symbol and the small hit game have the same control contents for opening and closing the big winning port 31d, but the movement of the big winning port 31d is the same. Therefore, when a special mode is started after a big hit game with a special probability variable big hit symbol or a small hit game is performed, the player cannot distinguish which one has been performed. For this reason, when the special mode is started, it is possible to expect the player to play the big hit game with the special probability variable big hit symbol and switch to the latent probability variable game state, thereby allowing the player to continue the game.

  In this way, the special mode that is started after the big hit game with the special probability change big hit symbol or after the small hit game ends, allows the player to expect that the game state is in the latent probability change state. It is a gaming state set with the intention of attracting the person's interest to the game. And in order to be able to achieve these intentions more reliably, during the special mode, a design variation effect different from the normal time is performed.

  However, the intention of attracting the player's interest to the game may not be achieved depending on the progress of the game in the special mode. For example, if the special mode is finished in a short time, the intended effect cannot be fully exhibited. Conversely, if the special mode is too long, it will be felt that the gaming state cannot be expected to switch to the latent probability changing state. If this is repeated, the player may no longer expect that the gaming state is in the latent probability changing state even if the special mode is started. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, during the special mode, as shown below, the variation pattern is determined by a method different from the normal one, so that the game can be performed regardless of the progress of the game in the special mode. It is possible to attract the person's interest to the game.

D. First Example:
D-1. Special deviation variation pattern determination processing of the first embodiment:
FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the special deviation variation pattern determination process of the first embodiment. This process is a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in the special figure variation display process shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 when the special symbol comes off and is stopped and displayed in the special mode. .

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the special deviation variation pattern determination process (S1000), first, a random number lottery (end lottery) as to whether or not to end the special mode is executed (S1002). The end lottery is set so that the result of “end special mode” is obtained at a rate of once every 12 times. Note that here, whether or not to end the special mode will be described as being determined by performing random lottery, but a specific condition (for example, a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific off symbol during the game) Etc.), the special mode may be terminated.

  Note that the end lottery regarding whether or not to end the special mode is executed in the special deviation variation pattern determination process of FIG. 25, and this process is performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. . Accordingly, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the first embodiment corresponds to the “end lottery means” in the present invention.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the end lottery is a result indicating that the special mode is ended (S1004). As described above, the end lottery results in that the special mode is ended only once out of twelve times. In many cases, the lottery result indicating that the special mode is not ended is obtained. can get. In such a case (S1004: no), after obtaining the fluctuation pattern determination random number (S1024), the special fluctuation fluctuation pattern table is referenced by referring to the special deviation fluctuation pattern table (S1026). .

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a special deviation variation pattern table. As shown in the figure, also in the special deviation fluctuation pattern table, a plurality of deviation fluctuation patterns are determined in association with the fluctuation pattern determination random numbers. Further, these fluctuation patterns are fluctuation patterns having a shorter fluctuation time than the normal deviation fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. This special deviation variation pattern table is stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Here, it is assumed that a plurality of variation patterns are set in the special deviation variation pattern table, but only one type of variation pattern may be set.

  Subsequently, when the variation pattern according to the variation pattern determination random number is determined with reference to the special variation variation pattern table (S1026), the special variation variation pattern determination processing in FIG. 25 is finished, and is shown in FIGS. After returning to the special figure variation display process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. 9 through the special symbol game process shown in FIGS.

  On the other hand, when a lottery result indicating that the special mode is to be ended is obtained in the special mode end lottery (S1004: yes), it is determined whether or not the value of the special mode counter is “0” (S1006). ). Here, the special mode counter is a counter used for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol (the number of jackpot lotteries) performed during the special mode, as described above with reference to FIG. This counter is incremented by “1” every time the stop display is made (see S382 in FIG. 12). Therefore, if the value of the special mode counter is “0”, after the special mode is started, it is determined that the special mode is ended in the end lottery performed at the stage of starting the variable symbol display first. This corresponds to the case (S1004 in FIG. 25: yes).

  As described above, the lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended in the end lottery is obtained only once in 12 times, so the lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended in the first end lottery is obtained. It is rare to happen. In such a case (S1006: yes), the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern D (S1018). The type of variation pattern D will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the value of the special mode counter is not “0” (S1006: no), this time, whether or not the value of the special mode counter is in the range of “1” or more and “5” or less. Is determined (S1008). This corresponds to the case where the number of changes in the special symbol since the start of the special mode is 1 or more and 5 or less. As mentioned above, considering the fact that the lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended in the end lottery is obtained once in 12 times, before the special symbol fluctuation display count reaches 6 times ( It can be said that the lottery result to end the special mode is obtained at a timing slightly earlier than the timing assumed by the gaming machine designer. Therefore, in such a case (S1008: yes), the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern C (S1016). The type of variation pattern C will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the value of the special mode counter is not in the range of “1” or more and “5” or less (S1008: no), it is determined whether or not it is “20” or more (S1010). As described above, in the end lottery, the lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended is obtained once every 12 times, so the special mode is ended before the end lottery is performed 20 times. It is considered that a lottery result indicating that it occurs is a normal occurrence. On the other hand, the fact that the lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended is finally obtained after performing the end lottery 20 times can be said to be a timing later than the timing assumed by the game machine designer. Therefore, when the value of the special mode counter is less than “20” (S1010: no), the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern B (S1014). Is equal to or greater than “20” (S1010: yes), the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern A (S1012). The fluctuation patterns A and B will be described later.

  As described above, when any variation pattern is determined according to the value of the special mode counter when it is determined that the special mode is to be ended (S1012 to S1018), a command (special indicating that the special mode is to be ended) Mode end command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S1020). Then, the special mode flag is set to OFF (S1022), the value of the special mode counter is initialized to “0” (S1024), and then the special deviation variation pattern determination process in FIG. After returning to the special figure variation display process shown in FIG. 15, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. 9 through the special symbol game process shown in FIGS.

  In addition, the process which performs the end effect regarding whether to end the special mode, and ends the special mode according to the result, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the special deviation variation pattern determination process of FIG. Being done in. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “special game state ending means” in the present invention.

  In addition, in the special mode end lottery, a lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended is obtained at a rate of once every 12 times. Therefore, during the special mode, in the range from 7 times to 20 times, It is considered normal to display special symbols. In other words, the special mode can be said to be “a mode in which the change display of the special symbol is scheduled to continue in the range from 7 times to 20 times”. That is, in the first embodiment, “the special mode continues in the range of 7 times or more and 20 times or less” means that the special performance mode (special mode) is terminated without generating a special game situation in the present invention. To do. Then, whether or not this special game situation has occurred is determined by the value of the special mode counter in the special deviation variation pattern determination process of FIG. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “determination means” in the present invention.

  Furthermore, when the special mode ends, a process for detecting the duration of the special mode based on the value of the special mode counter is also executed in the special deviation variation pattern determination process of FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the first embodiment corresponds to the “number detection means” in the present invention.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, since the special deviation variation pattern determination processing as described above is performed, when the special symbol is out of display and stopped in the special mode, it is illustrated in FIG. The fluctuation pattern is determined as any one of the special deviation fluctuation patterns. Furthermore, at the end of the special mode, unless the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol, depending on the number of times the special symbol is changed during special mode (the value of the special mode counter) Therefore, any one of the fluctuation patterns A to D is determined. Then, the determined variation pattern is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 by a variation start time command (S3348 in FIG. 15).

  The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executes a process for executing a game effect based on the command received from the main control board 200 in this way. As described above, at the end of the special mode, any one of the variation patterns A to D is designated by the command in accordance with the number of times the special symbol is displayed during the special mode. Therefore, by using this, the following game effect processing is executed so that the player's interest can be attracted to the game regardless of the progress of the game in the special mode. To do.

D-2. Game effect processing of the first embodiment:
FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the first half of the game effect process performed in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the latter half of the game effect process of the first embodiment. These processes are executed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. As shown in the drawing, in the game effect process (S2000), first, it is determined whether or not a special mode start command is received from the main control board 200 (S2002). As described above with reference to FIG. 23 or FIG. 24, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a big hit game (a big hit game performed in a manner in which almost no prize ball is obtained) by the “special probability variable big hit symbol”, After the end of the small hit game, the special mode flag is set to ON (see S436 in FIG. 23 or S514 in FIG. 24), and a special mode start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S438 in FIG. 23). Or S516 in FIG. 24). Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can immediately recognize that the special mode is started. If a special mode start command is received from the main control board 200 (S2002: yes), the special mode effect is started (S2004). As described above with reference to FIG. 5, it is not the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 but the CPU 231 mounted on the presentation control board 230 that directly controls the operation of the presentation display device 27. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command for instructing to start the special mode effect to the effect control board 230 in the process of S2004 to start the special mode effect. It is carried out.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect for the normal mode (the mode other than the special mode) and the effect for the special mode in comparison. FIG. 29A shows a state where an effect for a normal mode is being performed, and FIG. 29B shows a state where an effect for a special mode is being performed. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the background symbol 27d is a daytime image during the normal mode, but when the special mode is selected, the background symbol 27d is switched to a nighttime image. The effect during this special mode is a gaming state in which the player can expect that the gaming state of the special mode is in a probabilistic state but cannot determine whether it is actually in a probable state. Therefore, the production reflects the player's psychology of continuing the game while feeling a little uneasy.

  On the other hand, when the special mode start command is not received from the main control board 200 (S2002: no in FIG. 27), the processing for starting the effect for the special mode (S2004) is not performed. Therefore, if the current effect is the effect for the normal mode as shown in FIG. 29A, the effect for the normal mode is continued as it is, and the effect for the special mode as shown in FIG. If there is, the special mode production continues.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether a special mode end command is received from the main control board 200 (S2006). As described above with reference to FIG. 25, when determining the deviation variation pattern during the special mode, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs an end lottery on whether or not to end the special mode. (See S1002). When the special mode is to be ended (S1004: yes), after any one of the fluctuation pattern A to the fluctuation pattern D is determined (S1012 to S1018), a special mode end command is transmitted to the sub control board 220. (S1020). Therefore, the fact that the special mode end command is transmitted from the main control board 200 indicates that the special symbol variation display and stop display are performed in the last variation pattern determined during the special mode. Therefore, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a special mode end command from the main control board 200 (S2006: yes), the special mode change display is started after the special symbol variation display to be started is finished. In order to end the effect, the special mode end flag is set to ON (S2008), and this is stored. The special mode end flag is provided at a predetermined address of the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220. On the other hand, if the special mode end command has not been received from the main control board 200 (S2006: no), the processing for turning on the special mode end flag (S2008) is unnecessary.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a change start command is received from the main control board 200 (S2010). As described above with reference to FIG. 15, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special symbol variation display (S <b> 3344 in FIG. 15), a variation start command indicating the special symbol variation pattern or the special symbol stop symbol. Is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 (S3348). Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the change start command, and acquires information on the start of the change display of the special symbol, the change time of the special symbol, and the symbol on which the special symbol is stopped and displayed. be able to. When the change start command is received (S2010: yes), the contents of the game effect (effect pattern) performed on the screen of the effect display device 27 and the stop symbols of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are started to change. A determination is made based on the hour command (S2012).

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an effect pattern table that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 refers to in order to determine the contents of the game effect. This effect pattern table is stored in advance in the ROM 222 mounted on the sub-control board 220. As shown in the drawing, in the effect pattern table, effect patterns (contents of game effects) are set in association with the variation patterns. Therefore, the effect pattern can be determined by referring to the effect pattern table based on the change pattern designated by the change start command. In FIG. 30, the outline of the game effects indicated by the respective effect patterns is also displayed. For example, for the effect pattern “EP01”, the effect is accompanied by a reach effect with an effect time of 59.5 seconds.

  Further, the stop symbols of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are determined based on the stop symbol of the special symbol designated by the change start command. That is, when the stop symbol of the designated special symbol is “probable big hit symbol”, the stop symbols of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are one selected from among the symbols representing odd numbers. It is determined by the design. In addition, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is “normal jackpot symbol”, the stop symbol of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined as one symbol selected from among the symbols representing even numbers. Is done. Furthermore, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is “special probability variation big hit symbol” or “small hit symbol”, only one of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is different. The symbol combination is determined to be “out of reach”.

  In addition, when the stop symbol of the special symbol specified by the change start command is “out-of-line”, depending on whether or not the specified variation pattern is a pattern with reach production, the following Thus, the stop symbols of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are determined. That is, when the reach effect is accompanied, the two symbols that are stopped and displayed first are determined to be the same symbol, and the symbol that is stopped and displayed last are determined to be different from other symbols. The Further, when the reach effect is not accompanied, the stop symbol is determined so that all the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are different symbols. In S2012 of FIG. 27, the content (effect pattern) of the game effect performed on the effect display device 27 and the stop symbols of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are determined as described above.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 25, at the end of the special mode, one of the variation patterns A to D is determined (see S1012 to S1018 in FIG. 25), and the variation pattern A to variation With respect to the pattern D, as shown by hatching in FIG. 30, the effect patterns A to D are determined. As will be described in detail later, these effect patterns A to D are set with the effect contents accompanied by the end effect of the special mode. In other words, the effect pattern is determined through the variation pattern according to the value of the special mode counter when the special mode ends. As a result, if an end effect having an appropriate content is set for each of the effect patterns A to D, even if the game in the special mode does not proceed in the intended manner, It becomes possible to be attracted to. This point will be described in detail later.

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts a game effect with the determined content (S2014). However, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, it is not the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 but the CPU 231 mounted on the presentation control board 230 that directly controls the operation of the presentation display device 27. Accordingly, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 transmits a command indicating the determined effect pattern and the stop symbols of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c to the effect control board 230, thereby playing the game to the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230. Production is started (S2014). On the other hand, if it is determined that a change start command has not been received from the main control board 200 (S2010: no), the content of the game effect is determined or the game effect is started (S2012, S2014) is skipped.

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S2016 in FIG. 28). As described above with reference to FIG. 11, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a symbol stop command to the sub-control board 220 prior to the stop display of the special symbols (S <b> 340 in FIG. 11). Therefore, by receiving this command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can immediately recognize that the special symbol is stopped and displayed. If a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S2016: yes), a command for instructing the end of the game effect is transmitted to the effect control board 230, whereby the game effect being executed is displayed. Terminate (S2018).

  When the game effect is thus ended, it is next determined whether or not the special mode end flag is set to ON (S2020). That is, as described above, the special mode end command is transmitted at the timing before the variation display of the special symbol is started according to the variation pattern when the variation pattern is determined at the end of the special mode. When receiving the special mode end command (S2006: yes in FIG. 27), the CPU 221 of 220 stores that the command has been received by setting the special mode end flag to ON (S2008). Therefore, when the game effect is ended based on the symbol stop command from the main control board 200 (S2018), by confirming the setting of the special mode end flag, the change display is the last change display in the special mode. It is judged whether there was.

  As a result, when the special mode end flag is set to ON (S2020: yes), it can be determined that the ended variation display is the last variation display in the special mode, so the special mode effect is terminated. Then (S2022), after returning the special mode end flag to OFF (S2024), the process returns to the beginning of the game effect processing of FIGS. 27 and 28 again, and the above-described series of processing is repeated. As a result, on the screen of the effect display device 27, the background symbol 27d in the special mode shown in FIG. 29 (b) is switched to the background symbol 27d in the normal mode shown in FIG. 29 (a). The subsequent games will proceed. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 does not directly control the operation of the effect display device 27. Therefore, in the process of S2022, the effect for the special mode is provided. A process of transmitting a command instructing to end toward the effect control board 230 is performed.

  On the other hand, after ending the game effect on the screen of the effect display device 27 based on the symbol stop command (S2018), if it is determined that the special mode end flag is not set to ON (S2020: no), Without returning the special mode effect (S2022) or returning the special mode end flag setting to OFF (S2024), the process returns to the beginning of the game effect process of FIGS. Repeat the series of processes. As a result, if the special mode is in effect, the special mode effect shown in FIG. 29B is continued, and if in the normal mode, the normal mode effect shown in FIG. 29A is continued. The game will proceed as it is.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the game progresses as follows by performing the game effect process described above. First, immediately after the game is started, since the mode is not switched to the special mode in principle (unless it is set to the special mode by the previous player), the background pattern 27d for the normal mode illustrated in FIG. The game progresses in a state where is displayed. Then, when the big winning opening 31d is opened and the small hit game or the big hit game is ended in such a manner that the prize ball cannot be obtained as in the big hit game by the small hit game or the “special probability variable big hit symbol”, the gaming state is special. By switching to the mode, the background symbol 27d of the effect display device 27 is switched to the image for the special mode illustrated in FIG. This special mode is a special game state in which the fluctuation shortening function and the release extending function are not activated even if the probability changing function is activated. Therefore, when the background symbol 27d of the effect display device 27 is switched to the image for the special mode, the player continues the game while expecting that the probability changing function is operating.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 25, the special mode is ended when a lottery result for ending the special mode is obtained in the end lottery. Since the probability of obtaining a lottery result to end the special mode is set to about once every 12 times, the special mode displays the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 12 times. Usually, the process is terminated at a certain timing. When the special mode ends, the background symbol 27d of the effect display device 27 returns to the image for the normal mode illustrated in FIG. Therefore, while the background symbol 27d of FIG. 29B is displayed (that is, in the special mode), the player can operate the probability changing function even if the fluctuation shortening function or the release extending function is not operated. The game will be played with the expectation that it may be, and will be attracted to the game unintentionally.

  However, since whether or not to end the special mode is determined by lottery, the special mode may end in a short period of time. For example, although the special mode is started, it is possible that the display returns to the normal mode only when the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 about two or three times. . In this case, the special mode ends as soon as the player expects that the probability variation function may be operating, so the special mode purpose of attracting the player's interest to the game is achieved. I can't. In addition, since the background symbol 27d is merely switched meaninglessly for the player, the production feels complicated, and as a result, the player may be less interested in the game.

  In contrast, since the end timing of the special mode is determined by the end lottery, the special mode may be continued for a long period of time. For example, after the special mode is started and the image of the background symbol 27d is switched to a night image as shown in FIG. 29B, the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed as it is. However, it may happen that it is repeated 20 times or more. In this case, it is expected that players will get bored. Moreover, when such a situation occurs by accident many times, even if the special mode is started, it is not expected that the probability changing function is operating. Further, while the game is continued in the special mode, the player keeps firing the game ball, so that it may consume a large number of game balls and cool the game.

  Therefore, even if the special mode ends in a shorter period than expected, or conversely continues for a long period of time, the special mode can be used to attract the player's interest to the game. When the mode ends, the following effects are performed.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of effects performed by the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment when the special mode ends. FIG. 31A shows an effect pattern determined for the variation pattern in association with the variation pattern of the special symbol that can be determined at the end of the special mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 25, there are fluctuation patterns A to D as the fluctuation patterns that can be determined at the end of the special mode. Then, the production patterns A to D are determined as the production contents for the fluctuation patterns A to D, respectively.

  First, the variation pattern B, which is the most standard variation pattern, and the effect pattern B, which is the effect content for the change pattern, will be described. As described above with reference to FIG. 25, the variation pattern B is determined when the value of the special mode counter is “6” or more and “19” or less. Then, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), with respect to this variation pattern B, the content of the effect in which the special mode end effect is performed after the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is performed. A production pattern B) is determined. FIG. 31 (c) schematically shows the effect contents of the effect pattern B. As shown in the drawing, in the effect pattern B, after the change display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (displayed as “symbol change” in the drawing) is performed once, the end effect of the special mode is performed. Therefore, when the variation pattern B is selected at the end of the special mode, including the symbol variation due to the variation pattern, the special mode ends after the symbol variation of 7 times or more and 20 times or less is performed. Is shown.

  In addition, the symbol variation performed in the rendering mode B is a symbol variation equivalent to the rendering content in the special mode (here, the rendering pattern EP51). For this reason, it is difficult for the player to distinguish between the symbol variation already performed in the special mode and the symbol variation performed in the rendering mode B prior to the end rendering. As a result, the player simply feels that the special mode has ended because the end effect is generated when the symbol variation is performed 7 to 20 times in the special mode.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 25, the probability of obtaining a lottery result for ending the special mode in the special mode end lottery is set at a ratio of 1 in 12 times. When this occurs, in most cases, after the game has progressed in the above-described state (after 7 to 20 symbol variations have been performed), the special mode end effect is performed and the special mode ends.

  On the other hand, when the special mode is finished early, that is, when the value of the special mode counter is “1” or more and “5” or less, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern C ( S1016 in FIG. 25). Then, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), with respect to this variation pattern C, the content of the effect in which the special mode end effect is performed after the symbol variation with five pseudo variations (effect pattern C). Is determined. Here, the pseudo variation means that the variation display of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 is temporarily stopped while the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is continued, and then the variation display is performed again. To start. Therefore, when the symbol variation accompanied by the pseudo variation for five times is performed, it is possible to give the player who looks at the screen of the effect display device 27 as if the symbol variation for six times has been performed. .

  In addition, the pseudo fluctuation for five times and the symbol variation performed last are both symbol variations equivalent to the effect pattern EP51 performed during the continuation of the special mode. In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 26, the deviation variation pattern in the special mode is a variation pattern (HP51 to HP53) with a short variation time, and the corresponding production pattern is also shown in FIG. The production pattern (EP51 to EP53) has a short production time. That is, since the symbol variation with a short variation time is performed even during the special mode, by performing the last symbol variation with the pseudo variation for five variations with the short variation time at the end of the special mode, It is possible to recognize that the symbol variation has been performed. If all the variation patterns set in the special deviation variation pattern shown in FIG. 26 are the variation pattern HP51, the effect pattern in the special mode is equivalent to the effect pattern performed as a pseudo variation at the end of the special mode. The production pattern EP51 can be obtained. For this reason, it becomes more difficult for the player to distinguish between the symbol variation during the special mode and the pseudo variation at the end of the special mode. As a result, by performing pseudo-variation, it is possible to make the player think more reliably that a plurality of symbol variations have been performed.

  FIG. 31D conceptually shows the effect contents of the effect pattern C. As shown in the drawing, in the effect pattern C, after the pseudo variation of the aspect equivalent to the effect pattern EP51 is performed five times, the symbol variation equivalent to the effect pattern EP51 is performed once, and then in the special mode. An end effect is performed. The effect pattern C is produced when the value of the special mode counter is not less than “1” and not more than “5” (that is, the symbol variation is performed once to five times after the special mode is started). Therefore, when the pseudo variation for 5 times and the symbol variation for 1 time performed in effect pattern C are combined, the end effect is generated after 7 to 12 symbol variations in special mode. It feels like the special mode has ended. As a result, in spite of the fact that the number of symbol changes made during the special mode is small (the period of the special mode is short), the player is subjected to a standard number of symbol changes ( It feels as if the special mode lasted for a standard period). For this reason, even if the special mode is finished in a short period of time, it is possible to excite the player's gaming interests as in the case where the special mode is continued for a standard period.

  Of course, it may happen that the special mode lasts longer than the standard period range. That is, in the special mode end lottery, when the lottery result indicating the end of the special mode is obtained, the value of the special mode counter may be “20” or more. In such a case, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern A (S1012 in FIG. 25). As shown in FIG. 31 (a), for this variation pattern A, after the symbol variation equivalent to the rendering pattern EP51 performed during the continuation of the special mode, an end effect with state notification is provided. The content of the effect to be performed (effect pattern A) is determined. Here, the state notification is notification regarding whether or not the current gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability changing function is activated. That is, as described above, when the special mode is started, the player continues the game with the expectation that the probability changing function is operating. However, it is not known whether the probability change function is actually operating. Therefore, in the effect pattern A, when the special mode is ended, the player is notified whether or not the probability changing function is operating.

  FIG. 31A conceptually shows the effect contents of the effect pattern A. As shown in the figure, in the effect pattern A, after the pattern variation equivalent to the effect pattern EP51 is performed once, the effect of informing the state is performed, and then the end effect of the special mode is performed. In this example, the state notification is performed in advance, and then the special mode end effect is performed.However, the end effect is changed depending on whether or not the probability changing function is activated. You may make it perform status alerting simultaneously.

  As described above, when the special mode is started, the player continues the game while expecting that the probability changing function is activated. However, if the special mode continues for a long time without generating a big hit, a lot of game balls are fired, which increases the burden on the player and may increase the dissatisfaction of the player. Therefore, since the special mode is ended as it is, there is a possibility that the interest in the game is cooled.

  In view of these points, when the special mode continues for a long time without generating a big hit, the special mode is ended after performing the end effect accompanied by the state notification by performing the effect by the effect pattern A. . As described above, since the player has fired many game balls, the player's dissatisfaction can be eliminated to some extent by notifying the state at the end of the special mode. For this reason, even when the special mode is continued for a long period beyond the range of the standard period, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the game.

  Although rare, when the special mode is started and the variation pattern of the special symbol is first determined, a lottery result for ending the special mode may be obtained. That is, in the special mode end lottery, when the lottery result indicating that the special mode is ended is obtained, the special mode counter value may be “0”. In such a case, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined as the variation pattern D (S1016 in FIG. 25). As shown in FIG. 31A, with respect to the variation pattern D, the effect pattern D is determined as the effect content, and this effect pattern D has the effect content substantially the same as the effect pattern A described above. Yes. In other words, since it is unlikely that the special mode will end due to the first symbol change that occurs after the special mode is started, if such a rare event occurs, a special status notification will be given. Going and notifying whether the probability changing function is working or not gives the player a profit. This will give you a benefit as a result of what rarely happened, so even if the special mode ends in a very short time, there will be no dissatisfaction with it, rather the player feels lucky, The interest for the game will be stimulated.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the number of times the symbol variation has been performed during the special mode is counted, and for example, the number of symbol variations counted is small according to the number of times. The effect content at the end of the special mode is switched so as to make up for the small change in the design sometimes, or to cancel the adverse effects caused by the excessive change in the design. For this reason, even if the game in the special mode does not proceed in the intended manner, it is possible to attract the player's interest to the game.

  In the first embodiment described above, depending on the value of the special mode counter at the end of the special mode, the effect pattern B with a normal end effect, the effect pattern A with other effect contents, and the effect pattern C After the effect pattern D is determined, the process of performing the effects according to the respective effect patterns is executed in the game effect processes shown in FIGS. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 that performs the game effect process corresponds to the “end effect executing means” in the present invention.

  In the first embodiment described above, it has been described that whether or not to end the special mode is determined by lottery. However, as long as the length of the special mode period can vary, the lottery may not be performed. For example, the special mode may be terminated when a specific condition such as the special symbol or the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c being stopped and displayed with a specific symbol is satisfied.

E. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, since the length of the special mode is not fixed, the special mode is finished in a shorter period than usual, or the case is continued for a longer period than usual. Explained that could happen. When these situations occur, it is difficult to sufficiently achieve the purpose of the special mode of “attracting the player's interest to the game”. Therefore, in the first embodiment, a special mode counter is used. The length of the mode period was detected, and the content of the effect at the end of the special mode was switched according to the result.

  However, even when the length of the special mode is fixed (or hardly fluctuates), there may be a case where the purpose of the special mode cannot be sufficiently achieved. Even in such a case, the original purpose can be achieved by switching the content of the effect at the end of the special mode according to the progress of the game in the special mode. Hereinafter, such a second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the special deviation variation pattern determination process of the second embodiment. This process is similar to the special deviation fluctuation pattern determination process of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 25. In the special figure fluctuation display processes of FIG. 14 and FIG. This process is executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 when determined (S3324: no in FIG. 14) and the special mode flag is set to ON (S3328: yes in FIG. 15).

  As shown in FIG. 32, in the special deviation fluctuation pattern determination process (S1100) of the second embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the special mode counter has reached the number of end times (S1102). That is, in the second embodiment, the value of the special mode counter that counts the number of special symbol changes performed during the special mode (and hence the number of times the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c have been changed) is calculated. Whether or not to end the special mode is determined based on whether or not a predetermined number of times of end (here, 20 times) has been reached. As a result, if the special mode counter has not reached the end count (S1102: no), it can be determined that the special mode is to be continued. Therefore, after obtaining the fluctuation pattern determination random number (S1104), the special deviation fluctuation pattern table is displayed. Referring to FIG. 8, a deviation variation pattern is determined (S1106). Here, the special deviating variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns used when the special symbol is deviated and stops in the special mode during the special mode is stored in association with the variation pattern determining random number. Further, the special deviation fluctuation pattern table of the second embodiment is a table in which a specific fluctuation pattern (specific fluctuation pattern) is added to the special deviation fluctuation pattern table of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. It has become. Therefore, in the special deviation variation pattern determination process of the second embodiment, the specific variation pattern is determined with a certain probability.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern determined with reference to the special deviation variation pattern table is a specific variation pattern (S1108). As a result, when the determined variation pattern is the specific variation pattern (S1108: yes), after setting the specific variation completed flag to ON (S1110), the special out-of-variation variation pattern determination processing in FIG. The processing returns to the special figure variation display process shown in FIGS. Here, the specific changed flag is a flag indicating that the change display of the special symbol (and the symbol change of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) based on the specific change pattern is performed. An area in which a specific changed flag is set is provided at a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 of the second embodiment.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory view exemplifying how the symbol variation is performed in the effect display device 27 based on the specific variation pattern. Here, as symbol variation performed based on the specific variation pattern, symbol variation called so-called pseudo continuous variation is performed. The quasi-continuous variation means that the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are temporarily stopped by the effect display device 27, and then displayed again in a variable manner. This is a symbol variation performed in a manner as if the In the example shown in FIG. 33, after the special symbol variation display is started, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner, and then temporarily stopped in a disengaged manner. At this time, as shown in FIG. 33A, the background symbol 27d of the effect display device 27 displays an image in which lightning strikes in the pyramid. Thereafter, the variable display is immediately resumed, and an image of lightning strike is displayed again. At the same time, the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are temporarily stopped in a state of being disconnected (see FIG. 33 (b)). Then, the variable display is started again, and an image of lightning strike is displayed again, and the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are finally displayed in a deviated manner (see FIG. 33C). At this time, special symbols are also stopped and displayed. Eventually, despite the fact that only one symbol change has actually been made, the player can be given an impression as if three symbol changes have been made. In the three symbol variations, all the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed together with the occurrence of a lightning strike.

  Furthermore, in the big hit fluctuation pattern table of the second embodiment, since a specific fluctuation pattern is set in a wide random number range, when a big hit occurs, pseudo continuous fluctuation is performed with a high probability. Therefore, the quasi-continuous fluctuation is a so-called “hot production” in which the player has a sense of expectation for the occurrence of a big hit, coupled with the fact that the production mode is a very characteristic mode. And, as in the case of the first embodiment, when the special mode is started, the player continues the game while expecting that the probability variation function is operating. As fluctuations begin, the fun of gaming will increase. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when a special mode is started, a game is played while expecting a pseudo continuous variation to start during the special mode. Therefore, in S1108 of the special deviation fluctuation pattern determination process shown in FIG. 32, when the fluctuation pattern determined during the special mode is the specific fluctuation pattern (S1108: yes), the specific fluctuation completed flag is set to ON. By doing this (S1110), the fact that the pseudo continuous variation has been performed during the continuation of the special mode is stored.

  In the above, when it is determined that the value of the special mode counter has not reached the end count when the special deviation variation pattern determination process of FIG. 32 is started (S1102: no), the variation variation pattern in the special mode is determined. The process (S1104 to S1110) for performing was demonstrated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the special mode counter has reached the number of end times (S1102: yes), the following processing is started to determine the variation pattern at the end of the special mode. First, it is determined whether or not the specific changed flag is set to ON (S1112). As described above, the specific changed flag is a flag indicating whether or not a pseudo continuous change effect has been performed by selecting a specific change pattern during the special mode.

  As a result, if the specific changed flag is not set to ON (S1112: no), it indicates that the pseudo continuous change is not performed during the special mode. As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the aim is to excite the player's gaming interest by generating pseudo continuous fluctuation during the special mode. If the mode is terminated, the aim with the special mode cannot be achieved. Therefore, if the specific variation completed flag is not set to ON (S1112: no), the specific variation pattern is determined as the variation pattern at the end of the special mode (S1114).

  On the other hand, if the specific variation completed flag is set to ON (S1112: yes), it indicates that the effect of pseudo continuous variation has been performed during the special mode. Therefore, the variation pattern is determined in the same manner as in the special mode. That is, a fluctuation pattern determination random number is acquired (S1116), and the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the special fluctuation pattern table (S1118).

  When the last variation pattern in the special mode is determined in this way (S1114, S1118), the special mode flag is turned OFF to end the special mode (S1120), and then the value of the special mode counter is initialized to “0”. (S1122). Then, after returning the specific changed flag to OFF (S1124), the special deviation fluctuation pattern determination process in FIG. 32 is terminated, and after returning to the special figure fluctuation display process shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. And it returns to the game control process of FIG. 9 through the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment described above, a special mode of continuation of the game is started while the player expects that the probability variation function may be operating, and during that time, a special effect of pseudo continuous variation is performed. By doing so, it is possible to excite the gaming interest of the player. Of course, just because the special mode is started does not necessarily mean that the pseudo continuous fluctuation is performed. In such a case, the meaning of starting the special mode is greatly diminished. However, as described above, in the second embodiment, when a pseudo continuous variation is performed during the special mode, this is detected by setting the specific variation completed flag, and the pseudo continuous variation is performed at the end of the special mode. Is going. For this reason, pseudo-continuous variation can always be performed regardless of the progress of the game in the special mode, so that it is possible to excite the game interest of the player.

  In the second embodiment described above, the special mode is terminated by determining whether or not the special mode counter has reached a predetermined number of times during the special deviation variation pattern determination process of FIG. . Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “special game state ending means” in the present invention.

  Further, in the special mode, a specific gaming situation that “a specific variation pattern is selected and a pseudo continuous variation effect is performed on the screen of the effect display device 27” is generated, thereby enhancing the player's gaming interest. Is intended. Then, whether or not such a specific game situation has occurred is determined by confirming the setting of the specific variation completed flag in the special deviation variation pattern determination processing of FIG. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 corresponds to the “specific game situation detecting means” in the present invention.

  Further, the process of generating a pseudo continuous variation effect on the screen of the effect display device 27 based on the change start command received from the main control board 200 is a game effect process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. It is realized with. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 that performs the game effect process corresponds to the “end effect execution means” in the present invention.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the special mode is a so-called latent probability changing state and a gaming state in which an effect different from the normal as illustrated in FIG. 29 is performed. Explained that there is. However, the special mode may be in any gaming state as long as the player can distinguish it from the normal gaming state and the gaming state is intended to generate a specific gaming situation. For example, in a so-called probability change state (a state in which the probability change function is activated), a big hit is not necessarily generated, but it can be said to be a gaming state intended to generate a big hit with a certain high probability. Accordingly, for example, if the player can recognize that the player is in the probability change state by displaying the screen of the effect display device 27 or stopping the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c when the big hit occurs, the probability change state also corresponds to the special mode. . Similarly, in the so-called short-time state (the state in which the fluctuation shortening function and the open extension function are activated), the big hit lottery is likely to be performed. It can be said that the game state has been played. Therefore, the short time state can also correspond to the special mode.

  In the first embodiment, the special mode counter is used to count the number of times the special symbol is changed, and the type of the end effect is determined by the value of the special mode counter at the end of the special mode. In the second embodiment described above, the end time of the special mode is determined based on the value of the special mode counter. However, the type of end effect and the end time of the special mode may be determined using the number of game balls fired and the number of outs instead of the number of times of special symbol variation display. In other words, when the special mode is started, the counting of the number of shot balls of the game ball is started, or the counting of the out balls is started using the out switch, and the count value of the number of shot balls at the end of the special mode or The type of the end effect may be determined according to the count value of the number of out balls. Alternatively, the special mode may be terminated when the count value of the number of shot balls or the count value of the number of out balls reaches a predetermined value.

  The present invention can be used for a ball game machine used in a game hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine), 17 ... Start port,
28 ... Symbol display device, 31d ... Grand prize opening, 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (special effect mode generation means, winning game execution means, determination means, special effect mode end means, end lottery means), 220 ... sub control board,
221 ... CPU (normal end effect executing means, special end effect executing means)

Claims (2)

A design change that allows a display device to variably display a design by launching a game ball into a game board with a large winning opening that can be opened and closed and normally closed, and that the game ball enters the start port A ball game machine that performs a game,
Special effect mode generating means for generating a special effect mode in which the symbol variable game is performed in an effect display mode different from the normal effect mode when a predetermined condition is established during the symbol variable game in the normal effect mode;
When a winning condition is established during the symbol variation game in the normal effect mode or the special effect mode, a winning game execution means for executing a winning game that opens the big winning opening;
A special effect mode ending unit for ending the special effect mode when a predetermined end condition for ending the special effect mode is satisfied;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined specific game situation has occurred during the special performance mode when the special performance mode is terminated;
A normal end effect executing means for executing a normal end effect as an end effect for ending the special effect mode when the determining means determines that the specific gaming situation has not occurred;
Special ending effect execution means for executing a special ending effect in a form that compensates for the occurrence of the specific gaming situation as the ending effect when the determining means determines that the specific gaming situation has occurred ;
Number-of-times detecting means for detecting the number of times that the symbol variation game is performed in the special effect mode;
End lottery means for performing an end lottery regarding whether or not to end the special effect mode during the special effect mode;
With
The special effect mode ending means ends the special effect mode when a lottery result for ending the special effect mode is obtained in the end lottery,
The determination means determines that the specific game situation has occurred when the number of the symbol variation games executed in the special effect mode does not fall within a specified range when the special effect mode ends.
The special ballistic game machine characterized in that the special end effect execution means executes a special end effect of a different mode in accordance with the number of the symbol variation games executed in the special effect mode . The ball game machine according to claim 1 ,
The determination means determines that the specific gaming situation has occurred when the special effect mode is ended, and the symbol variation game in the special effect mode is not performed a predetermined lower limit number of times,
The special end effect execution means executes an end effect in a manner of performing a plurality of times of the symbol variation game in a pseudo manner as the special end effect.

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