JP5464384B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, can be applied to a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right article, or a ball-type gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

  A ball-type gaming machine (pachinko machine) usually has a start winning device and a big winning device arranged in a game area. In such a gaming machine, the symbol variable game is started due to the game ball entering the start winning device, and when the execution time of the symbol variable game has elapsed, the symbol indicating the result of the symbol variable game is symbol display means. Is stopped. When the symbol indicating the result of the symbol variable game is in the big hit mode, the gaming machine starts the big hit game, and a round game is executed in which the winning operation is performed on the big winning device in the closed state. Here, the “big hit mode” is a mode indicating that the big hit is won.

  In addition, after this round game is started, the game is completed once when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the grand prize winning device or a predetermined time has elapsed, and one “big hit round” is completed. To do. When this “big hit round” is repeated a predetermined number of times (number of rounds), this gaming machine ends the big hit game. In addition, this type of gaming machine is usually provided with an effect display means separately from the symbol display means, and in this effect display means, the symbol change effect accompanying the progress of the symbol change game and the jackpot game effect accompanying the progress of the jackpot game. Is performed using various effect elements (pseudo symbols, etc.). In this specification, “effect display” is used as a general term for game effects (design variation effects, jackpot game effects, demonstration effects, etc.) performed in the effect display means.

  In this type of gaming machine, after the big hit game is finished, the high probability game (probability variation game) is started, and the probability that the symbol displayed on the symbol display means is a big hit mode is increased from the normal probability. (Hereinafter referred to as “probability changer”). In this type of probability change machine, the higher the frequency of transition to high-probability gaming, the higher the gaming interest.

  Also, some probability change machines end a high-probability game when the number of symbol variation games executed without causing a big hit after the start of the high-probability game reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times. (Hereinafter referred to as “conventional example 1”, see Patent Document 1). It should be noted that in the “number-of-times cutting probability changing machine”, the period during which the high-probability game is executed may be hereinafter referred to as “ST period”.

  However, in conventional probability change machines, as a premise for shifting to high probability games, it was necessary to execute a big hit game with a large amount of prize ball payout, so the frequency of transition to high probability games was If increased, the number of prize balls paid out increased more than necessary, which could impair the game's soundness. For this reason, the applicant proposes a gaming machine that can simultaneously satisfy the “request to increase the interest in gaming by increasing the frequency of transition to high-probability gaming” and the “request to ensure sound gaming”. (Hereinafter referred to as “conventional example 2”, see Patent Document 2).

  In the gaming machine according to the conventional example 2, as the big hit mode, “the big hit of the first mode that triggers the transition to the high probability game” and “the second mode that triggers the transition to the high probability game” Including a jackpot. Then, when winning the first big hit (hereinafter referred to as “probable big hit with a ball”) that triggers the transition to the high probability game, the big winning opening is opened in an easy manner for winning the game ball. If you win a big hit in the second mode (hereinafter referred to as “probable big hit without a ball”) that will trigger the transition to a high probability game, you will win a big win in a way that makes it difficult to win a game ball. The second big hit game that opens the mouth is executed. And in this gaming machine, in addition to the probability fluctuation jackpot with a high probability of winning a prize ball as “probability fluctuation jackpot that triggers the transition to a high probability game”, a probability fluctuation jackpot with a low possibility of winning a prize ball is set. Therefore, the degree of freedom for increasing the frequency of transition to high-probability games can be increased without increasing the number of prize balls paid out more than necessary.

JP 2011-206258 A Japanese Patent No. 3974142

  By the way, even if “winning without hitting” is won during the ST period, the ST period (the number of STs) is simply returned to the initial state, and a large amount of prize balls are not paid out. For this reason, even if a “probable big hit without a ball” occurs early from the start of the ST period, there is almost no merit for the player, and the big hit is meaningless for the player. On the other hand, if the “probable big hit with no departure” is won near the end of the ST period, the ST period is restarted from the beginning. For this reason, the player will have the opportunity to aim for the winning of the big hit (hit with the ball) that will trigger the execution of the big hit game with a high possibility of paying out a prize ball. You will feel the benefits.

  As described above, the “probable big hit without a ball” during the ST period may or may not be beneficial to the player depending on the winning timing. Therefore, in the effect display means, a uniform effect is performed regardless of the timing of the “winning” as a game effect from the winning of the “probable big hit without a ball” during the ST period to the restart of the ST period. Even so, it is difficult to improve the amusement interest. In other words, the “game effect” is configured to include a symbol variation effect that is executed when winning a promising big hit without a ball and a jackpot game effect that is subsequently executed. If a uniform game performance is performed ignoring the winning timing of “probable big hit”, there is a possibility that the game interest will be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to maintain and improve game entertainment in a turn-changing probability change machine that can generate a probability change big hit without a ball. It is.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A symbol change game execution means for executing a symbol change game to stop display after the symbol display means is variably displayed;
A jackpot game executing means for executing a jackpot game for opening a jackpot when the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display means indicates a jackpot mode;
A high-probability game in which the probability that a symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means will be in the jackpot mode is high after the jackpot game ends until the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game reaches a predetermined upper limit number High probability game execution means for executing
Effect display executing means for executing effect display by the effect display means in association with the symbol variation game and the jackpot game;
With
When the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display means indicates the first big hit mode, the first big hit game is executed in which the big winning opening is opened in a mode that makes it easy to win a game ball as the big hit game, When the symbol stopped and displayed on the display means indicates a second jackpot mode, the gaming machine executes a second jackpot game that opens the jackpot in a mode in which it is difficult to win a game ball as the jackpot game. ,
The effect display execution means includes
The symbol indicating the second big hit mode is stopped and the second big hit game is executed until the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game in the high probability game becomes the first number less than the upper limit number. In this case, the second big hit that makes it difficult for the player to recognize the execution of the second big hit game as the symbol change game that leads to the stop display of the symbol showing the second big hit mode and the effect display accompanying the second big hit game Perform non-notification production display,
The symbol indicating the second big hit mode is stopped and the second big hit game is executed before the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game in the high probability game exceeds the first number and reaches the upper limit number. In the case where the second big hit game is performed, the player can easily recognize the execution of the second big hit game as the symbol change game that leads to the stop display of the symbol showing the second big hit mode and the effect display accompanying the second big hit game. A big hit notification effect display is executed.

  In the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the period from the start to the end of the ST period is divided into at least two of a “first period” and a “second period” following the first period. In the first period, when “winning without hitting” is won, the player recognizes the occurrence of “winning without hitting” as the symbol variation effect and jackpot game effect related to “winning”. An effect display that is difficult to perform is performed. In other words, in the period when the player does not feel merit even if “probable big hit without ball” occurs, the effect display that makes it difficult for the player to recognize the occurrence of “probable big hit without ball” is displayed. .

  On the other hand, if “Winning Without Probability” is won in the second period, the player recognizes the occurrence of “Probability Without Winning” as the symbol variation effect and the jackpot game effect related to “Winning”. An effect display that makes it easy to perform is performed. That is, with respect to the occurrence of “probable big hit without ball”, during the period when the player feels the merit, an effect display that makes it easy for the player to recognize the occurrence of “probable big hit without ball” is performed.

  Thus, according to the invention of claim 1, the game production associated with winning the “probable big hit without a ball” during the ST period, the content according to the winning timing, that is, the content considering the player's psychology. Can be done appropriately. Therefore, in the number-of-turns probability change machine that can generate a probability change big hit without exiting, it is possible to maintain and improve the game entertainment.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The said effect display execution means performs the effect display which shows that the said high probability game is played from the beginning as said 2nd big hit alerting | reporting effect display.

  In the gaming machine of the invention of claim 2, when the number of times of execution of the symbol variation game in the high probability game exceeds the first number and the remaining period of the ST period is reduced, the “probable big hit without departure” is won, The effect display that the ST period starts from the beginning is executed. Therefore, in order to recognize more surely that the player can regain the opportunity to aim at the winning of the big hit, which is the opportunity to execute the first big hit game with high possibility of paying out the prize ball, with a high probability game, Can be improved.

The gaming machine of the invention of claim 3 is the gaming machine of claim 1 or 2,
The effect display executing means executes, as the second jackpot non-notification effect display, an effect display similar to the effect display performed when the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display means is in a predetermined off state. Features.

  In the gaming machine of claim 3, if the number of executions of the symbol variation game in the high probability game is equal to or less than the first number, if “Winning without probability change” is won, An effect display similar to the effect display that is performed when the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means is in a predetermined off state is performed. In other words, as the symbol variation effect executed at the time of the “probable big hit without a ball” and the jackpot game effect to be executed subsequently, the player finally attracted the attention of the player and finally “not won the big hit” Display to the effect.

  As a result, it is possible to make the player feel as if “the symbol variation game is still ongoing” even during the second big hit game, and that “out” occurred during the execution of the second big hit game. You can feel it. Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is easy to end the second big hit game based on the “probable big hit without a ball” without notifying the player that the player has won the “big change without big ball”. It is. And since it becomes difficult to notice the occurrence of the big hit that the player himself feels meaningless, the gaming interest can be further improved.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The symbol variation game execution means shortens the variation time required for the symbol variation display until the number of times the symbol variation game is executed in the high probability game is a second number smaller than the first number,
The effect display execution means executes a high-probability game start effect display indicating that the high-probability game is started until the number of times the symbol variation game is executed in the high-probability game reaches the second number. It is characterized by.

  In the invention of claim 4, the period until the number of executions of the symbol variation game in the high probability game becomes the first number, the period until the number of executions reaches the second number, and the second number of times exceeding the second number. In the former period, the high probability game start effect display is executed in accordance with the execution of the symbol variable game. That is, at the start of the ST period in which it is easy for the player to feel that the occurrence of “probability without hitting” is particularly meaningless, the high-probability game start effect display is executed in accordance with the execution of the symbol variation game. The occurrence of “probable big hit without a ball” is made more difficult to understand. For this reason, it is easy to maintain the amusement interest even if a “probable big hit without a ball” occurs just before the start of the ST period.

The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The effect display executing means stops displaying the symbol indicating the second big hit mode on the symbol display means until the number of times the symbol variable game is executed in the high probability game reaches the second number of times. When a two big hit game is executed, the high probability game start effect display is executed as a symbol change game that leads to a stop display of the symbol indicating the second big hit mode and an effect display accompanying the second big hit game. Features.

  In the invention of claim 5, when the “probability big hit with no departure” occurs during the period until the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game in the high probability game reaches the second number, the symbol variable game and the second big hit game are A high-probability game start effect display is executed as the accompanying effect display. That is, in order to execute a high probability game start effect display not only in the symbol variation effect but also in the jackpot game effect, just before the start of the ST period when it is easy to feel that the occurrence of “probability without big hit” is meaningless. The occurrence of the “probable big hit without a ball” can be made more difficult to understand.

  In this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction closer to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate the gaming machine. The reference rear (that is, the direction away from the player) "is shown. Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state. Further, in this specification, a game ball entering (accepting) a variety of winning holes provided on the game board surface may be referred to as “winning” or “entering”. Of these, “winning” means that a game ball enters a winning opening, which is a premise for paying out a winning ball, and that a gaming ball enters (accepts) a winning opening. Substantially synonymous with “entering ball”.

  As described above, according to the invention of each claim, it is possible to maintain or improve the game entertainment in the “number-of-turns probability change machine” that can generate a probability change big hit without a ball.

It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. In the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention, it is a perspective view showing an outer frame, a main body frame, a front frame, and a dish member (an upper dish member, a lower dish member). It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the display screen of the presentation display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) And (b) is a front view which shows schematically the variable start winning device. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower display device of a gaming machine according to each embodiment, and (b) is a special symbol variable display mode executed by the lower display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. (C) is explanatory drawing which shows the variable display mode of the auxiliary | assistant symbol performed on the display screen of the presentation display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by the special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st big hit lottery) of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by the special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery) of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a pseudo | simulation symbol. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. 5 is a time chart for explaining Example 1. FIG. 10 is a time chart for explaining Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation production etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the success / failure determination process of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol change start process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit hour variation setting process which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation | variation setting process at the time of a disconnection concerning each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 15R big hit fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the 2R big hit fluctuation pattern table at the time of normal which concerns on each Example, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows 2R big hit fluctuation pattern table at the time of probability change which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the deviation fluctuation | variation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot game end of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production control processing of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process (disappearance effect setting process) of the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game effect process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot game effect process (2R effect process during probability change) of each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on Example 3. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each example described below, each specific example in which the invention according to each claim is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H (machine body) attached to the outer frame 2. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably mounted on the left end side of the outer frame 2 using hinges H1 and H2 on the left end side of the outer frame 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 2, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, and the dish member integrated with the front frame 4. (Upper plate member 5 and lower plate member 6) 5A, game board 10 (see FIG. 4), back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 3) and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. As shown in FIG. 1, a locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3. In FIG. 2, the outer frame 2, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, and the dish member 5 </ b> A are illustrated, and the game board 10 and the back mechanism board 102 are not shown.

  The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c. That is, the holding tool 3f is mounted on the protruding end surface of the projecting portion 3c in a state where the holding tool 3f can rotate on the left and right sides of the window 3M and the right and left sides of the window 3M. The game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the game board 10 into contact with the rear surface of the game board 10.

  When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 formed on the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 to cover the back surface portion. The back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the middle frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed. The back pack 102 has a “game ball tank for storing game balls” and a “pay game ball to the upper plate member 5”. A “game ball payout device for taking out”, “a case containing various control boards (main control board 200 to be described later)” and the like are mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and a gaming area 11 (a substantially circular gaming area 11 in front view) formed on the board surface of the gaming board 10 is opened in a shape that can be seen from the front. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 located behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 (see FIG. 3) attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. (Not shown). Further, in the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, “a plate member 5 </ b> A in which the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are integrated” is integrated with the front frame 4, and the front frame with respect to the main body frame 3. 4 can be opened and closed integrally. However, the plate member 5 </ b> A may be mounted below the mounting portion of the front frame 4 in the main body frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed separately from the front frame 4. Further, the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are provided separately, arranged below the mounting portion of the front frame 4 in the main body frame 3, and the upper plate member 5 arranged above is separated from the front frame 4. The lower plate member 6 arranged below can be opened and closed and cannot be opened and closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 9) are mounted on the left and right sides of the front side of the front frame 4, and the speakers SP3 and SP2 are also mounted on both left and right ends of the front plate portion 22, respectively. SP4 (see FIG. 9) is incorporated. And in this game machine 1, the sound effect according to a game state and other sounds (sound) are generated using these speakers SP1-SP4. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the front surface portion of the front frame 4, a location that constitutes the position of the upper plate member 5 is provided with a receiving port 5 b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1. Yes. Furthermore, a ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 8) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 9) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. In place (see FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the dish member 5 </ b> A below the upper dish member 5 constitutes the lower dish member 6. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. A firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the lower plate member 6. A launching device unit 90 (see FIG. 4) is disposed on the rear side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 (inside the main body frame 3) and located on the left end side below the game board 10. The launcher unit 9 is connected to the launcher unit 90. Here, the launcher unit 90 is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeder (not shown) substantially vertically upward to reach the game area 11. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, the launch stop for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is stopped. A switch 9b is attached.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and various board components (the outer rail 12, the inner rail 13, and the main accessory attached to the game board main body 10A. Device 20 etc.) is mounted. Note that a sheet-like object on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted.

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front part (game board surface) of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being substantially enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form.

  While the inner rail 13 is arranged in a substantially U shape, the game board main body 10A is disposed at the upper left portion at the left end portion, and the “game” between the “upper left portion of the outer rail 12” located on the left side thereof. A “gap through which a sphere can pass” is provided to form a ball entrance 11S. Further, the left end portion of the outer rail 12 is disposed close to the upper left of the ball outlet 96j of the launcher unit 90. And the part arrange | positioned on the outer side of the inner rail 13 in the outer rail 12 draws the path | route which goes up diagonally to the left from the left end part of the outer rail 12, and when it reached the side of the right end part of the inner rail 13, The route rises while changing the route to an arc-like route substantially parallel to the inner rail 13, and reaches the upper right part of the game board main body 10A beyond the side of the ball entrance 11S.

  The upper end portion of the auxiliary rail 13 </ b> B is integrated with the outer surface portion of the inner rail 13. Then, the “passage formed between the auxiliary rail 13B and the portion of the outer rail 12 substantially parallel to the auxiliary rail 13B” and the “passage formed between the outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 above it reach the ball entrance 11S. The “passage” continuously forms the guide route Y. The lower end of the guide path Y communicates with the “ball outlet 96j of the launcher unit 90” and rises leftward from the lower end to rise “outside of the inner rail 13 (on the left side)” It passes through the outside of the rail 13 in the clockwise direction and reaches the ball entrance 11S.

  In the area forming unit 10B (the part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), the main accessory device 20, the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, the first start winning device 17a, 2 Start winning device 17b, large winning device 31, lower display device 60, three general winning devices 40, 41, 43, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), windmill 19 and the like are arranged. ing.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the upper half center part of the game area | region 11 as shown in FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a display window 21e. The display window 21e is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the stage member 21 p is attached to the lower edge portion of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21 </ b> A is attached to the other part of the peripheral portion of the attachment member 21. It is mounted in a state of protruding. The decorative member 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. 21R.

  A game ball passage (a so-called “warp passage”) 21w is formed inside the left decorative portion 21L. That is, in the left side surface portion of the left decorative portion 21L, the entrance (not shown) of the passage 21w opens obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at this entrance, and the stage It makes it approach on the part 21p (inside the main accessory apparatus 20). Moreover, the stage part 21p comprises the rolling surface of a game ball by the upper surface part. The rolling surface is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and is a raised portion that slightly protrudes upward at the central portion of the rolling surface.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface through the passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface, and further rolls leftward. . Then, when the momentum of the game ball has declined, this game ball is discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface are first started with a certain probability. The winning device 17a is won (described later). Among the game balls that flow down the game area 11 and win the first start winning device 17a, those that enter the first start winning device 17a without entering the main winning device 17a and the main winning feature There is one that enters the device 20 and rolls on the stage portion 21p and then wins the first start winning device 17a.

  The effect display device 27 constitutes a specific example of “effect display means”. “The effect display device is configured using a liquid crystal display device, and the symbol change effect linked to the special symbol change display and stop display in the lower display device 60 is provided. In this embodiment, the lower display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b) performs a symbol variable game using the special symbol (this symbol) and displays the effect. The device 27 performs a symbol variation effect using a pseudo symbol (showing one specific example of the effect element.) Here, in the following description, a special symbol (this symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a. ) Is referred to as “first special symbol”, and the special symbol (this symbol) displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b is referred to as “second special symbol”. The details of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described later.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG. 5, a pseudo symbol display area 27b in which three (three digits) pseudo symbols are displayed, and a background in which a background symbol (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol) is displayed. A display area 27c may appear. In the pseudo symbol display area 27b, three pseudo symbols are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, and effect display and stop display using these “pseudo symbols” are performed. Further, in the background display area 27c, there may be a case where a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) is displayed as a background symbol, or a live-action image (not shown) is displayed. These “pseudo symbols” and the like indicate specific examples of “effect elements” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” indicate “designs”. "Variation production" and "Big hit game production" are realized.

  Here, the “effect element” means a “display effect element” that realizes a display effect (an aspect of the symbol variation effect) accompanying the progress of the symbol variation game, and a voice effect (symbol variation effect) associated with the progression of the symbol variation game. "Sound effect element" that realizes the "light effect element" that realizes a light emission effect (an aspect of the symbol change effect) that accompanies the progress of the symbol variation game. Among them, as the “display effect element”, for example, “pseudo symbols (designs that show the results of symbol variation games” “characters (titles, comments, production descriptions, slogans, etc.) displayed on the effect display means provided in the gaming machine. It is desirable to have a slogan or the like having a certain meaning.) ”“ Background design ”“ Character design ”“ Live action video ”etc. These“ pseudo design ”“ character ”“ background design ”“ character design ”“ Display effect elements such as “live-action video” can be generally regarded as “effect effects”, and “sound effect elements” include, for example, “music” and “sound effects” output from sound output means included in the gaming machine. And “words” etc. Further, as the “light emitting effect element”, for example, various light emitting modes by the light emitting means provided in the “front frame” and “game board” constituting the gaming machine. (Emission color, the number of light emissions, emission sequence, the light emitting pattern such as the light emission time) can be exemplified.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a first auxiliary symbol display area A that is variably displayed in conjunction with a first special symbol display unit 62a described later at a position on the right end side near the lower edge on the display screen 27a. Then, a second auxiliary symbol display area B that is variably displayed in conjunction with a second special symbol display unit 62b described later appears. In these auxiliary symbol display areas A and B, the auxiliary symbol using the mosaic pattern (also referred to as the fourth symbol) is linked with the corresponding special symbol display portions 62a and 62b (the first special symbol and the second special symbol). Then, after the variable display is performed, the variable display is stopped simultaneously with the corresponding special symbol display portions 62a and 62b. When the variable display is stopped, the stop symbol of the auxiliary symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the result of the determination of success / failure is displayed based on the stop symbol. However, since there are many types of stop symbols, and each stop symbol is misleading, the player can understand the meaning of the stop symbol (whether it is a big hit, miss, probability change big hit, etc.) Have difficulty. Further, the content specified by the stop symbol that is fixedly displayed in the auxiliary symbol display areas A and B is specified by the stop display of the corresponding special symbol display portions 62a and 62b (first special symbol and second special symbol). The content is the same as the content.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first reserved display area (D1, D2, D3, D4) appears in the upper position near the left edge of the display screen 27a, and the upper area near the right edge. The second reserved display area (E1, E2, E3, E4) may appear at the position on the side. In the first hold display area (D1 to D4), the number of holds (hereinafter referred to as “first hold number”) related to the “first special symbol” generated due to winning in the first start winning device 17a. “4” is displayed as the upper limit number, and in the second hold display area (E1 to E4), the number of holds (hereinafter referred to as “the second special symbol” caused by winning to the second start winning device 17b) "Second hold number") is displayed with "4" as the upper limit number. Note that a display unit for displaying the first hold number and a display unit for displaying the second hold number can be provided outside the display screen 27a. Further, in the following description, a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a and a game ball winning in the second start winning device 17b may be referred to as “start winning”.

  The first hold display area (D1 to D4) has a configuration in which the first display unit D1, the second display unit D2, the third display unit D3, and the fourth display unit D4 are arranged from the bottom to the top. Prepare. The second hold display area (E1 to E4) also includes a first display unit E1, a second display unit E2, a third display unit E3, and a fourth display unit E4 arranged from below to above. It has a configuration. Each display unit (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) can display a graphic with a sphere (perfect circle).

  Any of the hold display areas (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) won the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the number of game balls that have not yet been digested (that is, the number of hold) It is displayed by the number of “D1 to D4, E1 to E4”, and each time an undigested game ball is digested, the number of “undigested game balls” (the number of holds) is sequentially decremented and displayed. is there. Specifically, when the number of holdings is “1”, only the display part (D1, E1) with subscript 1 is used, and when the number of holdings is “2”, the display part with subscript 1 ( D1, E1) and the display part (D2, E2) with the subscript 2 are used. Furthermore, when the number of reservations is “3”, display units other than the display unit with subscript 4 (D1 to D3, E1 to E3) are used, and when the number of reservations is “4”, all display units ( D1-D4, E1-E4) are used. In addition, when the number of holdings decreases from “4” to “3”, the use of the display part (D4, E4) with the subscript 4 is stopped, and when the number of holdings decreases from “3” to “2”, The use of the display part (D3, E3) with the subscript 3 is stopped. In addition, when the number of holds decreases from “2” to “1”, the use of the display part (D2, E2) with the subscript 2 is stopped, and when the number of holds decreases from “1” to “zero”, The use of all the display units (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) is to be stopped. The “undigested game balls (holding balls)” related to each special symbol are won in the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the symbol changing game accompanying the winning is performed in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b. Refers to a non-playing game ball.

  The first start winning device 17a is a non-variable (fixed) start winning device, and has a pocket shape with an opening (first start port) opened above. And since this 1st starting port is located in the vertical part of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), the game ball which falls from the center part passes through this 1st starting port, and becomes a 1st start winning prize. The probability of winning the device 17 is increased. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17. In addition, the size of the opening of the first start winning device 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. For this reason, the winning possibility of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a is fixed.

  The second start winning device 17b is a variable (open / close) start winning device, and is disposed immediately below the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the second start winning device 17b is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 17c and the mounting plate 17c fixed to the game board body 10A by screws, and the second starting winning device 17b. A normal electric accessory 17d that constitutes the inlet side portion and an obstruction member 17k attached to the front surface of the mounting plate 17c.

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip-shaped pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e (see FIG. 8). ). Among these, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are in the closed state where the wing pieces 17e and 17e are erected, the distance between the upper ends of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e is reduced. Further, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven and the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are tilted so that the upper end sides are separated from each other with respect to the lower end side axis, the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. The space between them is enlarged, and an open state is established.

  The obstruction member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17t (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), when the second start winning device 17b is in a closed state, a space K1 that allows one game ball to pass between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. However, the obstacle member 17K is disposed vertically above the space K1. For this reason, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b in the closed state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the second start winning device 17b is in an open state and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e are opened left and right, the distance between the upper ends of the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e. K1 is expanded more than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17K. For this reason, it is possible for the game balls that have passed through the left and right of the obstacle member 17K to win the second start winning device 17b.

  In this gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is in an open state, the game balls flowing down the game area 11 can win the second start winning device 17b. Then, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode (described later) and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in the open state becomes long, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is the first. The probability of winning the 1-start winning device 17a is much higher. In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the open extension mode is set to “5 seconds”, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the non-open extension mode (normal opening mode) is set to “0”. .2 seconds ".

  On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17b is closed, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b, so that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the open extension mode. In this case, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is much lower than the probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, the case where the gaming ball wins the first start winning device 17a becomes a rare case, and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the opening extension mode, the gaming ball is the first The case that wins the 2-start winning device 17b is a rare case.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a large winning device 31 is disposed below the second start winning device 17b. The special winning device 31 includes a mounting plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k is provided with an opening having a substantially band shape in a substantially central portion in a state of passing through the front and back, and the opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is connected to a “large prize winning prize winning passage (not shown)”. In addition, the “Grand Prize Entrance Award Passage” is a passage for allowing a game ball to win from the Grand Prize Exit 31a to pass through, and the game ball that has won the Grand Prize Exit 31a passes through the Grand Prize Exit Award Passage and then plays this game. It is discharged outside the machine 1.

  The grand prize winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the grand prize winning port 31a, a grand prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 8) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a prize winning passage winning path. A special winning opening winning detection switch 31s (see FIG. 8) provided in the middle of the route or in the route terminal unit is provided. When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the large winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b tilts forward with its lower end as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the prize winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guide | induces the game ball which reached | attained the big prize apparatus 31 to the big prize opening 31a is comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower display device 60 is arranged on the left side of the big winning device 31. As shown in FIG. 7A, the lower display device 60 includes an attachment plate 61 that is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 includes a first special symbol display unit 62a, a second special symbol display unit 62b, a normal symbol display unit 63, a first special symbol hold display unit 64a, and a second special symbol hold display. A part 64b, a normal symbol hold display part 65, and the like are provided. The first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b constitute a specific example of “symbol display means”.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, each of the first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, “stop symbol of the first special symbol” indicating the result of the determination of success / failure executed due to the detection of the game ball by the first start opening winning detection switch 17s. However, the display is stopped after the change display. Further, in the second special symbol display section 62b, a “second special symbol stop symbol” indicating the result of the success / failure determination executed due to the detection of the game ball by the second start opening winning detection switch 17ts is displayed. Then, stop display after changing display. In addition, the content of the display result of the 1st special symbol display part 62a and the 2nd special symbol display part 62b is mentioned later. In addition, the result of the symbol variation game displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b (result of the determination of success / failure) and the display result of the symbol variation effect displayed on the effect display device 27 The result of determination is assumed to match.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured by a “7-segment display”, and the symbol variation start condition is caused by the game ball passing through any of the normal symbol operation gates 16. When established, the normal symbol variation display is started. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol. The lottery means for performing the lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be opened is constituted by a main control unit 200A described later.

  The first special symbol hold display unit 64a and the second special symbol hold display unit 64b are each configured by using two LEDs, and display the so-called “number of hold for special symbols” with an upper limit of 4 each. is there. That is, the first special symbol hold display unit 64a displays the number of game balls that have won the first start winning device 17a but cannot be digested yet (that is, the number of holds) as four upper limit numbers, Each time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed. The second special symbol hold display section 64b displays the number of game balls that have won the second start winning device 17b but cannot be digested yet (that is, the hold number) as an upper limit number of four, Each time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, hold)” related to the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is awarded to the start winning device (17a or 17b), but the special symbol display section ( 62a or 62b) indicates a game ball in which the result of the lottery determination (win / fail judgment) associated with the passage and the fluctuation display preceding this are not displayed.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 65 is also configured by using two LEDs and passes through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the number of game balls still undigested (holding number) is displayed with the upper limit being four. Each time an undigested game ball is digested, the number of undigested game balls (reserved number) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (holding ball)” relating to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the normal symbol display unit 63 displays the result of the lottery (the lottery result symbol of the lottery result symbol). A game ball in which neither a fixed display nor a variable display preceding this (a display using a 7-segment display in this embodiment) is made.

  The first special symbol hold display unit 64a, the second special symbol hold display unit 64b, and the normal symbol hold display unit 65 display the number of holds in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off to indicate that the “hold number” is “zero”, and (b) one LED is turned off while one LED is turned on, and “hold number”. Is “1”, (c) two LEDs are lit and “holding number” is “2”, (d) one LED is blinking while one LED is blinking It is turned on to indicate that the “holding number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “holding number” is “4”. The display content of the first hold display area (D1 to D4) corresponds to the display content of the first special symbol hold display section 64a, and the display content of the second hold display area (E1 to E4) is the first. 2 corresponds to the display content of the special symbol hold display section 64b.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the three general winning devices 40, 41, 43 are arranged on the left and right of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. Further, an out port 18 is provided below the game board 10. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub control units (220A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured using the main control board 200 and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 240A, 260A) I have.

  The sub-control unit is composed of (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc.” An effect control for controlling various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc., while being configured using the control unit 220A and (b) the effect display control board 222. 222A, (c) a payout control board 240, and a payout control part 240A for controlling the operation of paying out rented or winning balls, and (d) a fire control board 260. And a launch control unit 260A that controls the launch of the game ball.The sub-control unit includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140, and the first control unit. Main control unit via secondary / sub control unit Second sub-control unit which is connected to the 00A (260A) and are present.

  The control board (200, 220, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A) is a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and various programs and data executed by the CPU. ROM in which the CPU is stored, the RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, the peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the peripheral device, and the clock for the CPU to perform operations are output Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs CPU, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 to 10 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 8, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) includes a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, a start opening winning detection switch 17s, general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, a big winning opening winning detection switch 31s, and the like. After receiving the detection signal and determining whether or not the basic progress of the game and the winning ball are involved, the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220), the payout control part 240A (payout control board 240), and the launch control part 260A Various signals (commands) to be described later are output toward (fire control board 260) and the like. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit.

  Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) directly controls these operations by outputting signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the big prize opening solenoid 31c, and the lower display device 60. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) functions as a success / failure determination unit and a big hit game execution unit. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. Here, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) constitutes specific examples of symbol variation game execution means, jackpot game execution means, high probability game execution means (probability variation means), and opening extension means.

  When the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), it analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and plays games according to the results. The production of. That is, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). As shown in FIG. 10, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. And are electrically connected to each other. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a RAM 220b, and a ROM 220c. The sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) constitutes a specific example of effect display execution means.

  The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The ROM 220b stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board. The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main controller 200A (main control board 200) and analyzes it according to a program stored in the ROM 220b. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) can display a predetermined display control command determined by the CPU 220a or a display control command that has been transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). Is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the effect display control board 222 includes a CPU 222a, a control ROM 222b, a control RAM 222c, a VDP (video display processor) 222d, a work RAM 222e, a display ROM (character ROM) 222g, and a video. A RAM 222h is mounted. In addition, an effect display device 27 is electrically connected to the VDP 222d.

  The CPU 222a receives various display control signals (commands) transmitted from the sub-control board 220 and analyzes the received signals (commands) according to a program stored in the control ROM 222b. Then, the CPU 222a transmits the analysis result to the VDP 222d. The control ROM 222b stores various image display control programs according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the control RAM 222c is provided with a storage area, a work area, and the like for temporarily storing various data. ing. Further, the display ROM 222g stores data related to display of various effect symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (eg, pseudo symbol data that is variably displayed).

  The VDP 222d reads the data stored in the effect display ROM 222g based on the “analysis result” by the CPU 222a, generates image data in the work RAM 222e based on the read data, and temporarily stores it in the video RAM 222h. Thereafter, the image data stored in the video RAM 222h is loaded on the signal (RGB image signal) from the transmission unit 222k and transmitted to the effect display device 27.

  Speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. Further, the decoration driving board 226 is connected to various LED boards on which various decoration LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4 and the game board 10 are mounted. The decoration drive board 226 receives signals from the sub-control board 220A and performs control related to game decoration.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a relay terminal plate, a launch control unit 260A, a lower pan full tank switch 6s, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the payout control board 240 via the relay terminal board, and the payout motor 109m is based on the operation signal. A drive signal for driving the game ball is transmitted to the game ball payout device (payout device) 109 (the payout motor 109m).

  When the main controller 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. Further, the game balls to be paid out are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 Specific display contents, (b) sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) various LEDs mounted on various LED boards 4b to 4h and other lamps or other lamps The specific aspect of is determined.

  Next, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A to perform variable display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.). At this time, the display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbol, background symbol, character symbol, live-action image, etc.) is displayed on the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM (not shown) built in is used.

  Sound effects are output from the speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 by outputting sound signals to the amplifier substrate 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, by supplying signals to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of the various LED lamps 4b to 4h) from the decorative drive board 226, various lamps (LEDs, etc.) can be turned on and blinked. Control. Further, when the player operates the effect button SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. The sub-control unit 220A is configured to be able to reflect the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Game flow by gaming machine 1 As described above, in this gaming machine 1, stop display (definite display) of a stop symbol indicating the result of determination of success / failure performed based on the start winning, and before this stop display The variable display performed in stages is executed by two types of symbol display devices, the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27. Here, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a of the lower display device 60 and the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b of the lower display device 60 are “present symbols”. The “stop pattern” and “variation time (variation pattern)” are determined in the “main control unit 200A” that governs the basic progression of the game.

  In this embodiment, whether or not a game ball is detected by the first start opening winning detection switch 17s (hereinafter referred to as “first start winning”) is determined (hereinafter referred to as “first”). Determination and determination as to whether or not the game ball is detected by the second start opening winning detection switch 17t (hereinafter referred to as “second start winning”) (hereinafter referred to as “second determination”). (2) “Winning determination”) is composed only of “Big winning lottery”, but at least one of the first winning determination and the second winning determination is “Big winning lottery”, and the result of the big winning lottery is off. It may be configured by “small lottery” executed in this case.

  On the other hand, the “pseudo symbol” is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the variation mode and the stop symbol are controlled by the “sub control unit 220A” that controls the game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A. Is determined. Usually, these “pseudo symbols” symbol variations are executed for the same time as “main symbols”, and the display contents of these “pseudo symbols” stop symbols (big hit, miss etc.) are the first special symbols. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with the display content (big hit, miss, etc.) of the “main symbol” on the display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, due to the first start winning, the “special symbol changing game related to the first special symbol” is executed in the first special symbol display unit 62 a, and due to the second starting winning, In the second special symbol display section 62b, the “symbol changing game related to the second special symbol” is executed. In addition, with the execution of “symbol changing game related to the first special symbol” or “symbol changing game related to the second special symbol”, the effect display device 27 executes the symbol change effect. When the result of the executed symbol variation game becomes a big hit, the main control unit 200A executes the big hit game. The big hit game effect is executed on the effect display device 27 as the big hit game is executed. Hereinafter, the contents of “symbol variation game” and “game effect (symbol variation effect, jackpot game effect)” will be described.

a. Symbol Variation Game “The symbol variation game according to the first special symbol” is composed of the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol, and “The symbol variation game according to the second special symbol” is the variation display and stop of the second special symbol. Composed by display. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), these variable displays are incomplete symbols (hereinafter referred to as “unsatisfied”) that cannot be used for arithmetical numbers by the 7-segment display that constitutes the corresponding special symbol display section (62a or 62b). The content is to perform "circular display" of a complete symbol). In other words, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are not familiar to the player compared to arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store. Then, the result of the first success / failure determination is displayed by the stop display in the “symbol variable game related to the first special symbol”, and the result of the second success / failure determination is displayed by the stop display in the “symbol variable game related to the second special symbol”. Is done.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, when the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (ordinary probability mode), the big hit is shown in both the first and second determinations. The probability that the determination result is derived is about “1/300”. Further, when the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode (when the high probability game is being executed), a determination result indicating a big hit is derived in both the first winning / nothing determination and the second winning / nothing determination. The probability is about “1/30”. Then, when the determination result indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, a “hit” is generated, and the big hit game execution means starts operating to execute the big hit game. Is done.

  When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c, thereby executing the “opening / closing operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 31a”. Note that while the gaming state is the big hit gaming state, the special symbol (the main symbol) is not displayed in a variable state, that is, the symbol variable game is not executable. On the other hand, when the big hit game is not performed “before the big hit gaming state transition” or “after the big hit gaming state is finished”, the state where the variation display of the special symbol (this symbol) is performed, that is, the symbol fluctuation game is performed. It becomes an executable state (design variation game state).

  Here, “opening the grand prize winning device 31” is realized by driving the big prize opening solenoid 31c so that the open / close plate 31b in the standing position is tilted forward, and the big winning opening 31a is changed to the open state. “Closing the big winning device 31” is realized by stopping the driving of the big winning port solenoid 31c, returning the open / close plate 31b to the standing posture, and returning the big winning port 31a to the closed state. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed for the big prize device 31 to change the big prize opening 31a to the open state only once. When a specified number of game balls (10) enter the big winning opening 31a or when the opening time of the big winning opening 31a reaches the opening limit time (30 seconds or 0.2 seconds), the round The end condition is satisfied, and the running round game (big hit round) is ended. When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is finished.

  In this gaming machine 1, when the gaming state shifts to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state), a “round game” is executed for a predetermined number of times (2 rounds or 15 rounds). When the final “round game” is finished, the big hit game is finished. Furthermore, after performing the effect related to the end of the big hit (ending effect), the gaming state is returned to the symbol variation gaming state. In the present embodiment, a “round start designation command” and a “round end designation command” are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 at each start and end of each round game. Then, the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines the progress status of the currently executed big hit game (round game) based on the “round start designation command” and the “round end command” from the main control board 200. Then, various jackpot game effects according to the progress are executed by the effect display device 27 and the like. The “round start designation command” is a command indicating the start of a round game and the number of rounds of the started round game, and is also referred to as a “round number designation command”. The “round end designation command” is a command indicating that the big hit round has ended.

  In the present embodiment, the contents of the jackpot game (round game) executed according to the mode of the jackpot symbol stopped (determined) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the end of the big hit game is different. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail. Here, in the following description, “15R probability variation big hit” and “15R normal big hit” are “15 rounds” of “the first round game in which the big winning opening 31a is opened in a manner that allows easy winning of game balls”. The first big hit game is the big hit that triggers the start of the big hit game, and the “2R probable big hit” is the second big hit game in which “the second round game that opens the big winning opening 31a in a manner in which it is difficult to win the game ball” is “two rounds”. It is a big hit that triggers the start of. That is, “15R probability variation big hit”, “15R normal variation big hit”, and “2R certain variation big hit” are “probable big hit with departure”, “normal big hit with departure”, and “probable big hit without departure”, respectively.

  Here, the first jackpot game of the present embodiment is a type of jackpot game in which the first round game is repeated 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. Further, in the first round game, an opening operation for opening the special winning opening 31 a for “30 seconds” is performed once for the special winning device 31. When this first round game is executed, the specified number of winning balls (10 in this embodiment) can be almost surely entered into the special winning opening 31a. In the gaming machine 1, since “15 balls” are paid out every time one game ball enters the big prize opening 31a, when one first big hit game is executed, It is scheduled to pay out 2250 ”game balls.

  The second jackpot game of the present embodiment is a type of jackpot game in which the second round game is repeated twice (two rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. In the second round game, the winning operation is performed once for the winning device 31 so that the winning opening 31a is opened for “0.2 seconds”. Even if this second round game is executed, it is difficult to enter a game ball into the special winning opening 31a. That is, when the timing when the special winning opening 31a is opened and the timing when the game ball arrives in the vicinity of the special winning opening 31a match, one gaming ball enters and "15" There is a possibility that game balls may be paid out, but this is a rare case. For this reason, it is virtually impossible to allow a game ball to enter the grand prize winning opening 31a, and it is not planned to pay out the game ball substantially in this second big hit game.

  In addition, as a 1st big hit game, the aspect which makes 20-30 seconds the open time for every round of a big winning opening can be illustrated. If the opening time per round is 20 seconds or more, regardless of the skill of the player, it is easy to win a game ball in the grand prize opening, and the opening time per round exceeds 30 seconds. This is because the probability of winning the game ball to the big winning opening becomes remarkably high, which may impair the game soundness.

  Moreover, as a 2nd big hit game, the aspect which makes 0.1 to 1 second the open time for every round of a big winning opening can be illustrated. It is technically difficult to make the opening time of the grand prize winning opening less than 0.1 seconds (difficult to control opening / closing), and if the opening time per round exceeds 1 second, a game ball is placed in the big winning opening. This is because it is difficult to realize a state in which the big winning opening is opened in a manner that makes it difficult to win a game ball.

  Further, in the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game, the operation of opening and closing the big prize winning opening may be performed once every “big hit round” or may be performed a plurality of times. In the first big hit game, when the opening / closing of the winning a prize opening is performed a plurality of times, the total time for which the winning a prize opening is opened by the opening / closing operation of the plurality of times may be set to the aforementioned 20 to 30 seconds. desirable. In addition, in the second big hit game, when the prize winning opening is opened and closed a plurality of times, the total time for which the prize winning opening is opened by the plurality of opening and closing operations is set to 0.1 to 1 second as described above. Is desirable.

  When the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the first winning / nothing determination, main control unit 200A determines the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol) by random lottery (that is, distribution lottery). Then, by this random number lottery (distribution lottery), as shown in FIG. 11, the “big hit type” is determined to be any one of “15R probability big hit”, “15R normal big hit” and “2R probability big hit”. The Random numbers for performing “lottery lottery” (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 symbol determination random numbers”) are the same as random numbers for determination of success / failure (such as random numbers for jackpot lottery) at the timing of starting winning. To be acquired. Note that, even if the result of the first determination is not a big win, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery).

  Even when the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the second winning / nothing determination, the main control unit 200A determines the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol) by random number lottery (distribution lottery). Also, as shown in FIG. 12, this random lottery (distribution lottery) determines that the “big hit type” is any one of “15R probability big hit”, “15R normal big hit”, and “2R probability big hit”. Is done. The random number for performing the “distribution lottery” (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 symbol determination random number”) is the same as the random number for determination of success / failure (such as the random number for the big hit lottery) when the start winning is generated Obtained at. Note that, even when the result of the second win / fail determination is not a big hit, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery).

  The “lottery lottery” in the case where the result of the second win / fail decision is “big hit” is more advantageous for the player than the “lottery lottery” in the case of the result of the first hit / fail judgment is “big hit” Sorting is done. In other words, in the present embodiment, the “lottery lottery” in the case where the result of the second winning / failing determination is “big hit” is compared with the “sort lottery” in which the result of the first hit / failure determination is “big hit”. Thus, there is a high probability that a jackpot where a larger amount of prize balls can be expected is selected (see FIGS. 11 and 12). For this reason, for a player, the first success / failure determination is more continuous in the case of playing a game in which the second success / failure determination is continuously performed (hereinafter referred to as “a game mainly based on the second success / failure determination”). It can be said that the advantage is higher than the case where the game (hereinafter referred to as “the game mainly based on the first win / fail decision”) is performed.

  When “15R probability variable big hit” or “2R probability variable big hit” is generated, after executing the corresponding big hit game, the probability that the result of the determination is a big hit is made high, and the high probability game is started. That is, the probability that the first success / failure determination is a jackpot and the probability that the second success / failure determination is a jackpot are high. As described above, the gaming state in which the probability that the determination result is a big hit is a high probability is the “high probability mode (high probability state)”. In this high probability mode, the cumulative number of symbol variable games that are executed without generating a big hit after the corresponding big hit game is finished (the total number of variable display times of the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is “78 times”. It continues until it becomes (see FIGS. 11 and 12). Note that “78 times” corresponding to the execution period (ST period) of the high probability mode constitutes a specific example of the “upper limit number of times”. In the following description, the game mode in which the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means operate is referred to as “open extension mode” or “shortening fluctuation mode”.

  If "15R probability variable big hit" occurs or "2R probability variable big hit" occurs during the open extension mode, the corresponding big hit game is executed, and then the "open extension mode" is set. In this open extension mode, the cumulative number of symbol variable games that are executed without generating a big hit after the corresponding jackpot game ends (the total number of variable display times of the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is “74 times”. Continue until For this reason, if “15R probability variation big hit” or “2R probability variation big hit” occurs and the cumulative number of times the symbol variable game is executed without causing a big hit after the corresponding big hit game is ended exceeds “74 times”, Until the cumulative execution count reaches “78 times”, the state is “high probability mode” but not “open extension mode”, that is, a so-called “latency probability change” state (see FIG. 23). As will be described later with reference to FIG. 47, when “2R probability variation big hit” is generated in a state other than the “open extension mode”, a so-called “latency probability variation” state is obtained. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the stop symbol indicated in the column indicating “15R probability variation big hit” is a specific example of “stop symbol of the first big hit mode”, and the stop symbol indicated in the column indicating “15R probability variable big hit”. The symbol shows a specific example of “stop symbol of the second big hit mode”.

  On the other hand, when the “15R normal big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the determination is a big hit after executing the first big hit game is a low probability (normal probability). That is, the probability that the first win / fail decision is a big hit and the probability that the second win / fail decision is a big win are low probabilities (normal probabilities). In addition, after the corresponding jackpot game ends, the game mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in the open state becomes long. In the open extension mode, the cumulative number of symbol variable games executed without causing a big hit after the end of the corresponding jackpot game (the total number of variable display times of the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is “50”. It will continue until “times”.

b. Game Effect As described above, the gaming machine 1 executes the “design variation effect” and the “hit game effect” as the game effect. Hereinafter, the “symbol variation effect” and the “big hit game effect” will be described. Also, in the following, after describing the game effects (hereinafter referred to as “normal mode”) performed due to the start of the symbol variable game outside the ST period, the symbol variable game is started during the ST period. A game effect (hereinafter referred to as “special aspect”) performed due to the above will be described.

b-1. Normal Mode The symbol variation effect accompanying the symbol variation game outside the ST period is also started due to winning (start winning) in the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b. In this symbol variation effect, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, pseudo symbol variation display (symbol variation effect using a pseudo symbol) is started on the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27. Then, when the execution time (variation time) of the pseudo symbol variable display has elapsed, the pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). This pseudo-symbol stop display is to display the determination result of the success / failure determination, similar to the stop display by the lower right display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b).

  On the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the pseudo-symbol variable display and the stop display are performed while three (3-digit) pseudo-symbols are displayed in the pseudo-symbol display area 27b. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. It consists of repeated “circular display (scroll fluctuation display)”. Further, as the confirmed symbols to be confirmed and displayed in the pseudo symbol display area 27b, (1) a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “15R probability variation big hit”, (2) a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “15R normal big hit”, ( 3) There are four types of plans: a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit” and a stop symbol used as a stop symbol indicating (4) occurrence of “displacement”.

  Here, as described above, in the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, as a “big hit”, a stop symbol (big hit symbol) of this symbol corresponding to each of a plurality of types of big hits. It is set. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13A, the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is defined as follows. That is, the stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “15R probable big hit” is configured by arranging three “identical odd numbers” on the display screen 27a, and the stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “15R normal big hit” is displayed on the display screen 27a. Three "even even numbers" are arranged side by side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13B, the stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “out” or “2R probability variation big hit” is configured with at least one of the three pseudo symbols as a numerical symbol different from the others. The same effect display (symbol variation effect using a pseudo symbol) is performed on the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display area 27b) when the "displacement" occurs and when the "2R probability variation big hit" occurs. In addition, the effect display (symbol fluctuation effect) in which the stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit” is stopped is displayed (the effect display that is performed when the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means is in a predetermined off state). A specific example of “the same effect display” is configured.

  In the effect display device 27, when displaying a stop symbol (big hit symbol) indicating the occurrence of “15R probability variable big hit” or “15R normal big hit”, as shown in FIG. Reach display. Further, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, in the effect display device 27, a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “displacement” (disappearance symbol) or a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit” (excluding symbol) In the case of displaying the same symbol), the reach display is not performed during the premise of the variable display (hereinafter referred to as “simple disconnect”), and the reach display is performed (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”). ) Further, the reach display of the present embodiment is an effect display in which two pseudo symbols out of the pseudo symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol, and the other one pseudo symbol is changing. It is.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a first auxiliary symbol display area A that is variably displayed in conjunction with the first special symbol display unit 62a at a position on the right end side near the lower edge on the display screen 27a, A second auxiliary symbol display area B that is variably displayed in conjunction with the second special symbol display section 62b appears. Then, the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b) that is executing the symbol variable game and the auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol) corresponding to the special symbol display unit perform variable display. When the variable display is stopped, the stop symbol of the auxiliary symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the result of the determination of success / failure is displayed based on the stop symbol.

  Further, although not shown in FIG. 14, in the background screen display area 27c of the display screen 27a, effects such as “background design”, “character design”, “actual video”, etc. are displayed for exciting the fluctuation of the pseudo design. (See FIG. 5). This effect is performed in accordance with the effect pattern determined at the start of the symbol variation effect according to the normal mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the first reserved display area (D1, D2, D3, D4) appears on the upper side of the display screen 27a near the left edge, and the right edge. Although the second reserved display area (E1, E2, E3, E4) appears at a position on the upper side near the side, the illustration is omitted in FIGS.

  Next, the jackpot game effect associated with the jackpot game executed when the result of the symbol variation game outside the ST period becomes a jackpot will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 15, when a “15R probability big hit” occurs (A1) and when a “15R normal big hit” occurs (A2), a fanfare effect (on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) For about 4 seconds) (A3). The first round game is started through this fanfare effect, and along with this, the “round effect related to the first round” is performed on the display screen 27a (A4). That is, the first big hit game is started. When the “first round” end condition is satisfied, an interval effect is performed on the display screen 27a (A5).

  Thereafter, after a predetermined interval time (about 2 seconds of waiting time), the “second round” is started, and the first round game is started. Accordingly, the “round effect related to the second round” is started on the display screen 27a. When the “second round” end condition is satisfied, an interval effect is performed on the display screen 27a. Thereafter, the “big hit round” is repeated in the same manner with the “interval time” and the “interval effect” sandwiched between the last round (15 rounds). When the final round (the 15th round) ends (A6), an ending effect (about 4 seconds) is performed (A7). Further, when the ending effect ends (A7), the game mode after the end of the first jackpot game is determined corresponding to “the type of jackpot that triggered the execution of the finished first jackpot game”. That is, when the first big hit game with the occurrence of “15R probable big hit” ends, the game mode becomes the “high probability shortened variation mode” and the first big hit game with the occurrence of “15R normal big hit” as an opportunity. When the game is finished, the game mode becomes the “low probability shortening variation mode”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs outside the ST period (B1), it is suggested that the “ST period” is started on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. Production (hereinafter referred to as “first entry mode entry production”) is started. That is, the “first hit mode entry effect” is started without performing the fanfare effect (B2). Then, the second round game is started and the second big hit game is executed at a timing when a period required for the fanfare effect (hereinafter referred to as “fanfare effect equivalent period”) elapses. In the present embodiment, the “fanfare effect equivalent period” is a period of 4 seconds after the 2R probability variation big hit occurs (after the symbol variation game ends).

  In this second jackpot game, the second round game is repeated twice with a predetermined interval time (about 2 seconds of waiting time), and when the second round game is finished for the second time, the second jackpot game is ended. It becomes. In addition, the aforementioned “first hit mode entry effect” is continuously performed even during the execution of the second round game, and is also performed after the second round game is finished for the second time. That is, the “first hit mode entry effect” is performed from the start to the end of the second big hit game. And after the end of the second round game of the second time, the “first hit mode entry effect” is continued without performing the ending effect, and after the end of the second round game of the second time (at the end of the second big hit game) ), If the period required for the ending effect (hereinafter referred to as the “ending effect equivalent period”) elapses, the “first hit mode entry effect” ends. If the game mode (game state) at the time of occurrence of “2R probability variable big hit” is the open extended mode (shortened variable mode), the game mode after the second big hit game (after the completion of 2R probability variable big hit game) is “high In the normal release mode (normal fluctuation mode), the game mode after the end of the second big hit game (after the end of the 2R probability change big hit game) is the “high probability normal fluctuation mode” (see FIG. 47). ). The “ending effect equivalent period” is a period of “4 seconds” after the end of the second round game of the second time.

b-2. Special Mode The symbol variation effect accompanying the symbol variation game during the ST period is also started due to winning (start winning) in the first start winning device 17a or the second starting winning device 17b. However, in this gaming machine 1, the game effect (symbol variation effect, jackpot game effect) when the “15R probability variable jackpot” or “15R normal jackpot” occurs during the ST period is the game effect ( Since it is the same as the symbol variation effect and the jackpot game effect), the description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the pseudo symbol (stop symbol) indicating the occurrence of the big hit when the “15R probability variable big hit” or “15R normal big hit” occurs during the ST period is the same as the case of performing the symbol variation effect according to the normal mode described above. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, a case where “displacement” occurs during the ST period and a case where “2R probability variation big hit” occurs during the ST period will be described.

  17 to 20 show a case where the ST period ends without generating a big hit during the ST period (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 1”). Here, FIG. 17 shows a case (a2) in which the ST period is started after the “2R probability variation big hit” occurs outside the ST period and the second big hit game is played (a1). That is, a case (a1, a2) in which the ST period is started when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs as so-called “first hit” is illustrated. Although illustration is omitted, FIGS. 17 to 20 are also applied to a case where the “15R probability variation big hit” occurs outside the ST period and the ST period starts after the first big hit game is performed accordingly. be able to.

  Here, “X (natural number of 1 to 78)” in “ST = X” shown in FIGS. 17 to 32 indicates the number of symbol variation effects (symbol variation game) in one ST period. . For example, “ST = 1” indicates that it is a “first” symbol variation effect, and “ST = 4” indicates that it is a “fourth” symbol variation effect. Show. FIGS. 17 to 20 show the first auxiliary symbol display area A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B, but the ST period that is started when the “15R probability variation big hit” is triggered, and is opened. In the ST period triggered by the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit” in the extension mode (high probability shortening variation mode or low probability shortening variation mode), in principle, “a game mainly based on the second success / failure determination” is executed. . In the following description, since the “gaming mainly based on the second winning / failing determination” is performed, the auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol) is displayed in the second auxiliary symbol display area B in FIGS. 17 to 32. ) Is displayed in the first auxiliary symbol display area A, but the auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol) is not displayed and stopped.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the result of the symbol variation game becomes “out” in the ST period during which the shortening variation is performed (ST = 1 to 74), the variation time of the main symbol and the pseudo symbol related to it is uniform. “1 second”. In addition, since a “failure” is obtained as a result of the success / failure determination at the start of the symbol variation effect (symbol variation game), and the “out” is generated (determined) at the end of the symbol variation effect (symbol variation game), FIG. In FIG. 20, the characters “decision of departure” are displayed in the portion indicating the start of the symbol variation effect, and the characters “occurrence of occurrence” are displayed in the portion indicating the end of the symbol variation effect. For example, when the display of “ST = 1” and the characters “decision of losing” are written together (a3 in FIG. 17), the success / failure determination is made at the start of the first symbol variation effect (symbol variation game) in one ST period. As a result, it indicates that “displacement” has been obtained (decision of disengagement), and when “ST = 1” and “disappearance” characters are written together (a3 in FIG. 17), the first time in one ST period. This indicates that “displacement” has occurred at the end of the symbol variation effect (when the pseudo symbol is stopped and displayed).

  In addition, in the symbol variation effect accompanying the symbol variation game during the ST period, the first reserved display area (D1, D2, D3, D4) appears in the upper position near the left edge of the display screen 27a. The second reserved display area (E1, E2, E3, E4) appears at the upper position near the right edge, but is not shown in FIGS.

  In the first specific example, the period of time from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”, that is, after the start of the ST period, the cumulative execution count of the symbol variable game that is executed without generating a big hit is “4 times”. In the period up to, an effect pretending to be “immediately before the start of the ST period” on the display screen 27a (hereinafter referred to as “probability chance mode entry effect”) is executed (a3 to a6 in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18). a7, a8). This “probability chance mode entry effect” is an effect that pretends to be just before the start of the “ST period” even though the “ST period” has already been started. Then, on the display screen 27a, an image is displayed in which a character indicating a player's ally (friend character) and a character indicating an enemy of the player (enemy character) run side by side.

  In this “probability change mode entry effect”, the first auxiliary symbol display area A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B appear on the display screen 27a. As described above, for the player, the first auxiliary symbol display area B The display contents of A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B (whether the auxiliary symbol stop symbol indicates a big hit or miss) are the main display areas (pseudo symbol display area 27a and background display area 27c) of the display screen 27a. ) Is difficult to recognize. In addition, during the period from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”, the three-digit pseudo symbol is not displayed in the pseudo symbol display area 27b on the display screen 27a. It is difficult not only to understand the result of the symbol variation game based on the display content of the display screen 27a on which “is performed” but also to recognize that the symbol variation game is being executed.

  In the period from “ST = 5” to “ST = 78”, as shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, a three-digit pseudo symbol is displayed in the pseudo symbol display area 27b of the display screen 27a. Therefore, it is easy to understand the result of the symbol variation game based on the display content of the display screen 27a, and it is also easy to recognize that the symbol variation game is being executed.

  In the period from “ST = 5” to “ST = 78”, an effect (story effect) including a series of stories is executed in the background display area 27c of the display screen 27a. In other words, starting from the fact that an image when “friend character” is “baby” in “ST = 5” is displayed (a9, a10 in FIG. 18), the “friend character” is changed as the ST period elapses. Images that grow sequentially (images depicting the life of a friend character) are displayed (see a11 in FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20). For example, an image in which “friend character” enters elementary school at “ST = 10” (a11 in FIG. 18 and a12 in FIG. 19), and an image in which “friend character” finds employment at “ST = 20” (a13 in FIG. 19). a14) An image in which “a friend character” marries in “ST = 30” (a15, a16 in FIG. 19), and an image in which “a friend character” is lined up with a wife and a child in “ST = 40” (a17, a18 in FIG. 19). ), “ST = 74” and thereafter, “friend character” and images (a19 and a20 in FIG. 19 and a21 to a24 in FIG. 20) indicating the wife's old age are displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the symbol variation effect of “ST = 5” (the fifth symbol variation effect during the ST period) is started, the upper limit number of symbol variation games that can be executed without generating a big hit ( Hereinafter, a display suggesting that “the ST upper limit number of times” is “70 times” is made (a9 in FIG. 18), and the symbol variation effect of “ST = 74” (the 74th symbol variation during the ST period). When the effect is started, a display indicating that the number of symbol variable games that can be executed while maintaining the ST period (hereinafter referred to as “ST remaining number”) is “1 time” (FIG. 19). a19). That is, the number of times different from the actual ST period (78 times) is displayed as the “ST upper limit number of times” and “ST remaining number of times”.

  In the gaming machine 1, as described above, when the cumulative execution count of the symbol variation game that is executed without generating a big hit in the ST period exceeds “74”, the cumulative execution count is “78”. In the meantime, the state is “high probability state” but not “open extension state”, that is, a so-called “latency probability change” state. For this reason, when the symbol variation effect ends in the state of “ST = 74”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the “high probability normal variation mode”. Between “ST = 75” and “ST = 78”, the symbol variation game is executed in a so-called “latency probability variation” state, and when the symbol variation effect ends in the state of “ST = 78”, the gaming machine 1 The game mode is “low probability normal variation mode” (a21 to a24 in FIG. 20). In the case where the ST period is started after a negative determination is made in S828 of FIG. 47 and the ST period is started in the “high probability normal fluctuation mode” from the beginning (ST = 1), “ST = 74 When the symbol variation effect is finished in the state of “ST”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is maintained in the “high probability normal variation mode”, and when the symbol variation effect is terminated in the state of “ST = 78”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is terminated. Becomes “low probability normal fluctuation mode”.

  Next, a game effect in the case where a “2R probability variation big hit” occurs during the ST period will be described. Here, in this gaming machine 1, when “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”, a “2R probability variation big hit” occurs (hereinafter referred to as “case 1”), and “ST = 5” to “ST” A case in which “2R probability variation big hit” occurs when ST = 40 (hereinafter referred to as “case 2”) and a case in which “2R probability variation big hit” occurs when “ST = 41” to “ST = 78” ( Hereinafter, different game effects are performed in “case 3”. In this embodiment, “78 times” constitutes a specific example of “upper limit number”, “40 times” constitutes a specific example of “first number of times”, and “4 times” represents “second number of times”. Is configured as a specific example.

  The game effect executed in case 1 is a specific example of the game effect that is executed until the cumulative execution number of the symbol variable game executed after the start of the ST period reaches the “second number (4 times in this embodiment)”. In the example, the game effect executed in case 2 is “the first number (40 times in the present embodiment)” when the cumulative number of times the symbol variable game executed after the start of the ST period exceeds the “second number”. A specific example of the game effect executed until “ Furthermore, the game effect executed in case 3 is until the cumulative execution count of the symbol variation game executed after the start of the ST period exceeds the “first count” and reaches the “upper limit count (78 times in this embodiment)”. A specific example of the game effect to be executed is configured.

  21 and 22 show a specific example of case 1 (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 2”). This specific example 2 illustrates the case where a “2R probability variation big hit” occurs in the symbol variation game of “ST = 2” (the second symbol variation game during the ST period) (b1 to b4 in FIG. 21). . In this case, since it is determined that the 2R probability variation big hit is generated at the time of starting the symbol variation effect of “ST = 2” (the second symbol variation effect during the ST period), the game effect of “ST = 2” Is implemented in a special manner.

  In this specific example 2, the symbol variation effect of “ST = 2” is executed as the aforementioned “probability change chance mode entry effect” (b3, b4 in FIG. 21). In other words, it is determined that the “probability chance mode entry effect” that has been performed as the symbol variation effect of “ST = 1” (the first symbol variation effect during the ST period) is “to generate a 2R probability variation jackpot”. It will be continued later. Further, the execution time of this symbol variation effect (probability change chance mode entry effect) is set to “1 second”. The “probability chance mode entry effect” constitutes a specific example of “high probability game start effect display” and “second big hit non-notification effect display”.

  Then, the big hit game effect executed with the second big hit game is also executed as the “probability chance mode entry effect” (b5, b6 in FIG. 21). In the “probability change chance mode entry effect” executed as the symbol variation effect, the first auxiliary symbol display area A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B are displayed, but the “probability chance chance” is executed as the jackpot game effect. In the “mode entry effect”, the first auxiliary symbol display area A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B are not displayed. The second big hit game also has a predetermined interval time (about 2 seconds of waiting time), the second round game is repeated twice, and when the second second round game ends, the second big hit game is played. finish.

  In this specific example 2, when the “ending effect equivalent period” at the end of the second big hit game has elapsed, the symbol variation effect can be started. Also, after the end of the second big hit game, the game mode becomes the “high probability shortening variation mode”, but the “probability chance mode entry effect” is executed from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”. In this case, the first auxiliary symbol display area A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B are displayed on the display screen 27a (b7 to b14 in FIG. 22). When “ST = 5”, the pseudo-symbol display area 27b is displayed on the display screen 27a, and an effect including a series of stories is executed in the background display area 27c of the display screen 27a (b15 in FIG. 22). b16).

  This specific example 2 shows that “2R probable big hit” was won immediately after the start of the ST period. In this case, since the symbol variation effect resulting from the winning of “2R probability variation big hit” and the subsequent big hit game effect are executed as “probability chance mode entry effect”, for the player, “2R probability variation big hit” It becomes difficult to recognize the occurrence of This point will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 23 shows a case corresponding to the above-described specific example 1 (hereinafter referred to as “example 1”). This example 1 shows a case in which the second big hit game is executed in response to the 2R probability variable big hit that occurs in the open extension mode, and the ST period is started after the second big hit game is executed. In this example 1, when the ST period is started, the probability variation means (high probability game execution means) operates until the ST period ends (until the symbol variation game of “ST = 78” ends), and the probability A variable game (high probability game) is executed. However, when the symbol variation game of “ST = 74” (the 74th symbol variation game during the ST period) is completed, the operation of the release extension means is stopped, so after the completion of the symbol variation game of “ST = 74” The state of so-called “latency probability change” is maintained until the ST period ends.

  In “Example 1”, the symbol variation effect before “ST = 5” is executed as the “probability change mode entry effect” as described above. Then, when starting the symbol variation game of “ST = 5” (the fifth symbol variation game during the ST period), it is displayed on the display screen 27a that the “ST upper limit number” is “70 times”, When the symbol variation game of “ST = 74” (the 74th symbol variation game during the ST period) is started, it is displayed on the display screen 27a that “ST remaining number of times” is “1”. In other words, during the period in which an effect (hereinafter referred to as “probability change mode effect”) that causes the player to recognize that the probability variation game is being executed (during the ST period) is executed, the symbol change of “ST = 5”. After the game is started, the symbol variation game of “ST = 74” is ended.

  FIG. 24 shows a case corresponding to the above-described specific example 2 (hereinafter referred to as “example 2”). This example 2 also shows a case in which the second big hit game is executed in response to the 2R probability variable big hit that occurred in the open extension mode, and the ST period is started after the second big hit game is executed. Also in Example 2, when the ST period is started, the probability changing means (high probability game executing means) is operated until the ST period ends, and the probability changing game (high probability game) is executed. In addition, when the symbol variation game of “ST = 74” (the 74th symbol variation game during the ST period) is completed, the currently ongoing ST period (hereinafter referred to as “the previous ST period”) is terminated. This is the so-called “latency probability change” state. Also in “Example 2”, the period during which the “probability change mode effect” is executed is from the start of the symbol variation game of “ST = 5” to the end of the symbol variation game of “ST = 74”. The

  In “Example 2”, when the 2R probability variable big win is won in the symbol variation game of “ST = 2” (the second symbol variation game during the ST period), the second big hit game (“2R probability variation big hit”) ( Hereinafter, an ST period (hereinafter referred to as a “subsequent ST period”) is started again after a “second second big hit game”). However, in “Example 2”, “probability chance mode entry effect” is executed as a jackpot game effect accompanying “second second jackpot game”, and “ST = 1” to “ST” in the “following ST period”. The “probability chance mode entry effect” is executed during the period until ST = 4. In other words, if the 2R probability variation big hit is won during the “previous ST period” when the “probability chance mode entry effect” is executed, the “probability chance mode entry effect” will be given as the big hit game effect associated with the “second second big hit game”. "And the" next ST period "is started, the" probability change chance mode entry effect "is continuously executed. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit”.

  25 to 27 show a specific example of Case 2 (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 3”). In this specific example 3, a case where “2R probability variation big hit” occurs when “ST = 40” is illustrated (c3 to c6 in FIG. 25). Even in this case, since it is determined that the 2R probability variation big hit is generated at the start of the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” (the 40th symbol variation effect during the ST period), the game of “ST = 40” The production is executed in a special manner.

  In this specific example 3, the “super reach effect” is executed by the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” and the jackpot game effect executed subsequently. Here, this “super reach production” constitutes a specific example of the second big hit non-notification production display. Further, in this embodiment, the execution time of the symbol variation effect performed when the 2R probability variation big hit occurs in the period of “ST = 5” to “ST = 40” is set to “20 seconds” (FIG. 25). c3, c4, c5, c6, c7 in FIG. 24). In this symbol variation effect, the background image in the background display region 27c when “ST = 40” (the image in which the ally character is lined up with the wife and the child) and the pseudo symbol display region 27b are displayed on the display screen 27a while being simulated. Symbol variation display is executed (c3, c4, c5, c6 in FIG. 25, c7 in FIG. 26).

  In this symbol variation effect, reach display is performed in the middle (c6 in FIG. 53), but finally “disconnected symbol” is displayed (c7 in FIG. 26). However, after the three-digit pseudo-design is removed and stopped and displayed, the effect of re-variation of the pseudo-design (hereinafter referred to as “re-variation effect”) is executed (c8 to c11 in FIG. 26). The re-variation effect of the present embodiment is to stop the middle symbol after changing the remaining one pseudo symbol (medium symbol) while maintaining the reach display state by stopping the left and right pseudo symbols. It is a production to make.

  This re-variation effect is started without performing a fanfare effect (FIG. 26c8). Then, after the start of the re-variation effect, when the “fanfare effect equivalent period”, that is, “4 seconds since the occurrence of the 2R probability variation big hit (the end of the symbol variation game related to the 2R probability variation big hit)” has elapsed, the second round game is started. The second jackpot game is executed.

  In the second big hit game, the second round game is repeated twice with a predetermined interval time (about 2 seconds of standby time), and when the second second round game ends, the second big hit game ends. . Further, this re-variation effect is continued even during execution of the second big hit game, and is also executed for “about 4 seconds” after the end of the second round game of the second time. In other words, even if the second big hit game ends, the “revariation effect” is continued without performing the ending effect, and when the “ending effect equivalent period” at the end of the second big hit game ends, “Direction” ends. If the game mode when the 2R probability variable big hit occurs is the “open extension mode”, the game mode after the end of the second big hit game becomes the “high probability shortening variation mode”. If the game mode at the time of occurrence of the 2R probability variable big hit is not the “open extension mode”, the game mode after the end of the second big hit game becomes the “high probability normal fluctuation mode”.

  Then, when the “revariation effect” is ended in accordance with the end of the second big hit game, the off symbol (pseudo symbol) is displayed on the display screen 27a (c11 in FIG. 26). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 27, the ST period starts from the beginning (c12). From “ST = 1” to “ST = 40”, “ST” is used as the background image of the symbol variation effect. = 40 "is used (c13 to c17) as a background image (an image in which a friend character is lined up with a wife and a child) when the symbol variation effect (40th symbol variation effect during the ST period) is performed. Even in this case, the first auxiliary symbol display area A and the second auxiliary symbol display area B are displayed on the display screen 27a until “ST = 4”. During this time, a three-digit pseudo symbol is displayed on the display screen 27a. Is not displayed (c13, c14). Further, “display indicating that the ST period is just before the start” is not made on the display screen 27a (c13 to c15). For this reason, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize that the “2R probability variation big hit” has occurred during the ST period, and that the ST period has been started again from the beginning.

  Further, when “ST = 5”, as in the first specific example, the pseudo symbol display area 27 b appears on the display screen 27 a and the pseudo symbol variation display is started, but the symbol variation effect of “ST = 5” is displayed. At the start, the “ST upper limit number” is not displayed on the display screen 27a (c15 to c17). When “ST = 40” is exceeded, the background image (such as an image showing the age of the ally character and wife) that is originally planned to be used when “ST = 40” is exceeded is displayed on the display screen 27a (c18). ). In addition, as shown in FIG. 28, when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs before “ST = 5” (f1, f2), the symbol variation effect and the big hit game effect are described as “ST = 40 ”is performed using a background image (an image in which a friend character is lined up with a wife and a child) when“ 2R probability variation big hit ”occurs (f3, f4). In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, in the symbol variation effect of “ST = 1” to “ST = 40” in the ST period started thereafter, the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” described above is used as the background image. A background image (an image in which a friend character is lined up with a wife and a child) at the time of (the 40th symbol variation effect during the ST period) is used (f6 to f10).

  In “Specific Example 3”, the “super reach effect” is executed by the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” (the 40th symbol variation effect during the ST period) and the subsequent big hit game effect. Is done. In other words, in the “specific example 3”, the cumulative number of symbol variable games executed after the start of the ST period exceeds the “second number (four times in this example)” and the “first number (this example) If “2R probable big hit” occurs until “the time is 40”), a game effect (a symbol variation effect that increases the player's attention) is performed so that the player's line of sight concentrates on the display screen 27a. That is, in the second big hit game, the opening / closing operation of opening the grand prize winning opening 31a in an instant is repeated twice. During this opening / closing operation, the player's gaze is concentrated on the display screen 27a. Can be made. In addition, after the second big hit game is executed, there is no display suggesting the start of the “ST period” or “ST upper limit number of times”, so the player recognizes “occurrence of 2R probability variable big hit” Difficult to do.

  30 to 32 show a specific example of the case 3 (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 4”). In this specific example 4, the case where “2R probability variation big hit” occurs when “ST = 70” is illustrated (e3 to c5 in FIG. 30, e6 to e10 in FIG. 31). In this case, since it is determined that the 2R probability variation big hit is generated at the time of starting the symbol variation effect of “ST = 70” (70th symbol variation effect during the ST period), the game effect of “ST = 70” Is implemented in a special manner.

  In the fourth specific example, the “rewind effect” is executed by the symbol variation effect of “ST = 70” and the jackpot game effect executed subsequently thereto. Here, the “rewind effect” constitutes a specific example of the second jackpot notification effect display (effect display indicating that the high-probability game is performed from the beginning). The content of the effect display performed can be exemplified by displaying the content while rewinding to the content at the start of the ST period or to the content of “a predetermined time between the current time and the start of the ST period”. Further, in this embodiment, the execution time of the symbol variation effect performed when the 2R probability variation big hit occurs in the period from “ST = 41” to “ST = 78” is set to “60 seconds” (FIG. 30). e3 to c5, e6 to e10 in FIG. 31). In the symbol variation effect and the jackpot game effect executed subsequently thereto, the contents of the symbol variation effect performed between “ST = 1” to “ST = 69” in the ST period currently being executed are “ Rewind display is performed in the order of “ST = 69” to “ST = 1”. In the fourth specific example, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the display is made such that the “friendly character” who was an elderly person returns to the baby (display that the friendly character rejuvenates).

  As shown in FIG. 32, in the big hit game effect of the second big hit game related to the 2R probability variable big hit that occurred when “ST = 70”, the end of the above-mentioned “rewind effect” until the second big hit game ends. Is performed (e11, e12 in FIG. 32). In the final stage of the rewind effect, the “probability change chance mode entry effect” performed in “ST = 1” to “ST = 4” is displayed in a rewind order in the order of “ST = 4” to “ST = 1”. In the second big hit game, as described above, the second round game is repeated twice with a predetermined interval time (about 2 seconds of standby time) interposed therebetween. When the “ending effect equivalent period” at the end of the second big hit game has elapsed, the symbol variation effect can be started. After the end of the second big hit game, the game mode becomes the “high probability shortened variation mode” or the “high probability normal variation mode” as in the above-described specific example 3, etc., but “ST = 1” to “ST = Until "4", the above-described "probability chance mode entry effect" is executed (e13). When “ST = 5”, the pseudo-symbol display area 27 b is displayed on the display screen 27 a and the “ST upper limit count” is displayed (70 times display). Thereafter, the background display area 27 c of the display screen 27 a is displayed. A production including a series of stories is executed at (e15). When it is decided to generate a 2R probability variation jackpot at the time of starting the symbol variation effect of “ST = 75” to “ST = 78” (the 75th to 78th symbol variation effect during the ST period). The game mode after the end of the second big hit game is the “high probability normal variation mode”.

  In “Specific Example 4”, when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs at the end of the ST period, a rewind effect (rewind display) is executed on the display screen 27a. In addition, after the second big hit game is executed, a display suggesting the start of the “ST period” and a display of the “ST upper limit number of times” are performed. Therefore, for the player, “occurrence of 2R probability variable big hit” and “ST period” It becomes easy to recognize the redo.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 may include an effect pattern dedicated to the rewind effect and moving image data dedicated to the rewind effect. For example, the moving image data dedicated to the rewind effect corresponding to each of “ST = 41” to “ST = 78” is stored in advance in the image ROM constituting the gaming machine 1. If “2R probability variation big hit” occurs in any of “ST = 41” to “ST = 78”, the moving image data dedicated to the rewind effect corresponding to the “ST number” at that time is obtained. It is good also as reproducing | regenerating and performing a rewind effect by this. For example, as image data corresponding to the case where the number of STs is 70 (ST = 70), an ally character who was an elderly person takes a time (60 seconds) required for the design variation effect and the subsequent second big hit game. It is possible to exemplify image data for performing display to return to the baby by spending time (about 4.5 seconds) required until the symbol variation effect can be resumed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 has an “effect pattern storage means for storing an effect pattern of a symbol variation effect executed during the ST period” and an effect pattern of a rewind effect based on the effect pattern stored in the effect pattern storage means. And a “rewind effect executing means for executing the rewind effect using the effect pattern generated by the rewind effect pattern generating means”. In this aspect, since there is no need for an effect pattern dedicated to the rewind effect or video data dedicated to the rewind effect, the capacity (data amount) of the program constituting the effect display execution means can be reduced, or the program can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the hardware resources constituting the gaming machine.

  Note that the “effect display indicating that a high-probability game is to be played from the beginning” is not limited to the “rewind effect” in the specific example 4, and the player is informed that the high-probability game is to be played from the beginning. The type of display is not particularly limited as long as it can be shown. For example, it suggests the number of symbol variation games that have been executed without causing a big hit after the start of the ST period, or the number of symbol variation games that can be executed without causing a big hit in the currently running ST period (the remaining ST number). When the display to be performed is performed, it may be an effect display (ST number revival effect) in which the number of times is counted down or counted up and returned to or close to the initial value.

(5) Command transmission The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment performs various controls in order to realize the above-described “symbol changing game” and the like. When executing this control, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). Next, how the command is transmitted will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. Of these, one bit is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining eight bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

  Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. That is, there are (A) a variation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern, and a variation pattern for normal variation (described later) and a variation pattern for shortened variation (described later) according to the variation pattern table used at the time of starting winning. ) Is specified. The variation pattern designation command is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol. The mode designation command is a command for designating a game mode set by “main control unit 200A (main control board 200) as game mode setting means”.

(6) Overview of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball payout process (S80), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric game game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S600), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 of FIG. 34 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. That is, the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 34 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec. In each process constituting the game control process, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S80). That is, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered by detecting the states of the start opening winning detection switches 17s and 17t, the big winning opening winning detection switch 31s and the general winning detection switches 40s, 41s and 43s. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start opening winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is designated and a payout signal is output. To do.

  When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (a front payout switch 109a and a rear payout switch 109b) for detecting a payout game ball. While detecting each one, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
In the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal symbol display unit 63 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 16. Then, when the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 24, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Furthermore, if the CPU 201 determines that the stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) of the stop symbol has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 24, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether the symbol is a symbol (a normal symbol hit symbol) or a symbol that is not activated (a symbol that is out of the normal symbol).

  If the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the normal electric accessory 17d (a normal symbol hit symbol), whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is operating (that is, the open extension means is operating). If the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is set to "opening time when the opening extension function is activated (for example, the above-mentioned 5 seconds)" The normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.2 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Note that the CPU 201 does not operate the normal electric accessory 17d, does not execute the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 63, and does not execute the normal symbol stop display, and further relates to the normal symbol. When it is determined that the number of holds is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. Further, the number of holdings for the normal symbol is “+1” when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holdings for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment). It is set to “−1” every time the symbol variation display is started.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric accessory game process. When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is operating (whether or not the second start winning device 17b is in an open state). If it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (predetermined to maintain the second start winning device 17b in the open state). It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (5 seconds in the open extension mode and 0.2 seconds in the normal release mode) (S202). If it is determined that the operating time (opening time) has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to place the second start winning device 17b in the open state closed ( S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

  However, when the CPU 201 releases the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning device 17b) (S202; NO), a prescribed number (for example, eight) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b. If it is determined (S204; YES), even if the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated. . In the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven during the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d, the pair of wing pieces of the second start winning portion 17b constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d is outward. Rotating, the second start winning device 17b is opened.

D. Special design game processing (S300)
Next, the outline of the special symbol game process will be described with reference to FIGS. When the special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 36, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b (S302a, S302b). ). Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S302a and the processing of S302b (S302a; NO, S302b; NO), the processing directly proceeds to the processing after S308 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has won the first start winning device 17a (S302a; YES), the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the first starting winning device 17a (hereinafter, “first reserved number”). Is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4) or not (S304a). In the process of S304a, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304a; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to winning in the first start winning device 17a is acquired, and this determination random number is the main. It is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the control board 200 and the “first hold number” is incremented by “+1” (S306a).

  Here, the gaming machine 1 includes a first start winning device 17a and a second start winning device 17b as start winning devices, and a first special symbol corresponding to the first start winning device 17a (hereinafter referred to as "Special Figure 1"). And a second special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as “special figure 2”) corresponding to the second start winning device 17b. Then, in the situation where the determination random number based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the determination random number based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b are stored, the latter is preferentially processed. (To be described later).

  36 to 42, among the processes performed by the CPU 201, “each process executed due to a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17 a (hereinafter referred to as a process related to FIG. 1). And the same number of steps (arithmetic) with respect to the same processing among the respective processing (hereinafter referred to as processing related to Special Figure 2) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. Since the processing with the same number of steps is basically the same processing, in the following description, “processing for special figure 1” and “processing for special figure 2”. May be described and the description of the other may be omitted. In addition, “process for special figure 1” is distinguished by adding “a” in alphabet to “number of steps”, and “process for special figure 2” by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”. There is.

  The determination random number acquired in the process of S306a includes (a) a first win determination, that is, a jackpot lottery executed (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1”) due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a. Random numbers for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 Big Win lottery random numbers”), (b) Random numbers for determination for determining symbols to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display section 62a (Hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 Symbol Determination Random Number”), (c) Reach Random Number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the fluctuating display of pseudo symbols executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. ,and so on. Unlike this embodiment, when a small lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 small lottery”) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, it is acquired in the process of S306a. The determination random numbers (lottery random numbers) include lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 small lottery random numbers”) used in the “special figure one small lottery”.

  If it is determined that the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; YES), “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17d (hereinafter referred to as“ second held number ”). .) ”Is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4) or not (S304b). In the process of S304b, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304b; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to the second start winning device 17b is acquired, and this determination random number is used as the main control board 200. Is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the "second hold number" and "+1" is set (S306b). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps.

  The random numbers for determination acquired in the process of S306b include (a) a second winning / failing determination, that is, a jackpot lottery executed based on winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 2”). Lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big hit lottery random numbers”), (b) determination random numbers for determining symbols to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display section 62b (Hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 symbol determination random number”), (c) reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variable display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. ,and so on. Unlike the present embodiment, when a small lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 2 small lottery”) due to the winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b is obtained in the process of S306b. The determination random numbers (lottery random numbers) include lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 2 small lottery random numbers”) used in the “special drawing 2 small lottery”.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 37, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S356 in FIG. 38) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S308. The big hit game flag is a flag indicating that the “big hit game execution means” is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the big hit game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating, that is, one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is fluctuating. It is determined whether or not (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314a, S314b). In the present embodiment, the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol is 0.6 seconds.

  The “condition for starting the variable symbol display of the special symbol” is that either the “first hold number” or the “second hold number” is not “zero”. Then, the CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not the “second hold number” is “zero” (S314b). That is, when the “second hold number” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number is read from the predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316b), and the determination process (second determination process) regarding the second special symbol is performed (S320b). ). The determination random numbers read in S316b are those acquired in S304b, and include special figure 2 big hit lottery random numbers, special figure 2 symbol determination random numbers, and reach random numbers.

  In the second success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 39, first, it is determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability mode (S322), and when it is a high probability mode (S322). YES), a determination is made using “high probability data table” and “special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read in the process of S316b” (S324), and the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode When it is (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), the determination of success / failure is performed using the “low probability data table” and “the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read out in the process of S316b” (S326). In the high probability mode, the fluctuation shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal is activated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning device 17b (ordinary electric accessory) is activated. There are cases where the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function are not activated (described later).

  When the result of the success / failure determination performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a big hit (S330; YES), after setting the big hit flag (set to ON) (S332), the second success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to a variation start process related to the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 2 symbol variation start process”) (S500b in FIG. 37). Further, when the result of the determination is not good (S330; NO), after setting the “off flag”, that is, the “flag indicating that no big hit has occurred” (set to ON) (S339), 2 The winning / no-go determining process (S320b) is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special figure 2 symbol variation starting process (S500b). In addition, the determination process (S320a; first determination process) regarding the first special symbol reads the oldest determination random number (the special figure 1 big hit lottery random number acquired in S306a) from the predetermined address of the RAM 202 (S316a), The same operation is performed according to FIG. The determination random numbers read in S316a are those acquired in S304a, and include special figure 1 big hit lottery random numbers, special figure 1 symbol determination random numbers, and reach random numbers.

  In the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), as shown in FIG. 40, first, a process (S510, S540) for setting a variation pattern is performed based on the result of the second success / failure determination process (S320b). That is, in the process of S502, if it is determined that the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320b) is “big hit” (S502; YES), the process proceeds to S510 to perform the big hit fluctuation setting process. If it is determined that the result of the hit / no-go determination process (S320b) is “displacement” (S502; NO), the process proceeds to S540 to perform a variation setting process during disconnection.

  In the following description, the “probability change flag” is a flag for setting the gaming mode (gaming state) to the high probability mode. When this flag is ON, the gaming mode (gaming state) is the high probability mode. That is, it indicates that the mode is a mode in which the high-probability game executing means (probability changing means) operates. The “variation shortening flag” is a flag for setting the game mode (gaming state) to the variation shortening mode (a mode in which the execution time of the symbol variation display is likely to be shortened). When this flag is ON In addition, the game mode (game state) is a variation shortening mode. The “open extension flag” is a flag for setting the game mode (gaming state) to the open extension mode (a mode for extending the opening time of the variable start winning device). When this flag is ON, This indicates that the game mode (game state) is the open extension mode. Further, in this embodiment, the “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” indicates a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation. And in the game mode in which the opening extension means operates, that is, the “high probability opening extension mode (high probability shortening variation mode)” and “normal probability opening extension mode (normal probability shortening variation mode)”, the variation time shortening function (time shortening function) ) Is activated. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” can be read as “open extension mode”.

  In the deviation variation setting process (S540), as shown in FIG. 42, first, a variation pattern table is distributed according to the game mode (game state) at the time of the variation start. That is, when the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are set (set to ON) (S544; YES, S546; YES), that is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “high probability shortening variation mode”. 45, the fluctuation pattern table in the column of “High probability / shortening (out of probability change)” is set (S548).

  Further, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) and the variation shortening flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S544; YES, S546; NO), that is, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is “high probability normal” In the case of “variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column of “high probability / normal (out of latency)” in FIG. 45 is set (S550).

  Further, when the probability variation flag is released (set to OFF) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S544; NO, S552; YES), that is, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is “low probability shortening”. In the case of “motion mode”, the variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / shortening (out of time)” in FIG. 45 is set (S554).

  Further, when the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are released (set to OFF) (S544; NO, S552; NO), that is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “low probability normal variation mode” Based on the reach random number included in the determination random number read in the process of S316b (see FIG. 37), it is determined whether or not the reach effect is executed. When the reach effect is not performed, a variation pattern table corresponding to a portion indicated as “no reach effect” in the column indicated as “low probability / normal (out of normal time)” in FIG. 45 is set. When the reach effect is performed (S556), the variation pattern table corresponding to the portion of the same column in FIG. 45 that is described as “with reach effect” is set (S556).

  Here, in the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the variation pattern is set in association with “the value of the variation pattern determination random number”. For convenience of explanation, FIGS. 43 to 45 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 types). , 50 types, 100 types). However, as shown in FIG. 45, out of the variation pattern tables for detachment, those used in the high probability shortening variation mode, those used in the high probability normal variation mode, and those used in the low probability shortening variation mode. Is stored with only one variation pattern (patterns P, S, T). That is, regardless of the number of values of the variation pattern determining random number, in the high probability shortening variation mode or the low probability shortening variation mode, the variation patterns P and T for specifying “the variation time of 1 second” are set, and the high probability normal In the variation mode, a variation pattern S that specifies “a variation time of 2 seconds” is set. In addition, as will be described later, only one variation pattern is stored in the variation pattern table for 2R big hit used at the time of probability change (described later).

  In addition, the variation time specified by the variation pattern based on the variation pattern table used in the shortened variation mode may be shorter than the variation time identified by the variation pattern based on the variation pattern table used in the normal variation mode. high. In the present embodiment, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the result of the determination is “out” and the game mode is the “low probability normal variation mode” is the number of reservations related to the special symbol. The length is determined in consideration of the presence or absence of reach display. That is, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined not to be performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. Shortened. Also, usually, when the number of reserved special symbols is small (for example, “zero” or “1”), a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected, and when the number of retained symbols is large (for example, “ In the case of “2” to “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time is selected. Note that each variation pattern table described in the present embodiment is preset in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  Returning to FIG. 42, further description will be made. In the variation setting process (S540), the variation pattern determination random number is acquired after the variation pattern table is set (S560). Then, a variation pattern is set (determined) using the variation pattern table set in S548, S550, S554, or S556 and the random value acquired in S560 (S584). After the process of S584, the CPU 201 obtains the symbol determination random number (S586), and when the process of setting the stop symbol is performed (S588), the process proceeds to S590 of FIG. Here, in the special symbol 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), the “exclusion symbol” to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b in the process of S588 is determined, and the special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a). In step S588, the “exclusion symbol” to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a is determined. The symbol determination random number may be generated at the time of executing the process of S586, or may be generated in the process of S306b or S306a (see FIG. 36).

  On the other hand, in the big hit fluctuation setting process (S510), as shown in FIG. 41, first, the special figure 2 designating random number acquired in the process of S306b (see FIG. 36) is read (S512), and the read random number is read out. The symbol (big hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b is set (determined) by performing the used lottery (the symbol determination lottery per special symbol 2) (S514). Then, processing for setting (determining) a variation pattern by random number lottery is performed using a variation pattern table selected in consideration of the aspect of the jackpot symbol determined in the processing of S514. In the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the special figure 1 random number obtained in the process of S306a (see FIG. 36) is read (S512), and the lottery (special figure) using the read random number is read. A symbol (big hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display section 62a is set (determined) by performing a symbol per symbol determination lottery) (S514). Then, processing for setting (determining) a variation pattern by random lottery is performed using a variation pattern table selected in consideration of the determined big hit symbol pattern and the like.

  In the big hit hour fluctuation setting process (S510), if it is determined that the big hit to be generated is "15R probability variable big hit" or "15R normal big hit" based on the processing of S512 and S514 (S516; NO), After setting the one corresponding to the game mode (game state) at the time of occurrence of the big hit (S534), the process proceeds to S536.

  Here, the process of S534 is performed as follows. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “high probability shortening variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column “high probability / shortening (15R big hit at probability variation)” in FIG. 43 is set. Further, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “high probability normal variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column “high probability / normal (latency 15R big hit)” in FIG. 43 is set. Furthermore, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “low probability normal variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column “low probability / normal (normal 15R big hit)” in FIG. 43 is set. When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is “low probability shortening variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column “low probability / shortening (short time 15R big hit)” in FIG. 43 is set.

  In the big hit hour fluctuation setting process (S510), if it is determined that the big hit to be generated is “2R probability variable big hit” based on the processing of S512 and S514 (S516; YES), then the “probability change flag” is set. It is determined whether or not it is set (set to ON) (S520), and when it is released (set to OFF) (S520; NO), the "variation pattern table for 2R big hit during normal time" After setting the game state corresponding to the game state at the time of occurrence of the big hit (S522), the process proceeds to S536.

  Here, the process of S522 is performed as follows. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “low probability normal variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / normal” in FIG. When the gaming state is “low probability shortening variation mode”, the variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / shortening” in FIG. 44A is set.

  When it is determined in S516 that the “probability change flag” is set (set to ON) (S520; YES), that is, when it is determined to generate “2R probability change big hit” during the ST period. Then, processing for setting a variation pattern table according to the value of the probability variation counter at that time is performed (S526, S530, S552). Here, the probability variation counter is the cumulative number of times the symbol variable game is executed without generating a big hit after the big hit probability becomes high (after entering the high probability mode), that is, “during ST period” The cumulative number of symbol-variable games performed in the above is shown, and is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In this embodiment, when the first big hit game triggered by the 15R probability variable big hit is terminated or the second big hit game triggered by the 2R probability variable big hit is finished, the upper limit number “78” is set in the probability varied counter. . Each time the symbol variation game is executed, the value of the probability variation counter is “−1”. When the value becomes “zero”, the next symbol variation game is executed in the low probability state (low probability mode). Further, in this embodiment, when the ST count (accumulated execution count of the symbol variation game during the ST period) is “+1”, the value of the probability variation counter is “−1”, and “ST = 1”. “Probability variation counter = 78”, and “ST = 78”, “Probability variation counter = 1”.

  If it is determined in the processing of S520 that the “probability change flag” is set (set to ON) (S520; YES), it is determined whether or not the value of the probability change counter is “75 to 78” (S524). . That is, it is determined whether or not “2R probability variation big hit” has occurred between “ST = 1” and “ST = 4” (S524), and if a positive determination is made (S524; YES), After the “variation pattern table for the first certain variation” shown in FIG. 44B is set (S526), the process proceeds to S536 and S538. Here, only one variation pattern (variation pattern A) is stored in the “variation pattern table for first probability variation”. Therefore, regardless of the number of variation pattern determination random numbers acquired in the processing of S536, the variation pattern A that specifies “the variation time of 1 second” is set in the processing of S538.

  If a negative determination is made in the processing of S524 (S524; NO), it is determined whether or not the value of the probability variation counter is “39 to 74” (S528). That is, it is determined whether or not “2R probability variation big hit” has occurred between “ST = 5” and “ST = 40” (S528), and when a positive determination is made (S524; NO, S528). YES), after setting the “variation pattern table for second probability variation” shown in FIG. 44B (S530), the process proceeds to S536 and S538. Here, only one variation pattern (variation pattern B) is stored in the “variation pattern table for second probability variation”. Therefore, regardless of the number of fluctuation pattern determination random numbers acquired in the process of S536, the fluctuation pattern B that specifies “a fluctuation time of 20 seconds” is set in the process of S538.

  When a negative determination is made in the process of S528 (S524; NO, S528; NO), the value of the probability variation counter is “1 to 38”. That is, “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 41” and “ST = 78”, and in this case, “a variation pattern table for the third probability variation” shown in FIG. Is set (S532), the process proceeds to S536 and S538. Here, only one variation pattern (variation pattern C) is stored in the “variation pattern table for the third probability variation”. Therefore, no matter how many values of the variation pattern determination random number acquired in the process of S536, the process of S538 sets the variation pattern C that specifies “60 seconds of variation time”.

  When any variation pattern table is set as described above, a variation pattern determination random number is acquired (S536). Then, after setting (determining) the variation pattern using the variation pattern table set by the processing of S522, S526, S530, S532, or S534 and the random value acquired by the processing of S536 (S538), S590 of FIG. Move on to processing.

  Returning to FIG. 40, further explanation will be made. After the processing of S510 or S540, the CPU 201 starts the variable display of the second special symbol (special symbol 2) on the second special symbol display unit 62b (S590), and the sub control A predetermined command (symbol variation start command) indicating the start of symbol variation is transmitted toward unit 200A (sub control board 220) (S592). That is, the CPU 201 transmits a “variation pattern designation command”, a “special symbol stop information designation command” and the like related to the second special symbol to the sub-control board 220. Then, the symbol variation start process (S500b) is terminated, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Here, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 receives each designation signal immediately and receives the designation signal. Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not the reach effect is performed and whether or not the symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol). If the variation pattern is known, the time for the special symbol to be variably displayed can be determined. In addition, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, it can be known whether the special symbol stops at the big hit symbol or the off symbol, and when it stops at the big hit symbol, it is known which of the big hit symbol is. it can. That is, in the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), the type of jackpot shown in FIG. 12 can be known, and in the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a) described later, the type of jackpot shown in FIG. 11 is known. be able to.

  The CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines an effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on these pieces of information, and then outputs a pseudo-design display control signal to the effect display control board 222. Performs symbol change display and stop display. Further, based on the variation time (variation pattern designation command) of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. Then, the sub-control board 220 controls the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined contents.

  Returning to FIG. 37, when “the number of holdings related to the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b; YES), and “the number of holdings related to the first special symbol” is not “zero” (S314a; NO), The oldest determination random number is read from a predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316a), and a first success / failure determination process is performed (S320a). Then, after performing the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the first success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is also performed according to FIG. 37 as in S320b, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a) performed as the process of S500a is also performed as the process of S500b. Similar to the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), the process is performed according to FIG. That is, in the first success / failure determination process of S320a, the first success / failure determination is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 39, and in the special figure 1 symbol variation start process of S500a, based on the result of the first success / failure determination process (S320a), After performing the process of setting the variation pattern, the process of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a (S510, S540), the processes of S590 and S592 are executed.

  Next, when it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S310; YES) in S310 of the special symbol game processing (S300) (see FIG. 37), the special symbol game processing (S300) is already special. The symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are determined, and the special symbol variation is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether the predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the fluctuating first special symbol or second special symbol is stopped (S344), the stopped symbol is displayed, and the symbol is also displayed. A stop command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346). The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

  If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the stop display time of the special symbol has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode indicating a big hit (big hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 38).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the processing of S352 of FIG. 38, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of the “big hit game” described later. (Memorize) (S354). Specifically, “type of big hit” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). Further, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354. Here, the “gaming state flag” is a flag indicating “the gaming state of the gaming machine 1”, that is, “probability change flag”, “fluctuation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, and the like. In the process of S354, Data indicating whether these flags are set to “ON” or “OFF”, that is, data indicating the current gaming state (gaming mode) is set. Further, the “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in a high probability mode (mode in which the probability changing means operates), and the “change shortening flag” is a game of the gaming machine 1. It is a flag indicating that the mode (game state) is in a variation shortening mode (a mode in which the execution time of symbol variation display is likely to be shortened). Further, the “open extension flag” increases the release time of the “variable start winning device” such as the second start winning device 17b of the present embodiment when the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is the open extended mode (the second start winning device 17b of this embodiment). (Mode).

  Subsequent to the process of S354, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed (S356). By setting the “big hit game flag”, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. The main control unit 200A transmits a “hit game start designation command (indicated as start C in the drawing) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the“ hit game flag ”is set.

  Further, following the processing of S356, processing for setting the execution pattern of the jackpot game is performed according to the mode of the jackpot that has occurred (S358). That is, when “15R normal big hit” or “15R probability big hit” occurs, the execution pattern for executing the first big hit game is set, and when “2R positive big hit” occurs, the second big hit An execution pattern for executing a game is set.

  Subsequent to the process of S358, the process proceeds to the process after S360. Here, when the “big hit game flag” is set (set to ON) in the process of S356, the big hit game execution means starts operating and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. In this gaming machine 1, while the “big hit game flag” is ON (while the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time reduction function, and the open extension function are not activated. For this reason, after performing a series of processes after S360 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated.

  That is, in the process of S360, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S360). If it is not set (S360; NO), the process proceeds to S364 as it is and is set. If yes (S360; YES), after canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF) (S362), the process proceeds to S364. Then, in the process of S364, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S344; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, in the process of S364, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S364; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S366, S368), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 34, a jackpot game process (FIG. 46) described later is started and a jackpot game is executed.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 38 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “disconnected symbol” (S352; NO), the probability variation flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not there is (S370). If the probability variation flag is released (set to OFF) (S370; NO), the process proceeds to S398.

  On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S370; YES), that is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “high probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability normal variation mode” (high In the case of the probability mode), after the value of the probability variation counter is set to “−1” (S372), it is determined whether or not the value of the probability variation counter is “zero” (S374). If it is not “zero” (S374; NO), the process proceeds to S398.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the probability variation counter has become “zero” in the processing of S374 (S374; YES), the processing of canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF) (S376) and the current After performing a process (S378) of transmitting a mode designation command (game state designation command) indicating a game mode to the sub-control board 220, the process proceeds to S398. Here, as described above, when the symbol variation game of “ST = 74” (the 74th symbol variation game during the ST period) is completed, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “high probability normal variation mode”. Therefore, when the value of the probability variation counter is 4 or less, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “high probability normal variation mode”. Accordingly, when it is determined in the process of S374 that the value of the probability variation counter has become “zero” (S374; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from “high probability normal variation mode” to “low probability normal variation”. In order to switch to “mode”, in the process of S378, a “mode designation command” indicating that the game mode is the “low probability normal variation mode” is transmitted to the sub control board 220.

   In the process of S398, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S398; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), that is, when the game mode at the time of the occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode”. After the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S404). If it is not "zero" (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited as it is and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit number of variations of the special symbol executed while shortening the variation, and when the value becomes “zero”, the shortening variation is not performed in the next variation of the special symbol. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” in the process of S404 (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening fluctuation mode to the low probability normal fluctuation. The mode is switched or the high probability shortening variation mode is switched to the high probability normal variation mode. That is, in the low probability shortening variation mode after the end of the first big hit game triggered by the occurrence of “15R normal big hit”, when the value of the variation shortening counter becomes “zero”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is low probability. Switch from the shortened variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. In addition, the high probability shortening fluctuation mode after the first big hit game is over triggered by the occurrence of “15R probable big hit”, and the high after the second big hit game is over triggered by the occurrence of “2R probable big hit” In the probability shortening variation mode, when the value of the variation shortening counter becomes “zero”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is switched from the high probability shortening variation mode to the high probability normal variation mode.

  If it is determined in the process 404 that the value of the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the process of releasing the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410), and the opening extension flag After performing the process (S416) for canceling (setting to OFF) and the process for transmitting the mode designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S430), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” for designating the low probability normal variation mode or the high probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

E. Big hit game processing (S600)
When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 34, when it is determined that the “hit game flag” is set in the jackpot game process (S600) shown in FIG. 46 (S602; YES), processing related to the execution of the jackpot game is performed. With this process, the gaming machine 1 realizes a “first big hit game” or a “second big hit game”. Note that the jackpot game process (S600) constitutes a specific example of a process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 as the “hit game execution means”.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When each big hit round is started, as described above, the opening operation of the big prize opening 31a scheduled in each big hit round is completed, or the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 31a is the prescribed number of winning prizes. When the number is (10), the end condition of the “big hit round” is satisfied. Thereafter, after a predetermined waiting time (for example, 2 seconds), if the “big hit game end condition” is not satisfied, the next “big hit round” is started. Then, when this “big hit round” is repeated a predetermined number of times (2 times or 15 times), the big hit game ends. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 to 47.

  When the big hit game is started (S602; YES), it is first determined whether or not the “big hit round” is being executed (S604). Here, the big winning opening 31a is kept closed in the “normal game state that is not the big hit game state (symbol changing game state)”, and the “big hit round” is still executed immediately after the big hit game is started. Not. Therefore, immediately after the start of the big hit game, it is determined that the “big hit round” is not being executed (S604; NO), and subsequently, it is determined whether or not the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, it is determined whether or not “the number of executions of the big hit round” has reached the set number of times of the corresponding big hit game (S612).

  However, since the big hit game end condition is not satisfied immediately after the big hit game is started, a negative determination is inevitably made in the process of S612 (S612; NO). For this reason, it shifts to the process of S614 and it is judged whether standby time passed (S614). Here, the “standby time” is the time during which the prize winning opening 31a is kept closed and the “interval effect” is executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, that is, the “interval time”. In the embodiment, it is set to 2 seconds. However, immediately after the big hit game is started, the big hit round is not executed, so it is inevitably determined that the waiting time has elapsed (S614; YES), and the big hit round is started. After that (S616), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 46 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. The main control unit 200A transmits a “round start designation command (denoted as R start C in the drawing)” toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing of starting the “big hit round (round game)”.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, after performing a series of various processes shown in FIG. 34, the big hit game process (S600) is started again. At this time, 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. 34 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 46 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S604, it is determined whether or not the “opening operation in the big hit round” has been completed (S606). That is, when the first big hit game is being executed, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the big win 31a has reached 30 seconds, and when the second big hit game is being executed, the big win port is determined. It is determined whether or not the opening time of 31a has reached 0.2 seconds. Then, if a positive determination is made in the process of S606, after the big hit round is finished (S610), the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 46 is exited, and the game control process of FIG. 34 is resumed. . On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S606 (S606; NO), it is determined whether or not the game balls won in the special winning opening 31a have reached the prescribed number of winnings (S608).

  When the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number of winnings (S608; YES), after the big hit round is finished (S610), the big hit game processing (S600) shown in FIG. Return to the game control process. In other words, when the number of winning game balls reaches the prescribed number of winnings, the big winning opening 31a that is to be opened and closed in the round game is closed without waiting for the completion of the opening operation scheduled in the big hit round. The main control unit 200A transmits a “round end designation command (denoted as R end C in the drawing) to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing of ending the“ big hit round ”, that is,“ round game ”.

  On the other hand, when the opening operation scheduled in the big hit round is not completed (S606; NO), and the winning number has not reached the prescribed winning number (S608; NO), the big hit round is continued. After exiting the big hit game process of FIG. 46, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “big hit gaming state” (S602; YES), a positive determination is made in the processing of S606 while the game control processing of FIG. 34 is repeatedly executed. Alternatively, a positive determination is made in the processing of S608. Thus, one big hit round is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit game state”, the big hit game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined that the “big hit round” is not being executed in S604 (S604; NO). It is determined whether or not the “big hit game” end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, it is determined whether or not the “big hit number of rounds” executed during the big hit game has reached the round number (2 or 15) set as the final round by the processing of S370 described above. If the number of executed “big hit rounds” (number of rounds) has not reached the number of rounds of the final round (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the waiting time (2 seconds) has elapsed (S614; YES) ), A new jackpot round is executed (S616).

  On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), the “big hit game end process (S800)” shown below is performed, and then the big hit game is executed. The process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. When the big hit game end process (S800) is activated, as shown in FIG. 47, the CPU 201 releases (sets to OFF) the big hit game flag (see S356 in FIG. 38) (S805), By referring to the jackpot end reference buffer (see S354 in FIG. 38), information on the type of jackpot that is the premise of the current jackpot game is acquired (S810), and based on this information, the jackpot game Processing to set the game mode after the end is performed. The main control unit 200A receives a “hit game end designation command (denoted as“ end C ”in the figure)” toward the sub-control unit 220A, triggered by the processing of releasing the jackpot game flag in S805 (set to OFF). Send.

  Next, in the process of S820, when it is determined that the current big hit is the “normal big hit” (S820; NO), the process of setting “50” in the fluctuation reduction counter (S821), and the fluctuation reduction flag Is set (S832), and an opening extension flag is set (S836). Then, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game is “low probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S840), the big hit game end processing (S800) Exit.

  If the current big hit is a “probable big hit” (S820; YES), a process for setting “78” in the probability change counter (S822) and a process for setting the probability change flag (set to ON) (S824) Then, it is determined whether or not the current big hit is “2R probability variation big hit” (S826). If the current big hit is not “2R probability variable big hit” (S826; NO), the current big hit will be “15R probability variable big hit”. In this case, the process of setting “74” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S830), a process for setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S832), and a process for setting the release extension flag (S836) are performed. Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game is “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S840), the big hit game end processing (S800) Exit.

  On the other hand, if the current big hit is “2R probability variable big hit” (S826; YES), it is determined whether or not the opening extension means was operating when the big hit occurred (S828). Then, if the opening extension means is operating when the 2R probability change big hit occurs, that is, if the game mode when the 2R probability change big hit occurs is the “open extension mode” (S828; YES), the fluctuation is shortened. A process of setting “74” in the counter (S830), a process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S832), and a process of setting the release extension flag (S836) are performed. Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game is “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S840), the big hit game end processing (S800) Exit.

  On the other hand, the current big hit is “2R probability variable big hit” (S826; YES), and the open extension means is not operating when the big hit occurs, that is, the game mode when the 2R positive variable big hit occurs is “ If it is “normal release mode” (S828; NO), a mode designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 to designate that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game is “high probability normal variation mode”. After that (S840), the big hit game end processing (S800) is ended. That is, when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs in the high probability normal mode (latency probability variation state) or “2R probability variation big hit” occurs in the low probability normal mode, the “latency probability variation state” occurs after the big hit game ends. .

(7) Production control process (S900)
Next, with reference to FIG. 48, the outline of the “effect control process (S900)” performed by the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 in cooperation with the effect display control unit 222A (CPU not shown of the effect display control board 222). explain. FIG. 48 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process.

  In this effect control process (S900), when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or the reset switch is pressed, an initialization process is first performed (S960). Thereafter, until the power is turned off, main processes such as the symbol variation effect process (S1100) and the big hit game effect process (S1500) are repeatedly executed. Note that the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 35 is approximately 2 msec, and therefore these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec. Hereinafter, the sub control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the symbol variation effect process (S1100) and the jackpot game effect process (S1500) constitute specific examples of processes performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as effect display execution means.

a. Symbol variation effect processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect process (S1100), as shown in FIG. 49, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives a command at the time of symbol variation start (S1105; YES), the process proceeds to S1110 and subsequent steps. Here, the commands received in the processing of S1105 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS). For this reason, the sub-control unit 220A generates the result of the determination (S320a, S320b) executed in the main control unit 200A based on the received “variation pattern designation command” or “special symbol stop information designation command”. The type of jackpot can be determined.

  If the result of the determination is a big hit (S1110; YES), it is determined whether or not the big hit is a “2R probability variable big hit” (S1115). If it is not “2R probability variation big hit” (S1115; NO), the current big hit will be “15R accurate variation big hit” or “15R normal big hit”. In this case, the received “variation pattern designation command” And, based on the “Special symbol stop information designation command”, the “15R jackpot effect pattern (execution pattern of the symbol variation effect at the time of 15R jackpot)” and “prick symbol and auxiliary symbol (4th symbol) jackpot symbol” are set (S1155), the process proceeds to S1160.

  Here, the effect executed on the display screen 27a (the pseudo-symbol display area 27b and the background display area 27c) of the effect display device 27 according to the “15R jackpot effect pattern (execution pattern of the symbol fluctuation effect at the time of 15R jackpot)”. A display execution mode, a reach display mode, and the like are determined. Further, a specific mode of “pseudo symbol for definite display of jackpot” is determined as “hit symbol”. Furthermore, in addition to the execution mode of the effect display related to the pseudo symbol and the mode of the stop symbol, the effect mode related to other effect elements, the display mode related to the auxiliary symbol, and the like are selected and set. That is, an effect mode related to display effect elements (background symbols, character symbols, live-action images) other than pseudo symbols, an effect mode related to sound effect elements, and an effect mode related to light emission effect elements are selected and set. In addition, the change display mode and the stop display mode of the auxiliary symbol are selected and set.

  As a result of the processing in S1115, when it is determined that the current big hit is “2R probability change big hit” (S1115; YES), based on the fluctuation pattern specified by the received fluctuation pattern designation command (S1130, S1140, S1150). ) After performing the process of determining the “2R jackpot effect pattern (execution pattern of the symbol variation effect at the time of 2R jackpot)” (S1135, S1143, S1152, S1157), the process proceeds to S1160.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the variation pattern A (2R probability variation big hit variation pattern A during probability variation; see FIG. 44B) is specified based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1130; YES) ) After performing the process of setting the simple effect pattern (S1135), the process proceeds to S1160. Here, as described above, “variation pattern A” is a variation pattern that is set when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”. A specifies “a variation time of 1 second”. Further, the effect display based on the simple effect pattern is performed without displaying a three-digit pseudo-design on the display screen 27a, and only “auxiliary design (fourth design)” is shown as the design showing the result of the determination. Is displayed.

  If it is determined that the variation pattern B (2R probability variation big hit variation pattern B at the time of probability variation; see FIG. 44B) is specified based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1130; NO, S1140; YES), after performing the process of setting the effect pattern with reach and the process of setting the stop pattern of the pseudo pattern similar to the “stop pattern of the pseudo pattern that is set when the result of the determination is wrong” (S1143), the process proceeds to S1160. Here, as described above, the “variation pattern B” is a variation pattern that is set when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 5” and “ST = 40”. “20 seconds of fluctuation time” is specified by B. Further, in this case, on the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display area 27b and background display area 27c), a reach effect using a pseudo symbol, a background symbol, and the like is performed, and a pseudo symbol stop symbol indicating the result of the success / failure determination ( In this case, a stop symbol similar to the off symbol) is displayed. In the processing of S1143, “auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol)” indicating that the result of the determination is “2R probability variation big hit” is set.

  Further, when it is determined that the variation pattern C (2R probability variation big hit variation pattern C at the time of probability variation; see FIG. 44B) is specified based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1130; NO, S1140; NO, S1150; YES), a process of setting a rewind effect pattern, and a process of setting a stop symbol of a pseudo symbol similar to the “stop symbol of a pseudo symbol that is set when the result of the determination is wrong” After performing (S1152), it transfers to the process of S1160. Here, as described above, the “variation pattern C” is a variation pattern that is set when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 41” and “ST = 78”. C specifies “60 seconds variation time”. In this case, on the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display area 27b and background display area 27c), a rewind effect using a pseudo symbol, a background symbol, and the like is performed, and a pseudo symbol stop symbol indicating the result of the determination of success / failure (In this case, a stop symbol similar to the off symbol) is displayed. Further, in the processing of S1152, an “auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol)” indicating that the result of the determination is “2R probability variation big hit” is set.

  When it is determined that the normal 2R big hit fluctuation pattern (see FIG. 44A) is specified based on the received fluctuation pattern designation command (S1130; NO, S1140; NO, S1150; NO). , A process of setting a production pattern for 2R big hit at the normal probability and a process of setting a stop pattern of a pseudo symbol similar to “a stop pattern of a pseudo pattern set when the result of the determination of success / failure is out” After performing (S1157), the process proceeds to S1160. In this case, the game mode when the 2R probability variable big hit occurs is the “low probability normal variation mode” or the “low probability shortened variation mode”, and on the display screen 27a (the pseudo symbol display region 27b and the background display region 27c), the pseudo symbol or A symbol variation effect using a background symbol or the like is performed, and a pseudo symbol stop symbol (in this case, a stop symbol similar to an off symbol) indicating the result of the determination of validity is displayed. Further, in the processing of S1157, an “auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol)” indicating that the result of the determination is “2R probability variation big hit” is set.

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination is “no” (S1110; NO), after performing the “outright effect setting process (S1120)”, the process proceeds to S1160. When this off effect setting process (S1120) is activated, as shown in FIG. 50, it is determined whether or not a disengagement has occurred between “ST = 1” and “ST = 4” (S1122), and affirmative. When the determination is made (S1122; YES), after performing the process of setting the simple effect pattern (S1124), the process proceeds to S1160. Here, in the ST period triggered by “occurrence of 15R probability variation big hit” or “occurrence of 2R probability variation big hit in the open extension mode” (hereinafter referred to as “first type ST period”), “ST = 1”. Since the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability shortening variation mode between “ST = 4”, the variation pattern that is set when “out” occurs during this period is “1 second as described above. The variation pattern T specifies the “variation time” (see FIG. 45). In the ST period triggered by “occurrence of 2R probability variation big hit in normal open mode” (hereinafter referred to as “second type ST period”), between “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”, Since the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high-probability normal variation mode, the variation pattern that is set when “out” occurs during this period is the variation pattern S that specifies “the variation time of 2 seconds” as described above. (See FIG. 45). In addition, the effect display based on the simple effect pattern set in the process of S1124 is also performed without displaying a three-digit pseudo-design on the display screen 27a, and the symbol indicating the result of the determination is “auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol)”. ) ”Only.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S1122 (S1122; NO), it is determined whether or not a deviation has occurred between “ST = 5” and “ST = 78” (S1126). If an affirmative determination is made (S1126; YES), a process for setting a short-time effect pattern is performed (S1127), and then the process proceeds to S1160 in FIG. Here, in the “first type ST period”, between “ST = 5” and “ST = 74”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high-probability shortened variation mode, and thus “out” occurs during this period. The variation pattern set in this case is the variation pattern T that specifies “the variation time of 1 second” as described above (see FIG. 45). In the “first type ST period”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability normal variation mode between “ST = 75” and “ST = 78”, and in the “second type ST period”. Since the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability normal variation mode between “ST = 5” and “ST = 78”, the variation pattern set when “out” occurs between these is as follows: As described above, the fluctuation pattern S that specifies “fluctuation time of 2 seconds” is obtained (see FIG. 45). In response to the processing of S1127, the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display region 27b and background display region 27c) performs symbol variation effects using pseudo symbols, background symbols, etc., and the result of the determination of success / failure is not good. A pseudo-symbol stop symbol (disappearing symbol) indicating that there is a symbol is displayed. In each process of S1124 and S1127, an “auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol)” indicating that the result of the determination is “displaced” is set.

  Further, if a negative determination is made in the processing of S1122 and S1126 (S1122; NO, S1126; NO), it means that a detachment has occurred in the normal probability mode. After performing the process of selecting (determining) and setting the effect pattern and the stop symbol (off symbol) of the pseudo symbol and the auxiliary symbol (S1129), the process proceeds to S1160 in FIG. In this case, on the display screen 27a (the pseudo symbol display area 27b and the background display area 27c), the symbol variation effect using the pseudo symbol, the background symbol, and the like is performed, and the pseudo symbol indicating that the result of the determination is incorrect. The stop symbol (disappearing symbol) is displayed. In the processing of S1129, “auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol)” indicating that the result of the determination is “displaced” is set. The execution mode of the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the presence / absence of the reach display, and the reach when the reach display is executed by the “effect pattern for off-effects” set in the process of S1129. The display mode or the like (that is, the effect pattern of the design variation effect) is determined. Further, a specific mode of “pseudo symbol for definite display” is determined as “off symbol”.

  Further, in the processing of S1127 and S1129, in addition to the execution mode of the effect display related to the pseudo symbol and the mode of the stop symbol, the effect mode related to other effect elements, the display mode related to the auxiliary symbol, and the like are selected and set. That is, an effect mode related to display effect elements (background symbols, character symbols, live-action images) other than pseudo symbols, an effect mode related to sound effect elements, and an effect mode related to light emission effect elements are selected and set. Also, the auxiliary symbol variation display mode and stop mode are selected and set.

  Returning to FIG. 49, in the process of S1160, the sub-control unit 220A performs the effect pattern determined in the process of S1124 (FIG. 50), S1127 (FIG. 50), S1129 (FIG. 50), S1135, S1143, S1152, S1157, or S1157, An effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222) is a command (effect display detail command) for specifying a stop symbol of the pseudo symbol (however, it may not be set) and a stop symbol of the auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol). ), And the effect display device 27 starts to display the change display (symbol change effect) of effect symbols such as pseudo symbols and background symbols (S1160).

  As shown in FIG. 51, when the sub control unit 220A receives the symbol stop command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (S1165; YES), the sub control unit 220A controls the received symbol stop command for effect display control. The program is transferred to the unit 222A, and the symbol variation effect (pseudo symbol or auxiliary symbol variation display) on the effect display device 27 is terminated (S1170).

b. Big hit game effect processing (S1500)
The jackpot game effect process (S1500) is performed when the gaming machine 1 plays a jackpot game. In the jackpot game effect process (S1500), when the start timing of the jackpot game effect comes (S1502; YES), the processes after S1504 are executed. Here, the start timing of the big hit game effect comes when the sub-control unit 220A receives the “big hit game start designation command”. Here, in the gaming machine 1, when a big hit occurs, a big hit game start designation command is transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A. That is, the main control unit 200A sets the “big hit game flag” (set to ON) and sets the execution pattern of the big hit game (S356, S358 in FIG. 38) as a trigger to the sub control unit 220A. A start designation command is transmitted (see “start C” in FIG. 38).

  In the processing of S1504, it is determined whether or not the generated big hit (current big hit) is “2R probability variable big hit” (S1504). If it is not “2R probability variable big hit” (S1504; NO), the type of jackpot ( After executing the big hit game effect according to 15R normal big hit, 15R probability variable big hit), the big hit game effect processing (S1500) is ended. In addition, when the big hit that has occurred is “2R probability change big hit” (S1504; YES) and the big hit is not generated during the probability change (during ST period) (S1506; NO), the type of big hit (2R probability change big hit) The jackpot game effect process (S1500) is terminated after executing the jackpot game effect according to ().

  Specifically, when the sub-control unit 220A receives the “big hit game start designation command”, the fan display effect is executed by the effect display device 27 or the like based on the reception of the command. Thereafter, each time the sub control unit 220A receives a round start designation command, the sub control unit 220A executes a round effect on the effect display device 27 or the like based on the reception of the command. That is, when a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command, and then sends a “round start designation command” to the sub-control unit 220A at “timing to start a big hit round” (FIG. 47). (See “R Start C”). As a result, the sub-control unit 220A receives the “round start designation command for designating the start of the first round”, and therefore, on the display screen 27a based on the reception of the command, “the effect indicating that it is one round” I do.

  Further, as described above, the main control unit 200A transmits a “round end designation command” toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing of ending the big hit round (see “R end C” in FIG. 47). Then, when receiving this “round end command”, the sub-control unit 220A ends the running round effect and starts the “interval effect” on the effect display device 27 and the like.

  Furthermore, every time the sub-control unit 220A receives a subsequent “round start designation command”, the sub-control unit 220A ends the “interval effect”, starts the “round effect”, and receives the subsequent “round end command”. "Interval production" is started. Thus, the “round effect” is repeated until the “round effect” related to the final round is performed with the “interval effect” interposed therebetween.

  In this way, while executing the big hit game effect, when the “big hit game end designation command” is transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the final round ends (“End C” in FIG. 48). The sub-control unit 220A receives the “big hit game end designation command”. Then, the sub-control unit 220A that has received the “hit game end designation command” executes the ending effect on the effect display device 27 or the like based on the reception of the command, and then ends the jackpot game effect (S1500).

  If the generated big hit (current big hit) is “2R probability change big hit” (S1504; YES), and the big hit occurs during the probability change (during ST period) (S1506; YES), After performing the “probability changing 2R effect process (S1550)” shown in FIG. 53, the jackpot game effect process (S1500) is terminated.

  As shown in FIG. 53, in the “2R effect change process during probability change (S1550)”, an effect is generated according to the occurrence timing of “2R probability change big hit” during probability change (during the ST period), that is, “the number of STs when 2R probability change big hit occurs”. Sort the contents. That is, if a “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 1” to “ST = 4” (S1555; YES), the above-mentioned “probability chance chance mode entry effect” is executed as a big hit game effect ( S1560). This “probability chance mode entry effect” is performed continuously with the “probability chance mode entry effect” that is executed as a symbol variation effect when the “2R probability change big hit” is generated. It is difficult for the player to recognize that “2R probability variation big hit” has occurred due to the “production”.

  If “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 5” and “ST = 40” (S1555; NO, S1565; YES), “reach development effect (super reach production) "Is executed (S1570). This “reach development effect” is an effect equivalent to the “re-variation effect” for the symbol variation effect that ended in the “reach out” state. In this case, the symbol variation effect is ended in the “reach out” state, and once the player is discouraged, the “reach development effect (revariation effect)” is started. For this reason, when the reach development effect is started, the player's line of sight is likely to concentrate on the effect display device 27, and the player's line of sight with respect to the big winning device 31 is likely to be eliminated. Accordingly, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the second big hit game is being performed during the execution of the “reach development effect”.

  Further, when a “2R probability variation big hit” occurs between “ST = 41” and “ST = 78” (S1555; NO, S1565; NO), the above-mentioned “rewinding effect” is executed as the big hit game effect. (S1575). This “rewind effect” is performed in a state continuous with the “rewind effect” executed as the symbol variation effect when “2R probability variation big hit” is generated between “ST = 41” and “ST = 78”. Is called. Then, the player who faces this “rewind effect” can recognize that the “ST period” is started again.

(8) Effects of Example In this gaming machine 1, the ST period is a period from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4” (hereinafter referred to as “period A”), and “ST = 5” to “ST = The period is divided into three periods: a period of 40 (hereinafter referred to as “period B”) and a period of “ST = 41” to “ST = 78” (hereinafter referred to as “period C”). When “2R probability variation big hit” is won in “period A” or “period B”, the player generates “2R probability variation big hit” as the symbol variation effect and jackpot game effect related to the “winning”. Effect display is difficult to recognize. In other words, during the period in which the player cannot feel the merit even when the “2R probability variation big hit” occurs, the effect display that makes it difficult for the player to recognize the occurrence of the “2R probability variation big hit” is performed.

  On the other hand, when “2R probability variation big hit” is won in “period C”, the player may recognize the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit” as the symbol variation effect and jackpot game effect related to the “winning”. Easy presentation display. That is, with respect to the occurrence of “2R probability change big hit”, during the period in which the player can feel the merit, the effect display that makes it easy for the player to recognize the occurrence of “2R probability change big hit” is performed.

  As described above, according to this gaming machine 1, the game effect associated with winning the “2R probability variation big hit” during the ST period is appropriately expressed with the content according to the winning timing, that is, the content considering the player's psychology. It can be carried out. Therefore, in the number-of-times probability change machine (ST machine) that can generate “2R probability change big hit”, it is possible to maintain and improve the game entertainment.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the second embodiment has a “revival effect” indicating a resurgence of the ST period as a game effect when a “2R probability variable big hit” occurs in the period (period C) from “ST = 41” to “ST = 78”. Is different from the first embodiment.

  The specific examples shown in FIG. 54 to FIG. 55 (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 5”) show “revival effect”, and exemplify the case where “2R probability variation big hit” occurs when “ST = 70”. (G2 to g5 in FIG. 54, g6 and g7 in FIG. 55). In this case, since it is determined that the 2R probability variation big hit is generated at the time of starting the symbol variation effect of “ST = 70” (70th symbol variation effect during the ST period), the game effect of “ST = 70” Is implemented in a special manner.

  In this specific example 5, the “revival effect” is executed by the symbol variation effect of “ST = 70” and the jackpot game effect executed subsequently. That is, also in the present embodiment, the execution time of the symbol variation effect performed when the 2R probability variation big hit occurs in the period of “ST = 41” to “ST = 78” is set to “60 seconds” (FIG. 54). G2 to g5 of FIG. 51, g). In this symbol variation effect, an ST period display area 27d for displaying the remaining period of the ST period appears on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (g3). As the symbol variation effect progresses, the remaining period displayed in the ST period display area 27d counts up (increases) (g4, g5 in FIG. 54, g6 in FIG. 55), and at the end of the symbol variation effect, The remaining period is displayed as “70”.

  When the big hit game effect is started, the characters “ST revival” are displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (g7 in FIG. 55). When the “ending effect equivalent period” at the end of the second big hit game has elapsed, the “probability change chance mode entry effect” described above is executed from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4” (g8 in FIG. 55), When “ST = 5”, the pseudo-symbol display area 27b is displayed on the display screen 27a and “ST upper limit count” is displayed (g9 in FIG. 55). Thereafter, an effect including a series of stories is executed on the background screen of the display screen 27a.

  According to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The gaming machine according to the third embodiment is characterized in that “normal reach off effect” is executed as a game effect when “2R probability variation big hit” occurs in a period (period B) from “ST = 5” to “ST = 40”. Different from the first embodiment.

  The specific examples shown in FIGS. 56 to 57 (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 6”) illustrate cases where “2R probability variation big hit” occurs when “ST = 40” (h2 to h5 in FIG. 56). FIG. 57, h6 to h10). Even in this case, it is determined that the 2R probability variation big hit is generated at the time of starting the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” (the 40th symbol variation effect during the ST period), so the game of “ST = 40” The production is executed in a special manner.

  In this specific example 6, the “normal reach off effect” is executed by the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” and the jackpot game effect executed subsequently. That is, also in the present embodiment, the execution time of the symbol variation effect performed when the 2R probability variation big hit occurs in the period of “ST = 5” to “ST = 40” is set to “20 seconds” (FIG. 56). H2 to h5 of FIG. 57, h6 of FIG. 57). In this symbol variation effect, a pseudo symbol variation display is executed while the background image displayed on the display screen 27a is a plain image (simpler than in the case of Example 1) (h2 to h5 in FIG. 56, FIG. 56). 57 h6).

  At the end of this symbol variation effect, the variation display of the auxiliary symbol (the fourth symbol) is stopped and the variation display of the three-digit pseudo symbol is stopped for a very short time. An effect that can give the player an impression that the pseudo-pattern variation display is continued is performed (h6 in FIG. 57). Then, the jackpot game effect is started following the end of the symbol variation effect. In this jackpot game effect, the previous pseudo symbol variation display is continuously performed (h7 to h10 in FIG. 57). In addition, the left and right pseudo symbols are stopped in the middle of the big hit game effect, and reach display is performed (h9). Then, at the timing when the “ending effect equivalent period” elapses, the symbol is displayed on the display screen 27a (h10 in FIG. 57). After this, the ST period starts from the beginning.

  Thus, in “specific example 6”, the “normal reach effect” is executed by the symbol variation effect of “ST = 40” and the jackpot game effect that is executed subsequently. In other words, if the “2R probability variation big hit” occurs until the cumulative number of symbol variable games executed after the start of the ST period exceeds the “second number” and reaches the “first number”, the “2R probability variation” A mediocre out-of-reach effect is produced by a symbol variation effect that is triggered by the occurrence of a “hit” and a subsequent jackpot game effect. Moreover, since the result of the out-of-reach effect is displayed at the final stage of the jackpot game effect, the player's line of sight is unconsciously concentrated on the display screen 27a. That is, in the second big hit game, the opening / closing operation of opening the big winning opening 31a in an instant is repeated twice, and the player's line of sight can be directed to the display screen 27a during the opening / closing operation. it can. After the second big hit game, the player does not indicate the start of the “ST period” nor the “ST upper limit number of times”, so that the player recognizes “occurrence of 2R probability variable big hit”. It becomes difficult.

  According to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

  That is, for example, a “battle effect” can be exemplified as a game effect to be executed when “2R probability variation big hit” is generated in a period (period C) from “ST = 41” to “ST = 78”. In each embodiment, the number of jackpot rounds executed in the first jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “the former number”) is referred to as the number of jackpot rounds executed in the second jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “the latter number”). The number of the former can be made equal to the number of the latter, or the number of the former can be made smaller than the number of the latter. However, as shown in each embodiment, by reducing the “number of the latter (number of rounds of the second big hit game)”, it is possible to end the “second big hit game” in a state where it is difficult for the player to notice. It becomes easy.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a specific example including the “normal jackpot” in the generated jackpot mode is illustrated, but a specific example including only the “probable jackpot” in the generated jackpot mode can also be illustrated.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the “upper limit number” of the number of times of execution of the symbol variation game that ends the high probability mode, that is, the “ST period” is described as “78 times”, but this upper limit number is particularly limited. It is not something. In addition, as a preferable “upper limit number of times (ST period)”, for example, a number of times selected from “10 times” to “150 times” can be selected. This is because if the “upper limit number” is less than 10, the ST period is originally short, and even if the ST period is divided into a plurality of periods, a sufficient effect may not be expected. In addition, if the “upper limit number” exceeds 150 times, the gameability as the “number cut probability change machine”, that is, the gameability of performing a thrilling game by providing a finite ST period may be impaired.

  Here, the “number cutting probability change machine” is usually provided with a counting means for counting the number of symbol variation games executed without causing a big hit after starting a high-probability game, and this counting means is a pachinko hall. It is initialized at the start of work or when a big hit occurs. If the number of times that the cumulative number of symbol variable games executed in a day in the “number cut probability change machine” is greatly exceeded is set as the upper limit number (for example, 10,000 times), substantially “until the next big hit occurs” This means that the high-probability game will continue, which greatly impairs the gameability as the “number-of-times switching probability change machine”.

  In particular, when the “upper limit number” is a number selected from “20 times” to “120 times”, the game has a sufficient length as a period during which the player's psychology changes, and the game as a “number cutting probability change machine” This is preferable because it is a period in which the properties can be fully exhibited. Further, it is more preferable that the “upper limit number” is a number selected from “30 times” to “100 times” because the game is reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ST period is the period A from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4”, the period B from “ST = 5” to “ST = 40”, and “ST = 41” to “ST”. = 78 "is described as being divided into period C. That is, “40 times” from “ST = 1” to “ST = 40” constitutes a specific example of “first number”, and “4 times” from “ST = 1” to “ST = 4” Although a specific example of “two times” has been described, the number of times set as “first number” or “second number” is not limited to the above embodiment. The “first number” is preferably, for example, “any number of 20% to 80%” of the “upper limit number”. Because, if “probable big hit without pitch” occurs in “the number of times less than 20% of the upper limit”, the player has a strong tendency to think that “probable big hit without pitch” is not beneficial, This is because the player has a strong tendency to think that the “probability big hit without a ball” is useful when “is exceeded 80% of the upper limit”.

  Moreover, in the said Example, the game machine 1 provided with one variable start prize device (2nd start prize device 17b) and one non-variable start prize device (first start prize device 17a) is illustrated. However, a gaming machine having only one variable starting prize device, a gaming machine having only a plurality of variable starting prize devices, a plurality of variable starting prize devices and one or a plurality of non-variable types. The invention of each claim can be applied to a gaming machine provided with a starting prize-winning device, and a gaming machine provided with one variable starting prize-winning device and a plurality of non-variable starting prize-winning devices.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
10: Game board,
11: Game area,
17a; first start winning device,
17b; second start winning device,
27; effect display device (effect display means),
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize-winning device,
62a; first special symbol display section,
62b; second special symbol display section,
200A; main control unit (win / fail judgment means, symbol variation game execution means, high probability game execution means, jackpot game execution means),
220A; sub-control unit (effect display execution means),
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (5)

A symbol change game execution means for executing a symbol change game to stop display after the symbol display means is variably displayed;
A jackpot game executing means for executing a jackpot game for opening a jackpot when the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display means indicates a jackpot mode;
A high-probability game in which the probability that a symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means will be in the jackpot mode is high after the jackpot game ends until the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game reaches a predetermined upper limit number High probability game execution means for executing
Effect display executing means for executing effect display by the effect display means in association with the symbol variation game and the jackpot game;
With
When the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display means indicates the first big hit mode, the first big hit game is executed in which the big winning opening is opened in a mode that makes it easy to win a game ball as the big hit game, When the symbol stopped and displayed on the display means indicates a second jackpot mode, the gaming machine executes a second jackpot game that opens the jackpot in a mode in which it is difficult to win a game ball as the jackpot game. ,
The effect display execution means includes
The symbol indicating the second big hit mode is stopped and the second big hit game is executed until the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game in the high probability game becomes the first number less than the upper limit number. In this case, the second big hit that makes it difficult for the player to recognize the execution of the second big hit game as the symbol change game that leads to the stop display of the symbol showing the second big hit mode and the effect display accompanying the second big hit game Perform non-notification production display,
The symbol indicating the second big hit mode is stopped and the second big hit game is executed before the number of times of execution of the symbol variable game in the high probability game exceeds the first number and reaches the upper limit number. In the case where the second big hit game is performed, the player can easily recognize the execution of the second big hit game as the symbol change game that leads to the stop display of the symbol showing the second big hit mode and the effect display accompanying the second big hit game. A gaming machine characterized by executing a jackpot notification effect display.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect display executing means executes an effect display indicating that the high-probability game is performed from the beginning as the second jackpot notification effect display.   The effect display executing means executes, as the second jackpot non-notification effect display, an effect display similar to the effect display performed when the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display means is in a predetermined off state. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The symbol variation game execution means shortens the variation time required for the symbol variation display until the number of times the symbol variation game is executed in the high probability game is a second number smaller than the first number,
The effect display execution means executes a high-probability game start effect display indicating that the high-probability game is started until the number of times the symbol variation game is executed in the high-probability game reaches the second number. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:   The effect display executing means stops displaying the symbol indicating the second big hit mode on the symbol display means until the number of times the symbol variable game is executed in the high probability game reaches the second number of times. When a two big hit game is executed, the high probability game start effect display is executed as a symbol change game that leads to a stop display of the symbol indicating the second big hit mode and an effect display accompanying the second big hit game. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the gaming machine is characterized.

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