JP5803980B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and is applied to a so-called seven machine, a ball-type gaming machine such as a winged article, a right article, or an arrangement ball, and a revolving type gaming machine called a slot machine (or pachislot). can do.

  Normally, when a predetermined determination execution condition is satisfied, the gaming machine determines whether or not to give a specific game profit (execution of a big hit game or execution of a bonus game) to the player. When such a determination is made, a determination effect for notifying the determination result is executed using predetermined effect means (for example, an effect display device, a speaker, or a movable effect device). When the effect means informs that the determination result is the specific result, a specific game profit is given to the player (see Patent Document 1, hereinafter referred to as “conventional example”).

  In such a gaming machine, when a specific condition is established, it is common to increase a player's “expectation for acquiring a specific gaming profit” by causing a specific effect (for example, a specific reach effect) to appear during the progress of the determination effect. Is. For example, so-called “super heat effects”, “premium effects”, and the like such as a super reach effect and a pseudo-ream effect have appeared to increase the player's expectation.

JP 2007-267958 A

  This type of gaming machine has the following problems. In other words, comparing the appearance rate of a specific effect with the probability that it is notified that the determination result is the specific result, the latter probability is lower, so the same specific effect appears multiple times during the game. However, it is easy to generate a case where it is not notified that the determination result is the specific result. And even if a specific effect is experienced a plurality of times during a game, a player who cannot acquire a specific game profit not only feels regrettable, but also a sense of expectation for the specific effect is reduced. In this way, even if the specific effect reappears in a state in which the sense of expectation for the predetermined specific effect remains reduced, the player who has encountered the specific effect will be slain. It is easy to invite a decline in the fun of gaming.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which it is easy to improve game entertainment.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A determination means for performing determination based on a game ball entering the start opening;
When the determination is performed, a determination effect performing means for executing a determination effect for informing the result of the determination based on a predetermined effect pattern, and
When the result of the determination is a specific result, the player can acquire a specific gaming profit,
Based on the fact that the determination effect informing that the determination result has not become the specific result is executed in the first effect pattern, a specific effect period of a predetermined period is set,
When the result of the determination is the specific result in the specific effect period, the determination effect is more likely than the case where the result of the determination is the specific result in a period other than the specific effect period. It is executed based on the first performance pattern ,
Provided with an input act accepting means capable of accepting an input act performed by a player,
A plurality of effects including at least a first effect aspect and a second effect aspect based on the input action received by the input action accepting means, in the determination effect being executed, after the input action is accepted. Selectable from aspects
During the execution of the first effect pattern, it is notified that the first effect mode has been executed based on the mode of the input action received by the input action receiving means, and the result of the determination has not become the specific result. In the case where the specific performance period is set,
When the result of the determination becomes the specific result in the specific effect period, a second effect aspect different from the first effect aspect is executed during execution of the first effect pattern, and the result of the determination is the specific result. It is characterized that it is notified that it became .

  In this invention, the determination effect which alert | reports that the result of determination did not become a specific result is performed based on a 1st effect pattern, and a specific effect period is started after that. And if the result of determination turns into a specific result in this specific production period, the determination production which alert | reports the said specific result will be performed based on a 1st production pattern. That is, in the present invention, when the first effect pattern (for example, the special reach A of the intense heat effect) is executed, the player becomes in a state of expectation for the specific result. However, since it is notified that the specific result targeted by the player has not been achieved, the first production pattern of the player (originally high expectation) is obtained by ending the first production pattern with a non-specific result. Expectation for patterns will decline.

  However, if the result of the determination becomes a specific result within a predetermined period (specific effect period) set thereafter, the determination effect for notifying the first effect pattern (for example, special reach A of intense heat effect). When this is executed, it is notified that the specific result is obtained by the first effect pattern. Thereby, the expectation with respect to the 1st production pattern which the player lost because the specific result was not obtained as a result of execution of the 1st production pattern last time can be recovered. Therefore, when the first effect pattern appears thereafter, the player can face the effect with a sense of expectation.

Further, according to the present invention, the determination result is the specific result targeted by the player by the first effect pattern within a predetermined period set after the end of the first effect pattern related to the non-specific result. Therefore, a player who has recently experienced a non-specific result by the first performance pattern can feel that he has played a revenge and can feel satisfaction. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is easy to improve the gaming interest.
Further, in this case, in the first performance pattern related to the non-specific result, only when the player selects a specific one of the input actions in a plurality of modes, the determination result is considered to be the specific result. Regardless of which mode of input action is selected, it is notified that the determination result is not a specific result. And when it becomes a specific result in the subsequent specific production period, while performing the 1st production pattern, in the input act of the mode which was not selected during execution of the 1st production pattern concerning a non-specific result After executing the corresponding second effect mode, it is notified that the determination result is the specific result. As a result, the non-specific result is caused by the selection of the first mode, and the specific result is caused by the selection of the second mode. It is possible to increase the player's consciousness of participation in the selection effect (input action to the input action accepting means) and to further enhance the game interest.
In here, the "predetermined effect pattern" is intended to refer to a predetermined representation embodiment, specifically, is intended to refer or a predetermined reach embodiments, predetermined character presentation and, a predetermined announcement attraction such as . The “first effect pattern” is an example of an effect pattern, and corresponds to “special reach A” among a plurality of reach effects such as special reach A, special reach B, and special reach C, for example. Moreover, as a result of the execution of the first production pattern (special reach A), there may be a specific result or a non-specific result. In addition, the “specific result” may be, for example, a “hit” among the results of the determination of success / failure (whether or not), or a “big hit” among the big hit / small hit / out. Or “specific hit (per 15R)” of “a plurality of hit types (per 2R, per 10R, per 15R)”. In addition, as “a case where no specific result is obtained”, it is possible to indicate a miss, a small hit, or a small hit and miss. Further, “when the specific result is obtained in the specific effect period, the first effect pattern is executed with a higher probability than the case where the specific result is obtained outside the specific effect period” means that the first effect pattern is The probability of execution may be higher than usual (increase from 10% to 50%), or may be set so that the first effect pattern is always executed (increase from 10% to 100%). In addition, by changing the selected effect pattern table between the specific effect period and outside the specific effect period, it is possible to set the appearance rate of the effect pattern in each period.

In the present invention,
It has a variable entrance that can be changed between a state where a game ball cannot enter and a state where a game ball can enter,
As a result of the determination, the specific result and a second specific result capable of obtaining a second game profit less than the specific game profit,
When the result of the determination is the specific result, the player obtains the specific game profit by executing the first specific game in which the time during which the variable entrance is in the entrance enabled state is a predetermined time. Is possible,
When the result of the determination is the second specific result, a game is executed by executing a second specific game in which the time during which the variable entrance is ready to enter is shorter than the first specific game. The player can acquire the second game profit,
When the result of the determination is the second specific result, after the first performance pattern is executed, the second specific game is executed,
When the second specific game ends, the specific effect period may be set.

  In this case, as a result of executing the first performance pattern, the second specific game having a lower profit that the player can obtain than the first specific game is executed, and after the second specific game ends, the specific performance period is set. Can be started. And if the result of determination turns into a specific result in a specific production period, the determination production which alert | reports the said specific result will be performed with a 1st production pattern. Thereafter, since the first specific game having a higher execution value than that of the second specific game is executed, the player strongly feels that the revenge has been achieved (the execution value of the first specific game and the second specific game). You can taste the feeling of snow humor equivalent to the difference). Therefore, in this case, it is easier to improve the game entertainment.

In the present invention,
If the result of the determination becomes the specific result during the specific effect period and the first effect mode is selected based on the input action mode received by the input action accepting unit in the first effect pattern, the first effect mode Based on the above, it may be notified that the result of the determination is not the specific result, and then notifies that the result of the determination is the specific result.

  In this case, in the first production pattern in which the player has a specific result, even if the mode of the input action to be selected is the first production mode that has been a non-specific result last time, the player has once informed that the non-specific result will be obtained. Later, it is notified that the result of the determination is a specific result. That is, although the result of the determination does not change, different presentation modes are executed depending on whether the player performs the same selection as the previous non-specific result or a different selection. In addition, as a result of selecting the same mode (first production mode) as the previous non-specific result, it is possible to make it conscious that the non-specific result has been obtained, and the production mode selection production (to the input act accepting means) It is possible to increase the player's participation consciousness with respect to (input action) and to further enhance the gaming interest. Moreover, after temporarily stopping in the state which alert | reported that the result of the said determination did not become a specific result, and performing in the 2nd production mode different from a 1st production mode after that, the result of the determination becomes a specific result. It can also be set as the aspect which alert | reports.

Furthermore, in the present invention,
A pitch information storage means for storing pitch information acquired based on the pitch of a game ball at the start port;
The determination means reads out the entry information stored in the entry information storage means that satisfies a predetermined processing condition from the entry information storage means and performs the determination.
Whether or not the entry information stored in the entry information storage means is entry information from which the determination means derives the specific result is determined according to the predetermined processing condition for the entry information. A pre-determination means for pre-determination before establishment;
When the pre-determination means pre-determines that the determination means is the entrance information from which the specific result is derived for the predetermined entrance information stored in the entrance information storage means, the advance determination is made. In the determination effect executed before establishment of the predetermined processing condition for the entry information, when selecting the first effect mode or the second effect mode, the second effect mode should be selected. Selection mode suggesting means for suggesting,
It is good also as providing.

  In this case, the player can easily select the mode of the input action in the first effect pattern (having the selection effect) related to the specific result to be executed thereafter. In addition, the player can be aware that the result of the determination will change depending on the mode of the input action, and can promote the positive execution of the input action and increase the expectation for the occurrence of the specific result, further enhancing the game entertainment interest. Can do. Here, the processing condition of the entry information refers to a condition for starting processing such as determination (whether determination or determination for determining the winning mode) and variation display based on the entry information, and the entry information storage The number of pieces of entry information stored in the means and for which the processing condition is not satisfied is referred to as “holding number”.

  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”. Furthermore, in a winning device that can change between a state where a winning is impossible (or difficult to win) and a state where a winning is possible (or easy to win), such as a large winning device and a second start winning device described later, Alternatively, a state where it is difficult to win a prize may be referred to as a first state, and a state where a prize is possible (or easy to win) may be referred to as a second state.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is easy to improve the gaming interest.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this 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 effect 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 which shows a lower display apparatus roughly, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the variable display mode of the special symbol performed with a lower display apparatus, (c) is an effect design (stop design) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of (). It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention, (b) showed notably that a command was output from the main control part in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the command at the time of start winning, the random value memory for determination, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st big hit lottery) and the data table used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery). (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by a lottery lottery. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a time figure for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a success / failure determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern table distribution process. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a fluctuation pattern table. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows a process at the time of a hit game end. It is a flowchart for explaining the effect control process. (A) is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation | occurrence | production, (b) is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of holding | maintenance digestion. It is a flowchart which shows a design change effect process. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a time figure for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a design change effect process. It is a flowchart showing a button effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. (A) is a flowchart which shows a specific effect start designation | designated command output process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a specific effect end designation | designated command output process. It is a flowchart for explaining the effect control process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a specific production mode setting process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a specific production mode cancellation | release process. It is a flow figure showing notice production processing. (A) is a flowchart for demonstrating an effect control process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a specific effect mode cancellation | release process. It is a flowchart which shows a design change effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of completion | finish of a hit game of the game machine which concerns on Example 7. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern table distribution process which concerns on a modification.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments showing modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, specific examples in which the present invention 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 FIG. The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 2A configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 2B that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 2A.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably mounted on the left end side of the outer frame 2 using the hinges H1 and H2 on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and includes a main body frame 3, a front frame 4, and a dish member integrated with the front frame 4 (an upper dish member 5 and a lower dish The members 6) 5A, the game board 10 (see FIG. 2), the back mechanism board 102, and the like are the main parts.

  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. The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body that can hold the game board 10. When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10 (see FIG. 2), the “game area 11 configured on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 10” is visible from the front of the main body frame 3.

  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 includes a frame body 41 having a visual window 41a provided in a state of penetrating in the front-rear direction, and a glass plate 43 fitted in the visual window 41a. The game area 11 formed in the game board 10 (a substantially circular game area 11 in front view) is positioned behind the front frame 4 when the front frame 4 is closed. It can be visually recognized from the front of the front frame 4 through 41a (glass plate 43).

  In the gaming machine 1, “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 can be opened and closed integrally with the front frame 4 with respect to the main body frame 3. Has been. 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.

  Speakers SP1 and SP2 are mounted on the left and right sides of the front side of the front frame 4, and the speakers SP3 and SP4 are also built in the left and right ends of the front plate 2B. 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, on the front surface portion of the front frame 4, a portion that constitutes the arrangement 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. Further, a ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 6) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 6) 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. Is arranged. Here, the “production button SW” constitutes a specific example of the input action accepting means. When the “effect button SW” is pressed, an operation performed on the effect button SW is detected by a predetermined detection means (sensor). However, the input action accepting unit is not limited to the push button, and may be a detection panel that detects that the player touches, a detection sensor that the player holds the hand or the like. A more detailed description of the “effect button SW” will be described later with reference to FIG. 33 (see Example 2).

  A lower dish member 6 is provided at a lower portion of the upper dish member 5, and a game ball discharged from the upper dish member 5 is received in a substantially container-shaped interior at the center of the lower dish member 6. The receiving port 6a is provided. A firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the lower plate member 6. A launcher unit 90 (see FIG. 2) 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 of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11 being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form. In this area forming part 10B (site located in the game area 11), the main accessory device 20, the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, the first start winning device 17a, and the second start winning prize The device 17b, the big winning device 31, the lower display device 60, the two general winning devices 45 and 46, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), the windmill 19 and the like are arranged. Note that the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG.

  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. In addition, 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 the outside of the rail 13 in the clockwise direction and reaches the ball entrance 11S.

  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 has comprised the approximate center part of the game area | region 11. FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a substantially rectangular opening in a front-rear direction in a front view, and a display screen 27a (described later) is visually recognized from the front of the game board 10 through the opening. A display window 21e is provided to enable this.

  The stage member 21p is attached to the lower edge of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21A is attached to the other part of the peripheral edge of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward. ing. 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 is configured by using a liquid crystal display device, and executes a symbol change effect in accordance with the special symbol change display and stop display in the lower display device 60. In the present 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 (variable display) using the special symbol (the main symbol), and an effect display device. 27 performs the symbol variation effect using the effect symbol (pseudo symbol). Here, the symbol variation effect is a display effect or the like performed in accordance with the progress of the symbol variation game (variable display of special symbol, stop display) in order to show the player the result of the symbol variation game. The symbol variation effect constitutes a specific example of the determination effect. The details of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27 can be displayed so that the player can visually recognize various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. That is, almost the entire display screen 27a becomes a display area, and a pattern indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as background pattern), a background color (blue, red, etc.) is displayed on the display area. The And the effect design display area 27b which displays the effect design of 3 (three digits) in the state superimposed on the front of this background design or background color is provided on the display screen 27a. In the effect symbol display area 27b, three effect symbols are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, and an effect display, a stop display, and the like using these “effect symbols” are performed. In addition, a pattern indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character pattern) may be displayed as a background pattern, or a live-action image (not shown) may be displayed. Then, the “display effect” is realized by these “effect design”, “background design”, and “character design”. It should be noted that when the “effect design” is variably displayed in the effect design display area 27b, the background design and the background color can be visually recognized with the effect design display area 27b being watermarked.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the display screen 27a, a first reserved display area (M1, M2, M3, M4) is provided in a portion near the left end on the lower edge side, and is closer to the right end on the lower edge side. The site is provided with second hold display areas (N1, N2, N3, N4). Among these, the first hold display area (M1, M2, M3, M4) is the number of holds (hereinafter referred to as “the first hold number”) related to the “first special symbol” generated based on the ball entering the first start winning device 17a. "4") is displayed with the upper limit being "4". In the second hold display area (N1, N2, N3, N4), the number of holds related to the “second special symbol” generated based on the ball entering the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as “the second hold number”). "4") is displayed with the upper limit being "4". In the following description, a game ball entering the first start prize device 17a is referred to as a "first start prize", and a game ball entering the second start prize device 17b is referred to as a "second start prize". Sometimes referred to as “winning”. Further, “start prize” may be used as a general term for “first start prize” and “second start prize”.

  The first reserved display area (M1 to M4) has a configuration in which the first area M1, the second area M2, the third area M3, and the fourth area M4 are arranged from the right side to the left side. Four reserved symbols can be displayed. The second reserved display area (N1 to N4) has a configuration in which the first area N1, the second area N2, the third area N3, and the fourth area N4 are arranged from the left side to the right side. Up to four reserved symbols can be displayed. In each area (M1 to M4, N1 to N4) constituting the first hold display area (M1, M2, M3, M4) and the second hold display area (N1 to N4), a sphere (perfect circle) is provided. It is possible to display a reserved figure. In addition to the simple (circular) symbols shown in the present embodiment, “symbols with characters” can be exemplified as the reserved symbols.

  Any of the hold display areas (M1 to M4, N1 to N4) entered the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the number of game balls that have not yet been digested (the processing condition has not been established) (ie, the number of holds). The number of “undigested game balls” (reserved number) by decrementing the “display number of retained symbols” each time an undigested game ball is digested Are sequentially decremented and displayed. Specifically, when the number of holdings is “1”, the holding symbol is displayed only in the area (M1, N1) with subscript 1; when the number of holdings is “2”, the area with subscript 1 is displayed. The reserved symbols are displayed in the area (M2, N2) with (M1, N1) and subscript 2. Further, when the number of reservations is “3”, the reserved symbols are displayed in the areas (M1 to M3, N1 to N3) other than the area with the subscript 4. When the number of reservations is “4”, all the areas ( M1 to M4 and N1 to N4) display the reserved symbols.

  In addition to the “display effect element” that realizes the display effect, the “sound effect element” that realizes the sound effect and the “light effect” that realizes the sound effect as the “effect element” that realizes the symbol variation effect (determination effect). “Light emitting effect element”, “movable effect element” for realizing a movable effect, and the like. In addition, as the “sound production element”, for example, “music”, “sound effects”, “words” that can be heard by the player and output from sound output means (speakers SP1 to SP4) provided in the gaming machine Etc. can be illustrated. In addition, as the “light emitting effect element”, for example, light that is visible to the player emitted by the light emitting means provided in the “front frame 4” or “game board 10” that constitutes the gaming machine, or that the player can visually recognize Illustrative examples of light emission are given. Furthermore, examples of the “movable effect element” include an action that can be visually recognized by the player, which is executed using the movable accessory means provided in the “front frame 4” or the “game board 10”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first start winning device 17a is a non-variable start winning device, and has a pocket shape in which an opening portion (game ball receiving port) whose size does not change is opened upward. And since this opening part (game ball entrance) is located in the substantially vertical lower part of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), after entering the warp passage 21w, the stage part 21p (rolling surface) is moved. If it rolls and falls substantially vertically below the center of the stage portion 21p, the probability (possibility) that the game ball will win the first start winning device 17a increases. In addition, the size of the opening (game ball receiving port) of the first start winning device 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. . Note that a first start-entry ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of a game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17a.

  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. 4 (a), the second start winning device 17b is attached to the mounting plate 17v fixed to the game board body 10A by screws and the front portion of the mounting plate 17v, and is attached to the second start 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 17v. The first start winning device 17a described above may function as the obstacle member 17K.

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip-type pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e and a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e (see FIG. 6). ). 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 a closed state (first state) where the movable 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 interval between them is enlarged, and an open state (second state) is established. Further, the obstacle member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. Further, a second start-entrance ball detection switch 17t (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), when the second start winning device 17b is in a closed state (first state), one game ball passes between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. An allowable space K1 is formed, but an 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 (first state). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the second starting prize-winning device 17b is in an open state (second state) and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e are opened to the left and right, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e The interval K1 between the upper end portions (that is, the full left and right width of the second starting port) is larger 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 the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is in the open state (second state), the game balls flowing down the game area 11 can win the second start winning device 17b. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes “a state in which the time for which the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (opening time) is set to a time longer than normal (open extended state)”, The probability of winning the second start winning device 17b is much higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a. In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the open extended state is “5 seconds”, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the non-open extended state (normally open state) is “0”. .2 seconds ". On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17b is in the closed state (first state), it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b. If is not in the open extended state, 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.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the big winning device 31 is disposed below the second start winning device 17b. The big prize winning device 31 includes a big prize opening 31a that opens at the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10, an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the big winning prize opening 31a, and a large opening for driving the opening / closing plate 31b. A winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 6) and a large winning opening detection switch 31s (see FIG. 6) for detecting a game ball won in the big winning device 31 are 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. The special winning opening 31a constitutes a specific example of a variable entrance.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower display device 60 is arranged on the left side of the big winning device 31. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower display device 60 includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a first special symbol display portion 62a, a second special symbol display portion 62b, a normal symbol display portion 63, a normal symbol hold display portion 65, and the like. The first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b constitute a specific example of special symbol display means.

  The first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 are all configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, the first determination result (first big hit lottery) that is executed based on the detection of the game ball by the first start-entry ball detection switch 17s is shown as “first”. "Special symbol" is stopped and displayed after changing display. In the second special symbol display section 62b, “second special winning lottery” indicating the result of the determination whether or not the game ball is detected by the second start-entry ball detection switch 17t is performed. The “design” is stopped and displayed after the variable display. 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 (whether the determination of success / failure Results) are considered to be in agreement. The contents of the display results of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b will be described later.

  The normal symbol display unit 63 starts the normal symbol variation display when the symbol variation start condition is satisfied due to the game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 16. 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 the normal symbol variation display elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, and the stop display is executed for a predetermined time. At this time, when the stopped normal symbol is an "odd number", the symbol corresponds to a normal symbol hit symbol, and when the stopped symbol is an "even digit", the symbol is an off-normal symbol symbol. Applicable. The lottery means for performing lottery for determining whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d in the closed state (first state) is in the open state (second state) is configured by a main control unit 200A described later.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 65 (a) turns off two LEDs to indicate that the “hold number” is “zero”, and (b) turns off one LED while turning on one LED. To indicate that the “hold number” is “1”, (c) turn on two LEDs to indicate that the “hold number” is “2”, and (d) blink one LED. One LED 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”.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the two general winning devices 45 and 46 are arranged on the left side of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 45 and 46, general winning opening entrance ball detection switches 45s and 46s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. A number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above. 18 is provided. 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 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured using the main control board 200 and that controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). And.

  In addition, the sub-control unit is configured using (a) the sub-control board 220, the sub-control unit 220 </ b> A that controls the game effects, and (b) the effect display control board 222. In addition, an effect display control unit 222A that controls the effect display device 27, and (c) a payout control unit 240A that is configured using the payout control board 240 and controls the operation of paying out a rented or prize ball. (D) A launch control unit 260A configured using the launch control board 260 and controlling the launch of the game ball is provided.

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs such as an oscillator that outputs a clock of the above and a watchdog timer that monitors the runaway of the CPU are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6 represents the direction which inputs / outputs a data or a signal. In addition, the CPU 201, RAM 202, and ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are illustrated, and the CPU 220a, RAM 220b, and ROM 220c mounted on the sub control board 220 are illustrated, and CPUs mounted on other control boards. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A receives game ball detection signals from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start opening detection switches 17s and 17t, the general winning opening detection switches 45s and 46s, etc. After determining whether or not the player is involved in the progress and the winning ball, various signals (commands) described later are output to the sub-control unit 220A, the payout control unit 240A, the launch control unit 260A, and the like. Further, the main control unit 200A 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. 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 constitutes specific examples of a determination unit, a ball entry information storage unit, and a prior determination unit.

  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). The sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is electrically connected to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228, respectively. It is connected. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a RAM 220b, and a ROM 220c. The sub-control unit 220A constitutes specific examples of determination effect execution means and selection mode suggestion 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. 7A, the effect display control board 222 includes a CPU 222a, a control ROM 222p, a control RAM 222c, a VDP (video display processor) 222d, a work RAM 222e, and a display ROM (character ROM) 222g. And a video RAM 222h. 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 222p. Then, the CPU 222a transmits the analysis result to the VDP 222d. The control ROM 222p stores various image display control programs in accordance with the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the control RAM 222c is provided with a storage area and a work area for temporarily storing various data. ing. The display ROM 222g stores data related to the display of various effect symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (such as data of effect symbols that are variably displayed).

  The VDP 222d reads data stored in the 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 the image data 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.

  As shown in FIG. 6, speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 (see FIG. 1) that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier substrate 224. The decoration driving board 226 is connected to various LED boards on which various decorative LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4, the game board 10, and the like, and decorative (production) actuators are connected. The decoration driving board 226 receives a signal from the sub-control board 220 and performs control related to game decoration. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a relay terminal board, 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. 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.

  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) specific lighting or flashing of various LEDs mounted on various LED boards and the like. A specific aspect is determined.

  Next, the drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A, and the effect symbol (pseudo symbol), the background symbol, the character symbol, etc.) are changed and stopped. At this time, the display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) such as effect symbols (pseudo symbols), background symbols, character symbols, and live-action images to be displayed are effect display device 27 or effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM 222g built in is used.

  A sound effect is output from the speakers SP1 to SP4 by outputting an audio signal to the amplifier board 224 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the effect symbol. In addition, by supplying a signal 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.

  Next, “entrance information storage means (holding storage means)” and the like will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 includes a first determination random value memory 202a, a second determination random value memory 202b, a first hold number memory 202c, and a second hold number memory 202d. A first preliminary determination result memory (not shown) and a second preliminary determination result memory (not shown) are provided. In addition, the RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220 includes a first advance determination result information memory 221b, a second advance determination result information memory 222b, a first hold number information memory 223b, and a second hold number information memory 224b. And are provided. Hereinafter, the “effective start prize” refers to a start prize that occurs in a state in which the corresponding number of holds (first hold number or second hold number) is not the upper limit number. In the following explanation, the result of the determination (whether it is a big hit or a small hit, a symbol determination as to which of the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol) is the specified result (the outgoing ball described later) Entry information (determination random number value and symbol determination random number value) that will be pre-determined when it becomes a big hit) is called "specific hold", if the result of the determination of success or failure does not become a specific result ( The entrance information (determination random value and symbol determination random value) to be pre-determined when a small hit or miss is referred to as “non-specific hold”. However, unlike the present embodiment, in a gaming machine that generates a big hit with a ball but does not generate a big hit without a ball, the entry information that will be pre-determined when the result of the determination is a specific result (hit, which will be described later) (Random value for determination and random number value for design determination) are called “specific hold”, and the entry information (for determination) will be pre-determined if the result of the success / failure determination does not become a specific result (when it is a small hit or miss) The random number value and the symbol determination random number value) are referred to as “non-specific hold”.

  When an effective start prize (first start prize) is generated for the first start winning device 17a, a corresponding determination random number value is acquired, and the main random number value for determination is the first determination random value in the main control board 200. The value is stored in the numerical memory 202a in the shift memory format, and the value indicating the first reserved number is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the first reserved number memory 202c. Here, the random number value for determination acquired based on the valid first start winning prize constitutes a specific example of “entry information”, and the first random number value memory for determination 202a is a specific example of “entry information storage means”. Configure. In addition, the random number value for determination acquired based on the valid first start winning is “Random value for determining whether or not to win or not (hit or lottery random number value) for determining whether or not it is a big hit”, “Big winning symbol (special symbol)” "Determining random number value for determining", "random number for determining success / failure for determining whether it is a small hit or not (small lottery random value)", "deciding for a small hit symbol (special symbol)" The “design-determining random value” is included.

  Further, when the determination random number value acquired based on the valid first start winning is stored in the first determination random value memory 202a, the CPU 201 constituting the main control board 200 performs the prior determination and the jackpot regarding the determination of success / failure. While making a pre-determination for a symbol (special symbol) (when obtaining a pre-determination result indicating the occurrence of a big hit), the results of these pre-determinations (hereinafter referred to as “first pre-determination”) are used as a first pre-determination. The determination result (not shown) is stored in a shift memory format. Accordingly, the first start winning command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220.

  Here, the first start winning time command based on the start winning for the first start winning device 17a is “information that can specify the result of the first pre-judgment (hereinafter referred to as“ first pre-judgment result information ”). This is a command indicating “information that can specify the first hold number after the start winning prize (hereinafter referred to as“ first hold number information ”)” and the like. When the sub control board 220 receives the first start winning time command, the sub control board 220 stores “first pre-determination result information” in the first pre-determination result information memory 221b in the shift memory format, and also stores the first hold number information memory. The value of the first hold number stored in 223b is incremented by “+1”. Then, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 performs a specific hold (first storage) on the first determination random value memory 202a (hold storage unit) based on the first determination result information stored in the first determination result information memory 221b. It is possible to determine whether or not the result of 1 determination of success / failure is stored as a random determination value for determination of success / failure that is a big hit.

  When an effective start winning for the second start winning device 17b is generated, a corresponding random number for determination is acquired, and this random number for determination is shifted to the second random number value memory 202b for determination in the main control board 200. In addition to being stored in the format, a value indicating the second reserved number is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the second reserved number memory 202d. Here, the determination random number value acquired based on the valid second starting winning prize also constitutes a specific example of “entry information”, and the second determination random value memory 202d is also a specific example of “entry information storage means”. Configure. In addition, the determination random number value acquired based on the valid second starting winning prize also includes “a determination random number value for determining whether or not it is a big hit (hit lottery random value)”, “a big hit symbol (special symbol) "Determining random number value for determining", "random number for determining success / failure for determining whether it is a small hit or not (small lottery random value)", "deciding for a small hit symbol (special symbol)" The “design-determining random value” is included.

  In addition, when the determination random number value acquired based on the valid second start winning is stored in the second determination random value memory 202b, the CPU 201 constituting the main control board 200 performs the prior determination and the jackpot symbol regarding the determination of success / failure. While performing a pre-determination (when obtaining a pre-determination result indicating that a big jackpot will be generated) regarding (special symbols), the results of these pre-determinations (hereinafter referred to as “second pre-determination”) are second pre-determination Store in the result memory (not shown) in shift memory format. Along with this, a second start winning command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220.

  Here, the second start winning command based on the start winning for the second start winning device 17b is “information that can specify the result of the second pre-determination (hereinafter referred to as“ second pre-determination result information ”)”, This is a command indicating “information with which the second hold number after the start winning can be specified (hereinafter referred to as“ second hold number information ”)” or the like. Then, when receiving the second start winning command, the sub-control board 220 stores information indicating the result of the second preliminary determination (second preliminary determination result information) in the second preliminary determination result information memory 222b in a shift memory format. At the same time, the value of the second hold number stored in the second hold number information memory 224b is incremented by "+1". Then, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 performs specific hold (second storage) on the second determination random value memory 202b (hold storage means) based on the second previous determination result information stored in the second previous determination result information memory 222b. 2) It is possible to determine whether or not the result of the determination of success / failure is a random number value for determination of success / failure and a symbol value for design determination) that is a big hit with a ball.

  The first determination random value memory 202a, the second determination random value memory 202b, the first pre-determination result memory (not shown), the second pre-determination result memory (not shown), the first Each of the preliminary determination result information memory 221b and the second preliminary determination result information memory 222b includes four storage areas of “area 0”, “area 1”, “area 2”, and “area 3”. The corresponding data can be stored in the order of “Area 0”, “Area 1”, “Area 2”, “Area 3”, and an effective start winning (effective start for the first start winning device 17a). Each time a winning, a valid starting winning for the second starting winning device 17b) occurs, the corresponding data is stored in the shift memory format. For example, when data is stored in a plurality of areas including the area 0 in the memory, an area other than the area 0 (for example, areas 1 to 3) every time the target random number for determination is digested The data stored in is shifted by one area toward “area 0”. Here, in the present specification, the determination random number value (entrance information) stored in the input information storing means (the first determination random value memory 202a and the second determination random value memory 202b) is first. It is read out in order from the stored ones, and based on the read determination random number, whether or not to make a decision (to be described later) or to perform a symbol variation game based on this decision, “determining the decision random number value (entrance information) ".

(3) Game Flow by the Gaming Machine 1 As described above, in the gaming machine 1, a symbol stop display (confirmation display) indicating the result of the determination of success / failure performed based on the start winning, and the previous stage of the stop display The two kinds of symbol display devices of the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27 are executed. 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”. In the main control unit 200A that governs the basic progression of the game, “symbol to be displayed (stop symbol)” and “variation time (variation pattern)” of the symbol are determined.

  On the other hand, “effect design” is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the variation mode and the stop design 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, the symbol variation of these “production symbols” is executed for the same time as the “main symbol”, and the display content (big hit, small hit, miss) of these “pseudo symbols” is the first. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with the display content (big hit, miss, etc.) of “main symbol” in the special symbol display part 62a or the second special symbol display part 62b.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, based on the effective first start winning, the “special symbol variable game related to the first special symbol” is executed in the first special symbol display unit 62 a, and based on the effective 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 the “symbol changing game related to the first special symbol” or the “symbol changing game related to the second special symbol”, the effect display device 27 executes the symbol change effect (determination effect). The outline of “symbol fluctuation game” and “symbol fluctuation effect” will be described below. In this embodiment, the variation display of the main symbol and the variation display of the effect symbol (pseudo symbol) are illustrated separately. However, the symbol for the variable display is selected from the main symbol and the effect symbol (pseudo symbol). You may unify into any one of these. In this case, the determination effect can be executed by the variable display executed using the unified symbols.

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. 5 (b), these variable displays are incomplete symbols (hereinafter referred to as “unsatisfied”) in which arithmetic numbers cannot be formed by the 7-segment display body constituting the corresponding special symbol display section (62a or 62b). The content is to perform "circular display" of a complete symbol). Then, the result of the determination of success / failure (hereinafter referred to as “first determination of success / failure”) executed based on the “first start winning prize” is displayed by the stop display in the “symbol changing game related to the first special symbol”. The result of the determination of success / failure (hereinafter referred to as “second determination of success / failure”) that is executed based on the “second start winning” is displayed by the stop display in the “symbol changing game related to the second special symbol”.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a low probability state (normal probability state), a determination result indicating a big hit is derived in both the first and second determinations. When the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state, a determination result (special display) indicating a big hit in both the first win determination and the second win determination The probability that the result is derived is approximately “1/30”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62a, a “hit” is generated, and the big hit game executing means is driven to execute the big hit game.

  In this embodiment, when the determination result is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62a (62a or 62b) is determined using a random number lottery. Specifically, when the result of the second winning / failing determination is a big hit, the “random number lottery (distribution lottery)” determines that the big hit symbol is “a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of 16R probability variation big hit”, “16R normal big hit occurrence. The jackpot symbol to be displayed "or" the jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of 8R probability variation jackpot "is determined. In addition, when the result of the first winning / failing determination is a big hit, according to the “random lottery (determination using a random lottery for determining the big hit mode)”, the big hit symbol is “a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of a 16R normal big hit” , “A jackpot symbol indicating occurrence of 2R probability variation jackpot” and “big jackpot symbol indicating occurrence of normal 8R jackpot”.

  When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c, so that the “opening / closing operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 31a” is executed. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed on the big prize device 31 to change the big prize opening 31a to the open state (second 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.

  When “16R probability variable big hit” or “16R normal big hit” is generated, “round game” execution number “16 times” is executed, and when “8R normal big hit” is generated, “round game” execution number is increased. “8 times” of jackpot game B is executed. Further, when a “2R probability variable big hit” is generated, a big hit game C is executed in which the number of executions of the “round game” is “two times”.

  In the big hit game A or the big hit game B, the open limit time of the big prize opening 31a in each round game is set to “30 seconds”. It is easy for a game ball to enter. However, in the big hit game C, the open limit time of the big winning opening 31a in each round game is set to “0.2 seconds”, so that a game ball can be put into the big winning opening 31a in the round game. Have difficulty. Hereinafter, big hits that can be expected to win prize balls, such as “16R probability big hit”, “16R normal big hit”, and “8R normal big hit” are referred to as “big hit with exit” or “specific big hit”, and “2R probability big hit” A jackpot that cannot be expected to win a prize ball like this is referred to as “no jackpot”. Also, “big hit with ball” constitutes a specific example of “specific result”, and a big hit game executed based on the occurrence of “big hit with ball” constitutes a specific example of “first specific game”.

  When a “16R-probable big hit” or “2R-probable big hit” occurs, the probability variation means (described later) is activated after the corresponding big hit game ends, and the probability that the result of the determination is a big hit (hit probability) is high. It becomes a state (high probability state) considered as a probability. In addition, when “16R probability variation big hit” or “2R probability variation big hit” is generated, after the big hit game is finished, the opening extension means (described later) is activated, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17b is extended ( Open extended state). The high probability state and the extended extended state are used until the cumulative number of special symbol variation games that are executed without generating a big hit after the end of the big hit game reaches “10,000 times” (substantially, the next big hit is generated. Until)

  When the “16R normal big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs, the probability changing means does not start operation after the corresponding big hit game ends, so that the probability state of the gaming machine 1 becomes a low probability state (normal probability state). Is done. In addition, after the jackpot game is over, the release extension means (described later) is activated, and the release time of the second start winning device 17b is extended (open extension state). This open extended state is continued until the cumulative number of special symbol variable games executed without causing a big hit after the end of the big hit game reaches “100”. As described above with reference to FIG. 11, in “allocation lottery” in which the result of the second success / failure determination is “big hit”, the “winning” in the case where the result of the first success / failure determination is “big hit”. Compared with “minute lottery”, a more advantageous distribution is made to the player.

  When the determination result (specific result) indicating the big hit is not derived in the determination of winning / notifying (first determination / non-permission determination) (when the result of the big winning lottery is a loss), as shown in FIG. The control unit 200A determines whether or not to generate a small hit by means of a small lottery ((random number lottery), and if the small hit lottery is won, the result of the determination is “small hit”, and if the lottery is lost, the pass / fail determination is made. In this embodiment, a small lottery is performed in both the first and second determinations, but only one of the first and second determinations is determined. Small winning lottery may be performed (for example, only in the first winning / losing determination), and in this case, the other of the first winning / failing determination and the second winning / failing determination is immediately “disconnected” when the winning is determined by the big winning lottery. .

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), even when the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is either the low probability state or the high probability state, the determination result indicating the small hit by the first winning / notifying determination or the second winning / notifying determination. The probability that the symbol is derived (probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit mode) is about “1/100”. That is, when the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a low probability state, a determination result indicating a small hit is derived with a probability approximately three times the probability that a determination result indicating a big hit is derived, and the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is In the case of the high probability state, the determination result indicating the small hit is derived with a probability of about “3/10” of the probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived. When the determination result indicating the small hit is derived in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, a “small hit” is generated, and the small hit game execution means starts operating, A winning game is executed. Here, the small hit constitutes a specific example of “second specific result”, and the small hit game constitutes a specific example of “second specific game”.

  In this embodiment, when the result of the determination is a small hit, the small hit symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62a (62a or 62b) is a random lottery (a random lottery for determining the small hit mode is used). Determination). Specifically, when the determination result is a small hit, the small hit symbol is “small hit symbol A”, “small hit symbol B”, and “small hit symbol C” by the “random lottery (distribution lottery)”. Is determined. Further, when the small hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the special winning opening solenoid 31c, thereby executing the “opening / closing operation for opening and closing the special winning opening 31a”. This small hit game is executed in the same manner as the big hit game C described above. However, it differs from the big hit game C in that the probability state of the gaming machine 1 does not change before and after the execution of the small hit game. In addition, the mode of the stop symbol of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b differs depending on the result of the determination (big hit, small hit, miss), and the big hit mode ( It also depends on the 16R probability big hit, 16R normal big hit, 2R probability big hit, 8R normal big hit) and small hit mode (small hit A, small hit B, small hit C). On the other hand, the mode of the stop symbol of the effect symbol may not differ depending on the mode of the big hit and the small hit as a result of the determination of the success / failure (described later).

b. Symbol variation effect The symbol variation effect constitutes a specific example of the determination effect, and is started based on the first start prize or the second start prize. The execution time (variation time) of the symbol variation effect is also specified by a variation pattern (described later) determined at the start of the symbol variation game (design variation effect). In this symbol variation effect, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, an effect symbol display area 27b appears in a predetermined part of the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the effect symbol variation display (effect symbol). The symbol variation effect using) is started. Then, when the execution time (variation time) of the change display of the effect symbol elapses, the stop display of the effect symbol is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). This stop display of the effect symbol is to display the result of the determination as to whether or not it is the same as the stop display by the lower display device 60 (the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b)).

  As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, while displaying three (three digits) pseudo symbols in the effect symbol display area 27b, the pseudo symbols change display and stop. Display is made. 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)”.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the stop symbols of the production symbols are “a symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)”, “a symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)”, and “a symbol indicating a loss” (Exclusion symbol) ". Among them, the symbol (16R probability variation big hit) with the occurrence of “16R probability variation big hit” (16R probability variation big hit symbol) is composed of a combination in which all three production symbols are the same odd numbers. "Round of normal big hit with ball" or "8R normal big hit (normal big hit with ball out)" (16R normal big hit symbol, 8R normal big hit symbol) is a combination in which all three production symbols are the same even number Consists of. In addition, the symbol indicating the occurrence of “2R probability variation big hit (probability big hit without ball exit)” (2R probability variation big hit symbol) and the symbol indicating “small hit” (small symbol) are the same numbers for the left and right production symbols. However, it is configured by a combination (for example, “7, 6, 7”) in which the middle effect design is different from the left and right numbers. Furthermore, the off symbol is configured by a combination in which at least one of the three effect symbols is different from the other, and the same symbol as the 2R probability variation big hit symbol and the small symbol (for example, “7, 6, 7”). , It may be selected as an off symbol. That is, in this embodiment, a part of the 2R probability variation big hit symbol and the small symbol are in common with the off symbol. Hereinafter, “16R probability variation big hit” is sometimes referred to as “probability big hit with exit”, and “2R probability variation big hit” is sometimes referred to as “probability big hit without exit”. In addition, a big hit other than “2R-probable big hit” may be referred to as “big hit with exit”, and “2R-progressive big hit” may be referred to as “without big hit”. In the present embodiment, the occurrence of “big hit with ball” corresponds to the result of the determination as “specific result”. Therefore, in the following description, “big hit with ball” is referred to as “specific big hit”. May be called. Further, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of “small hit” corresponds to the result of the determination as to whether or not the result is “second specific result”. And in a present Example, the determination effect which shows that the result of the success / failure determination was a small hit (second specific result) is the first effect pattern (the effect pattern A, the effect pattern B or the effect pattern C described later). It is executed based on. Then, after executing the small hit game (second specific game), the “specific effect period” is started.
As described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the determination is a small hit (second specific result), any of a plurality of types of small hits (small hit A, small hit B, small hit C) is selected as the small hit. To generate. And the determination effect which alert | reports generation | occurrence | production of any small hit is performed based on a 1st effect pattern. However, unlike the present embodiment, the determination effect for notifying the occurrence of at least one of a plurality of types of small hits is executed based on an effect pattern different from the first effect pattern, and based on the small hits. After executing the small hit game (second specific game), the “specific effect period” may not be started.
Further, every time the result of the determination is a small hit (second specific result), the effect pattern used in the determination effect is determined by random lottery or the like, “the first effect pattern and the first effect pattern are different. When the first effect pattern is selected by this selection, a small hit game based on the small hit (second specific game) is executed, and then “specific” is selected. When the “effect period” is started and an “effect pattern different from the first effect pattern” is selected, after the small hit game based on the small hit (second specific game) is executed, the “specific effect period” is It may not be started.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), when the “big hit symbol” or “small hit symbol” is displayed on the effect display device 27, the reach display is performed in the middle of the fluctuation display which is the premise. ”Is displayed, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), when reach display is performed in the middle of the presumed variation display, and as shown in FIG. 11 (a), in the middle of the premise variation display. May not display reach. Further, in the gaming machine 1, as a display effect (hereinafter referred to as “reach effect”) performed after reach display, a reach effect with simple effect content (hereinafter referred to as “non-developed effect” in which the effect content does not develop during the effect). Or “normal reach production”) or “development production” in which production content develops during production.

  Here, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern at the start of the symbol variation game, and the execution time of the symbol variation game and the symbol variation effect is specified by this variation pattern. Further, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 determines the effect pattern based on the variation pattern specified at the start of the symbol variation game, and the content of the symbol variation effect is identified by the determined effect pattern. In this embodiment, since each variation pattern and each effect pattern have a “one-to-one” relationship, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the change pattern, the effect determined by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220. The pattern is uniquely determined.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27A, when the occurrence of “small hit A” is determined by the determination (the first hit determination or the second win determination or the like), the change pattern is determined as the change pattern N1. The production pattern is determined as production pattern A. When the occurrence of “small hit B” is determined by the determination, the variation pattern is determined as the variation pattern N2, and the effect pattern is determined as the effect pattern B. Further, when the occurrence of “small hit C” is determined by the determination, the variation pattern is determined as the variation pattern N3, and the effect pattern is determined as the effect pattern C. Here, the effect pattern A, the effect pattern B, and the effect pattern C constitute a specific example of the “first effect pattern”. In these cases, the symbol variation according to the first effect pattern (effect pattern A, effect pattern B or effect pattern C) corresponding to the mode of the small hits to be generated (small hit A, small hit B or small hit C). After the effect is advanced and negative effect contents are executed just before the end of the symbol variation effect, the symbol variation effect is ended. In other words, immediately before the end of the symbol variation effect, an effect mode suggesting that the player's purpose has not been fulfilled is executed, and the result of the determination of success / failure is not a specific result, and the process ends (accordingly) , An effect symbol indicating losing or an effect symbol indicating that it is not a big hit may be stopped and displayed). Note that “X” shown in FIG. 27A indicates that the negative effect content is executed just before the end of the symbol variation effect.

  When the symbol variation effect (determination effect) is performed based on the effect pattern A, the effect pattern B, or the effect pattern C, and further a small hit game is performed, the specific effect period is started. If it is decided to generate a specific big hit (a big hit with a ball) within this specific production period, a symbol variation production (determination production) is executed using the production pattern selected when the small hit is generated. Is done. That is, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), when it is determined that the specific big hit is generated within the specific presentation period started based on the occurrence of the small hit A, the fluctuation pattern is determined as the fluctuation pattern L1, The pattern is determined as the production pattern A. Further, when it is determined that the specific big hit is generated within the specific effect period started based on the occurrence of the small hit B, the variation pattern is determined as the variation pattern L2, and the effect pattern is determined as the effect pattern B. Furthermore, when it is determined that a specific big hit is generated within a specific effect period that is started based on the occurrence of the small hit C, the variation pattern is determined as the variation pattern L3, and the effect pattern is determined as the effect pattern C. In these cases, the first effect pattern (small hit A is the cause of the setting) corresponding to the small hit mode (small hit A, small hit B or small hit C) that caused the setting of the specific effect period. Case: production pattern A, small hit B is the setting cause; production pattern B, small hit C is the setting cause; the design variation production is advanced according to the production pattern C), and is positive immediately before the end of the design variation production. After executing the effect content, the symbol variation effect is terminated. In other words, immediately before the end of the symbol variation effect, an effect mode that suggests that the player's purpose has been fulfilled is executed, and the result of the determination of success or failure is informed that the result is a specific result and ends ( The effect design shown may be stopped and displayed). Here, the “circle” shown in FIG. 27B indicates that a positive effect content is executed just before the end of the symbol variation effect. These points will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  When the occurrence of “small hit A” is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 200A, a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as symbol variation effect A) is executed based on the effect pattern A. When the symbol variation effect A is started, a character indicating a player's friend (hereinafter referred to as a “friend character”) and a character indicating a player's enemy (hereinafter referred to as “a friend character”) are displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. "Enemy character") appears (a1). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variation effect A, reach display is performed in the effect symbol display area 27b (a2). Then, after this reach display, reach production (development production) is started (a3).

  This reach production (development production) is a battle production whose content is that a “friend character” and an “enemy character” perform a battle (duel) (a4 to a7). A display indicating that “character” is defeated by “enemy character” is displayed (a8). Thus, the player is notified that the result of the determination is not a big hit (specific result). Thereafter, the determination result is “Display that the result was not a specific result and the symbol variation effect A is completed (a9). Then, after the small hit game is executed, the specific effect period is started.

  The specific effect period is a period until the cumulative number of executions of the symbol variation effect reaches “100”, but the special effect period ends when a big hit occurs within the specific effect period. Further, when a small hit occurs within the specific effect period, after executing the small hit game based on the occurrence of the small hit, the specific effect period is newly started. Further, in this embodiment, the length of the specific effect period is the same regardless of the type of small hits (small hits A, B, C) (the cumulative number of executions of the symbol variation effect is “100 times”). However, the length of the specific performance period may be different depending on the type of small hits that occur (see Example 7 described later). Furthermore, unlike the present embodiment, the length of the specific production period may be specified by time.

  When the occurrence of a specific big hit (specific result) is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 200A within the specific effect period started through the symbol variation effect A, as shown in FIG. The symbol variation effect (symbol variation effect A) is executed. The symbol variation effect A also proceeds in the same manner as the aforementioned “symbol variation effect A when generating the small hit A” (a1 to a7 in FIG. 13). However, in this “design variation effect A when generating a specific big hit”, a display indicating that “a friend character” wins an “enemy character” is made immediately before the end (b8). Thus, the player is notified that the result of the determination is a specific big hit (specific result). Then, the determination result is displayed as “specific result”, the symbol variation effect A is completed (b9), the fanfare effect is executed, and then the big hit game A or the big hit game B is executed.

  When the occurrence of “small hit B” is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 200A, a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as symbol variation effect B) is executed based on the effect pattern B as shown in FIG. The When the symbol variation effect B is started, a “friend character” and an “enemy character” appear on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (c2). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variation effect B, reach display is performed in the effect symbol display area 27b (c2). And even after this reach display, reach production (development production) is started (c3).

  This reach production (development production) is a competition production whose content is that the “friend character” performs a race (c3, c4). A display indicating that this is to be done is displayed (c5). Thereby, the player is notified that the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (specific result). Thereafter, the determination result is “not a specific result” and the symbol variation effect B is completed (c6). And after performing a small hit game, a specific production period is started.

  When the occurrence of a specific big hit (specific result) is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 200A within the specific effect period started through this symbol variation effect B, as shown in FIG. The symbol variation effect (symbol variation effect B) is executed. This symbol variation effect B also proceeds in the same manner as the aforementioned “symbol variation effect B when generating a small hit B” (c2 to c4 in FIG. 14). However, in this “design variation effect B when generating a specific big hit”, a display indicating that the “friend character” wins the “enemy character” is made immediately before the end (d5). Thus, the player is notified that the result of the determination is a specific big hit (specific result). After this, the result of the determination is “specific result” is displayed and the symbol variation effect B is completed (d6). After the fanfare effect is executed, the big hit game A or the big hit game B is executed.

  When the occurrence of “small hit C” is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 200A, a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as symbol variation effect C) is executed based on the effect pattern C as shown in FIG. The When the symbol variation effect C is started, a “friend character” and an “enemy character” appear on the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variation effect C, reach display is performed in the effect symbol display area 27b (e2). And even after this reach display, reach production (development production) is started (e3, e4).

  This reach production (development production) is a production whose content is that the “friend character” performs a hike along a predetermined hiking course (e3), and the “friend character” has hiked for a specific time. By the way, the destination reaches the vicinity of the branch point where the destination is divided into the branch path A and the branch path B (e4). Then, before the end of the symbol variation effect C, a display indicating that the “friend character” enters one branch path (for example, the branch path A) is made (e5). Thereafter, the player is informed that the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (specific result) (for example, that the “friend character” has failed to acquire a treasure), and the symbol variation effect C is completed (e6). ). And after performing a small hit game, a specific production period is started.

When the occurrence of the specific big hit (specific result) is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 200A within the specific effect period started through the symbol variation effect C, as shown in FIG. The symbol variation effect (symbol variation effect C) is executed. This symbol variation effect C also proceeds in the same manner as the aforementioned “symbol variation effect C when generating a small hit C” (e2 to e4 in FIG. 15). However, in this “design variation effect C when generating a specific jackpot”, the “friend character” enters the other branch B before the end (for example, the “ally character” succeeds in acquiring the treasure) Is displayed (f5). Thereafter, the player is notified that the result of the determination is a specific big hit (specific result), and the symbol variation effect C is completed (f6). Then, after the fanfare effect is executed, the big hit game A or the big hit game B is executed.
As shown in FIG. 16A, when the result of determination performed by the main control unit 200A is a small hit (small hit A, small hit B, small hit C), the image data based on the first effect pattern (movie) , The symbol variation effect (symbol variation effect A, symbol variation effect B or symbol variation effect C) at the time of generating the small hit C is advanced. Then, before the end of the symbol variation effect, the reproduction of the image data (for example, a losing image indicating that the battle is lost) indicating that the determination result is not a specific result is started, and then the symbol variation effect is completed. To do. On the other hand, if the result of the success / failure determination is a specific big hit (specific result) within the specific production period, the first symbol used in the “design variation production for notifying the occurrence of the small hit that caused the specific production period” is used. While changing the image data (movie) based on the effect pattern (effect pattern A, effect pattern B or effect pattern), the symbol variation effect (symbol variation effect A, symbol variation effect B or symbol variation effect C) is advanced. Then, before the end of the symbol variation effect, reproduction of image data (for example, a winning image indicating that the battle has been won) is started, and the symbol variation effect is completed after that. To do.

As described above, in this embodiment, the determination effect for notifying that the result of the determination is not a specific jackpot is executed as a symbol variation effect based on the first effect pattern (effect pattern A, effect pattern B or effect pattern). Then, after the small hit game is executed, the specific performance period is started. When the result of the determination of success / failure is a specific jackpot during the specific effect period, the determination effect for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot is a symbol variation effect (notifying the occurrence of the small hit) that caused the setting of the specific effect period. This is executed as a symbol variation effect based on the first effect pattern (effect pattern A, effect pattern B or effect pattern C) used in the symbol variation effect.
In other words, in this gaming machine 1, the player is in a state of expectation for the occurrence of a specific jackpot by executing the first effect pattern (such as a fierce battle effect). However, since it is informed that the player has not achieved the specific big hit that is the target of the player, the first production pattern of the player (originally high expectation) is obtained by ending the first production pattern with a non-specific result. Expectation for patterns will decline.

However, when the result of the determination is a specific big hit within a predetermined period (specific effect period) set thereafter, when the determination effect for notifying it is executed with the first effect pattern (such as intense heat effect) It is notified that the specific big hit has been made by this first performance pattern. Thereby, the expectation with respect to the 1st production pattern which the player lost because the specific result was not obtained as a result of execution of the 1st production pattern last time can be recovered. Therefore, when the first effect pattern appears thereafter, the player can face the effect with a sense of expectation.
This is achieved by selecting effect patterns using different effect pattern determination tables for the specific effect period and the normal period outside the specific effect period. Specifically, in a normal period, the selection rate of the production pattern when the specific big hit is achieved may be, for example, “production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 30: 30: 40”. it can. On the other hand, when the effect pattern A is executed and a small hit is made, and the specific effect period A is set, the selection rate of the effect pattern when the specific effect hits in the specific effect period A is “ Production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 100: 0: 0 ”(see FIG. 29). In addition, when the production pattern B is executed and a small hit is made and the specific production period B is set, the selection rate of the production pattern when the specific big hit is made in the specific production period B is “production pattern A”. : Production pattern B: production pattern C = 0: 100: 0 ”, the production pattern C is executed and a small hit is made, and when the specific production period C is set, the specific big hit in the specific production period C The selection rate of the production pattern at this time is “production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 0: 0: 100” (see FIG. 29).

However, unlike the present embodiment, in the normal period, the selection rate of the production pattern when the specific big hit is, for example, “production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 30: 30: 40” If it is, it can be as follows. For example, when the production pattern A is executed and a small hit is made and the specific production period A is set, the selection rate of the production pattern when the specific big hit is made in the specific production period A is “production pattern A: Effect pattern B: effect pattern C = 70: 20: 10 ”, and the configuration is such that the execution probability of the effect pattern that is a specific big hit based on the execution of effect pattern A is increased, and specified based on the execution of effect pattern A You may employ | adopt the structure which can raise the execution probability of the production pattern which becomes a big hit. In addition, when the production pattern B is executed and a small hit is made and the specific production period B is set, the selection ratio of the production pattern when the specific big hit is made in the specific production period B is “production pattern A: Production pattern B: production pattern C = 10: 70: 20 ”, and the execution probability of the production pattern that is a specific big hit based on the execution of production pattern B may be increased. Furthermore, when the production pattern C is executed and the bonus is made and the specific production period C is set, the selection rate of the production pattern when the special production win is made in the specific production period C is “production pattern A: Production pattern B: production pattern C = 20: 10: 70 ”, and the execution probability of the production pattern that is a specific big hit based on the execution of production pattern C may be increased.
That is, in the present invention, when the result of the determination in the specific effect period is the specific result (in the first embodiment, the specific jackpot is exemplified), the determination result is the specific result in a period other than the specific effect period. The determination effect may be executed based on the first effect pattern with a higher probability, and this probability may be “100%” as in this embodiment, or less than “100%” (however, , Higher than the probability in the normal period).

(4) Transmission of command The gaming machine 1 of this 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 to the sub-control unit 220A include (A) a variation pattern designation command and (B) a special symbol stop information designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern, and when starting the symbol variation effect, the sub-control unit 220A sets the effect pattern based on the variation pattern. In this case, the change time of the effect symbol specified by the effect pattern (execution time of the symbol change effect) is equal to the change time of the special symbol (main symbol) specified by the corresponding change pattern. For this reason, executing the determination effect (symbol variation effect) based on the same effect pattern is nothing but executing the determination effect (symbol variation effect) over the same variation time. In addition, when each variation pattern and each production pattern are in a “one-to-one” relationship, the production pattern is uniquely determined when the variation pattern is specified, but a plurality of production patterns are associated with each variation pattern. In the case where the change pattern is specified, the sub-control unit 220A specifies a production pattern by performing random number lottery or the like.

(5) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 17 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 the present embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 of FIG. 17 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. 17 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec.

  Here, the prize ball payout process (S80) is a process related to prize ball payout when a game ball wins a winning device (17, 31, 45, 46), but detailed description thereof is omitted in this embodiment. . The CPU 201 determines that “a payout signal for designating six payout numbers” when a game ball enters the start winning devices 17a and 17b, and “10” when a game ball enters the general winning devices 45 and 46. In order to output the “payout signal for designating the number of payouts” and “payout signal for designating the number of 15 payouts” to the payout control board 240 when a game ball enters the grand prize winning device 31, respectively. The CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A performs a process for paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal.

A. 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. 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. 17, the CPU 201 performs stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Further, when the CPU 201 determines that the stop symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 17, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether the symbol is a symbol to be activated (a normal symbol hit symbol) or a symbol that is not to be 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.

B. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric game game process. When the ordinary electric game 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 (the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (second state)). ) Is maintained for 5 seconds in the open extended state and 0.2 seconds in the normal open state) (S202). When it is determined that the operating time (opening time) has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the second start winning device 17b in the open state (second state) is stopped by stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d. Is in a closed state (first state) (S206), and 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 when the ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated, the pair of wing pieces of the second start winning device 17b constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d is outward. By rotating, the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (second state).

C. Special design game processing (S300)
When the special symbol game process (S300) is started, as shown in FIG. 19, it is first determined whether or not a first start prize or a second start prize has occurred (S301a, S301b). Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S301a and the processing of S301b (S301a; NO, S301b; NO), the process directly proceeds to the processing after S308 shown in FIG. Here, when the game ball won in the first start winning device 17a is detected by the first start opening ball detecting switch 17s, the CPU 201 determines that the first start winning has occurred, and enters the second start winning device 17b. When the winning game ball is detected by the second start-entry ball detection switch 17t, it is determined that a second start win has occurred.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the first start winning has occurred (S301a; YES), the number of the first special symbols corresponding to the first starting winning (first holding number) is less than a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment). Or less) (S302a). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302a (S302a; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303a). The random number value for determination acquired based on the first start winning is stored in a shift memory format at a predetermined address (first determination random value memory 202a shown in FIG. 8) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. At the same time, “the number of special symbols held corresponding to the first start winning (first holding number)” is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the first holding number memory 202c shown in FIG. 8 (S303a).

  Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303a includes (a) a random determination random value used for the first determination to be executed based on the first start winning prize, and (b) a first special symbol display unit. (C) Reach display (reach effect) in the effect display variation display (symbol variation effect) executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. There is a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform. And these random numbers for determination comprise the specific example of the pitch information acquired based on a 1st start winning prize. In addition to the determination random number value (big hit determination random value) used in the big hit determination (big hit lottery), the random number value for success / failure determination acquired in the process of S303a is used in the small hit determination (small hit lottery). A random number value for determination (decision random value for small hits) is also included. Furthermore, in the symbol determination random value {random number used for determination (determination) of the hit mode} acquired in the process of S303a, the symbol determination for determining the big hit symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a. In addition to the random number value, a symbol determining random number value for determining a small hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a is also included. Unlike the present embodiment, when the small hit determination is not performed based on the first start winning, the determination random number value acquired in the processing of S303a includes the determination random number value used in the small hit determination and the small hit symbol It is not necessary to include the design determination random number value for determining. It is also possible to include a random number value for determining a variation pattern for determining the variation pattern in the process of S303a.

  Following the process of S303a, the CPU 201 performs a predetermination (first predetermination) regarding the first determination of success / failure (special figure 1 big hit lottery) using the randomness determination random number value acquired in the process of S303a. The information shown is stored in a first pre-determination result memory (not shown in FIG. 8) (S304a). Then, after the first start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S305a), the process proceeds to S308 of FIG. Here, as described above, the first start winning time command is a command indicating information that can specify the result of the first pre-determination, the first hold number after the start winning to the first starting winning device 17a, and the like. . However, unlike the present embodiment, the command for specifying the first hold number after the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the command for specifying other information may be different commands.

  If the result of the first win / fail determination (special figure 1 big hit lottery) is a big win (win) in the first prejudgment, the “special figure 1 symbol determination random number” is used in the first prejudgment. “Preliminary determination regarding jackpot symbol” may also be executed. In this case, information that can specify the result of the prior determination relating to the jackpot symbol is also included in the first start winning command. In this case, the processing of S304a is performed for each hold (random number value for determination acquired based on the first start prize) that is subject to prior determination (holding random number value acquired based on the first start prize). Is performed in consideration of the gaming state when the symbol is actually processed (when the symbol variation game is actually started). That is, if the symbol variation game that is started by processing the hold (first determination random value) to be determined in advance is performed in a low probability state, the hold (obtained based on the first start winning) The prior determination regarding the determination random number value) is executed with reference to the aforementioned “low probability data table”. In addition, if a symbol variation game that is started by processing a hold (a random number value for determination acquired based on the first starting prize) that is subject to prior determination is performed in a high-probability state, the hold (No. The prior determination regarding the random number value for determination acquired based on one start winning prize is executed with reference to the above-mentioned “high probability data table”.

  Here, the gaming machine 1 includes a first start winning device 17a and a second start winning device 17b as start winning devices. In addition, a first special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 1”) that performs variable display based on the first start prize, and a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1”) that performs variable display based on the occurrence of the second start prize. Also referred to as “Special Figure 1”). In the situation where the determination random number value based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the determination random value based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b are stored, the latter is preferentially stored. Processed (described later). Further, as described above, the big hit generated by processing the random number value for determination based on the second start prize (second hold) processes the random number value for determination based on the first start prize (first hold). Thus, it is a big hit that is more advantageous to the player than the big hit that occurs.

  Also, in FIGS. 19 to 24, among the processes performed by the CPU 201, each process executed based on a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1). The same number of steps (numbers for calculation) are used for similar processes among the processes executed based on the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 2). ) Is attached. Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. 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.

  If it is determined that the second start winning has occurred (S301b; YES), the number of second special symbols corresponding to the second start winning (second holding number) is less than a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment). Or less) (S302b). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the processing of S302b (S302b; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303b). The determination random number value acquired based on the second starting prize is stored in a predetermined address (second determination random value memory 202b shown in FIG. 8) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, The number of reserved special symbols (second number of reservations) corresponding to the two start winnings is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the second number-of-holds memory 202d (S303b).

  Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303b includes (a) a random determination value for determining whether or not to be executed based on the second start winning prize, and (b) a second special symbol display unit. The symbol determination random number value for determining the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed at 62b, (c) Reach display (reach effect) in the pseudo symbol variation display (symbol variation effect) executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 There is a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform. These random number values for determination constitute a specific example of the entry information acquired based on the second start winning prize. In addition to the random number value for determination (big hit determination random number value) used in the big hit determination (big hit lottery), the random number value for success / failure determination acquired in the process of S303b is used in the small hit determination (small hit lottery). A random number value for determination (decision random value for small hits) is also included. Further, the symbol determination random number value {random number used for determination (determination) of the hit mode} acquired in the process of S303b} determines the symbol for determining the big hit symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b. In addition to the random number value, a symbol determination random number value for determining a small hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b is also included. Unlike the present embodiment, when the small hit determination is not performed based on the second start winning prize, the determination random number value acquired in the processing of S303b includes the determination random number value used in the small hit determination and the small hit symbol It is not necessary to include the design determination random number value for determining. In addition, it is possible to include a random number value for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern in the process of S303b.

  Following the processing of S303b, the CPU 201 performs a preliminary determination (second preliminary determination) regarding the second winning / failing determination (special figure 2 big hit lottery) using the randomness determination random number obtained in the processing of S303b, and the result is obtained. The information shown is stored in a second pre-determination result memory (not shown in FIG. 8) (S304b). Then, after the second start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S305b), the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Here, as described above, the command at the time of the second start winning is a command indicating information that can specify the result of the second pre-determination, the second hold number after the start winning to the second start winning device 17b, and the like. . However, unlike the present embodiment, the command for specifying the second reserved number after the start winning to the second start winning device 17b and the command for specifying other information may be different commands.

  Even in the second pre-determination, if the result of the second win / fail determination (special figure 2 big hit lottery) is a big win (win), in the second pre-determination, the “special figure 2 symbol determination random number” is set. The used “pre-judgment regarding jackpot symbol” is also executed. Information that can specify the result of the pre-judgment regarding the jackpot symbol is also included in the second start winning command. In this case, the process of S304b is also held (the determination random number value acquired based on the second start prize) for each hold (the determination random number value acquired based on the second start prize) that is subject to prior determination. Is performed in consideration of the gaming state when the symbol is actually processed (when the symbol variation game is actually started). In other words, if the symbol variation game that is started by processing the hold (second determination random number value) to be pre-determined is performed in a low probability state, the hold (obtained based on the second start winning) The prior determination regarding the determination random number value) is executed with reference to the aforementioned “low probability data table”. In addition, if a symbol variation game that is processed and started in a high-probability state by processing a hold (a random number value for determination acquired based on the second starting prize) that is subject to prior determination, The prior determination regarding the random number value for determination (obtained based on 2 start winnings) is executed with reference to the aforementioned “high probability data table”.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not a winning game is being executed (S308). Specifically, the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 21) is set (set to ON) or the small hit game flag (see the process of S360 in FIG. 21) is set (set to ON). If so, a positive determination is made in the processing of S308. The big hit game flag is a flag indicating that the “big hit game execution means” is in operation, and the small hit game flag is a flag indicating that the “small hit game execution means” is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the winning 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 the process of S308 that the winning game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is changing. 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 display of the special symbol” is that either of the “first reserved number” and the “second reserved 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 value is read from the second determination random value memory 202b (see FIG. 8) (S316b), and whether or not the second special symbol is determined is determined. Processing (second success / failure determination processing) is performed (S320b). Note that the determination random number value read in S316b is acquired in S303b, and includes a success / failure determination random value, a symbol determination random number value, a reach random number value, and the like.

  In the second success / failure determination process (S320b), a process related to the second success / failure determination is performed. In the second success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 22, first, a process related to the big hit determination (process related to the first big hit lottery) is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state (whether or not the probability variation flag is set) (S322b), and when it is in a high probability state (S322b; YES), “high probability” The “big hit determination” is performed using the “data table” and “the random number value for determination (determination random number value for jackpot) read out in the process of S316b” (S324), and is in a low probability state (normal probability state). Sometimes (S322; NO), the “big hit determination” is performed using the “low probability data table” and the “determination random number value read in the process of S316b (big hit determination random value)” (S326).

  When the result of the jackpot determination performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a jackpot (S330; YES), after setting the jackpot flag (set to ON) (S332), the second success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated. The process proceeds to S500b shown in FIG. Further, when the result of the big hit determination is out (S330; NO), the small hit determination is performed using the “determination random number value read by the processing of S316b (determination random number value for small hit)” (S334), and the small hit determination is performed. In the case of winning (S336; YES), after the “small winning flag” is set (set to ON) (S338), the second determination process (S320b) is ended, and the process proceeds to S500b shown in FIG. To do. Further, when the small hit determination is out (S336; NO), after setting the “out flag (flag indicating that neither big hit nor small hit has occurred)” (set to ON) (S339), the second The success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated, and the process proceeds to the process of S500b shown in FIG.

  The CPU 201 executes a special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b) following the second win / fail determination process (S320b). In the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), as shown in FIG. 23, first, a process (510A, 510B, 510C) or the like for distributing the variation pattern table based on the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320b), etc. I do. That is, when the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320b) is “big hit” (S501; YES), the symbol determination random value acquired in the process of S303b of FIG. 19 is read from the second determination random value memory 202b. (S502) After setting (determining) the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b (S503), a process for distributing the variation pattern table at the time of the big hit (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot variation pattern table distribution process) (S510A), the process proceeds to S560. It should be noted that the flag (big hit flag, small hit flag or miss flag) that is set according to the result in the above second win / fail determination process (S320b) is set to a predetermined value in the special figure 2 symbol fluctuation start process (S500b). It is good also as canceling | releasing at a timing (for example, when it transfers to the process of S560).

  Further, when the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320b) is “small hit” (S501; NO, S504; YES), the symbol determination random number value acquired in the process of S303b of FIG. 19 is used as the second determination random value. After reading from the memory 202b (S505) and setting (determining) the small hit symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b (S506), the process of allocating the variation pattern table at the time of the small hit (hereinafter referred to as the small hit symbol) The time variation pattern table distribution process is performed) (S510B), and the process proceeds to S560.

  Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “out” (S501; NO, S504; NO), a process of allocating a variation pattern table at the time of detachment (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern table distribution process at the time of detachment). (S510C). Then, the symbol determination random number value is acquired (S511), and after a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b is set (determined) (S512), the process proceeds to S560. Note that the symbol determination random number value used when setting (determining) the off symbol may be acquired at the time of starting winning, and the acquired symbol determination random number value may be read out during the processing of S511.

  Here, the contents of the big hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510A), the small hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510B), and the loss fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510C) are the same. Done according to When this distribution process (S510A, S510B, S510C) is started, first, it is determined whether or not the values of all effect counters are zero (S514). Here, the “effect counter” is for defining the use period (specific effect period) of the target “specific variation pattern table”, and counts the number of executions of the special symbol variation display during the use period. It is. Also, this gaming machine 1 has three types of “effect counters”, and only one of the effect counter values is “positive value” or all the effect counter values are “zero”. Although it is possible, the values of two or more effect counters do not become “positive values”. Specifically, “effect counter A corresponding to the first specific variation pattern table”, “effect counter B corresponding to the second specific variation pattern table”, and “effect counter C corresponding to the third specific variation pattern table”. Is provided. If it is the usage period of any one of the specific variation pattern tables, only one of the production counters is “positive value”, and the values of the other production counters are “zero”. In addition, when none of the specific variation pattern tables is in use, the values of all effect counters are “zero”.

  If the values of all the production counters are zero in the process of S514 (S514; NO), that is, if any specific variation pattern table is determined not to be in use (S514; NO), the process proceeds to S520 and subsequent processes. Then, a process of distributing the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is performed. Even if the value of any of the production counters is not zero (positive value), if the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (specific result) (S514; YES, S516; NO), S520 and the subsequent steps The process shifts to processing, and processing for distributing the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is performed. Here, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is determined by the presence / absence of each of the probability variation means, the variation shortening means, and the release extension means, and “a high probability shortening variation state in which the probability variation means and the variation shortening means operate”, One of the “low probability reduced fluctuation state in which the fluctuation shortening means operates without the probability fluctuation means operating” and the “low probability normal fluctuation state in which the probability fluctuation means and the fluctuation shortening means do not operate”. The fluctuation shortening means and the opening extension means are integrally activated / deactivated. When the fluctuation shortening means is activated, the opening extension means is also activated, and when the fluctuation shortening means is not activated, the opening extension means is not activated. .

  In the following, first, the process of allocating the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (the process after S520) will be described, and then the process of setting the specific variation pattern table (the process of S518) will be described. Further, when the process of allocating the variation pattern table is performed in accordance with the processes after S520, and the result of the determination is incorrect, the process of S316b (the process of S316a) is performed in the processes of S522, S532, and S536. Based on the reach random number included in the read determination random value, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is executed, and then the variation pattern table is set.

  In the process of S520, when it is determined that the probability change flag is set (set to ON) (S520; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening). Since the variation pattern table used in the high probability state shortened variation state (hereinafter referred to as the high probability shortened variation pattern table) is set (S522), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A, S510B, S510C) is terminated.

  In the process of S522, if it is determined that the result of the determination is a big hit and a specific big hit (a big hit with a turnout) is generated in the process of S503, the “high probability / The variation pattern table in the column labeled “abbreviated” is set (S522). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, the “high probability / shortening” in FIG. 26 and the variation pattern tables in the column “no reach effect” are displayed. The variation pattern table corresponding to the number of reservations at the start of variation (the second retention number at the start of variation of the second special symbol, the first retention number at the start of variation of the first special symbol) is set. Furthermore, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is to be performed, the fluctuation pattern table in the column of “High probability / shortening” and “Reach effect is present” in FIG. 26 is set. (S522).

  When the probability variation flag is released (set to OFF) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S520; NO, S531; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “low”. Since the state is a state in which shortening variation is performed with probability (low probability shortening variation state), a variation pattern table used in the low probability shortening variation state (hereinafter referred to as a low probability shortening variation pattern table) is set (S532), and then the variation is performed. The pattern table distribution process (S510A, S510B, S510C) is terminated.

  In the process of S532, if it is determined that the result of the determination is a big hit and a specific big hit (a big hit with a turnout) is generated by the process of S503, the "low probability / The variation pattern table in the column labeled “shortened” is set (S532). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, the change pattern table in the column of “low probability / shortening” and “no reach effect” in FIG. 26 is displayed. Among them, the variation pattern table corresponding to the number of reservations at the start of the variation (the second retention number at the start of variation of the second special symbol, the first retention number at the start of variation of the first special symbol) is set. Furthermore, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is to be performed, the variation pattern table in the column of “Low Probability / Short” in FIG. 26 and “With Reach Effect” is set. The

  When the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are released (set to OFF) (S520; NO, S531; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability). Normal variation state) ”, a variation pattern table used in the low probability normal variation state (hereinafter referred to as a low probability normal variation pattern table) is set (S536), and variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A, S510B, 510C) is terminated.

  In the process of S536, if it is determined that the result of the determination is a big hit and a specific big hit (a big hit with a ball exit) is generated by the process of S503, the “low probability / The variation pattern table in the column labeled “normal” is set (S536). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, each variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / normal” and “no reach effect” in FIG. 26 is displayed. Among them, the variation pattern table corresponding to the number of reservations at the start of the variation (the second retention number at the start of variation of the second special symbol, the first retention number at the start of variation of the first special symbol) is set. Furthermore, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is to be performed, the variation pattern table in the column of “Low Probability / Normal” and “Reach Effect Available” in FIG. 26 is set. The

  Unlike the present embodiment, when a so-called “latency probability variation big hit” can occur, there is a case where a big hit probability is a high probability and a gaming state in which normal fluctuation occurs (high probability normal fluctuation state) may occur. In this case, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 is used as the variation pattern table used when the result of the second success / failure determination process (S320b) or the first success / failure determination process (S320a) is a big hit or miss. In addition to the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 5, a variation pattern table for “high probability normal variation state” is added.

  In other words, when a positive determination is made in the process of S520, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON), and the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). The process of S522 in FIG. 24 is executed. On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is canceled (set to OFF), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal fluctuation is performed with high probability (high probability normal fluctuation state)”. After setting the variation pattern table (high probability normal variation pattern table) used in the high probability normal variation state, the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A, S510C) is terminated.

  Furthermore, if the result of the determination is a big hit and it is determined to generate a “no big hit big hit” by the processing of S503, the variation pattern table of FIG. 25 (b) regardless of the gaming state. Is set (S522, S532, S536).

  If the result of the determination is a small hit, regardless of the gaming state, the variation pattern table in FIG. 27A corresponding to the type of the small hit to be generated is set ( S522, S532, S536). Specifically, when the small hit A (the stop symbol is the small hit symbol A) is determined in the processing of S506 in FIG. 23, the variation pattern table storing the variation pattern N1 is set (S522, S532, S536) When the small hit B (stop symbol is determined to be a small hit symbol B), the variation pattern table storing the variation pattern N2 is set (S522, S532, S536), and the small hit C (stop symbol is determined). When the small hit symbol C) is determined, the variation pattern table storing the variation pattern N3 is set (S522, S532, S536). Since only one variation pattern is stored in each variation pattern table set in the case of small hits, the variation time is determined at that time regardless of which variation pattern table is set. . However, when a plurality of variation patterns are stored in the variation pattern table and a predetermined variation pattern is selected, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 selects the first effect pattern as the effect pattern for the design variation effect. To do. However, when another variation pattern is selected, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 selects an effect pattern different from the first effect pattern as the effect pattern for the design variation effect, and the small hit based on the small hit After executing the game (second specific game), the “specific effect period” may not be started.

  In the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, variation patterns are set in association with “random number values”, and based on “variation pattern determination random number values” acquired in the processing of S560 described later, the processing of S562 described later. The “variation pattern used for variation display” is determined. 25 to 27 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns for convenience of explanation. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 variation patterns). Seeds, 50 species, 100 species). Each variation pattern table described in the present embodiment is preset in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and this ROM 203 constitutes a specific example of “variation pattern table storage means”.

  Here, the fluctuation pattern table used in the fluctuation reduction state (high probability reduction fluctuation state and low probability reduction fluctuation state) has a fluctuation time shorter than the fluctuation pattern table used in the normal fluctuation state (low probability normal fluctuation state). The possibility of selecting a pattern is high. In addition, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach effect is determined. There is a tendency to be shortened. In addition, if the number of reserved special symbols targeted by the ongoing symbol variation start process (S500b or S500a) is further considered, and the number of reservations is small (the number of reservations at the start of variation is "2" or less), When the fluctuation pattern for specifying the eye fluctuation time is selected and the number of holdings is large (for example, the number of holdings at the start of the fluctuation is “3” or more), the fluctuation pattern for specifying the short fluctuation time is selected. There is a tendency.

  If the value of any of the production counters is not zero (positive value) and the result of the determination is a specific big hit (specific result) (S514; YES, S516; YES), the “value is not zero. After setting the specific variation pattern table corresponding to the “effect counter” (S518), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A) is terminated. Specifically, when the value of the effect counter A is not “zero”, the “variation pattern table storing the variation pattern L1” in FIG. 27B, and when the value of the effect counter B is not “zero”, FIG. 27 (b) “variation pattern table storing variation pattern L2”, and when the value of the effect counter C is not “zero”, “variation pattern table storing variation pattern L3” in FIG. Is done. Each of these variation pattern tables stores only one variation pattern, and identifies the variation time that is the same as the variation time selected when generating the small hit that triggered the start of the corresponding specific production period. .

  Specifically, both “variation pattern N1” and “variation pattern L1” specify a variation time of “50 seconds”, and when “variation pattern N1” or “variation pattern L1” is selected, the sub-control unit 220A determines the effect pattern A as the effect pattern when executing the symbol variation effect. Further, both “variation pattern N2” and “variation pattern L2” specify a variation time of “60 seconds”, and when “variation pattern N2” or “variation pattern L2” is selected, the sub-control unit 220A displays the symbol. The effect pattern when executing the change effect is determined to be the effect pattern B. Furthermore, both “variation pattern N3” and “variation pattern L3” specify a variation time of “70 seconds”, and when “variation pattern N3” or “variation pattern L3” is selected, sub-control unit 220A The effect pattern when executing the change effect is determined to be the effect pattern C. However, unlike the present embodiment, a variation time in which “variation pattern N1” and “variation pattern L1” are different may be specified. For example, a variation time specified by “variation pattern L1” is specified as “variation pattern N1”. It may be made longer than the fluctuation time. Similarly, a variation time in which “variation pattern N2” and “variation pattern L2” are different may be specified. For example, a variation time specified by “variation pattern L2” is longer than a variation time specified by “variation pattern N2”. May be lengthened. In addition, a variation time in which “variation pattern N3” and “variation pattern L3” are different may be specified. For example, a variation time specified by “variation pattern L3” is longer than a variation time specified by “variation pattern N3”. May be.

  In this embodiment, when the value of any production counter is not zero (positive value) and the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (specific result) (S514; YES, S516; NO), Shifting to the process after S520, the process which distributes a fluctuation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 was performed. However, unlike the present embodiment, the “special variation pattern table for small hits” is set when the value of any of the production counters is not zero (positive value) and the result of the determination is a small hit. Or a “specific variation pattern table for losing” that is set when the value of one of the production counters is not zero (positive value) and the result of the determination is incorrect.

  Returning to FIG. 23, in the process of S560, a variation pattern determination random value (random value for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol) is acquired (S560). Then, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern table set in the fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510A, 510B, 510C) and the random value acquired in the process of S560 (S562). Then, the CPU 201 starts the variation of the second special symbol (special diagram 2) in the second special symbol display unit 62b (S570) and starts the variation of the symbol toward the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220). A predetermined command (design variation start command) is transmitted (S572). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a fluctuation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command” and the like related to the second special symbol to the sub control board 220. . Further, the CPU 201 subtracts “1” from the number of holdings (second holding number) related to the second special symbol, and processing to transmit a command for specifying the number of holdings after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220. (S575), 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. 7B. 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 takes into consideration various conditions such as whether to perform reach production or whether the symbol that stops and displays the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol, small hit symbol) If the variation pattern is known, it is possible to determine the time during which the special symbol is variably displayed. 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.

  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. 20, when the “second hold number” is “zero” (S314b; YES) and the “first hold number” is not “zero” (S314a; NO), the first determination random number value The oldest determination random number value is read from the memory 202a (S316a), and the 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 in the same manner as 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 start process (S500b), it is performed according to FIG. That is, the process of selecting (determining) the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the result of the first win / fail determination process (S320a), and the process of selecting (determining) the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a. Etc. (S501, S502, S503, S504, 510A, S505, S506510B, 510C, S511, and S512), the processes of S560, S562, S570, S572, and S575 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. 20), 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 a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a 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 as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of 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 of 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 of winning (winning symbol) (S352 of FIG. 21). That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b) (S352 in FIG. 21).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S352 in FIG. 21, 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 “winning game” described later. (Memorize) (S354). Specifically, “type of winning (big hit, small hit, probability variation big hit, normal big hit, small hit type)” 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 is set. The “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the probability that the result of determining whether or not a special symbol is a big hit is in a state where a high probability is set (high probability state), and the “variation shortening flag” is a special symbol and This flag indicates that the normal symbol variation time is in a state of being shortened (shortened variation state). Further, the “open extension flag” is a flag indicating that the time (open time) for which the start winning device 17 (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is in the open state is set to a long time (open extended state). . In the present embodiment, the ON / OFF switching timings of the “variation shortening flag” and the “open extension flag” are the same, and both flags are handled integrally. That is, when it is in the shortened variation state, it is also in the open extension state, and when the shortened variation state is completed, the release extension state is also terminated at the same time.

  Here, in this specification, the state in which the “variation shortening flag” and the “open extension flag” are set to “ON” is referred to as “open extension state” or “shortening variation state”. A state in which the “open extension flag” is set to “OFF” is referred to as a “normal open state” or a “normal fluctuation state”. A state in which the “probability change flag” is set to “ON” is referred to as a “high probability state”, and a state in which the “probability change flag” is set to “OFF” is a “low probability state” or “normal probability state”. " In addition, a state where all of the “variation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, and “probability variation flag” are set to “ON” is referred to as “high probability open extension state” or “high probability shortening variation state”. When the “Variable shortening flag” and “Open extension flag” are set to “ON” and the “Probability change flag” is set to “OFF”, the “Low probability open extension state” or “Low probability shortening fluctuation state” "

  Following the process of S354, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process of initializing (making zero) the effect counter (S355). Thereby, even if the value of any production counter is not zero (positive value), the value of the production counter is returned to zero. Then, following the processing of S355, it is determined whether or not a big hit is generated (S356).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S356, a process of setting an opening / closing pattern of the big winning device 31 is performed according to the type of jackpot to be generated (S370). In other words, in the case of generating “16R probability variation big hit” or “16R normal big hit”, an opening / closing pattern for setting “16 rounds” of round games with the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a being “30 seconds” is set. In the case of generating “8R probability variable big hit” or “8R normal big hit”, an open / close pattern is set for performing “8 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “30 seconds”. In addition, when “2R probability variation big hit” is generated, an opening / closing pattern for performing “2 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “0.2 seconds” is set.

  Subsequent to the process of S370, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed (S378). 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” to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the “hit game flag” is set.

  Subsequent to the process of S378, the process proceeds to the process after S380. Here, when the “big hit game flag” is set in the process of S378, the big hit game execution means starts to operate and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. When the “big hit game flag” is being set (when 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 S380 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated. That is, in the process of S380, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380). If it is not set (S380; NO), the process proceeds to S384 as it is and is set. If yes (S380; YES), after performing the process (S382) of canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF), the process proceeds to S384.

  In the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited, Return to 17 game control processing. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S387), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In either case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 17, a big hit game process (S600 of FIG. 17) described later is started, and the big hit game is executed.

  If it is determined that the small hit is generated in the process of S356 (S356; NO), the process of setting the opening / closing pattern of the big winning device 31 for the small hit game is performed (S358). In other words, an opening / closing pattern for performing “2 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “0.2 seconds” is set. And after performing the process which sets a small hit game flag (it sets to ON) (S360), it transfers to the process after S398. By setting the “small hit game flag”, the small hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “small hit gaming state”. The main control unit 200A transmits a “small hit game start designation command” to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the “small hit game flag” is set. The processing after S398 will be described later.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 21 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 “out-of-line symbol” (S352; NO), the value of one of the effect counters is a positive value. It is determined whether or not there is (S390), and if the value of any effect counter is zero (S390; NO), the process proceeds to S398 as it is. On the other hand, if the value of any of the effect counters is a positive value (S390; YES), after performing the process of “-1” for the value of the effect counter (S392), the process proceeds to S398. .

  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; YES), 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 fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), that is, when the game state at the time of the occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation state” or “high probability shortening variation state”. 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 and the game control process of FIG. 17 is resumed.

  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 state of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening fluctuation state to the low probability normal fluctuation. It will switch to the state. For this reason, after performing the process (S410) for canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) and the process (S416) for canceling the release extension flag (set to OFF), exit the special symbol game process (S300). Returning to the game control process of FIG. Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol executed while shortening the variation. When the value becomes “zero”, the shortened variation state ends with the variation of the special symbol of this time. Then, the next variation is switched to the normal variation state, and the variation of the special symbol from the next time is performed with the normal variation.

  When both the fluctuation shortening flag and the opening extension flag are switched off (S410, 416), the high probability state and the opening extension state (shortening variation state) are terminated, and the state switching occurs. . In this embodiment, when such state switching occurs, a control command (state designation command) indicating the state after the switching is transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A. It is configured. Thereby, in the sub-control unit 220A, it is possible to perform a game effect according to a state (for example, a low probability shortening variation state, a low probability normal variation state, etc.) specified based on the received state designation command.

D. Win game processing (S600)
While the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 17, the “big hit game flag” or the “small hit game flag” is set in the hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. If it is determined that there is a game (S602; YES), a process related to the execution of the winning game is performed. By this processing, the “big hit game A”, “big hit game B”, “big hit game C”, or “small hit game” is realized in the gaming machine 1. The winning game process (S600) constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 as the “big hit game executing means” or the “small hit game executing means”.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of the hit game process (S600). When the big winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, the predetermined opening time elapses, or when a predetermined number of game balls wins the big winning opening 31a, it is closed once. After a lapse, it becomes open again. Here, a game whose content is that the closed big winning device 31 is opened and then opened again is referred to as “unit action (round in the big hit game)”. When this unit operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (2, 8, or 16 times), the winning game is terminated. The detailed processing contents will be described below with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29.

  When the winning game (big hit game A, big hit game B, big hit game C, small hit game) is started, it is first determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S604). Here, the special winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal gaming state that is not the winning gaming state”, and therefore the winning prize port 31a is closed immediately after the winning game is started. For this reason, immediately after the start of the winning game, it is determined that the special winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the winning game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, it is determined whether or not the “number of unit actions executed after the start of the hit game” has reached the corresponding hit game set number (S612).

  However, since the winning game end condition is not satisfied immediately after the winning game is started, a negative determination is inevitably made in the process of S612 (S612; NO). For this reason, it shifts to processing of S614 and judges whether interval time (for example, 2 seconds) passed (S614). That is, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S614). Here, the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 31a is a time during which the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state between unit operations. Then, immediately after the winning game is started, the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state, so it is inevitably determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S614; YES), and the special winning opening is completed. After releasing 31a (S616), the winning game process shown in FIG. 28 is temporarily terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, after performing a series of various processes shown in FIG. 17, the 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. 17 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the winning game process (S600) shown in FIG. 28 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  When a positive determination is made in the process of S604, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606). In other words, when the winning game being executed is “big hit game A” or “big hit game B”, it is determined whether or not the first opening time (30 seconds) has elapsed. If the winning game being executed is “big hit game C” or “small hit game”, it is determined whether or not the second opening time (0.2 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the first opening time (30 seconds) is a sufficient time for winning a large number of game balls (8 to 10 balls, for example, when the nail adjustment is severe, for example, 6), and the second opening time. Is a time when it is difficult for a game ball to win a prize.

  If the opening time (first opening time or second opening time) of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), after closing the special winning opening 31a (S610), the winning game processing shown in FIG. The process returns to the game control process of FIG. 17 through (S600). On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31a has reached a specified number (S608). When the number of game balls entered reaches the specified number (S608; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). That is, when the number of game balls entered reaches a specified number, the special winning opening 31a is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse.

  If the opening time (first opening time or second opening time) of the big winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S606; NO) and the number of balls entered has not reached the specified number (S608; NO), the big winning opening 31a With the left open, the game process of FIG. 28 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “hit game state” (when the big hit game flag or the small hit game flag is set), while the game control process of FIG. 28 is repeatedly executed, Whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), or a predetermined number of game balls have entered the special winning opening 31a (S608; YES), and the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). ). Thus, one unit operation is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “winning gaming state”, the winning game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined in S604 that the special winning opening 31a is closed (S604; NO), It is determined whether or not the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612). In other words, when the “hit game” is “hit game A”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit actions (rounds) executed during that game has reached “16”. In this case, it is determined whether or not the number of unit actions (rounds) executed during the game has reached “8”. In the case of “big hit game C” or “small hit game”, it is determined whether or not the number of executed rounds has reached “2”. If the number of unit movements (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S614; YES), and then a big prize is won again. A new unit operation for opening the mouth 31a is executed (S616). When the “winning game” is “small winning game”, it is determined whether or not the opening operation for opening the big winning opening 31a for 0.2 seconds is performed twice. After confirming that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614; YES), the special winning opening 31a is again opened (S616).

  On the other hand, in the process of S612, when it is determined that the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “winning game end process (S800)” described below, (S600) is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the winning game end process (S800) will be described.

  When the winning game end time process (S800) is activated, as shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 201 cancels (sets OFF) the winning game flag (big hit game flag or small hit game flag) (S805), and then Information on the type of winning symbol (hereinafter referred to as “current winning symbol”) that is the premise of the current big hit game by referring to the “hit end reference buffer (see S354 in FIG. 21)”. (S810), and based on this information, processing for setting a game mode after the end of the big hit game is performed.

  That is, when the current winning symbol (the symbol stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. 20) is a big hit symbol (S812; YES), it is determined whether or not the current winning symbol is a probabilistic big hit symbol (S840). ). If the current winning symbol is “normal big winning symbol” (S840; NO), the process of setting “100” in the fluctuation shortening counter (S840) and the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S860). Then, after performing the process of setting the release extension flag (S865), the winning game end process (S800) is terminated. If the current winning symbol is “probable large hit symbol” (S840; YES), the processing for setting the probability variation flag (set to ON) (S845) and “10,000” for the variation shortening counter are set. After performing the process (S850), the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S860), and the process of setting the release extension flag (S865), the winning game end process (S800) is terminated.

If the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol” (S812; NO), a process of setting an effect counter corresponding to the type of “small winning symbol” is performed. Specifically, when the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol A” (S812; NO, S815; YES), a process (S820) for setting “100” in “effect counter A” was performed. Thereafter, the winning game end process (S800) is ended. If the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol B” (S812; NO, S815; NO, S825; YES), a process of setting “100” in “effect counter B” is performed (S830). After that, the winning game end process (S800) ends. Further, when the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol C” (S812; NO, S815; NO, S825; NO), a process of setting “100” to “effect counter C” is performed (S830). After that, the winning game end process (S800) ends.
In this embodiment, the current winning symbol is “small hit symbol A”, and when the specific effect period A is set, “effect counter A” is set, and the current winning symbol is “small hit symbol”. "B", when the specific effect period B is set, "effect counter B" is set, when the current winning symbol is "small hit symbol C", and when the specific effect period C is set An example in which “production counter B” is set is illustrated. That is, the production pattern A is selected as “100%” as the production pattern when the specific big hit is made in the specific production period A, and the production pattern B is “ As an effect pattern when “100%” is selected and the specific big hit is made in the specific effect period C, the effect pattern C is selected as “100%”. However, other aspects can be exemplified.
For example, when the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol A” (S815; YES), an effect counter to be set in the random lottery is selected, and the selected effect pattern is set in the process of S820. It is good. In this case, for example, if the probabilities of selecting “effect counter A”, “effect counter B”, and “effect counter C” are “70:20:10” in this order, a specific jackpot in the specific effect period A The selection rate of the production pattern at that time is “production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 70: 20: 10”, and production pattern A is selected with high probability.
Similarly, when the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol B” (S815; NO, S825; YES), an effect counter to be set by random number lottery is selected, and this selected effect is performed in the process of S830. It is good also as setting a pattern. In this case, for example, if the probabilities of selecting “effect counter A”, “effect counter B”, and “effect counter C” are “10:70:20” in this order, a specific jackpot in the specific effect period B The selection rate of the production pattern at that time is “production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 10: 70: 20”, and production pattern B is selected with high probability.
Further, even when the current winning symbol is “small winning symbol C” (S815; NO, S825; NO), an effect counter to be set in the random number lottery is selected, and this selected effect pattern is processed in S835. It is good also as setting. In this case, for example, if the probabilities of selecting “effect counter A”, “effect counter B”, and “effect counter C” are “20:10:70” in this order, a specific jackpot in the specific effect period C The selection rate of the production pattern at that time is “production pattern A: production pattern B: production pattern C = 20: 10: 70”, and production pattern C is selected with high probability.

  In this embodiment, when various flags and counters are set in the winning game end process, a control command (state designation command) indicating the state after the big hit game based on the setting is sent from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit. It is configured to transmit to 220A. Thereby, in the sub-control unit 220A, it is possible to perform a game effect according to a state specified based on the received state designation command (for example, a high probability shortening variation state, a low probability shortening variation state, a low probability normal variation state). it can.

(6) Production control process (S980)
Next, an outline of “effect control processing (S980)” performed by the sub control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220) in cooperation with the effect display control unit 222A will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 30 illustrates only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In the effect control process (S980), main processes such as a process at the time of holding occurrence (S1000), a symbol variation effect process (S1200), a process at the time of holding digest (S1600), and a jackpot game effect process (S1800) are repeatedly executed. . Further, since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 30 is about 2 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed every about 2 msec. Hereinafter, description of the jackpot game effect processing in the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30 is omitted.

a. Processing when hold occurs (S1000)
In the hold occurrence process (S1000), as shown in FIG. 31A, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives the start winning command (S1005; YES), the hold specified by the start winning command is held. Information related to the number and information indicating the result of the pre-determination (first pre-determination or second pre-determination) are stored (S1010), and the on-holding occurrence process (S1000) is terminated.

  That is, in the process of S1010, when a start winning command based on the first start winning is received (S1005; YES), “information about the result of the first pre-determination” is stored in the first pre-determination result information memory 221b. The value of the first hold number stored in the first hold number information memory 223b is incremented by “+1”. In addition, when a start winning time command based on the second start winning is received (S1005; YES), “information on the result of the second pre-judgment” is stored in the second pre-judgment result information memory 222b and the second hold number information. The value of the second reservation number stored in the memory 224b is incremented by “+1”. The sub-control unit 220A refers to the prior determination result information memory (221b or 222b), acquires the result of the prior determination (first prior determination or second prior determination), and executes various notice effects. (See Example 5).

b. Symbol variation effect processing (S1200)
In the symbol variation effect processing (S1200), as shown in FIG. 32, when the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives a command at the time of symbol variation start (S1205; YES), the processing after S1210 is executed. Here, the commands received in the processing of S1205 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS). The symbol variation effect process (S1200) constitutes a specific example of a process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as “determination effect execution means”.

  Based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, the sub-control unit 220A can determine the result of the determination (S320a, S320b) executed in the main control unit 200A. If the result of the determination is a big hit (S1210; YES), a process for setting an effect pattern table for the big hit is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1220). If the determination result is a small hit (S1210; NO, S1215; YES), an effect pattern table for the small hit is set based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1230). Further, when the result of the determination is wrong (S1210; NO, S1215; NO), a process of setting an effect pattern table at the time of losing is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1240).

  The CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 performs the process of S1250 when the process of S1220, S1230, or S1240 is completed. In the process of S1250, the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect is determined using the effect pattern table (for big hit, for small hit, or off) set in S1215, S1230 or S1240 (S1250). Here, in the process of S1250 after the process of S1220, using the effect pattern table set in the process of S1220, a specific execution mode of display effects executed on the display screen 27a, a specific mode of reach display, and the like. The display pattern from the start to the end (determined display) of the variation display of the effect symbols is determined (S1250). Further, in the process of S1250 after the process of S1230, using the effect pattern table set in the process of S1230, a specific execution mode of display effects executed on the display screen 27a, a specific mode of reach display, etc. A display pattern from the start to the end (definite display) of the variation display of the effect symbols is determined (S1250).

  In other words, in the process of S1250 after the process of S1220 or S1230, the specific contents of the reach effect (“normal reach effect”, “pseudo continuous effect”) (type of background symbols, characters to appear, etc.) and reach display are configured. The type of selected symbol to be selected, the type of effect symbol to be temporarily stopped, and the like are determined (S1250). Further, using the effect pattern table set in S1220 or S1230, an effect mode or the like related to effect elements (sound effect element, light emission effect element, movable effect element, etc.) other than the display effect element is selected and set (S1250).

  Here, the characteristics of the process of S1250 after the process of S1230 will be described. First, when the variation pattern specified at the start of the current symbol variation effect (special symbol variation display) is the variation pattern N1, the effect pattern table A1 is set in the process of S1230, and in the process of S1250. The production pattern is determined as production pattern A. If the variation pattern specified when starting the current symbol variation effect (special symbol variation display) is the variation pattern N2, the effect pattern table B is set in the process of S1230, and the process of S1250 is performed. The effect pattern is determined as effect pattern B. Furthermore, when the variation pattern specified at the start of the current symbol variation effect (special symbol variation display) is the variation pattern N3, the effect pattern table C is set in the processing of S1230, and in the processing of S1250. The production pattern is determined as production pattern C. Unlike the present embodiment, the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect executed when the small hit occurs and the variation pattern when starting the symbol variation game executed when the small hit occurs are “1: 1”. Regardless of the relationship, the relationship may be “multiple: 1”, and the effect pattern to be used may be specified by random lottery or the like at the start of the symbol variation effect (see FIG. 10B).

  Next, the characteristics of the process of S1250 after the process of S1220 will be described. In the process of S1250, the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect is determined using the effect pattern table (for big hit) set in the process of S1220. At this time, if the variation pattern specified when starting the current symbol variation effect (special symbol variation display) is the variation pattern L1, the effect pattern table A2 is set in the process of S1220, and the process of S1250 The effect pattern is determined as effect pattern A. In other words, after the small hit game based on the occurrence of the small hit A is finished, if the big hit is generated by the end of the 100 symbol variation effects (special symbol variation display), the effect pattern to be used is determined as the effect pattern A. The

  If the variation pattern specified when starting the current symbol variation effect (special symbol variation display) is the variation pattern L2, the effect pattern table B is set in the process of S1220, and the process of S1250 is performed. The production pattern is determined to be production pattern 2. In other words, after the small hit game based on the occurrence of the small hit B is ended, if the big hit is generated by the end of the 100 symbol variation effects (special symbol variation display), the effect pattern to be used is determined as the effect pattern B Is done.

  Furthermore, when the variation pattern specified at the start of the current symbol variation effect (special symbol variation display) is the variation pattern L3, the effect pattern table C is set in the processing of S1220, and in the processing of S1250. The production pattern is determined as production pattern C. In other words, after the small hit game based on the occurrence of the small hit C is completed, if the big hit is generated by the end of the 100 symbol variation effects (special symbol variation display), the effect pattern to be used is determined as the effect pattern. .

  Further, in the process of S1250 executed after the process of S1240, the specific execution mode of the display effect 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. Processing to determine a display pattern from the start to the end (definite display) of the variation display of the effect symbols such as the display mode is performed. Specifically, using the effect pattern table set in the process of S1240, specific contents of “simple outage effect” when reach display is not performed, and reach effect when “reach display” is performed (“normal reach effect”) , “Pseudo-continuous effect”), the type of effect symbol constituting reach display, the type of effect symbol for temporary stop display, etc. are determined (S1250). Further, using the effect pattern table set in the processing of S1240, the effect mode related to effect elements (sound effect element, light emission effect element, movable effect element, etc.) other than the display effect elements, the display mode related to the auxiliary symbols, etc. are also selected and set. (S1250).

  When the CPU 220a performs the process of S1250, the CPU 220a performs the process of setting the stop symbol of the effect symbol (the symbol to be confirmed and displayed) (S1252), and then proceeds to the process of S1280. Here, in the process of S1252 that is executed through the process of S1220 and the process of S1250, a specific mode or the like of “an effect design for definitely displaying the big hit” is selected and set as the “big hit stop symbol”. Further, in the process of S1252 executed through the process of S1220 and the process of S1230, a specific mode or the like of the “design for effect display for definite display of small hits” is selected and set as the “small hit stop symbol”. Furthermore, in the process of S1252 executed through the process of S1220 and the process of S1240, a specific mode or the like of “the effect symbol for confirming the removal” is selected and set as the “stopping stop symbol”. It should be noted that the “stop symbol indicating the occurrence of a promising big hit without a ball”, the “stop symbol indicating the occurrence of a small hit”, and the “off symbol displayed through the reach mode” (hereinafter referred to as “reach miss”) are the same. Therefore, the player cannot understand which one of the “probability big hit without a ball exit”, “small hit”, and “reach out of reach” occurs only by looking at the effect design.

  In the process of S1280, a command (effect display detailed command) for designating the “effect pattern” determined in the process of S1250 and the “design of stop of effect design” determined in the process of S1252 is displayed in the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board). 222), in the effect display device 27, the display of variation of effect symbols such as effect symbols and background symbols is started (S1280). That is, the symbol variation effect on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is started.

  Thereafter, in the process of S1390, when the sub-control unit 220A determines that the symbol stop command (CZE) transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) has been received (S1390; YES), the received symbol stop The command is transferred to the effect display control unit 222A, the effect display of the effect symbol and the background symbol on the effect display device 27 is stopped (S1395), and the symbol variation effect is ended. Thereby, the design variation effect using effect elements (sound effect element, light emission effect element, movable effect element, etc.) other than the display effect element is also ended.

c. On-hold digestion process (S1600)
In the on-hold digestion process (S1600), as shown in FIG. 31B, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives the symbol variation start command (S1605; YES), the advance corresponding to the on-hold digestion is performed. Information indicating the result of the determination (first pre-determination or second pre-determination) is deleted from the corresponding pre-determination result information memory (221b, 222b) and stored in a lower storage area of the pre-determination result information memory. A process of shifting the information related to the result of the prior determination to a storage area one level lower (for example, a process of shifting from area 1 to area zero) is performed. In addition, a process of “−1” is performed on the value of the number of reservations stored in the corresponding number-of-holds information memory (223b, 224b), and the process at the time of reservation digestion (S1600) is terminated.

(7) Effects of the embodiment In the gaming machine 1, the determination effect (design variation effect) for notifying the main control unit 200A that the result of the determination made based on the start winning is a small hit is the first effect pattern. It executes based on (effect pattern A, effect pattern B, effect pattern C), and then starts a specific effect period. When the result of the determination is a specific jackpot during the specific effect period, a determination effect (symbol variation effect) for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot is executed based on the first effect pattern. That is, in the gaming machine 1, the player is in a state of expectation for the occurrence of the specific jackpot by executing the first effect pattern (for example, a battle effect of the intense heat effect, etc.). Since it is notified that the result of the determination is not the specific result targeted by the player, the first performance pattern ends with a non-specific result (determination result indicating that no specific jackpot occurs) , The player's sense of expectation for the first performance pattern (whose expectation is high) is diminished.

  However, if the result of the determination is a specific jackpot within a predetermined period (specific effect period) set thereafter, the determination effect (symbol variation effect) for informing that is the first effect pattern (for example, intense heat effect). ), It is informed that a specific big hit has been made by this first effect pattern. Thereby, the expectation with respect to the 1st production pattern which the player lost because the specific big hit was not obtained as a result of execution of the 1st production pattern last time can be recovered. Therefore, when the first effect pattern appears thereafter, the player can face the effect with a sense of expectation.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1, the determination is made according to the first effect pattern within a predetermined period set after the end of the first effect pattern related to the non-specific result (the determination result indicating that the specific jackpot does not occur). Since it is informed that the result is a specific big hit that is a player's goal, a player who has recently experienced a non-specific result by the first performance pattern may feel that he has played a revenge. Yes, you can enjoy the satisfaction. Therefore, according to the gaming machine 1, it is easy to improve the gaming interest.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, the specific effect period can be started by executing the small hit game having a lower execution value than the big hit game. For this reason, the existence significance of the small hit game can be enhanced. In other words, a small hit game that is hardly expected to win a prize ball and that does not trigger the transition to a high probability state after execution and has a low execution value for the player is regarded as a “start” for the start of the specific performance period. Then, if the result of the determination is a specific jackpot during the specific performance period, and the determination effect for notifying the specific result is executed based on the first performance pattern that has already been faced when the small hit occurs, then compared to the small hit game Since the big hit game A or the big hit game B having a high execution value is executed, the player strongly feels that he has played a revenge (corresponding to the difference in the execution value between the big hit games A and B and the small hit game). Taste a sense of humiliation). Therefore, from this point, it is easier to improve the game entertainment.
In addition, since the small hit game can hardly expect to win a prize ball and does not trigger the transition to a high probability state after execution, even if the execution frequency (probability of occurrence per small hit) is increased, gambling is not achieved. There is no improvement. For this reason, in this gaming machine 1, the execution frequency of the small hit game (probability of occurrence of the small hit) is set high, and the start frequency of the specific performance period is increased, thereby improving the game entertainment.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the first specific determination effect or the second specific determination effect is being executed, the operation mode can be selected when the operation button SW is operated at a predetermined timing. Different from one gaming machine 1. Here, the effect button SW constitutes a specific example of “input action accepting means”. Further, the effect button SW constituting the gaming machine of each embodiment is a push-type effect button, and as shown in FIG. A pressing part SWB and a third pressing part SWC arranged on both sides are provided. In the second embodiment, FIG. 33 is added, FIG. 34 to FIG. 36 are used instead of FIG. 12 to FIG. 16, and FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 are used instead of FIG. Different from Example 1.

  Next, the characteristics of the determination effect (symbol variation effect) of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, one kind of small hits is generated. However, in the second embodiment, a plurality of kinds of small hits can be generated as in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when the occurrence of “small hit” is determined by the determination made by the main control unit 220A, as shown in FIG. 34, an effect pattern D (for example, an effect in which the execution time of the symbol variation effect is 60 seconds) A symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as a symbol variation effect D) is executed based on the pattern. When the symbol variation effect D is started, a “friend character” and an “enemy character” appear on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (g1). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variation effect D, reach display is performed in the effect symbol display area 27b (g2). And even after this reach display, reach production (development production) is started (g3).

  This reach production (development production) is a production whose content is that the “friend character” performs a hike (g3), and when the “ally character” has hiked for a specific time, the destination is the branch road A and It reaches the vicinity of the branch point divided into the branch path B. At this time, a symbol with the effect button SW is displayed on the display screen 27a (g4). The symbol with the effect button SW is a display that prompts the player to operate the effect button SW. When this display is made, an “operation valid period” is started, and thereafter, the operation applied to the effect button SW is validated. The During the operation effective period, when the effect button SW is operated, it is possible to change the contents of the symbol variation effect D being executed. However, even if the effective operation is once performed on the effect button SW even within the operation effective period, the effect button SW is immediately invalidated and the design with the effect button SW is deleted from the display screen 27a. .

  In addition, when the operation button SW is not operated within the operation effective period, the design with the effect button SW is erased after the operation effective period ends, and the operation applied to the effect button SW is invalidated. The Here, a state in which the contents of the symbol variation effect D being executed cannot be changed even if the effect button SW is operated is referred to as a state in which the operation applied to the effect button SW is invalidated.

  As described above, when the design with the effect button SW is displayed on the display screen 27a, the destination of the “friend character” can be selected according to the operation mode applied to the effect button SW by the player. Specifically, when the player presses the first pressing part SWA, the destination of the “friend character” becomes “branch path A”, and when the player presses the second pressing part SWB, the destination of the “friend character” becomes “branch path”. B ". Further, if the player does not operate the effect button SW within the operation valid period, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path B” as in the case of pressing the second pressing part SWB. .

  However, in the symbol variation effect D, the result of the success / failure determination was not a specific big hit (specific result) even if the destination of the “friend character” was “branch path A” or “branch path B” For example, the fact that the “friend character” has failed to acquire a treasure is notified to the player, the symbol variation effect D is completed (g7, g8), and after the small hit game is executed, the specific effect period is started. . Further, in the symbol variation effect D, the valid period ends when the player operates the effect button SW (presses the first pressing part SWA or the second press part SWB) or does not operate the effect button SW. Sometimes, the destination of the “friend character” is stored. Specifically, when the player presses the second pressing portion SWB within the operation effective period and when the player does not operate the effect button SW within the operation effective period, it is mounted on the sub-control board 220. It is stored in the specified area of the RAM 220b (hereinafter referred to as “destination storage area”) that the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path B”, and the player presses the first pressing unit within the operation effective period. When SWA is pressed, it is stored in the “destination storage area” that the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path A”.

  When the occurrence of the specific big hit (specific result) is determined by the determination performed by the main control unit 220A in the specific effect period started through the symbol variation effect D, as shown in FIG. A symbol variation effect (symbol variation effect D) is executed. Also in this symbol variation effect D, when the “friend character” reaches the vicinity of the branch point divided into the branch route A and the branch route B, a symbol with the effect button SW is displayed on the display screen 27a, and the operation valid period is displayed. Started (g7). Even during this operation valid period, if the effect button SW is operated, it is possible to change the contents of the symbol variation effect D being executed. However, even if it is within the operation valid period, once the effective operation is performed on the effect button SW, the effect button SW is immediately invalidated, and the design with the effect button SW is deleted from the display screen 27a. In addition, when the operation button SW is not operated within the operation effective period, the design with the effect button SW is erased after the operation effective period ends, and the operation applied to the effect button SW is invalidated. The

  Also in the “symbol variation effect D when generating a specific jackpot”, when a symbol with the effect button SW is displayed on the display screen 27a, the “friend character” depends on the operation mode applied to the effect button SW by the player. Can be selected. However, when the player performs an operation on the effect button SW, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 indicates the destination of the “friend character” at the time of executing the “design variation effect D when generating a small hit” as described above. Is read from the “destination storage area”. Then, when a destination opposite to the destination read from the “destination storage area” is selected by the player's operation, display is performed to advance the “friend character” to the opposite destination (g9), and then the determination is made. The player is informed that the result of is a specific jackpot (specific result) (for example, “a friend character” has succeeded in acquiring a treasure), and “design variation effect D when generating a specific jackpot” Is completed (g10). Then, the big hit game is started. In addition, in the “symbol variation effect D when generating a special big hit”, even when the effect button SW is not operated within the operation effective period, the “symbol change effect D when generating a small hit” is also described. The destination of the “friend character” at the time of execution is read from the “destination storage area” described above, and a display is made to advance the “ally character” to the destination opposite to the read destination (g9). Then, the player is informed that the result of the determination is a specific jackpot (specific result) (for example, “the friend character” has succeeded in acquiring a treasure), and the “symbol fluctuation when generating a specific jackpot” The effect “D” is completed (g10), and the big hit game is started.

  Further, in the “symbol variation effect D when generating a specific jackpot”, the player operated the effect button SW within the operation effective period, but the same destination read from the “destination storage area” However, when this operation is selected, after displaying that the “friend character” is advanced to the same destination (h9), the player is notified once that the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (specific result). The symbol variation effect D is temporarily stopped (h10). After this, the symbol variation effect D is resumed, and the display that advances the “friend character” to the destination opposite to the destination of the “friend character” at the time of the execution of the “symbol variation effect D when generating a small hit” is performed. (G11). Then, the player is informed that the result of the determination is a specific jackpot (specific result) (for example, “the friend character” has succeeded in acquiring a treasure), and the “symbol fluctuation when generating a specific jackpot” The effect “D” is completed (h12), and the big hit game is started.

  As shown in FIG. 36 (a), when the result of determination performed by the main control unit 220A is a small hit, the pattern variation when generating the small hit while reproducing the image data (movie) based on the specific effect pattern. Production (design variation production D) is advanced. Then, when the operation of the first mode (indicated as operation A in the figure) is performed on the effect button SW within the operation effective period provided during the execution of the symbol variation effect D, the destination of the “friend character” is branched off. The image data suggesting that the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (hereinafter referred to as “selected mode image data”) is reproduced while A, and the symbol variation effect D is completed. Further, when the result of the determination is a specific big hit (specific result) within the specific production period, the image variation production D for notifying the occurrence of the specific big hit is played while reproducing the image data (movie) based on the production pattern D. Let

  And as shown in FIG.36 (b), in the operation effective period provided during execution of the symbol fluctuation effect D for alerting | reporting generation | occurrence | production of the specific jackpot, the 2nd aspect different from a 1st aspect in effect button SW is shown. When the operation (indicated as operation B in the figure) is performed, the image data (indicating that the determination result is a specific result while the destination of the “friend character” is branching path B different from branching path A ( Hereinafter, the “normal mode image data”) is reproduced, and the symbol variation effect D is completed. Further, as shown in FIG. 36 (c), when the operation of the first mode (denoted as operation A in the figure) is performed on the effect button SW within the operation effective period provided during the execution of the symbol variation effect. Image data (hereinafter, referred to as “error image data”) suggesting that the result of the determination that the destination of the “friend character” is the branch path A is a specific result is reproduced, and the symbol variation effect D is displayed. After the temporary stop, the normal mode image data is reproduced, and the symbol variation effect D is completed. Further, as shown in FIG. 36 (d), when the operation is not performed on the effect button SW within the operation effective period provided during the execution of the symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot, Image data (hereinafter referred to as “determination mode image data”) indicating that the determination result is a specific result while the destination of the “friend character” is branching path B different from branching path A after the operation valid period ends. And the symbol variation effect D is completed.

  Next, the symbol variation effect of Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. In the symbol variation effect of the second embodiment, when the symbol variation effect is started (S1280), it is determined whether or not the variation pattern specified by the received variation pattern designation command is a specific variation pattern (S1285). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern specified by the received variation pattern designation command is the variation pattern that is the target of the button operation effect. Specifically, the variation pattern specified by the received variation pattern designation command is a variation pattern selected when the determination result is a small hit, or a specific big hit has occurred within a specific performance period. If the variation pattern selected at times is a variation pattern, a positive determination is made in the processing of S1285.

  When a negative determination is made in the processing of S1285 (S1185; NO), the sub-control unit 220A performs the symbol variation effect when the operation display period is not started in the effect display device 27 (the effect button SW is not activated). Executed for each process of S1390 and S1395. On the other hand, when a positive determination is made in the process of S1285 (S1285; YES), the sub-control unit 220A executes a button operation effect process (S1100), and the effect display device 27 performs the button effect process (S1300). After the execution, the process is executed for each process of S1390 and S1395. Hereinafter, the button effect process (S1300) will be described.

  In this button effect process (S1300), as shown in FIG. 38, when the start timing of the operation valid period comes (S1305; YES), the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 activates the effect button SW, and effects A process (S1310) for displaying on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 that the button SW has been activated is performed. By the processing of S1310, “a period during which the player can apply the operation performed on the effect button SW to the symbol variation effect”, that is, an “operation effective period” is started. The display indicating that the effect button SW has been activated is a display whose content is to “display the graphic of the effect button SW” on the display screen 27a.

  As described above, in the symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the small hit and the symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the specific big hit, the destination of the “friend character” is the branch path A. The start timing of the “operation effective period” is not limited to this. For example, the start timing may arrive at the same time as the start of the symbol variation effect, may arrive after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds or 10 seconds) after the start of the symbol variation effect, You may arrive when a production mode changes during production (for example, when reach production is started). Furthermore, the start timing may be determined using random number lottery or the like every time the button effect process (S1300) is started.

  When the processing of S1310 is performed, the sub-control unit 220A monitors whether or not the effect button SW is operated (S1315). If the sub-control unit 220A does not confirm the operation of the effect button SW during the “operation valid period” (S1315; NO, S1360; YES), the “effect” is displayed from the process of disabling the effect button SW and the display screen 27a. After performing the process (S1365) of deleting the “display of the graphic of the button SW”, the symbol variation effect is continued in a manner suitable for the determination result (S1370). That is, in the symbol variation effect for informing the small hit, the symbol variation effect is continued according to the effect mode for informing the small hit (S1370), and in the symbol variation effect for informing the specific big hit, the specific big hit The symbol variation effect is continued according to the effect mode for notifying (S1370). In either case, the process is thereafter executed for each process of S1390 and S1395. In the case of executing the symbol variation effect for notifying the big hit, the process of deleting the operation mode (described later) stored in the process of S1330 in the process of S1365 is also performed.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the effect button SW is confirmed during the “operation valid period” (S1315; YES), the process of invalidating the effect button SW and the process of deleting “display the graphic of the effect button SW” from the display screen 27a. (S1320). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation effect for informing a small hit is being executed (S1325). If the determination is positive (S1325; YES), the player applies the effect button SW. Processing to store the performed operation is performed (S1330). Then, the symbol variation effect is continued in the effect mode selected by the player using the effect button SW (S1335). That is, when the player presses the first pressing part SWA within the effective period within the effective period, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path A” in the “destination storage area” (the first path A). (Pressing the pressing portion SWA) is stored (S1330), and the display that the “friend character” proceeds to the “branch path A” is displayed (S1335). Further, when the player presses the second pressing portion SWB within the effective period within the effective period, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path B” in the “destination storage area” (second (Pressing the pressing part SWB) is stored (S1330), and the display that the “friend character” progresses to the “branch path B” is displayed (S1335). Then, it performs for each process of S1390 and S1395.

  If it is determined in the process of S1325 that the symbol variation effect for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot is being executed (S1325; NO), the operation performed on the effect button SW during the current symbol variation effect, The operation with respect to the effect button SW stored in the process of S1330 at the time of the symbol variation effect for informing the small hit is compared (S1340). That is, the destination of the “friend character” selected by the current production button SW is compared with the destination of the “friend character” stored in the “destination storage area” (S1340). If they do not match (S1345; YES), the symbol variation effect is continued in a mode different from the mode already selected in the process of S1335, and the operation mode stored in the process of S1330 is erased. That is, when “branch path A” is selected as the destination in the symbol variation effect D, the destination is “branch route B” (S1350), and in the symbol variation effect D, “branch path” is displayed. If “B” is selected, a display indicating “branch A” is displayed (S1350). Then, it performs for each process of S1390 and S1395.

  If a negative determination is made in the processing of S1345 (S1345; NO), the symbol variation effect is continued in the effect mode selected by the player with the effect button SW and the symbol variation effect is temporarily stopped, and then the processing of S1335 is performed. The symbol variation effect is started again in a mode different from the already selected mode (S1355). And the operation mode memorize | stored by the process of S1330 is erase | eliminated (S1355). Then, it performs for each process of S1390 and S1395.

  According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, in the symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the small hit (in the symbol variation effect D based on the first effect pattern related to the non-specific result), Only when a specific one of a plurality of modes of input actions (operation modes applied to the effect buttons SW) is selected, the determination result is considered to be a specific result, and any mode of input action can be selected. It is notified that the determination result is not a specific result. And when it becomes a specific result in the subsequent specific production period, while performing the symbol variation production D based on the 1st production pattern, the design variation production D based on the 1st production pattern which relates to the non-specific result After executing the second effect mode corresponding to the input action of the mode not selected during execution, it is notified that the determination result is the specific result. As a result, the non-specific result is caused by the selection of the first mode, and the specific result is caused by the selection of the second mode. It is possible to increase the player's participation consciousness with respect to the mode selection effect (input action to the input action accepting means) and to further enhance the game entertainment.

  Moreover, in the second embodiment, even if the player makes a mistake in the input action mode to be selected in the symbol variation effect D, after the second effect mode is executed, it is notified that the determination result is the specific result. . In other words, since the player can perform the input action with a sense of security because the remedy against the mistake in the mode of the input action to be selected is achieved by re-variation, it is possible to promote the active execution of the input action. In addition, since the player can experience a so-called “revariation effect” by mistaking the mode of the input action to be selected, the gaming interest can be further enhanced.

  More specifically, at the time of executing the symbol variation effect D based on the first effect pattern related to the non-specific result, the player is told that if the operation mode of the effect button SW is selected, if the selection mode is correct, the specific jackpot It is informed that the specific big hit has not occurred once. Then, the player is given a chance to revenge as the determination result is a specific jackpot, and at the time of this revenge, the player is given a chance to select an operation mode different from that when no specific jackpot has occurred. In this way, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the same selection effect is generated, the reselection right is given to the player, and the opportunity for revenge is given. It is even easier.

  Next, the gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and differs from the second embodiment in that FIG. 39 is used instead of FIG. That is, also in Example 3, when the occurrence of the specific big hit (specific result) is determined in the specific effect period started after the symbol change effect D, the symbol change effect D is executed based on the effect pattern D. . However, as shown in FIG. 39, the “symbol change effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific jackpot” is not subject to a button effect. It is different from the “symbol variation effect D (FIG. 35)”.

  That is, in the symbol variation effect D of FIG. 39, when the “friend character” reaches the vicinity of the branch point divided into the branch road A and the branch path B, the “friend character” is used to notify the occurrence of the small hit. “Proceeding in the opposite direction to the destination in the case of the symbol variation effect D” is displayed on the display screen 27a (j4). For example, if the “friend character” progresses to “branch path A” at the time of the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a small hit” described above with reference to FIG. 34, the symbol variation of FIG. In the effect D, “Allies Character Lines” “Go to Branch B” is displayed. Although illustration is omitted, if the “friend character” is proceeding to “branch path B” at the time of “design variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a small hit”, “go to branch path A” “Self-friendly character line” is displayed. After this display, the player is informed that the result of the determination is a specific jackpot (specific result), and completes the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot” (j6), A big hit game is started.

  In the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained. In addition, when the player finds that the symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot is not the target of the button effect (before completion of the symbol variation effect D). In addition, since it is possible to confirm the occurrence of the specific jackpot, the player can wait for the completion of the symbol variation effect D with a margin.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment also constitutes a modification of the second embodiment, and differs from the second embodiment in that FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 are used instead of FIG. That is, also in the fourth embodiment, when the occurrence of the specific big hit (specific result) is determined in the specific effect period started after the symbol change effect D, the symbol change effect D is executed based on the effect pattern D. . However, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, in the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific big hit”, there are options that do not appear in the “symbol change effect D for notifying the occurrence of a small hit”. The point of appearance is different from the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific jackpot” of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

  That is, in the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific jackpot” shown in FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, a branch point divided into a branch path A, a branch path B, and a branch path C appears, and the “friend character” When the vicinity of this branch point is reached, a symbol with the effect button SW is displayed on the display screen 27a, and the operation valid period is started (m5). In addition, a “star” on the route is displayed on the branch path C that has not been displayed in the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a small hit” described above with reference to FIG. 34 (m6). When the “friend character” enters the branch path C, it is indicated that the reliability regarding the occurrence of the specific jackpot is high (100% in the third embodiment).

  40 and 41, even if the effect button SW is operated within the operation valid period, the contents of the currently executing symbol change effect change. Even if the operation button is within the effective period, once the effective operation is performed on the effect button SW, the effect button SW is immediately invalidated and a design with the effect button SW is displayed from the display screen 27a. Erased. In addition, when the operation button SW is not operated within the operation effective period, the design with the effect button SW is erased after the operation effective period ends, and the operation applied to the effect button SW is invalidated. The

  Also in the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific jackpot”, when a symbol with the effect button SW is displayed on the display screen 27a, the “depending on the operation mode applied to the effect button SW by the player” The destination of the “friend character” can be selected. Specifically, when the player presses the first pressing part SWA, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path A”, and when the player presses the second pressing part SWB, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path”. B ". When one of the third pressing portions SWC is pressed, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path C”. Further, when the player does not operate the effect button SW within the operation effective period, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path C” as in the case of pressing the third pressing part SWC.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, when the operation of the effect button SW is confirmed during the “operation valid period”, the process of invalidating the effect button SW and the process of deleting “display the graphic of the effect button SW” from the display screen 27a. And do. If the operation of the effect button SW cannot be confirmed during the “operation effective period”, the process of invalidating the effect button SW after the operation effective period elapses and “display graphic of the effect button SW” from the display screen 27a. The process to erase is performed.

  In the “design variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific jackpot” of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 41, the player presses the third pressing portion SWC within the operation valid period, and the “friend character” When “branch path C” is selected as the destination, after the display that causes the “friend character” to advance to “branch path C” is performed (m7), the result of the determination is a specific jackpot (specific result) (for example, The player is notified that the “friend character” has successfully acquired the treasure, etc.), the symbol variation effect D is completed (m8), and the big hit game is started. In addition, even when the player does not operate the effect button SW during the “operation effective period”, after the operation effective period elapses, the display is made to advance the “friend character” to the “branch path C”. (M7) The player is informed that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit (specific result) (for example, that the “friend character” has succeeded in acquiring the treasure), and completes the symbol variation effect D. (M8), the jackpot game is started.

  Further, when the player presses the first pressing part SWA within the operation effective period and selects “branch path A” as the destination of the “friend character”, a display is made to advance the “friend character” to “branch path A”. After performing (n7), the player is informed once that the result of the determination is not a specific big hit (specific result) (for example, the “friend character” has failed to acquire a treasure), and the symbol variation effect D is temporarily stopped (h10). Thereafter, the symbol variation effect D is restarted (n9), and a display is performed to advance the “friend character” to the “branch path C”. Then, the player is informed that the result of the determination is a specific big hit (specific result) (for example, that the “friend character” has succeeded in acquiring a treasure), and completes the symbol variation effect D (n10 ), The jackpot game is started.

  In addition, when the player presses the second pressing portion SWB within the operation valid period and selects “branch path B” as the destination of the “friend character”, a display for causing the “friend character” to advance to “branch path B” is displayed. After the execution (n7), the result of the determination of success / failure was not a big hit (specific result), but the player is notified once, and the symbol variation effect D is temporarily stopped (n8). Thereafter, the symbol variation effect D is restarted (n9), and a display is performed to advance the “friend character” to the “branch path C”. Then, the player is notified that the determination result is a big hit (specific result), the symbol variation effect D is completed (n10), and the big hit game is started.

According to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, according to the fourth embodiment, when the occurrence of a specific jackpot is determined, the reliability regarding the occurrence of the specific jackpot is high, and there is a possibility that a premium effect (design variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the specific jackpot) is generated. Therefore, it is easy to further enhance the entertainment interest of the game. In particular, the premium effect (symbol variation effect D) does not appear in cases where a specific big hit does not occur (no big hits, small hits, misses), and therefore the intense heat production experienced previously with the appearance of the premium. It is possible to reliably recover the reliability with respect to (the symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of the small hit).
Further, in the fourth embodiment, in the first effect pattern in which the player has the specific result (specific big hit), even if the mode of the input action to be selected is the first effect mode that has been the non-specific result last time, it is After notifying that the specific result is obtained, it is notified that the determination result is the specific result. That is, although the result of the determination does not change, different presentation modes are executed depending on whether the player performs the same selection as the previous non-specific result or a different selection. In addition, as a result of selecting the same mode (first production mode) as the previous non-specific result, it is possible to make it conscious that the non-specific result has been obtained, and the production mode selection production (to the input act accepting means) It is possible to increase the player's participation consciousness with respect to (input action) and to further enhance the gaming interest.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment also constitutes a modification of the second embodiment, and is between a symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a small hit and a symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific big hit. The point that the notice effect is performed in the symbol variation effect that is executed in the same way as in the second embodiment is different. The fifth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that FIGS. 42 and 43 are added, that FIG. 44 is used instead of FIG. 30, and that FIGS. 45 to 46 are added. .

  Also in the fifth embodiment, when the occurrence of “small hit” is determined by the determination performed by the main control unit 200A, the symbol variation effect D is executed based on the effect pattern D as shown in FIG. (P1). Then, after the effect button SW is operated during the operation valid period of the symbol variation effect D and the destination of the “friend character” is set to “branch path B” (p2, p3), the result of the determination is a big hit (specific (P4), the symbol variation effect D is completed (p4). Then, it is assumed that the specific production period has started after the small hit game is executed. In this case, it is stored in the predetermined area (destination storage area) of the RAM 220b mounted on the sub control board 220 that the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path B”.

  Note that in the symbol variation effect D, even when the operation period ends without the player operating the effect button SW (pressing the first pressing part SWA or the second pressing part SWB), the “friend character After the destination is “branch path B” (p2, p3), the player is informed that the result of the determination is not a big hit (specific result) (p4), and the symbol variation effect D is completed. (P4). Then, after the small hit game is executed, it is assumed that the specific effect period is started. In this case, it is stored in the predetermined area (destination storage area) of the RAM 220b mounted on the sub control board 220 that the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path B”. In the symbol variation effect D, when the player operates the first pressing portion SWA, the destination of the “friend character” is “branch path A” in a predetermined area (destination storage area) of the RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220. Is stored.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate symbol) executed prior to the “symbol variation effect D for notifying the occurrence of a specific jackpot within a specific effect period”. It is assumed that a specific suspension (determination random value for which it is determined in advance that a specific jackpot will be generated) is generated during the execution of the variation effect. However, this specific hold is processed within the specific performance period.

  In the fifth embodiment, during the execution of the intermediate symbol variation effect, the operation mode of the effect button SW is displayed, “At that time, it should have been selected the branch road A”. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 42 (c), in the symbol variation effect D executed by digesting the specific suspension that occurred during the execution of the intermediate symbol variation effect, the player can easily select “branch path A”. Become. It should be noted that during execution of the intermediate symbol variation effect, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 performs the processing for displaying “I wish I had selected the branch road A at that time” as “selection mode suggesting means”. A specific example of processing is configured.

  Next, characteristic control of the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the main control unit 200A (the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200) constituting the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment performs a specific effect start designation command output process (S900) shown in FIG. It differs from the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment in that the specific effect end designation command output process (S900) shown in b) is performed. First, the specific effect start designation command output process (S900) will be described with reference to FIG.

  This specific effect start designation command output process (S900) is performed as the winning game end process (S800) proceeds, and is a process performed by the main control unit 200A as a subroutine of the winning game process (S600). In this process, a command for controlling the execution of the “symbol variation effect process” (see FIG. 37) is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A as the winning game end process proceeds.

  As shown in FIG. 43A, when the CPU 201 (main control unit 200A) mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the setting timing of the effect counter has arrived (S905; YES), the “specific effect start designation command” ”Is transmitted to the sub control board 220 (S910), and a specific effect start designation command output process (S900). Here, the setting timing of the effect counter comes when the CPU 201 performs the process of S820, S830, or S835 (see FIG. 29).

  Next, the specific effect end designation command output process (S900) will be described with reference to FIG. The specific effect end designation command output process (S950) is performed as the special symbol game process (S300) proceeds, and is a process performed by the main control unit 200A as a subroutine of the special symbol game process (S300). In this process, with the progress of the special symbol game process (S300), a command for controlling execution of a “symbol variation effect process” (see FIG. 34) described later is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A. .

  As shown in FIG. 43B, when the CPU 201 (main control unit 200A) mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the initialization timing of the effect counter has arrived (S955; YES), “specific effect end designation” After the “command” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S960), the specific effect end designation command output process (S950). Here, the initialization timing of the effect counter comes when the CPU 201 performs the process of S355 or the value of the effect counter becomes zero through the process of S392 (see FIG. 21).

  Next, the outline of the effect control process (S980) of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 44 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process of the fifth embodiment. In this effect control process (S980), the process at the time of holding occurrence (S1000), the specified effect mode setting process (S1100), the symbol variation effect process (S1200), the notice effect process (S1300), the process at the time of holding digest (S1600), and the specified Main processes such as an effect mode release process (S1700) and a jackpot game effect process (S1800) are repeatedly executed. Also, since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 44 is about 2 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec. 44, the specific effect mode setting process (S1100), the notice effect process (S1300), and the specific effect mode canceling process (S1700) will be described, and the other processes will be described in the embodiment. Since it is the same as 2, the description thereof is omitted.

  The specific effect mode setting process (S1100) is a process for the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 to set (set to ON) a “specific effect flag indicating that it is within the specific effect period”. When this specific effect mode setting process (S1100) is activated, it waits for reception of a specific effect start designation command as shown in FIG. 45 (a) (S1105; YES), and sets a specific effect flag (set to ON). To do. Then, when the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 sets the specific effect flag (sets to ON), the CPU 220a returns to the effect control process (S980) of FIG.

  The specific effect mode canceling process (S1700) is a process for the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 to cancel (set to OFF) the specific effect flag. When this specific effect mode release processing (S1700) is activated, it waits for reception of a specific effect end designation command as shown in FIG. 45 (b) (S1705; YES), and the specific effect flag is canceled (set to OFF). To do. When the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 cancels the specific effect flag (sets it to OFF), the CPU 220a returns to the effect control process (S980) of FIG.

  The notice effect processing (S1300) is for notifying “the operation mode of the effect button SW in the symbol variation effect to be executed after digesting the specific hold” during the execution of the intermediate symbol variation effect. When the notice effect process (S1300) is activated, it is determined whether or not the specific effect flag is set (set to ON) as shown in FIG. 46 (S1305). If the specific effect flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S1305; NO), the notice effect is not executed, so the notice effect process (S1300) is terminated and the effect control process (FIG. 44) is executed. The process returns to S980).

  When the specific production flag is set (set to ON) (S1305; YES), it is determined whether or not there is a specific hold (S1310), and when there is no specific hold (S1310; NO). Since the notice effect is not executed, the notice effect process (S1300) is terminated and the process returns to the effect control process (S980) of FIG. Here, the specific hold is a hold processed within the specific production period, and is determined in advance that the result of the determination is a specific big hit.

  On the other hand, if there is a specific hold (S1310; YES), the system waits for the notice effect execution timing to arrive (S1315; YES), and executes the notice effect (S1320). Then, the notice effect process (S1300) is terminated and the process returns to the effect control process (S980) of FIG. Here, the suggestion regarding the aforementioned “operation mode of the effect button SW” can be exemplified as the notice effect. Further, the notice effect execution timing can exemplify the execution of the symbol variation effect before the symbol variation effect D is started. Note that the processing of S1320 constitutes a specific example of processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as “selection mode suggesting means”.

  In the fifth embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to make it easier for the player to select the mode of the input action in the first effect pattern (having the selection effect) related to the specific result executed thereafter. In addition, the player can be aware that the result of the determination will change depending on the mode of the input action, and can promote the positive execution of the input action and increase the expectation for the occurrence of the specific result, further enhancing the game entertainment interest. Can do.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment also constitutes a modification of the fifth embodiment, in which FIG. 10 (b) is used instead of FIG. 10 (a) and FIG. 47 (a) is used instead of FIG. 45 (a) and 47 (b) are added, the change shown in FIG. 48 is added to FIG. 30, and a point that generates only a specific big hit as a big hit (a big hit without a ball) Is different from the first embodiment.

  In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, when the determination result is a small hit and the variation pattern is transmitted from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 selects the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect (determination effect). To do. Here, in the specific example shown in FIG. 10B, when the determination result is a small hit, the sub-control board 220 determines the effect pattern A, effect pattern B, and effect pattern C as the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect (determination effect). In this case, it is determined that one of them is determined (for example, determined by random lottery or the like). In other words, in the sixth embodiment, when the determination result is a small hit and the variation pattern specifying the variation time as the predetermined time is determined, the effect pattern corresponding to the determined variation pattern is displayed on the sub-control board 220. Select from the patterns. The contents of the design variation effect realized by the effect pattern A, the effect pattern B, and the effect pattern C in FIG. 10B are the same as the contents of the symbol change effect realized by the corresponding effect pattern in FIG. Identical.

  The symbol variation effect (determination effect) of the sixth embodiment is executed in a state where the change shown in FIG. 48 is added to FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 32, the sub control unit 220A determines the result of the determination (S320a, S320b) executed in the main control unit 200A based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”. If the result of the determination is a big hit (S1210; YES), as shown in FIG. 48, it is determined whether or not the specific effect flag has been canceled (set to OFF) (S1218), and is released. If it is present (S1218; YES), a process for setting the effect pattern table for the big hit is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1220). On the other hand, the processing when the specific effect flag is set (set to ON) (S1218; NO) will be described later.

  If the result of the determination is a small hit (S1210; NO, S1215; YES), a process for setting an effect pattern table for the small hit is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1230). Furthermore, when the result of the determination is out (S1210; NO), processing for setting an effect pattern table at the time of out is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1240). Then, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 performs the process of S1250 when the process of S1220, S1230, or S1240 is completed. In the process of S1250, the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect is determined using the effect pattern table (for big hit, for small hit, or off) set in S1215, S1230 or S1240 (S1250).

  Here, the process of S1250 that has undergone the process of S1220 or S1240 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and after the negative determination of the process of S1252, the process proceeds to S1255. On the other hand, in the process of S1250 after the process of S1230, the effect pattern of the design variation effect is determined to be one of effect pattern A, effect pattern B, and effect pattern C (determined by random lottery). Done. Thereafter, the affirmative determination of the process of S1252 is performed, and the effect pattern determined by the process of S1250 is stored (S1254). Then, following the process of S1254, the process proceeds to S1255. And the processing after S1255 is the same as the symbol variation effect of the first embodiment.

  When the result of the determination is a big hit (specific big hit) (S1210; YES) and the specific effect flag is set (set to ON) (S1218; NO), the effect pattern is stored in the process of S1254 described above. After performing the process of determining the effect pattern and the process of erasing the memory related to the effect pattern performed in the process of S1254 (S1219), the process proceeds to S1255. And the processing after S1255 is the same as the symbol variation effect of the first embodiment.

  The specific effect mode release process (S1700) of the sixth embodiment is also a process for the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 to release (set to OFF) the specific effect flag. When this specific effect mode release processing (S1700) is activated, it waits for reception of a specific effect end designation command as shown in FIG. 47B (S1705; YES), and the specific effect flag is canceled (set to OFF). And a process of deleting the memory related to the effect pattern performed in the process of S1254 (S1716). When the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 cancels the specific effect flag (sets it to OFF), the CPU 220a returns to the effect control process (S980) of FIG.

  In the sixth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In the sixth embodiment, only a specific big hit is generated as the big hit. However, in the sixth embodiment, a “big hit without a ball” may be generated as in the first embodiment. In this case, if a negative determination is obtained in the processing of S1218 in FIG. 48, it is necessary to determine whether or not the big hit determined to be generated in the processing of S1210 is a specific big hit. If it is a specific big hit, the process proceeds to the processing of S1219 in FIG. 48. If it is not a specific big hit (when it is a big hit without a ball), a processing for setting an effect pattern table at the time of the big hit is performed as in S1220. Then, after performing the process of deleting the memory related to the effect pattern performed in the process of S1254, the process proceeds to the process of S1250.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment in that FIG. 49 is used instead of FIG. Specifically, the specific effect period is not started after the small hit game is ended, but the specific effect period is started after the big hit game C is executed.

  Also in the seventh embodiment, the winning game process (S600) is performed according to FIG. If it is determined in the winning game process (S600) that the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “winning game end process (S800)” shown in FIG. The game process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the winning game end process (S800) in FIG. 49 starts, the CPU 201 performs the processes of S805 and S810, and then proceeds to the process of S813. In the processing of S813, it is determined whether or not the current winning symbol (the symbol stopped in the processing of S344 in FIG. 20) is a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of a specific big hit (a big hit with a ball) (S813). If it is determined (S813; YES), the processing after S840 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the winning game end processing (S800) is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S813 that the current winning symbol is a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of a big hit without a ball (2R probability variation big hit) (S813; NO), “the occurrence of a big hit without a ball is indicated. A process for setting an effect counter corresponding to the type of “hit symbol” is performed. Specifically, when the winning symbol this time is “Big hit symbol A with no ball” (S813; NO, S816; YES), a process (S821) of setting “80” to “Production counter A” is performed. After the execution, the process proceeds to S845. If the current winning symbol is “no big ball symbol B with no departure” (S813; NO, S816; NO, S826; YES), a process of setting “100” in “effect counter B” (S830) Then, the process proceeds to S845. Furthermore, when the current winning symbol is “Big hitting symbol C with no ball” (S813; NO, S816; NO, S826; NO), a process of setting “120” to “effect counter C” (S830). Then, the process proceeds to S845.

  Regardless of whether the current winning symbol is any big hit without a ball, the processing after S845 is the same as when the positive determination is made in S840. And if the process after S845 is performed, the process at the time of completion | finish of a hit game (S800) will be complete | finished. For example, the variation time (the execution time of the symbol variation effect) when the current winning symbol is determined to be the “big hit symbol A with no ball” is the time for executing the effect pattern A in FIG. The variation time (design variation production execution time) when the winning symbol is determined to be “no big hit symbol B” is defined as the time for performing the production pattern B in FIG. The variation time of symbol “hit no big hit symbol C” (execution time of symbol variation effect) can be the time for executing the effect pattern B of FIG. In this case, the symbol variation effect may be executed along the above-described FIGS.

  In the seventh embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, in the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, in the probability variation big hit without a ball, a game in which the change display of the first special symbol in which the opening extension means does not operate is mainly performed (the first winning / failing determination is mainly performed). However, it does not occur in games in which the variable display of the second special symbol in which the opening extension means operates is mainly performed (game in which the second winning / failure determination is mainly performed). For this reason, a big hit was gradually generated in a state where the opening extension means was not activated (the most disadvantageous state in the game), but even if it was disappointing once that it was a big hit without a ball, the big hit game C After the execution, since the probability changing means is activated, there is a high possibility that a specific big hit will occur within the specific performance period.

  For this reason, according to the seventh embodiment, since the player is more likely to generate a specific big hit within a specific performance period and play a snowball (revenge) starting from the occurrence of a “no-hit big hit”. Can be further improved. In addition, although Example 7 was made into the modification of Example 1, Example 7 can also be made into the modification in any one of Examples 2-6.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is limited to the description for specifying the present invention in the scope of the claims unless departing from the scope of the present invention. However, it is possible to appropriately add an improvement based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has, and to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  That is, Embodiments 1 to 6 exemplify a mode in which a specific effect period is started after execution of a small hit game, and Example 7 has a mode in which a specific effect period is started after execution of a big hit game with no ball (big hit game C). Although illustrated, in a small hit game and a big hit game without a pitch (big hit game C), a mode in which a specific effect period is started after the execution of the small hit game and after the big hit game without a big ball (big hit game C) is illustrated. You can also In this case, the big hit and no big hits constitute a specific example of “second specific result”, and the big hit game without a big ball (big hit game C) and the small hit game constitute a specific example of “second specific game” To do.

  Alternatively, a specific performance period may be started after the small hit game is executed in a gaming machine that executes the small hit game but does not execute the big hit game without a pitch (big hit game C). In this case, as in the first to sixth embodiments, the small hit is a specific example of “second specific result”, and the small hit game is a specific example of “second specific game”. In this case, all jackpots constitute “specific results”, and all jackpot games constitute “specific games”.

  Further, in a gaming machine that executes a big hit game without a ball (big hit game C) but does not execute a small hit game, the specific effect period may be started after the execution of the big hit game without a big ball (big hit game C). In this case, as in the seventh embodiment, the big hit without a ball constitutes a specific example of the “second specific result”, and the big hit game without a big ball (big hit game C) constitutes a specific example of the “second specific game”. .

  In addition, in a gaming machine that executes a plurality of types of jackpot games with different numbers of winning balls as in each embodiment, a jackpot game with a large number of prize balls (for example, jackpot game A) is designated as a specific game, and a prize ball A jackpot game with a small number (for example, jackpot game B) may be set as the second specific game.

  Furthermore, unlike each embodiment, the specific performance period may be started based on the occurrence of a specific deviation (for example, a reach deviation).

  Moreover, in each Example, when the specific result was produced in the specific production period, the variation pattern table used when starting the symbol variation game was fixed to the specific variation pattern table. However, the modification shown in FIG. The specific variation pattern table may be used with a predetermined probability (for example, a high probability of 60% or more). That is, in this modification, when a positive determination is obtained in the process of S516 (S516; YES), a lottery is performed as to whether or not to use the specific variation pattern table (S517d). If this lottery (for example, the winning probability is set to 80%) is won (S517d; YES), the process proceeds to S518, but if it is lost (S517d; NO), the process proceeds to S520 and subsequent processes, and the game state is entered. A corresponding variation pattern table may be set. In this case, more varied games can be performed.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start) provided on the game board are used. Games that give the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the entry of game balls into the mouth, the second start opening, the big prize opening, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to the machine 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine of a type that gives a gaming profit (game value) in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. it can. As such a type of gaming machine, when a game ball is entered into various winning openings, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the winning ball is given to the main control unit or the payout By storing it in the RAM of the control unit, it is possible to exemplify a gaming machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player. In this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again. In this type of game machine (so-called enclosed game machine), for example, every time a game ball enters a winning opening, for example, data indicating a prize ball amount determined for each winning opening is stored. Thus, the game value as a result of the game can be given to the player.

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
17a; first start winning device (start port),
17b; second start winning device (start port),
27; production display device;
31a; Large winning entrance (variable entrance),
200; main control unit (determination means, entry information storage means, prior determination means),
220; sub-control unit (determination effect execution means, selection mode suggestion means).

Claims (1)

A determination means for performing determination based on a game ball entering the start opening;
When the determination is performed, a determination effect performing means for executing a determination effect for informing the result of the determination based on a predetermined effect pattern, and
When the result of the determination is a specific result, the player can acquire a specific gaming profit,
Based on the fact that the determination effect informing that the determination result has not become the specific result is executed in the first effect pattern, a specific effect period of a predetermined period is set,
When the result of the determination is the specific result in the specific effect period, the determination effect is more likely than the case where the result of the determination is the specific result in a period other than the specific effect period. It is executed based on the first performance pattern ,
Provided with an input act accepting means capable of accepting an input act performed by a player,
A plurality of effects including at least a first effect aspect and a second effect aspect based on the input action received by the input action accepting means, in the determination effect being executed, after the input action is accepted. Selectable from aspects
During the execution of the first effect pattern, it is notified that the first effect mode has been executed based on the mode of the input action received by the input action receiving means, and the result of the determination has not become the specific result. In the case where the specific performance period is set,
When the result of the determination becomes the specific result in the specific effect period, a second effect aspect different from the first effect aspect is executed during execution of the first effect pattern, and the result of the determination is the specific result. A gaming machine that is informed that it has become .

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