JP5812401B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  It relates to gaming machines.

  Conventionally, among the various ball game machines, a so-called first type pachinko game machine is used while changing a plurality of symbols in a display area such as a liquid crystal display provided substantially at the center of the game board. Display (hereinafter, such display is referred to as “symbol change” or “change display”). This gaming machine shifts to a special game called so-called big hit, in which more prize balls can be obtained than a normal game when the combination of symbols when a plurality of rows of symbol variations are stopped becomes a specific aspect. It is known as a thing (for example, refer patent document 1). The variable display of symbols in the display area is not limited to simply displaying multiple symbols in a variable manner, but the time required for the variable display to be a big hit if one more symbols are aligned, such as the so-called reach screen. For example, an effect is made to increase the player's expectation, such as making it longer. In addition, a character image, background image, etc. can be used to create a story with a variation display of the symbol, probability variation to increase the efficiency of transition to special games, shortening the variation time, and ease of entering the starting prize opening. The player's expectation is also enhanced by the control to shift to the easy entry state.

JP 2003-230714 A

  As a design effect display, a reach effect using a reach image is used. A plurality of types of reach production are prepared in order to improve the production effect. In addition, reach productions with various fluctuation times are prepared to make the production contents diverse. In general, a reach having a relatively short variation time is referred to as “normal reach”, and a reach having a long variation time is referred to as “super reach”. When the reach production is started, the production by the effect or the accessory may be added, but the selected reach production is basically displayed from the beginning to the end. Therefore, particularly in the case of super reach, there is a problem that the player's interest in the production may not continue due to the production having a long variation time and lacking an unexpected change in the middle.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine by maintaining the player's interest in the display of the design for a long time.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a gaming board on which a gaming area is formed, and a start opening provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area, and the entrance of the gaming ball is a chance for lottery And a lottery means for executing a lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, with the ball entering the start opening, depending on the result of the lottery A display device that displays a variety of stylistic symbols, and a plurality of performance patterns in which a process of displaying symbol variations in accordance with a predetermined performance story is stored, and a plurality of performance patterns as a player The first production pattern including the branch production that is the production content suggesting that the production story can be switched to a different production story when the operation input is made is different from the first production pattern. A pattern storage means including a second effect pattern that can be selected when the process of displaying the variation of the symbol is determined according to the effect story and the result of the success / failure lottery is a win, and a plurality according to the result of the success / failure lottery An effect determining means for selecting one of the effect patterns, an effect display control means for variably displaying symbols on the effect display device in accordance with the selected effect pattern, an operation input means for receiving an operation input from the player, and a game A big prize opening provided at a predetermined position in the area, where the accepting state of the game ball can be changed to a state advantageous to the player, and when the result of the lottery indicates the transition to the special game. Special game execution means for executing a special game by changing the accepting state of the mouth to a state advantageous to the player. The effect display control means, when an operation input is made during a predetermined period in which the symbols are variably displayed according to the first effect pattern, the effect story of the first effect pattern is provided on condition that the result of the lottery is a win. Therefore, the change display of the symbol is switched to the change display of the symbol according to the effect story of the second effect pattern.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements, and the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention are mutually replaced between a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium storing the computer program, a data structure, and the like. This is effective as an embodiment of the present invention.

  According to the bullet ball gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine by maintaining the player's interest in the display of the design effect.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the pachinko game machine in a present Example. It is a figure which shows typically a success / failure determination table. It is a figure which shows a symbol determination table typically. It is a figure which shows a fluctuation pattern table typically. It is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern table for deviation in detail. It is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern of a decoration design in detail. It is a figure explaining the switching probability of switching lottery. It is a figure for demonstrating an effect display process. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement process in a pachinko game machine. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the success / failure determination process of S34 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the symbol fluctuation | variation display process of S40 in FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail a special game control process of S16 in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail a release process of S100 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the closing process of S102 in FIG. 15 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the small hit game control process of S17 in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail a release process in S160 in FIG. 18. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the closing process of S162 in FIG. 18 in detail. It is a figure which shows in detail the special game production | presentation pattern used during the special game of 2nd Example. It is a figure explaining the switching probability of the switching lottery for determining the production content in the special game of 2nd Example. It is a figure for demonstrating the display process of the production | presentation in the special game of 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows in detail the special game production pattern used during the special game of 3rd Example. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail a special game control process of S16 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special game branch process of S1093 in FIG. 25 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows in detail another example of the special game branch process of S1093 in FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine. Hereinafter, a so-called first type pachinko gaming machine, which is conventionally known as a bullet ball gaming machine, will be described as an example. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a transparent plate 13, a door 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, and a launch handle 17. The outer frame 11 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening portion of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like.

  The transparent plate 13 is made of glass or the like and is supported by the door 14. The door 14 is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending the game balls to the launch rail, extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16, and the like. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. A speaker 18 is provided between the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state or the like is output by means for controlling an effect described later.

  The game board 50 has an out port 58, a special symbol display device 61, an effect display device 60, and a start winning port (hereinafter referred to as “start port”) 62 on a game area 52 defined by the outer rail 54 and the inner rail 56. , A center ornament 64, a grand prize opening 66, an operation opening 68, and a general prize opening 72. Furthermore, in the game area 52, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed.

  The starting port 62 is a starting port that triggers the entrance of a game ball to perform a lottery determination. The starting port 62 is provided in the starting port 62 and a start winning detection device 74 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. A normal electric accessory solenoid 76 for expanding the expansion mechanism 63 (so-called electric tulip) is provided. The expansion mechanism 63 is composed of two blade members provided at the upper part of the opening of the start port 62, and has a narrow opening width that allows only a game ball falling from just above the start port 62 to enter when closed. Become. On the other hand, when the expansion mechanism 63 is expanded and opened, the opening width of the start port 62 is widened, and not only the start port 62 but also a game ball falling in the vicinity thereof can be guided to the start port 62 and can enter. Ease is improved. This lottery determination is a lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, and is executed every time there is a ball entering the start port 62. The start winning detection device 74 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the start port 62, and generates start win information indicating the winning at the time of entering.

  The general winning opening 72 includes a general winning detecting device 73 for detecting the entering of a game ball. The general winning detection device 73 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening 72, and generates general winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning.

  The special winning opening 66 includes a winning detection device 78 for detecting the entry of a game ball and a special winning opening solenoid 80 for opening the special winning opening 66. The winning detection device 78 is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 66, and generates big winning opening winning information indicating the winning at the time of winning. The big winning opening 66 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened as a “big hit” in a special game that starts when the special symbol 192 stops in a predetermined manner. The big winning opening 66 is provided at a position above the out opening 58, for example. The number of the big winning openings 66 is not limited to a single arrangement, and a plurality of large winning openings 66 may be installed and used depending on the gaming state or the like. The winning detection device 78 of the big winning opening 66 includes a sensor that detects the passage of a game ball.

  The special symbol display device 61 provided on the left side of the game area 52 and the effect display device 60 provided in the approximate center of the game area 52 have a variation of the special symbol 192 on each screen and a decoration linked to the special symbol 192. Changes in the effect image including the pattern 190 are displayed. Hereinafter, such display is referred to as “design variation” or “variation display”.

  The special symbol display device 61 is a display device composed of, for example, 7 segment LEDs. The special symbol 192 is a symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball falls into the start port 62. When the symbol mode when the special symbol 192 is stopped is the symbol that is determined in advance, the timing at which the symbol is displayed is the big hit occurrence timing. The stop symbol is a symbol to be displayed at the end of symbol variation. The special symbol 192 in the present embodiment is represented by numbers, characters, symbols such as “0” to “9” that are hit symbol patterns, or a symbol “−” that is an off symbol pattern. These numbers or symbols are replaced one after another at a high speed and displayed on the special symbol display device 61, whereby the symbol variation display of the special symbol 192 is realized. Note that the special symbol 192 is not limited to the above numbers or symbols, and may be letters such as English letters, or may be a generally meaningless symbol formed by a combination of segments constituting a 7-segment LED. May be. Further, the 7-segment LED may be composed of 8 segments including 7 segments forming “eight-letter shape” and 1 segment representing “dot”. In this case, a numerical value for 8 bits can be expressed by combining 8 segments. Further, the special symbol display device 61 may be an LED dot array that is not a 7-segment LED, and a plurality of types of special symbols 192 may be expressed by combinations of lighting patterns and lighting colors.

  The effect display device 60 is a display device configured by a liquid crystal display that displays the decorative symbol 190 in a variable manner in conjunction with the variable symbol display of the special symbol 192. The decorative symbol 190 is a symbol for visually rendering the lottery result display indicated by the special symbol 192. The effect display device 60 displays, for example, a moving image that fluctuates a plurality of rows of symbols simulating a game of a slot machine as a decorative symbol 190 in the central area of the screen. In this embodiment, symbols composed of numbers “0” to “9” are displayed and varied in three columns, and hit or miss is indicated by three symbol combinations that are finally stopped and displayed. Each of the plurality of symbols constituting the decorative symbol 190 is composed of numbers, characters, or symbols that are decorated with colors or patterns, but these symbols, characters, or symbols are common to all symbols. You may comprise in the form which adds a different pattern for every and integrates them. This pattern is a pattern on which a motif related to the theme of decoration or production set for the model of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is drawn, and for example, a pattern on which a character of a person or an animal is drawn may be used. The decorative pattern 190 is switched according to the development of the effect between the case where the design that includes the design is variably displayed and the case where the design is separated and only the numbers, characters, and symbols are variably displayed. It may be a configuration. On the background of the variation display of the decoration symbol 190, a moving image having a staging effect related to the theme of decoration or production set for the model of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is displayed in conjunction with the symbol variation.

  In addition, the effect display device 60 is configured with an effect image according to a predetermined effect story so that the player can easily recognize that the special game is being executed when the special game is being executed. Display special game effects. Here, the effect story is an effect display mode composed of divided effects that are divided in time and divided in a plurality of stages, and are executed (changed) in order as time passes. The effect for the special game can be an effect using a character shown as a picture displayed together with a pattern that varies in the case of the winning or failing lottery. As an example, it is possible to use a battle scene where characters fight with each other or an introduction movie of characters. Such battle scenes and introductory movies can be said to be a bonus effect in the case of a big hit. The special game effect starts in response to the start of the special game and ends in response to the end of the special game. Note that when executing a special game effect, sound output, turning on / off of the game effect lamp, and control of the movable accessory may not be performed in the normal game state before the start of the special game.

  The effect display device 60 is configured by a high-definition dot matrix type display device such as a liquid crystal display in this embodiment, but may be configured by a mechanical display unit such as a drum rotation type or a display unit such as an LED matrix type. Good. Since the special symbol 192 does not necessarily have a role of production, in this embodiment, the special symbol display device 61 on the lower left side of the production display device 60 is displayed in an inconspicuous size. However, in the case of adopting a technique in which the special symbol itself has an effect role to express without using the decorative symbol, the special symbol may be displayed on the liquid crystal display instead of the 7-segment LED.

  The operation port 68 is provided at the left side position of the game board 50. The operation port 68 includes a passage detection device 69. The passage detection device 69 is a sensor that detects the passage of the game ball to the operation port 68, and generates passage information indicating the passage at the time of passage. The passage of the game ball to the operation port 68 triggers an open lottery that determines whether or not the expansion mechanism 63 is expanded. When the game ball passes through the operation port 68, a normal symbol, which is a symbol indicating the result of the open lottery, is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 59. Therefore, the open lottery is also called “ordinary symbol lottery”. The normal symbol display device 59 in this embodiment is composed of two lamps for convenience, and the display state of the normal symbols is expressed by which of these lamps is lit. For example, when the first lamp is turned off and the second lamp is hit, the normal symbol fluctuation display is expressed by alternately turning on and off, and finally one of the lights is turned on. A stop symbol of a normal symbol is expressed by being stopped in the state. The normal symbol display device 59 is provided on the lower right side of the effect display device 60. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the change, the normal symbol change display stops. At this time, in the normal state, the normal symbol stops at the winning symbol with a low probability of, for example, about 1/256, and in the easy entry state described later, the normal symbol is in the winning symbol with a high probability of, for example, about 250/256. Stop. When the normal symbol stops at the winning symbol, the expansion mechanism 63 is expanded for a predetermined time. The opening time of the spreading mechanism 63 is, for example, 0.1 seconds in the normal state, and 6 seconds in the easy entry state.

  A center ornament 64 is provided around the effect display device 60. The center decoration 64 has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the effect display device 60, and decoration. The special symbol hold display device 20 is provided at the lower left portion of the game area 52, and the normal symbol hold display device 22 is provided below the normal symbol display device 59 at the lower right portion of the game area 52, which is the symmetrical position. ing.

  The special symbol hold display device 20 is composed of four lamps, and displays the number of lottery holds depending on the number of lights. The number of lottery holds is the number of lottery results won to the start port 62 during symbol variation or special game, and indicates the number of winning balls for which symbol variation has not yet been executed. When the number of lottery holds is three, the symbol variation time in the case of a loss is shortened from the normal time in order to increase game efficiency (hereinafter also referred to as “shortening variation”). Similarly, when the number of pending lottery holds is 4, in order to further increase the game efficiency, the symbol variation time in the case of losing is further shortened than in the case of the above 3 (hereinafter also referred to as “super shortened variation”). ).

  The normal symbol hold display device 22 is also composed of four lamps, and displays the number of normal symbol fluctuation hold depending on the number of lights. The number of normal symbol fluctuations held is the number of game balls that have passed through the operation port 68 during the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and indicates the number of normal symbol lotteries for which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet been executed.

  Game effect lamps 90 are respectively provided above and below the effect display device 60. The operation button 82 is an operation input unit that is operated by the player to input a predetermined instruction to the gaming machine, and changes are made to the contents of the effect according to the contents of the operation input. The operation button 82 is provided on the outer wall surface near the upper ball tray 15. Although the operation button 82 in this embodiment is composed of one button, it may be composed of a plurality of buttons and direction instruction buttons such as a cross key. The movable accessory 140 is a movable object whose operation is controlled in conjunction with the effect, and plays an effect role by the operation. For example, the movable accessory 140 operates in response to an operation input via the operation button 82 by the player.

  An outline of a game method and a control flow performed in the above configuration will be described. When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are guided one by one to the inner rail 56 and the outer rail 54 with a strength corresponding to the turning angle, thereby playing the game area. To 52. When the player fixes the rotation position of the firing handle 17 by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at regular time intervals. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 52 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting a plurality of game nails and windmills. When a game ball is dropped into each of the general winning port 72, the start port 62, and the big winning port 66, the winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out to the upper ball plate 15 or the lower ball plate 16. A game ball dropped into each winning hole such as the general winning hole 72 is processed as a safe ball, and a game ball dropped into the out hole 58 is processed as an out ball. Each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes. In this application, “incoming”, “entering”, and “winning” include “passing”.

  When the game ball falls into the start port 62, the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 61 and the effect display device 60. The variation display of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is stopped after the lapse of the variation display time determined prior to the display. The special symbol 192 is variably displayed in accordance with a variation pattern in which a variation mode from the variation start to the stop is determined. The decorative symbol 190 is variably displayed according to a variation effect pattern in which a variation mode from the start to the end of the variation is determined. A plurality of types of variation patterns and variation production patterns are prepared, and each has various variation times. While the special symbol 192 is variably displayed according to the variation pattern, the decorative symbol 190 is variably displayed according to the variation effect pattern having the same variation time. In the variation pattern, a variation display time is determined for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the variation of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is stopped when the variation display time elapses.

  As a variation display of the decorative symbol 190, first, as the variation starts, the symbols are varied in all three columns like the reel rotation of the slot machine, and when it approaches the variation end timing, it is stopped one by one as a final stop mode. The symbol combination is displayed. When the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 at the time of the stop are in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 66 is started. The The stop mode of the decorative symbol 190 indicating a big hit is, for example, a combination mode in which the types of three symbols match.

  The variation effect pattern includes a normal loss effect pattern, a reach failure effect pattern, and a reach jackpot effect pattern. The normal off effect pattern is an effect pattern for displaying a normal off symbol combination. The reach out effect pattern is an effect pattern for displaying an out symbol combination through a reach state, which is a big win if one more symbols are arranged. The reach jackpot effect pattern is an effect pattern when displaying a jackpot symbol combination through the reach state. In particular, the patterns when reaching the reach state include patterns with various long and short fluctuation times. Reach patterns with relatively short fluctuation times are called “normal reach”, and reach patterns with long fluctuation times are called “super reach”. ".

  The special game is started by displaying an effect screen called start demonstration time. After the start demonstration time is displayed on the screen, the grand prize winning opening 66 is opened, and after the opening lasts for about 30 seconds, or after nine or more game balls have dropped in, it is temporarily closed. From such opening to closing of the big prize opening 66 is basically called a unit game, but it may be repeated a plurality of short-time opening during one unit game. After the opening / closing of the special prize opening 66 or the unit game is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times, the special game is ended by displaying an effect screen called an end demo time. On the other hand, when the winning lottery corresponds to a result called “small hit”, the small hit game is executed. The small hit is a result included as a result of the lottery. The small hit game is a unit game executed in a manner similar to some types of special games. However, the unit game executed as a small hit game is only one time, which is different from a special game in which a plurality of unit games are executed. In the case of the present embodiment, in the special game, the number of continuations of the unit game is determined according to the special symbol 192. For example, when the special symbol 192 is “7” or “3”, the unit game may be continued 15 times. Further, when the special symbol 192 is “1”, “5”, or “9”, the unit game may be continued eight times. The number of continuations of the unit game may be predicted by the player by displaying a special symbol 192. The special symbol 192 only suggests whether or not to shift to a special game and does not indicate the number of continuations. Also good.

  In the normal game after the end of the special game, the fluctuation time of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190, which are one of the specific games, is started (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction” as appropriate). The time shortening of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is a state in which the variation time of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is shortened from the normal state. The variation time of the special symbol 192 and the decoration symbol 190 is returned to the original variation time after a predetermined variation number, for example, 100 variation display, but if the big hit occurs before the variation number is reached, the time is shortened. Also ends. Due to the shortening of time, the variation time of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 is shortened, so that it is possible to shorten the time until the big hit occurs compared to the normal state where the symbol variation is performed with the normal variation time. Therefore, it is possible to relatively increase the jackpot acquisition ease.

  During the time shortening of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190, the easy entry state which is one of the specific games is performed. The easy entry state is a state in which the ease of entering the starting port 62 is enhanced by executing the short time of the normal symbol, the probability variation of the open lottery, and the open extension of the expansion mechanism 63. The normal symbol time reduction is a state in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened from the normal state. The probability variation of the open lottery is a state in which the winning probability of the open lottery is higher than the normal state. The opening extension of the spreading mechanism 63 is a state in which the opening time of the spreading mechanism 63 is longer than the normal state. As described above, in the easy entry state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per certain time increases as compared to the normal state increases, and the ease of entering the start opening 62 also increases. There is a high possibility that the number of entering will increase. Therefore, due to the shortened time of the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 and the easy entry state, the chance to obtain a winning ball by entering the starting port 62 increases during that period, and as a result, the player can play the game with little decrease in possession. It is possible to continue.

  Note that the easy entry state in the present embodiment increases the ease of entering the starting port 62 by using three functions such as a short time for a normal symbol, a probability variation of an open lottery, and an open / extended extension of the expansion mechanism 63. However, as a modification, it is good also as a structure which improves the entrance ease to the starting port 62 using one or two functions among these three functions. Thus, even if only a part of the three functions is used, it is possible to improve the ease of entering the starting port 62. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which switches according to a gaming state at least any one of three functions by the period to implement and the period which does not implement.

  When a special game occurs and the winning stop pattern at that time is in a specific mode, the probability variation game of the winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as “probability change” as appropriate) that is one of the specific games after the end of the special game ) Is further started. During the chance change of the winning / failing lottery, the winning / failing lottery with a higher probability of winning than the normal probability state is performed, and a new special game can be generated relatively early. The probability change of the success / failure lottery is continued until the next big hit occurs, but as a modification, it may be configured to end when a predetermined limited number of symbol changes are made. In this embodiment, the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 are started at the same time as when the probability change is started, and the easy entry state is also started. May be executed.

  FIG. 2 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine. The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 102 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes all game operations such as a lottery when a winning is made to the start port 62. The sub board 104 includes the liquid crystal unit 42 and controls display contents on the effect display device 60, operations of the plurality of movable objects 140, and lighting of the game effect lamp 90, and in particular, display contents according to the lottery result by the main board 102. And the lighting of the movable accessory 140 and the game effect lamp 90 is activated along with the progress of the production. The main board 102 and the sub board 104 constitute a game control device 100. The back setting mechanism 39 includes a prize ball tank 44, a flow path for prize balls, a payout unit 43 for delivering prize balls. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 52 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  FIG. 3 shows functional blocks of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game control device 100 includes a start port 62, a big winning port 66, a general winning port 72, an operating port 68, a special symbol display device 61, an effect display device 60, a normal symbol display device 59, and operation buttons 82. The speaker 18, the game effect lamp 90, and the movable accessory 140 are electrically connected to each other, and can transmit and receive various control signals. The game control apparatus 100 controls not only the basic operation of the game but also the staging operations such as the symbol variation display, the movable accessory 140, and the electric decoration. The game control device 100 is configured in such a manner that functions are shared between a main board 102 that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including basic operations of the game, and a sub board 104 that controls design effects and the like. The game control device 100 is configured by hardware including elements such as a ROM and a RAM for storing data and programs, and a CPU used for arithmetic processing.

  In the present embodiment, the main board 102 is a ball determination unit 110, a winning / failing lottery unit 112, a symbol determination unit 114, a variation pattern determination unit 115, a hold control unit 116, a main display control unit 118, a special game control unit 120, a specific game. An execution unit 122 and an opening / closing control unit 124 are provided. The sub-board 104 in the present embodiment includes a pattern storage unit 130, a design mode determination unit 131, an effect determination unit 132, an effect display control unit 134, and an accessory control unit 136. Each functional block included in the main board 102 may be configured such that any one of the functional blocks is mounted on the sub board 104 instead of the main board 102. Similarly, each functional block included in the sub-board 104 may be configured such that any one of them is mounted on the main board 102 instead of the sub-board 104.

  However, since data transmission / reception between the main board 102 and the sub board 104 is unidirectional from the main board 102 to the sub board 104, each operation is performed so that the entire operation is realized by such data transmission / reception in one direction. The configuration is arranged on the main board 102 and the sub board 104. In this way, since the unidirectionality of data transmission from the main board 102 to the sub board 104 is maintained, data cannot be transmitted from the configuration included in the sub board 104 to the configuration included in the main board 102. It is not possible to request data transmission. Therefore, the information generated on the main board 102 cannot be referred to from the sub board 104 unless the main board 102 unilaterally transmits the information to the sub board 104.

  The entrance determination means 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. When receiving the start winning information, the winning determination means 110 determines that the game ball has won the start opening 62, and when receiving the big winning opening winning information, determines that the game ball has won the big winning opening 66, and the general winning is obtained. When the information is received, it is determined that the game ball has won the general winning opening 72. When receiving the passage information, the ball entering determination unit 110 determines that the game ball has passed through the operation port 68.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 obtains, as a success / failure lottery value, a random number value for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game when the starting hole 62 is entered. To do. For example, the success / failure lottery value is acquired from a value range from “0” to “65535”. The “random number” in the present application may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo-random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like. The value acquired as the success / failure lottery value by the success / failure lottery means 112 is temporarily held by the hold control means 116. However, the lottery value is held within a range not exceeding the predetermined holding upper limit number.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 holds a plurality of success / failure tables to be referred to in the success / failure determination. In the plurality of success / failure tables, determination results of big hits, small wins, and misses are associated with the success / failure lottery values, and the success / failure probabilities are determined according to the associated jackpot range settings. The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to the success / failure table based on the normal probability at the normal time, and refers to the success / failure table whose probability of winning is higher than the normal probability when the probability changes. The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to any of the plurality of success / failure tables and determines whether or not the success / failure lottery value is a win.

  The success / failure lottery means 112 acquires a lottery value as an open lottery for determining a normal symbol when the game ball passes through the operation port 68. The success / failure lottery means 112 holds a success / failure table in which the correspondence between the lottery value of the open lottery and the success / failure result is determined, and determines the success / failure result of the open lottery with reference to the success / failure table. In the normal state, the winning / failing table with a probability of 1/256 is referred to, and in the easy entry state, the winning / failing table with a probability of 250/256 is referred to. The lottery value of the normal symbol is temporarily held by the hold control means 116. However, the lottery value is held only when the predetermined hold upper limit number held by the hold control means 116 is not exceeded.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the success / failure determination table. The success / failure determination table in this figure associates determination results of big hits, small hits and misses, and winning / failing lottery values. Depending on the respective range settings, the hit / failure probabilities of big hits and small hits are determined. Is determined. The success / failure lottery means 112 refers to the success / failure determination table of FIG. In the success / failure lottery performed by the success / failure lottery means 112, in the normal state, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), only when the success / failure lottery value falls within the range of 0 to 399 is a big hit. At the time of certainty change, as shown in FIG. 4B, the range of the big hit is expanded, and not only when the winning / losing lottery value falls within the range of 0 to 399 but also when the lottery falls within the range of 400 to 2999. Thus, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the gaming state. In the case of hitting a big hit, whether it is a 15R big hit, an 8R big hit or a 2R big hit, and whether or not there is a probability change is separately determined according to the stop symbol of the special symbol. In this figure, the single hit / fail judgment table shows the big hit range for both normal time and probability change, but the success / fail judgment table may be prepared separately for normal time and for probability change.

  In the present embodiment, even if the winning / raising lottery value does not correspond to the big hit range, that is, a so-called out of range, it becomes a small hit if it falls within the predetermined range. In the example of this figure, when the success / failure lottery value acquired by the success / failure lottery means 112 falls within the range of 65000 to 65535, it is a small hit. In this way, if it does not correspond to the big hit, it is all “out”, but in the example in this figure, the winning lottery value range when it does not correspond to the small hit out of the cases where it does not correspond to the big hit Is expressed as “displacement”. In addition, although the example which implement | achieved the determination table of whether it is a big hit and the determination table of whether it is a small win in the figure in the form of a single winning / nothing determination table was shown in this figure, each may be implement | achieved as a separate table. Good.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is variably displayed in a special symbol form on the special symbol display device 61. In addition, a decorative symbol that shows the determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 in an effect manner is variably displayed on the effect display device 60. The success / failure lottery means 112 transmits the lottery result corresponding to the symbol variation to the symbol mode determining unit 131 and the effect determining unit 132 together with the symbol variation control command at the timing of starting the symbol variation.

  The symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 61 according to the lottery result by the success / failure lottery means 112. The symbol determination means 114 holds a symbol range table to be referred to in order to determine a special symbol stop symbol. The symbol determination means 114 acquires a symbol determination lottery value for determining a special symbol, and determines the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the determination result of the success / failure lottery means 112 and the symbol determination lottery value.

  The symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 59 according to the result of the open lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112. The symbol determination means 114 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol according to the result of the open lottery in order to display the result of the open lottery in the normal symbol display device 59 in the form of a normal symbol. When the determined stop symbol becomes a predetermined symbol, it is determined that the normal symbol is a hit, and after the change display of the normal symbol is stopped at the stop symbol, the opening / closing control means 124 expands the start port 62. The opening mechanism 63 is expanded for a predetermined time.

  The symbol determination unit 114 sends data indicating the determined stop symbol to the main display control unit 118, the symbol mode determination unit 131, and the effect determination unit 132.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a symbol determination table. FIG. 5A is a table that is referred to when the determination result is a big hit, FIG. 5B is a table that is referred to when the result of determination is wrong, and FIG. This table is referred to when the determination result is a small hit. The symbol determination means 114 refers to the symbol determination table of this diagram in symbol determination. In each symbol determination table, the correspondence between the special symbol represented by the numbers “0” to “9” and the symbol “−” and the symbol lottery value is defined. Each type of special symbol is associated with the result of determining whether or not the big hit, small hit, or missed, the odd number corresponds to the big hit, the even number corresponds to the small hit, and the symbol “-” is out. Correspond.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the special symbols “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, and “9”, which are odd numbers among the special symbols “0” to “9”, are associated with the jackpot. . Among them, the special symbol “7” indicates a 15R jackpot with certainty and is associated with a symbol lottery value range “0 to 99”. The special symbol “3” indicates a 15R jackpot without any probability change, and is associated with the symbol lottery value range “100 to 149”. The special symbol “1” indicates 8R jackpot with certainty and is associated with the symbol lottery value range “150 to 189”. The special symbol “5” indicates an 8R jackpot without any probability change, and is associated with the symbol lottery value range “190-229”. The special symbol “9” indicates a 2R jackpot with certainty and is associated with the symbol lottery value range “230 to 255”.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the special symbol “-” is associated with the entire range of symbol lottery values in the case where the determination result is wrong.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the special symbols “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, and “8” that are even numbers among the special symbols “0” to “9” are associated with the small hits. Yes. The special symbol “0” is associated with the symbol lottery value range “0 to 49”, and the special symbol “2” is associated with the symbol lottery value range “50 to 99”. The special symbol “4” is associated with the symbol lottery value range “100 to 149”, the special symbol “6” is associated with the symbol lottery value range “150 to 199”, and the special symbol “8” is the symbol lottery. Corresponding to the value range “200 to 255”.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the variation pattern determination unit 115 selects any variation pattern from a plurality of types of variation patterns according to the result of the success / failure lottery. The variation pattern determining means 115 holds a variation pattern table to be referred to in order to determine the variation pattern. The variation pattern determination unit 115 sends data indicating the determined variation pattern to the main display control unit 118, the symbol mode determination unit 131, and the effect determination unit 132. The variation pattern determination unit 115 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. A plurality of types of variation patterns are defined on the assumption that there are various variation times, short and long, and that symbol variation is also performed by a decorative symbol composed of a plurality of symbols in the variation time. In each variation pattern, a variation display time is defined for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped when the variation display time elapses.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the variation pattern table. The variation pattern determining means 115 refers to the variation pattern table for removal shown in FIG. 6A when the result of the determination is wrong. When the determination result is 15R or 8R big hit, the fluctuation pattern table for 15R or 8R big hit shown in FIG. 6B is referred to. When the determination result is 2R big hit or small hit, the variation pattern table for 2R big hit and small hit shown in FIG. 6C is referred.

  In FIG. 6A, the pattern lottery values 0 to 10 are associated with a super reach “super 1”, and the pattern lottery values 11 to 20 are associated with a super reach “super 2”. The pattern lottery values 21 to 255 are associated with any variation pattern of “normal 1”, “normal 2”, and “no reach”. As described above, when the result of the determination is wrong, any one of super reach, normal reach, and no reach may be selected. In the variation pattern table for detachment, when a variation pattern of “no reach” is selected, a different table is referred to so that a variation pattern having a shorter variation time than the normal state is selected in the short time state. Further, the deviation variation pattern table is defined so that the column to be referred to is different depending on the number of holdings, and details of the normal state will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 6B, the super lot of “super 1” is associated with the pattern lottery values 0 to 120, and the super reach of “super 2” is associated with the pattern lottery values 121 to 240. The pattern lottery values 241 to 250 are associated with the reach of “normal 1”, and the pattern lottery values 251 to 255 are associated with the reach of “normal 2”. As described above, when the determination result is 15R or 8R big hit, the variation pattern with reach is selected.

  In FIG. 6C, the pattern lottery values 0 to 122 are associated with the super reach “super 3”, and the pattern lottery values 123 to 255 are associated with the normal reach “normal 3”. As described above, when the determination result is 2R big hit or small hit, “Super 3” or “Normal 3” is selected with a probability of about 50%.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the fluctuation pattern determination means 115 determines the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol. In the normal state, the variable display time is determined to be 60 seconds, and in the easy entry state, the variable display time is determined to be 6 seconds.

  When there is a new entry at the start port 62 and a new winning / failing lottery is executed, the holding control means 116 displays a new entry when a symbol change corresponding to the previous entry or lottery is displayed. The result of the success / failure lottery based on is suspended until the start of variable display of the symbol corresponding to the lottery. In the present embodiment, as a result of the lottery determination, the number of the lottery is held as a holding ball with an upper limit of four. The success / failure lottery value here includes a success / failure lottery value, a symbol lottery value, and a variation pattern lottery value. The holding control means 116 further holds the usual lottery value acquired by the success / failure lottery means 112 as a holding ball. These numbers of holdings are represented by the number of lighting or blinking numbers of the special symbol holding display device 20 and the normal symbol holding display device 22, respectively.

  The main display control means 118 causes the special symbol display device 61 to display the lottery result by the success / failure lottery means 112 as a variation display of the special symbol 192 according to the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 115. The main display control means 118 sets a new symbol variation start condition that the symbol variation display corresponding to the success / failure lottery performed before that has ended. The main display control means 118 transmits a change start command and a change stop command to the effect display control means 134 at the timing for starting and stopping the change display of the special symbol 192. When the variation start command is transmitted, values indicating the determined determination result, the stop symbol, and the variation pattern are transmitted to the effect display control means 134 together with the variation start command. When transmitting the variation stop command, a value indicating the stop symbol is transmitted to the effect display control means 134 together with the variation stop command. Thereby, the fluctuation display by the main display control means 118 and the effect display control means 134 is synchronized, and the interlock is maintained. The main display control means 118 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display device 59 as a normal symbol variation display.

  The special game control means 120 indicates that the special game operation condition is established when the special symbol 192 is stopped in a predetermined big hit mode when the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112 results in the transition to the special game. A special game is executed by determining and opening the special winning opening 66. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 66 is continuously performed a plurality of times, and is configured by a plurality of unit games with one opening / closing as a unit. Special games include 15R jackpots that repeat unit games 15 times, 8R jackpots that repeat unit games 8 times, and 2R jackpots that repeat unit games that have a shorter opening time than 15R jackpots and 8R jackpots only twice. In the case of 15R big hit and 8R big hit, in principle, the big winning opening 66 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. In the case of 2R big hit, the big winning opening 66 is opened for about 0.5 seconds in one unit game. The special game control means 120 ends the special game when the set round number of unit games is exhausted. Even in the case of 2R big hit, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the big winning opening 66 may be opened in the same opening manner as 15R big hit and 8R big hit.

  The specific game executing means 122 controls the normal game in the probability changing state, the short time state, and the easy-to-enter state. The specific game execution means 122 shifts the game state to the time-saving state and the easy-to-enter state after the end of the special game. On the other hand, the transition to the probability variation state after the end of the special game is limited to the case where the symbol determined by the symbol determination means 114 is a big hit symbol accompanied by the transition to probability variation. The short-time state and the easy-to-enter state are continued until the number of times of display of the special symbol 192 reaches a predetermined number of end conditions, for example, 100 times from the end of the special game. However, when the state changes to the probability changing state at the same time, as long as the probability changing state continues, the short time state and the easy entry state are continued. That is, it continues until the next big hit occurs. Thus, the end of the short time state and the easy entry state is determined according to the gaming state. In the short time state, the fluctuation pattern determining means 115 selects a fluctuation pattern having a short fluctuation time so that the fluctuation display time of the special symbol 192 is substantially shortened. However, in a normal state, a variation pattern table corresponding to the number of holds of the result of lottery determination by the hold control unit 116 is referred to, and a change pattern with a long variation time is likely to appear as the number of hold by the hold control unit 116 decreases. In the easy entry state, the normal symbol time is shortened, the normal symbol probability change, and the expansion mechanism 63 is opened and extended. On the other hand, the probability variation state is continued until a special game with the next jackpot is executed. During the probable change state, the probability that the success / failure determination result by the success / failure lottery means 112 is a big hit is maintained at a high value.

  The opening / closing control means 124 controls the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory at the start opening 62 and the special winning opening 66. When the normal symbol is stopped at a specific symbol, the opening / closing control unit 124 sends an opening instruction to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 76 to open the start port 62. Further, the opening / closing control means 124 sends an opening instruction to the special winning opening solenoid 80 during the special game, and opens the special winning opening 66.

  The pattern storage means 130 holds a plurality of effect patterns in which effect image contents to be displayed on the effect display device 60 in the variation of the decorative design 190 and the display process thereof are determined. The effect pattern is displayed separately from a plurality of variable effect patterns in which the change process from start to stop of the change and the change process in the change display of the decorative pattern 190 and the change display of the decorative pattern are displayed, and the degree of expectation for the jackpot And a plurality of notice effect patterns that suggest the height of the notice before the change display stops.

  The effect determining means 132 determines the contents of the effect displayed on the effect display device 60 by the effect display control means 134 according to the result of the success / failure lottery received from the success / failure lottery means 112. The effect determining means 132 selects one of a plurality of change effect pattern data corresponding to the change pattern of the special symbol determined by the change pattern determining means 115, reads out the data from the pattern storage means 130, and obtains information on the change effect pattern. This is sent to the effect display control means 134. The effect determining means 132 holds a pattern table that should be referred to in order to select a variable effect pattern.

  Each variation effect pattern has a variation time for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the symbol variation is stopped when the variation time elapses. The effect determining unit 132 selects a variation effect pattern of the effect image having the same variation time according to the variation pattern of the special symbol.

  The symbol form determining means 131 determines the combination of stop symbols of the decorative symbol 190 and their arrangement according to the result of the lottery by the winning / failing lottery means 112, the special symbol stop symbol, the special symbol variation pattern, and the decorative symbol variation effect pattern. decide. The symbol form determination unit 131 transmits information indicating the determined combination of stop symbols to the effect display control unit 134. The symbol form determining means 131 holds a symbol range table to be referred to in order to determine the stop symbol of the decorative symbol.

  The stop symbol of the decorative symbol 190 is formed as a combination of three symbols. For example, when the determination result of the success / failure lottery means 112 indicates a transition to a special game of 15R jackpot, a specific combination such as “777” or “ A combination of three symbols such as “111” is selected. In this case, it is preferable that the same numbers as the special symbols 192 are selected as the numbers to be arranged as the decorative symbols 190, but the numbers may not necessarily be the same. For example, when the special symbol 192 is “7”, the decorative symbol 190 is “777”. A specific combination, for example, a predetermined combination such as “357” is also selected when the result of the determination is a 2R big hit or a small hit, but the specific combination is not necessarily a combination of three symbols. It does not have to be. When the determination result is neither big hit nor small hit, it is a combination in which three symbols such as “312” and “946” are not arranged, and a specific combination selected at the time of 2R big hit or small hit A combination that does not apply is selected. When the determination result is not 15R big hit, and a variation pattern indicating a loss with reach is selected, a combination with only one symbol such as “191” or “727” is selected. .

  The notice effect pattern is an effect pattern for temporarily displaying an image, animation, video, or the like of a specific character or motif, or an effect pattern for outputting a specific sound. The effect by the notice effect pattern is executed in parallel with the symbol variation, and suggests that the symbol variation is highly expected to stop in the big hit mode. For example, there are a normal notice effect in which only one character image is displayed on the screen, and a group notice effect in which a large number of characters are displayed so as to pass from one end to the other end of the screen. Further, the display process of the notice effect is divided into a plurality of stages, and the number of stages to be displayed is made variable, and a step-up notice effect that is set such that the greater the number of stages is, the higher the degree of expectation for the big hit is included.

  The notice effect pattern includes a pattern in which the effect is executed at a timing after the display form of the decorative symbol 190 reaches the reach state and the final stop state of the symbol is notified, and no decorative symbol 190 is stopped. There is a pattern in which the performance is executed at the timing and the reach is reached at the same time.

  The effect determining means 132 determines whether or not to display the notice effect on the effect display device 60 according to the result of the lottery determination, makes a pre-effect setting, and determines the notice effect pattern to be displayed. To do. The effect determining means 132 holds a notice determination table that should be referred to in order to determine whether or not to display the notice effect, and a notice type table that should be referred to when selecting the type of the notice effect pattern. The notice decision table is set so that different columns are referred to depending on the result of the lottery, and if the lottery is a win, the notice lottery will be displayed with a higher probability than if it was missed. Correspondence between whether to display the result and the notice effect is determined. Thereby, the high expectation degree to the big hit can be suggested by displaying the notice effect itself.

  The effect display control means 134 displays the effect image including the decorative pattern on the effect display device 60 according to the selected change effect pattern data as a result of the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery means 112. The effect display control means 134 starts a new symbol variation when a variation start command for the decorative symbol 190 is received.

  When it is determined by the effect determining unit 132 that the notice effect is displayed, the effect display control means 134 superimposes the notice effect in accordance with the selected notice effect pattern on the effect of symbol variation to the effect display device 60. Display. The effect display control means 134 further controls effect processing such as lighting and extinguishing of the game effect lamp 90 and sound output from the speaker 18.

  In accordance with the instruction received from the effect display control means 134, the accessory control means 136 causes the movable accessory 140 to act in an effect manner in accordance with the effect contents in the effect display device 60 and the blinking process of the game effect lamp 90.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing in detail a variation pattern table for detachment. In the variation pattern table 210 of this figure, the range of the pattern lottery value associated with the variation pattern is different for each number of holds. Specifically, the smaller the number of holds, the wider the range of pattern lottery values assigned to variation patterns with relatively long variation times, and the probability that variation patterns with long variation times will be selected is increased. . Therefore, the average fluctuation time becomes longer as the number of holdings by the holding control means 116 is smaller. Accordingly, when the number of holds by the hold control unit 116 is less than a predetermined number, for example, 1 to 2, the selection probability of the change pattern having a long change time becomes higher than usual, and the change time tends to be relatively long.

  The first column 212 shows the correspondence between the pattern lottery value range and the variation pattern when the number of holds as a result of the lottery determination by the hold control means 116 is one. Similarly, in the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218, the correspondence between the pattern lottery value range and the variation pattern in the case where the number of holdings as a result of the lottery determination by the holding control means 116 is 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The relationship is shown. That is, it can be considered that the first column 212, the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218 indicate the variation pattern table for each number of holds. In this figure, an example will be described in which a plurality of variation patterns that can be selected at the time of deviation are classified into five types according to variation time, but actually, a plurality of variation effect patterns are prepared for each of these classifications. This is equivalent to the fact that dozens of types of variation effect patterns are associated with the lottery value ranges for each category. In order to compare the ratio of each pattern lottery value range in the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218 in this figure with the ratio of the pattern lottery value range in the first column 212, Broken lines indicating the ratio of the pattern lottery value range are drawn in the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218.

  The first range 222 includes any of the first column 212, the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218 as a variation pattern when the lottery value corresponds to a pattern lottery value from 0 to 10. A super reach variation pattern of “super 1” is associated. The second range 224 includes any of the first column 212, the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218 as a variation pattern when the lottery value corresponds to a pattern lottery value from 11 to 20. A super reach variation pattern of “super 2” is associated. Thus, in the case of the pattern lottery value with the lottery value from 0 to 10 and the pattern lottery value with the lottery value from 11 to 20, the variation pattern having the same variation time is selected regardless of the number of holdings.

  The third range 226 includes normal reach in the first column 212, the second column 214, the third column 216, and the fourth column 218 as a variation pattern when the lottery value corresponds to a pattern lottery value from 21 to 255, respectively. “Normal 1”, “Normal 2”, and “Reach without reach” are associated with each other. However, the range of pattern lottery values associated with each variation pattern varies depending on the number of holds. In the first column 212, the sizes of the lottery value ranges to which “normal 1”, “normal 2”, and “no reach” are associated are approximately equal, and the ranges obtained by dividing 21 to 255 into approximately three equal portions are associated with each other. Yes. On the other hand, in the second column 214, the size of the lottery value range associated with “normal 1” and “normal 2” is smaller than the lottery value range associated with “no reach”. Further, in the third column 216 and the fourth column 218, the size of the lottery value range associated with each of “normal 1” and “normal 2” is further reduced.

  The fluctuation time of “Normal 1” and “Normal 2” may be longer than the fluctuation time of “Out of reach”, and in the case of “Out of reach”, the fluctuation time may be shortened like a short time state. Depending on the setting contents of the third range 226, the average variation time varies. The pattern lottery value range for “Normal 1” and “Normal 2” decreases as the number of holds increases from 0 to 1, 2, 3, 4, and conversely the pattern lottery value range for “out of reach” increases. Therefore, the average fluctuation time becomes shorter as the number of holds increases, and conversely, the average change time becomes longer as the number of holds decreases. In this way, by using a variation pattern table in which the correspondence between the pattern lottery value range and the variation pattern is different for each number of holdings, control that makes it easy to select a variation pattern with a long variation time when the number of holdings decreases is realized. be able to.

  The variation pattern of “out of reach” associated with the third column 216 has a shorter variation time than the “out of reach” associated with the first column 212 and the second column 214, so-called “shortening variation”. This is the fluctuation pattern. Further, the fluctuation pattern of “out of reach” associated with the fourth column 218 has a shorter variation time than the “out of reach” associated with the first column 212 and the second column 214, and the third column This is a fluctuation pattern of so-called “super-shortening fluctuation” in which the fluctuation time is shorter than “216 shortening fluctuation”.

  Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[Directing during normal games]
First embodiment.
The first embodiment is characterized by an effect during a normal game.
As described above, a reach effect using a reach image is used as a design effect display. A plurality of types of reach production are prepared in order to improve the production effect. In addition, reach productions with various fluctuation times are prepared to make the production contents diverse. In general, a reach having a relatively short variation time is referred to as “normal reach”, and a reach having a long variation time is referred to as “super reach”. When the reach production is started, the production by the effect or the accessory may be added, but the selected reach production is basically displayed from the beginning to the end. Therefore, particularly in the case of super reach, there may be cases where the player's interest in the production does not continue due to the production having a long variation time and lacking an unexpected change.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the pattern storage unit 130 shown in FIG. 3 stores a plurality of effect patterns in which a process for displaying the variation of the symbols is determined according to a predetermined effect story. The plurality of effect patterns are super reach effect patterns including a branch effect which is an effect content suggesting that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when the player inputs the operation button 82. 1 production pattern is included. Further, the plurality of effect patterns are branch effect patterns that can be selected when the process of displaying the variation of the symbol according to the effect story different from the first effect pattern is determined and the result of the lottery is a win. A second effect pattern is included.

  The effect display control means 134 is based on the condition that when the player inputs the operation button 82 during the effective period in which the symbols are variably displayed according to the first effect pattern, the result of the lottery is a win. The change display of the symbol according to the effect story of the effect pattern is switched to the change display of the symbol according to the effect story of the second effect pattern. The effective period is a period during which the operation input becomes valid when the player inputs the operation button 82 and the execution of the switching lottery is permitted, that is, the player's operation input for switching from the predetermined effect to the branch effect. Is a period during which it is possible to accept The switching lottery is a lottery for determining whether the first effect pattern being displayed is switched to the second effect pattern with a different effect story. Further, the effect display control means 134 measures the elapsed time from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbol 190 using a timer.

  The effect determining unit 132 includes a switching lottery unit 200. The switching lottery means 200 executes a switching lottery.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing in detail the variation pattern of the decorative design 190. The variation pattern of the decorative design 190 is stored in the pattern storage unit 130. Here, among the fluctuation patterns shown in FIG. 7, “out of reach”, “normal 1”, “super 1”, “normal 1”, “normal 2”, “super 1” and “super 2” are selected. Explained as an example. “Normal 2” and “Super 2” are the same as “Normal 1” and “Super 1”, respectively, except for the production contents.

The time at which the effect display is started to the time t _0. The first effective period “Super 1” is provided with a _first effective period at times t _{1 to} t ₂ . “Super 1” includes the first branch effect at time t ₃ . The branch effect is an effect content that suggests that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when the player inputs the operation button 82. Further, at time t ₃ is provided with a first switch point obtaining toggle effect in the "super-1" is a second effect pattern effect story different "branch 1".

“Super 1” is further provided at times t _{4 to} t ₅ where the second effective period continues. "Super 1" the time at t ₆ comprises a second branch director, at time t ₆ is a second effect pattern effect story different from the "Super 1", "branch 2" second obtaining toggle effect on Switching points are provided. Further, the third effective period is provided at time _t 7 ~t ₈ followed. "Super 1" at time t ₉ includes a third branch director, at time t ₉ to obtain toggle effect in the "super-1" is a second effect pattern effect story different "branches 3" Section Three switching points are provided. Whether or not the effect is switched is determined by the effect display control means 134 based on whether or not the switching lottery described later with reference to FIG.

When the branch effect is displayed, the player can expect at least two different effect contents as the subsequent effect story. Alternatively, as the effect story after the branch effect, at least two different effects can be continued from the switching point without causing the player to feel uncomfortable. Directing story and is different, as will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10, the effect story time t ₃ after the first demonstration pattern, the second effect pattern is switched from the first performance pattern What is necessary is just the display which makes a player perceive that a production | presentation story differs in a certain point. If the performance story is switched to the second of the effect pattern, the player is actually not possible to know the production story of the time t ₃ after the first effect pattern. Therefore, the effect story time t ₃ after the first effect pattern, compared to the effect story second effect pattern, the continuity of the previous demonstration stories and effect story from time t ₃ of the first performance pattern is more It is preferably a production story that gives the player the impression that it is high. That is, the content as necessarily expected if the player has seen the effect content up to time t ₃ of the first effect pattern, that the first effect pattern including a director story time t ₃ or later Is preferred. As a result, when the first effect pattern is switched to the second effect pattern, it is possible to more clearly indicate to the player that the effect story has been switched. Can be expected more. As a result, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine by maintaining the player's interest in the display of the design effect.

  In addition, a plurality of branch effects are associated with “Super 1” which is the first effect pattern. The pattern storage unit 130 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns corresponding to each of the plurality of branch effects as the second effect pattern. The effect display control means 134 changes the first effect pattern to a second effect pattern of a different type depending on which of the predetermined period corresponding to each of the branch effects is input by the player. It is possible to switch to a variable display of symbols according to the production story. Thereby, the player can change the production pattern at his / her favorite timing by his / her own operation input according to when he / she wants to know the result of the lottery / lottery and the degree of interest in the production pattern. As a result, the player's interest in the effect display can be maintained.

  Furthermore, each of the second effect patterns “branch 1” to “branch 3” is provided with three variations, stories A, B, and C, which have the same effect display time and different story endings. It is stored in the storage means 130. If the story is the same, even if the switching points are different, the production contents suggested to the player regarding the result of the success / failure lottery are the same. Even when the same story is selected, the time value until the end point of the story varies depending on the position of the switching point. Thus, even when the time values until the end point are different, in order to make the content of the same story, a part of the story can be cut and shortened. For example, when a series of images (or videos) containing a series of continuous contents (story) is connected as a story A, the combination of images (or videos) to be connected according to the switching point Or depending on the remaining time from the switching point to the end of the story. Moreover, you may cut a part of image (or moving image) simply. For example, only the first half of the story can be cut, or only the second half can be cut. Further, the content expressed as the entire story may be the same, or the content of the effect itself may be completely different depending on the position of the switching point.

Furthermore, in “Super 1”, an effect period in which the effect effect is valid in accordance with the operation input of the player's operation button 82 is provided at times t _{10 to} t ₁₁ . The effect production will be described later with reference to FIG. The effect display of "Super 1" is stopped in the subsequent time t _12. Similarly, if the director is switched to "leg 1", "branch 2", "branch 3", effect display is stopped at time t _12. That is, “branch 1” is displayed at times t _{3 to} t ₁₂ , “branch 2” is displayed at times t _{6 to} t ₁₂ , and “branch 3” is displayed at times t _{9 to} t ₁₂ . Here, the case where the second effect pattern for the operation input in the effect period is not provided is shown as an example, but these may be provided.

On the other hand, the pattern storage unit 130 further stores, as the production patterns, the “reaching without reach” pattern and the “normal 1” pattern, which are the third production patterns that are selected when the result of the lottery is wrong. In “out of reach” and “normal 1”, an effect period is provided at times t _{1 to} t ₂ , but no first switching point is provided at time t ₃ . That is, the effect period is a pseudo effective period in which the player seems to accept the operation input of the operation button 82, but the operation input is actually effective and the effect pattern is not switched. However, “out of reach” and “normal 1” include the content of the effect before the branch effect among the effect patterns included in the first effect pattern at times t _{0 to} t ₃ that are the start part of the effect. As a result, the player cannot distinguish between “no reach”, “normal 1”, and “super 1” at least until time t ₃ . Therefore, the player's interest in the effect display can be maintained. “Out of reach” and “Normal 1” are stopped at time t ₁₃ and time t ₁₄ before time t ₄ after time t ₃ has elapsed.

  In the first effect pattern, the effect display control means 134 produces the effect of the first effect pattern based on the operation input of the operation button 82 of the player during the first effective period when the result of the lottery determination is not in the first effect pattern. It is preferable to display the decoration object on the effect display device 60 during the execution of the effect according to the story. The decoration object is an image displayed in parallel with the production story of the first production pattern. When the decoration object is displayed, the first effect pattern is not switched to the second story. However, the decoration object may indicate that the degree of expectation for jackpot or the degree of expectation for switching to the second story in the subsequent branching effect is high. As a result, even if the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the player is more strongly expected to win. As a result, the player's interest in the effect display can be maintained. An example of such an object is an effect image described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the switching probability of the switching lottery. The switching lottery is executed by the switching lottery means 200 when the player inputs the operation button 82 during the effective period. The switching probability is (1) special symbol lottery, (2) the effect display of the super reach pattern as the first effect pattern is being displayed, and (3) the player operates during the effective period This is the probability that when the button 82 is operated and input, the effect is switched to the second effect pattern in which the effect story is different by winning the switching lottery.

  The effect determination means 132 changes the winning probability of the switching lottery by the switching lottery means 200, and when an operation input is not performed during a predetermined period corresponding to a predetermined branch effect among the plurality of branch effects, Probability of changing the symbol display according to the effect story of the first effect pattern to the symbol change display according to the effect story of the second effect pattern by an operation input in the effective period corresponding to the branch effect after the branch effect. To increase.

For example, in FIG. 9, when the player inputs the operation button 82 during the first effective period (time t _{1 to} t ₂ ), the probability of winning the switching lottery by the switching lottery means 200, that is, the first switching At the point (time t ₃ ), the switch probability that the effect display control means 134 switches the effect pattern is set to 50%. In this case, there is a 50% probability that the effect pattern will not be switched even if the player inputs the operation button 82 during the first effective period. When the effect pattern is not switched by the operation input in the first effective period, the effect pattern is switched at the second switching point (time t ₆ ) by the operation input in the second effective period (time t _{4 to} t ₅ ). Probability drops to 30%. On the other hand, when the player does not input the operation button 82 during the first effective period, the switching probability that the effect is switched at the second switching point due to the operation input during the second effective period increases to 80%.

Similarly, when the switching probability at the second switching point (time t ₆ ) is 30%, the third switching point (time t ₉ ) is input by an operation input during the third effective period (time t _{7 to} t ₈ ). ), The switching probability that the effect is switched to 10%. On the other hand, when the player does not input the operation button 82 during the second effective period, the switching probability at the third switching point increases to 50%. In addition, when the switching probability at the second switching point is 80%, the switching probability that the effect is switched at the third switching point by the operation input in the third effective period is reduced to 50%. On the other hand, when the player does not input the operation button 82 during the second effective period, the switching probability at the third switching point increases to 100%. That is, if the player does not input the operation button 82 during the first effective period (time t _{1 to} t ₂ ) and the second effective period (time t _{4 to} t ₅ ), the effect display control means 134 switches always directed by the operation input in the third valid period (time _t 7 ~t _8).

  As described above, when there are a plurality of effect switching timings and the player continues to input the operation button 82, the probability of winning the next switching lottery decreases as the number of times the player switches to the switching lottery increases. On the other hand, the greater the number of times that the player puts in the operation input of the operation button 82, the higher the probability that the switching lottery will be won when the operation button 82 is input next. Thereby, the player can change the production pattern at his / her favorite timing by his / her own operation input according to when he / she wants to know the result of the lottery / lottery and the degree of interest in the production pattern. As a result, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the production story but also to the operation period of the operation button 82 during the effective period and the effective period provided in the first production pattern, so that the player's interest in the production display is maintained. Can do.

  As another example, it may be set to have a tendency opposite to the above. In this case, as the operation button 82 is operated faster, an effect using a character that is usually difficult to see is displayed. In other words, it is the opposite of the psychology that a different operation than usual can be seen if the player operates as close as possible to the player, and it is possible to widen the variation of game play. Further, it may be determined by lottery or the like which of the tendencies as described above is set each time. In that case, it becomes easy to give randomness to the tendency of performance, and the fun as a gaming machine can be improved. Further, the selection of the story and the result of the lottery determination may be associated with each other. For example, in the case of 15R big hit, the story A may be more easily selected as the operation timing of the operation button 82 is advanced as described above. Conversely, the story C may be more easily selected as the patient is put up and the operation timing is delayed. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit of 15R, the earlier the operation timing of the operation button 82 is, the easier it is to select the story C, and the longer it is patient and the operation timing is delayed, the more the story A is selected. Also good. If the big hit is not 15R, the story may be selected with a predetermined probability regardless of the operation timing of the operation button 82.

  In addition, the effect display control means 134, when no operation input is performed during a predetermined period corresponding to a predetermined branch effect among the plurality of branch effects, is greater than when the operation input is performed during the predetermined period. When the operation input is made during a predetermined period corresponding to the branch effect after the branch effect, the change display of the symbols according to the effect story of the first effect pattern is provided on the condition that the result of the lottery is winning. Then, the display is switched to the variable display of the symbol in accordance with the production story of the second production pattern that strongly suggests that the result of the lottery is a win.

  In FIG. 9, the probability that the first effect pattern is switched to the stories A to C prepared for each of the three second effect patterns depends on which effective period the player inputs the operation button 82. Each changes. For example, as the player turns back the operation input, the story C that is difficult to select at the beginning is selected with a higher probability. Story C is an effect pattern that strongly suggests to the player that the result of the winning / losing lottery is more successful than Story A. On the other hand, when the number of times that the player operates the operation button 82 and falls out of the switching lottery increases, the switching probability decreases, but the probability that the story A is selected tends to be relatively high in the stories A to C. is there. As a result, when the player wants to be more confident that the result of the winning / failing lottery is winning while enjoying the effect display, the timing of operating the operation button 82 is delayed. As a result, the player's interest in the effect display can be maintained. On the other hand, if it is desired to quickly know that the result of the lottery is a win, the operation button 82 can be operated quickly.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect display process. With reference to FIG. 10, the switching of effects when “Super 1” is selected will be described. Here, the case where story A is selected in the branch lottery as “branch 1” to “branch 3” shown in FIG. 8 will be described as an example. The same applies to stories B and C except that the probabilities of selection are different as shown in FIG. The same applies when “Super 2” is selected.

The effect display is started at a timing that does not need to coincide with the variation start timing of the special symbol 192. For a predetermined time after the effect display is started, the protagonist character 300 searches for the enemy character 302, and an suggestion screen 304 for predicting encounter with the enemy character 302 is displayed. This suggestion screen 304 is a screen that suggests the appearance of the enemy character 302. Thereafter, an encounter screen 306 for encountering the enemy character 302 is displayed. The encounter screen 306 is a screen that suggests a battle between the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. In the first valid period (time t _{1 to} t _{2 in} FIG. 8) during the display of the encounter screen 306, the “PUSH” display that prompts the player to input the operation button 82 is shown superimposed on the effect display.

If the player is out if and switching lottery no operation input to the operation button 82, the battle with battle screen 308 at the timing of the elapse of time t ₃ in FIG. 8 is started. On the battle screen 308, the effect display is executed according to the effect pattern regarding the battle scenes of the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. In the second effective period (time t _{4 to} t _{5 in} FIG. 8) during the display of the battle screen 308, the second “PUSH” display that prompts the player to input the operation button 82 is superimposed on the effect display. It is.

If the player is out if and switching lottery not enter the operation button 82 again, the battle with battle screen 310 at the timing of the elapse of time t ₆ in FIG. 8 is continued. On the battle screen 310, the effect display is continued according to the effect pattern regarding the battle scenes of the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. In a third of the effective period during the display of the battle screen 310 (time t ₇ ~t 8 in FIG. _8), display "PUSH" for the third time to promote the operation input of the operation button 82 of the player is shown superimposed on the effect display It is.

If the player is out if and switching lottery not enter the operation button 82 again, the battle with battle screen 312 at the timing of the elapse of time t ₉ in FIG. 8 is continued. On the battle screen 312, the effect display is continued according to the effect pattern regarding the battle scenes of the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. In the effect period (time t _{10 to} t _{11 in} FIG. 8) during the display of the battle screen 312, the fourth “PUSH” display that prompts the player to input the operation button 82 is superimposed on the effect display.

  The fourth “PUSH” display is the last display on the time axis of the effect display, that is, the display immediately before the special display is stopped and the effect display is ended among the plurality of “PUSH” displays. When the player does not input the operation button 82, the effect display is continued as it is. On the other hand, when the player inputs the operation button 82, an effect image 314 is displayed. The effect image is an image that is displayed over the effect display in order to suggest that the effect display will end soon after the battle approaches the climax.

  Thereby, the player's sense of expectation for the stop display of the symbol can be given. In addition, the player can know that the reproduction of the production pattern will be finished soon and the result of the lottery will be shown. As a result, the player can be concentrated on the effect pattern until the reproduction of the effect pattern is completed. The effect image 314 may be displayed blinking in real time by the number of times that the player has input the operation button 82. Thereby, the player's sense of expectation can be further enhanced.

  In addition, the effect image 314 may be provided with a plurality of timings at which the player inputs the operation button 82, and the effect image may be switched at any timing. Further, different types of effects may be displayed according to the timing at which the player inputs the operation button 82. In this case, it is preferable to set so that the possibility of selecting the effect image 314 having a high expectation level for the result of the success / failure lottery increases as the later timing on the time axis of the effect display is reached. Thereby, the more the player puts up the operation input of the operation button 82, the easier it is to display the effect image 314 having a higher expectation.

  Regardless of whether or not there is a player's operation input during the effect period, if the special symbol lottery is missed, an effect display is displayed on the defeat screen 316 that suggests that the main character 300 has lost the battle with the enemy character 302. finish. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery is a win, the effect display ends on the victory screen 318 that suggests that the main character 300 has won the battle with the enemy character 302.

  As described above, when the player does not input the operation button 82 or when the player leaves the switching lottery despite the operation input of the operation button 82, the special symbol lottery is performed as a result of the battle on the battle screen 158. Results are displayed. In this case, the result of the special symbol lottery can be both a win and a miss.

  On the other hand, if the player inputs the operation button 82 during any of the first validity period to the third validity period, the special symbol lottery is a win and the switching lottery is won. The effect display is switched to an effect display with a different effect story.

  Specifically, instead of the battle screen 308, the battle screen 310, or the battle screen 312, the effect display including the reconciliation screen 320 included in the story A of “branch 1”, “branch 3”, and “branch 3” is executed. The The reconciliation screen 320 is a screen that suggests that the main character 300 and the enemy character 302 have stopped fighting and reconciled. Next, the friendship screen 322 is displayed, and the variable display ends. The friendship screen 322 is a screen showing a state in which the main character 300 and the enemy character 302 cross their shoulders toward the sunset. This is a screen that suggests that friendship has developed between the main character 300 and the enemy character 302 and that the special symbol lottery is a big hit.

  As described above, when winning the switching lottery, the result of the special symbol lottery is displayed as the ending of the story different from the battle before the switching. In this case, the result of the special symbol lottery is always a win.

  As described above, the story A of “branch 1” to “branch 3” is used to show an example in which the effect display after the switching is an effect display different in story from the effect display based on the battle before the switching. According to such an aspect, the player can be confident that the winning / losing lottery is won by the effect switching. Thereby, the player can enjoy the effect display in consideration of the balance of his / her interest and the interest in the result of the lottery.

  Further, the effect display after switching is not limited to the display of FIG. 10, and may be a display that allows the player to perceive that the story has changed at some point by operating the operation button 82. For example, in order to suggest that the winning of the main character 300 has become rich, as a story B of “branch 1” to “branch 3”, the main character 300 is good and the enemy character 302 is not good at a board game. You may switch to the effect display to attach. In addition, an effect display in which the main character 300 has a weapon or makes a special move may be used. Similarly, as the story C of “branch 1” to “branch 3”, in order to suggest that a deeper friendship has developed than story A, the main character 300 and the enemy character 302 are switched to an effect display in which they drink alcohol. May be.

  According to such an aspect, by diversifying the stories A to C of “branch 1” to “branch 3” with the switching probability of FIG. 9, the effect display can be diversified according to the presence or absence of the player's operation input. Can do. Therefore, even if it is a super reach effect display with a long variation time, it is possible to maintain the player's concentration on the game.

  In the super reach variation pattern, the switching point may be provided once or more, and is not limited to three. Moreover, the story of the 2nd production pattern should just be provided one or more, and is not restricted to three. Further, the effect period is not provided in the first effect pattern, and the display using the effect image 314 may not be performed. In the present embodiment, the effective period and the switching point are not provided in the second effect pattern. Such an effect pattern that does not provide a valid period and a switching point is preferably selected only when the result of the lottery is a big hit.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a basic operation process in the pachinko gaming machine. First, processing is performed when a game ball enters the start port 62, the general winning port 72, the big winning port 66, etc. (S10). A game control process is executed (S14), and if it is not in a normal game (N in S12), a special game control process (S16) or a small hit game control process is executed (S17), and a winning process in S10 In accordance with the number of prize balls set at, prize ball payout according to various winnings is processed (S18).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal game control process of S14 in FIG. In the normal game control process, if the winning / losing lottery value is on hold (Y in S30) and the symbol variation is not being displayed (N in S32), the winning / losing lottery means 112 executes the determining process. (S34). In accordance with the determination result, the main display control means 118 starts changing display, transmits a change start command to the effect display control means 134, and the effect display control means 134 that receives the command displays the effect image according to the change effect pattern. The fluctuation display is started (S36). If the winning or failing lottery value is not held in S30 (N in S30), the processing from S32 to S36 is skipped, and if the symbol variation is being displayed in S32 (Y in S32), S34 and S36 Is skipped. Subsequently, if the symbol variation display has already started (Y in S38), the symbol variation display process is executed (S40). If the symbol variation display has not started (N in S38), S40 is skipped. .

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the success / failure determination process of S34 in FIG. First, the success / failure lottery means 112 reads the success / failure lottery value (S42), and determines the success / failure based on the success / failure lottery value (S44). The symbol determining means 114 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol based on the result of the determination (S46), and the variation pattern determining means 115 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol (S48). The effect determining means 132 determines the stop symbol combination of the decorative symbols based on the determination result and the special symbol (S50), and selects the variation effect pattern of the decorative symbols according to the variation pattern of the special symbols (S52).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the symbol variation display process of S40 in FIG. The result of the success / failure lottery determined by the success / failure lottery means 112 is a win (Y in S200), and the effect determination means 132 of the variation patterns stored in the pattern storage means 130 as the variation effect pattern of the decorative design is a super reach variation pattern. (Y in S202), the player inputs the operation button 82 (Y in S204), the operation is within the valid period (Y in S206), and the result of the switching lottery by the switching lottery means 200 is also hit If so (Y of S208), the effect display control means 134 performs the switching process which switches a symbol (S210). Thereafter, the variable display of the symbols ends (S212).

If the player does not input the operation button 82 (N in S204), if the player inputs the operation button 82 but the operation input is not within the valid period (N in S206), the player's operation input is valid. If the result of the switching lottery is out of the period (N in S208), the effect display control means 134 determines that the third valid period (time t ₈ ) is based on the elapsed time measured by the timer. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (S214). If the third valid period has not elapsed (N in S214), it is determined again whether or not the player has input the operation button 82 (S204). When the third effective period has elapsed (Y in S214), the player inputs the operation button 82 (Y in S216), and if the operation input is within the effective period (Y in S218). Then, effect processing is performed (S220). If the player does not input the operation button 82 (N in S216), if the player inputs the operation button 82 but the operation input is not within the valid period (N in S218), the effect display control means 134 Ends the variable display without effect processing (S212).

  In addition, when the winning lottery by the switching lottery means 200 is out (N in S200) or when the winning lottery is a win and the effect determining means 132 selects a variation effect pattern of the decorative symbol other than the super reach variation pattern (S202) N), the change display of the symbol is finished without the effect display control means 134 performing the switching process (S212).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game control process of S16 in FIG. If the result of the lottery is a big hit (Y in S90), the special game has already started (Y in S92), and the grand prize opening 66 has not been opened (N in S98), the big prize opening The release process 66 is executed (S100). At this time, display of the set jackpot effect is also started. If the big prize opening 66 has been opened (Y of S98), the closing process of the big prize opening 66 is executed (S102). As a result, if the special winning opening 66 is closed (Y in S104), the process proceeds to S106. If it is not in the closed state (N in S104), the process after S106 is skipped, and this process is temporarily ended. On the other hand, if the special game has not started in S92 (N in S92), the special game is started (S94), the display of the start demonstration effect is started (S96), and this process is temporarily ended.

  In S106, it is determined whether or not a demonstration production, which is a production during a special game, is being performed. Note that the “demonstration effect” here includes a start demonstration effect and an end demonstration effect. If the demonstration is not in progress (N in S106), it is determined whether or not a special game end condition is satisfied with reference to an end flag described later (S110), and if the special game end condition is satisfied (S110). Y) After the end flag is turned off (S112), display of the end demonstration effect is started (S114). If the special game end condition is not satisfied (N in S110), this process is temporarily ended. If it is determined in S106 that the demonstration effect is being performed (Y in S106), and the end demonstration effect is completed (Y in S116), the special game is terminated (S118), and the specific game, that is, the probability change, the time reduction, and the entry The easy state is started (S120). If the end demonstration effect has not ended (N in S116), the processes in S118 and S120 are skipped. If it is not a big hit (N in S90), the flow after S92 in this figure is skipped.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the release process of S100 in FIG. When the opening timing of the special winning opening 66 based on the set opening / closing pattern is reached (Y in S122), the opening / closing control means 124 uniformly turns off the passage flag and sets the operation of the opening / closing pattern (S124). The special winning opening 66 is opened (S126). In addition, a big hit effect corresponding to the number of repetitions of the current unit game or a big hit effect corresponding to the number of repetitions being different is set and started. When it is not the opening timing (N of S122), the processes of S124 and S126 are skipped.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the closing process of S102 in FIG. When the closing timing of the special winning opening 66 based on the set opening / closing pattern is reached, the open / close control means 124 closes the special winning opening 66. That is, during a special game, whether the end condition based on the number of balls is satisfied (Y in S130) or the end condition based on the number of balls is not satisfied (N in S130), the end condition based on the opening time is satisfied ( (Y of S132), the special winning opening 66 is closed (S134). If the termination condition based on the opening time is not satisfied (N in S132), the flow after S134 is skipped.

  It should be noted that the end condition based on the number of balls entered in the open big prize opening 66 is ten or more balls into the big prize opening 66, and the end condition based on the opening time is an opening / closing pattern from the start of opening the big prize opening 66. It is the passage of the set time along. In the case of 15R big hit and 8R big hit, 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of opening, and in the case of 2R big hit, 0.5 seconds have elapsed from the start of opening. However, since the opening for 0.5 seconds is extremely short, it is difficult to enter more than 10 balls as well as to enter the ball itself. Even if a game ball is launched at the same time as the opening of the grand prize opening, it is difficult to enter the game, so it is predicted that the 2R big hit will be opened before the grand prize opening 66 is opened. It is necessary to launch a game ball. On the other hand, the end condition based on the number of balls in 15R big hit and 8R big hit is 10 or more balls entering the big winning opening, and the closing condition based on the opening time is 30 seconds from the start of opening the big winning opening 66. . At this time, if the maximum number of continuations has been reached (Y in S136), the end flag is turned on (S138). If the maximum number of continuations has not been reached (N in S136), the process in S138 is skipped. If neither the end condition based on the number of entered balls nor the end condition based on the opening time is satisfied (N in S130, N in S132), the processes after S134 are skipped.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the small hit game control process of S17 in FIG. If the result of the lottery is a small hit (Y in S150), the small hit game has already started (Y in S152), and the big winning opening 66 has not been opened (N in S158). A process for opening the winning opening 66 is executed (S160), and if it is already opened (Y in S158), a closing process for the big winning opening 66 is executed (S162). As a result, if the special winning opening 66 is closed (Y in S164), the process proceeds to S166. If it is not in the closed state (N of S164), the process after S166 is skipped and this process is temporarily ended. On the other hand, if the small hit game has not started in S152 (N in S152), the small hit game is started (S154), and the display of the start demonstration effect similar to the 2R big hit is started (S156). Exit once.

  In S166, it is determined whether or not a demonstration effect which is an effect during the small hit game is being performed. If the small hit game effect is not in progress (N in S166), it is determined whether or not the small hit game end condition is satisfied. Here, if an end flag, which will be described later, is on, the small hit game end condition is satisfied. If the small hit game end condition is satisfied (Y in S170), the end flag is turned off (S172), and the display of the end demonstration effect is started (S174). If the small hit game ending condition is not satisfied (N in S170), this process is temporarily ended. When it is determined in S166 that the demonstration effect is being performed (Y in S166) and the end demonstration effect is completed (Y in S176), the small hit game is terminated (S178). If the end demonstration effect has not ended (N in S176), the process of S178 is skipped. If it is not a small hit (N in S150), the flow after S152 in this figure is skipped.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the release process of S160 in FIG. When it is the opening timing of the big winning opening 66 based on the set opening / closing pattern (Y in S180), the opening / closing control means 124 sets the operation of the opening / closing pattern (S182) and starts opening the big winning opening 66. (S184). When it is not the opening timing (N of S180), the processing of S182 and S184 is skipped.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing in detail the closing process of S162 in FIG. When the end timing of the special winning opening 66 based on the set opening / closing pattern is reached (Y in S190), the end flag is turned on (S192), and the special winning opening 66 is closed (S194). This closing timing is the timing when 0.5 seconds have elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening 66. If it is not the closing timing (N of S190), the processes of S192 and S194 are skipped.

  In the first embodiment, the effective period and the switching point are not provided for each of the second effect patterns. In the modification, an effective period and a switching point are also provided for each second effect pattern, and it is further strengthened that the result of the lottery is a win while the effect display control means 134 displays the effect of the second effect pattern. You may further switch to the direction to suggest. For example, by providing the second effective period and the third effective period on “branch 1”, after “super 1” is switched to “branch 1”, the player inputs an operation button 82 to input “ It may be possible to switch to “branch 2”. “Branch 2” may be further switched to “Branch 3” when the player inputs the operation button 82. In this modification, it is possible to perform more various effects using the super reach pattern. In this case, a common branch effect may be provided in the corresponding position on the time axis of the effect display for each of the first effect pattern and the second effect pattern. Thereby, switching of each production pattern can be shown without a sense of incongruity by the player.

In the first embodiment, an effective period is provided for the normal reach pattern, and no switching point is provided. In a modified example, the effect may be switched by providing a switching point for the normal reach pattern. For example, a second reach pattern for normal reach for switching “normal 1” at time t ₃ may be used. This makes it difficult to distinguish the difference between normal reach and super reach even halfway.

[Directions during special games]
The second and third embodiments are characterized by effects during special games.

  As described above, the special game is a game that continues for a relatively long time until the opening of the special winning opening is completed a predetermined number of times, and the special game effect displayed during the special game is an effect or movie of a predetermined length. Was often displayed repeatedly. For this reason, there was a concern that the content of the production was not surprising. Also, special games tend to be monotonous games that enter the big prize opening, unlike the game state before the start of the special game that often displays the results of lottery results and attracts the player's interest. There was a concern. For this reason, there is a case where the interest in the game is easily lost despite the special game that is an object of interest for the player. Therefore, the inventors have come to the conclusion that the interest of the player in the special game can be maintained for a long time if an effect that affects the profits of the special game can be made during the production of the special game.

  Therefore, in the second and third embodiments, the pattern storage means 130 shown in FIG. 3 determines the process of displaying an image that indicates that a special game is being executed according to a predetermined effect story. A plurality of special game performance patterns that are displayed are stored. The plurality of special game effect patterns include a first effect that includes a branch effect that is an effect content that suggests that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when the player performs an operation input using the operation button 82. Includes special game performance patterns. The plurality of special game effect patterns include a second special game effect pattern in which a process of displaying an image according to an effect story different from the first special game effect pattern is defined. As a second example, the second special game effect pattern can be selected when the number of unit game settings determined prior to the execution of the special game is a predetermined upper limit. Further, as the third embodiment, the second special game effect pattern can be selected when it is determined to shift to the specific game state after the special game is finished. Details of the production by the first special game production pattern and the production by the second special game production pattern will be described later.

  The effect determining unit 132 includes a switching lottery unit 200. The switching lottery means 200 selects the content of the effect from among a plurality of types when the content of the effect that has been displayed so far is switched to another content by the operation input of the operation button 82. For the effect content, for example, the timing at which the operation button 82 is operated may be associated with the selection probability for each effect content. Alternatively, the lottery value may be associated with the content of the effect, and the content of the effect may be determined by acquiring the lottery value when a valid operation input of the operation button 82 is made.

  When the special game is started, the effect display control means 134 causes the effect display device 60 to display an effect image according to the first special game effect pattern. Further, in the second embodiment, the effect display control means 134 is the case where the player inputs the operation button 82 within the effective period in the effect by the first special game effect pattern, and the unit game setting number at that time is It switches to the production | presentation by a 2nd special game production | presentation pattern on condition that it is an upper limit frequency | count, for example, 15R. Further, in the third embodiment, the effect display control means 134 is the case where the player inputs the operation button 82 within the effective period in the effect according to the first special game effect pattern, and the specific game state after the special game ends. On the condition that it is determined to shift to, the effect is switched to the effect by the second special game effect pattern. That is, the display of the image according to the effect story of the first special game effect pattern is switched to the display of the image according to the effect story of the second special game effect pattern. The valid period is a period in which, when the player inputs an operation on the operation button 82, the operation input is valid and switching of the content of the special game effect is permitted. The switching lottery is a lottery for selecting the contents of the effect to be switched when the effect story of the first special game effect pattern being displayed is switched to the second special game effect pattern having a different effect story. Hereinafter, the second embodiment and the third embodiment will be described in detail.

Second embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing in detail a special game effect pattern used during a special game. In 2nd Example, it switches to the effect using a 2nd special game effect pattern on condition that the unit game which comprises a special game continues to 15R.

  The special game effect pattern is stored in the pattern storage unit 130. Here, the special game effect pattern used in the case of 8R jackpot and 15R jackpot will be described. For example, if there are multiple types of unit game continuation times that are set up as a specification of the gaming machine, as introduced in the specification table of the gaming machine, etc., the player may play a special game. It is easy to be interested in how many unit games will continue. Therefore, in the second embodiment, while the special game is being executed during the special game, the number of continuations is notified by switching the production to a story different from the previous story. , Making the production surprising. In addition, by allowing the player to perform an operation that triggers the switching of the story, not only a game that causes the special game to enter the grand prize opening 66 but also other operations that are requested during the special game. Thus, a player participation type gaming machine that prompts the player to participate in the game can be configured. In this embodiment, there are 2R jackpots as types of jackpots, but in the case of 2R jackpots, the opening time of the big winning opening 66 in one unit game is about 0.5 seconds, so the first special game effect An effect of switching from the pattern to the effect of the second special game effect pattern is not performed. However, in the case where the game time of the special game by 2R jackpot is sufficient time to switch the production from the first special game production pattern to the production of the second special game production pattern, as in the above-described embodiment. A switching effect may be performed.

  As described above, in the case of the second embodiment, whether or not the unit game is continued up to 15R beyond 8R is an object of the player's interest. Is preferred. Note that the player may be notified once, but by providing a chance of receiving notifications a plurality of times, the player can increase the number of options for the game content and improve the gameability. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which there are three chances of receiving notifications by the player's operation.

  By the way, the unit game is temporarily closed after the special winning opening 66 is opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls are dropped. That is, the game time for each unit game may be 30 seconds or may be shorter than 30 seconds due to the drop of 9 or more balls. Therefore, in order to set the three notification chances with certainty, it is important at what timing the effective period is set in the first special game effect pattern. When the player wants to enter the big winning opening 66, the player usually fixes the launch handle 17 by hand to stabilize the launch position. Therefore, an average time for nine or more game balls to drop into the big prize opening 66 can be obtained in advance by a test or the like. Therefore, the effect display control means 134 measures the elapsed time from the start of the effect by the first special game effect pattern with a timer. Then, on the elapsed time axis of the first special game effect pattern, for example, a first valid period is set at a position corresponding to the elapsed time that can be regarded as being in execution of 2R. Further, the second and third valid periods may be set at positions corresponding to the elapsed time during which 4R is being executed and 6R is being executed. In another example, information on the number of execution rounds of the unit game from the special game control means 120 may be acquired, and the effective period may be set during execution of 2R, 4R, 6R, and the like. Further, the validity period may be set across two rounds. In the example of FIG. 21, on the elapsed time axis of the first special game effect pattern, for example, the first, second, and third valid periods are placed at positions corresponding to the elapsed time that can be regarded as being executed, for example, 2R, 4R, 6R. An example of setting will be described.

In FIG. 21, the time when the “first special game effect” corresponding to the “first special game effect pattern”, which is a basic effect pattern during the big hit special game, is started as time t ₀ . For the first special game effect pattern, 8R and 15R are prepared. It is desirable that the content of the “first special game effect” is substantially the same for 8R and 15R. In the special game effect pattern for 15R, “branch 1” to “branch 3” to be switched to the effect by the second special game effect pattern are prepared.

First, the special game effect pattern for 15R will be described. In the special game effect pattern for 15R, the first valid period is provided at times t _{1 to} t ₂ at which 2R can be regarded as being executed, for example. Special game effect pattern for 15R includes a first branch directed at time t _3. The branch effect is an effect content that suggests that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when the player inputs the operation button 82. In addition, at time t ₃ , “Branch 1” of “Second Special Game Effect” displayed in the second special game effect pattern, which is different from the “first special game effect”, is produced. A first switching point that can be switched is provided.

In the special game effect pattern for 15R, a second valid period is further provided at times t _{4 to} t ₅ at which 4R can be regarded as being executed, for example. Special game effect pattern for 15R includes a second branch directed at time t _6, is displayed in a second special game effect pattern is "first special game effects" directed story to be different from the time t ₆ A second switching point at which the effect can be switched to “branch 2” in the “second special game effect” is provided. Furthermore, provided the time t ₇ ~t ₈ of the third valid period can be regarded as example 6R is running. "First special game effect" at time t ₉ includes a third branch director, at time t ₉ indicated by "first special game effect" is the effect story is different second special game effect pattern A third switching point at which the effect can be switched to “branch 3” of the “second special game effect” is provided.

When the branch effect is displayed, the player can expect at least two different effect contents as the subsequent effect story. Alternatively, as the effect story after the branch effect, at least two different effects can be continued from the switching point without causing the player to feel uncomfortable. The effect story and is different, as will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 23, the effect story of example, time t ₃ after the first special game effect pattern, is switched from the first special game effect pattern Any display that allows the player to perceive that the effect story of the two special game effect patterns is different in some way is acceptable. In other words, by changing the production story of the first special game production pattern and the production story of the second special game production pattern to an inconsistent story (inconsistent story), the player can switch production. Make them perceive. Further, the effect story of the second special game effect pattern is set to a story that cannot be predicted from the effect story of the first special game effect pattern (non-predicted story), thereby causing the player to perceive the change of effect. If the performance story is switched to the second special game effect pattern, the player is actually not possible to know the production story of the time t ₃ after the first special game effect pattern. Therefore, directing the story of the time t ₃ after the first special game effect pattern, compared to the effect the story of the second special game effect pattern, directing the previous director story than time t ₃ of the first special game effect pattern It is preferably a production story that gives the player the impression that the continuity of the story is higher. That is, the content that is inevitably expected when the player views the content of the first special game effect pattern until time t ₃ , and the first special game effect pattern has an effect after time t _3. It is preferable to include it as a story. Thereby, when the first special game effect pattern is switched to the second special game effect pattern, it can be more clearly suggested to the player that the effect story has been switched. As a result, the player can further increase his expectation that the unit game may continue until the last 15R. Moreover, the unexpectedness with respect to the production | presentation in a special game can be heightened, and it can be set as the game machine which is easy to maintain the interest in a game and is hard to get tired. As another example, on the contrary, the production story of the first special game production pattern and the production story of the second special game production pattern may be a consistent story. However, in this case, although the story is consistent, it is desirable that the suggested content differs depending on the position of the branch. For example, the content of a series of effects may be a content that causes a favorable result for the player, or a content that causes an undesirable result, or may be suggested. Further, the contents may be such that the result is not definitive at that time and the result is not known until the next switching point.

  Further, the “15R special game effect pattern” which is the first special game effect pattern has a plurality of branch effects. The pattern storage means 130 stores a plurality of types of special game effect patterns corresponding to each of the plurality of branch effects as the second special game effect pattern. The effect display control means 134 changes the first special game effect pattern to a different type of second special depending on which of the effective periods corresponding to each branch effect is input by the player's operation button 82. The content can be switched to the production content according to the production story of the game production pattern. Thus, depending on when the player wants to know the result of whether or not the unit game is continued up to 15R and the degree of interest in the content of the special game effect, the player can perform the content of the effect at his preferred timing by his own operation input. Can be changed. As a result, it becomes easy to give interest to the production during the special game.

  Furthermore, each of “branch 1” to “branch 3”, which is the second special game production corresponding to the second special game production pattern, has three variations with different story endings, stories A, B and C. Is prepared and stored in the pattern storage means 130. Even when the same story is selected, the time value until the end point of the story varies depending on the position of the switching point. Thus, even when the time values until the end point are different, in order to make the content of the same story, a part of the story can be cut and shortened. For example, when a series of images (or videos) containing a series of continuous contents (story) is connected as a story A, the combination of images (or videos) to be connected according to the switching point Or depending on the remaining time from the switching point to the end of the story. Moreover, you may cut a part of image (or moving image) simply. For example, only the first half of the story can be cut, or only the second half can be cut. Further, the content expressed as the entire story may be the same, or the content of the effect itself may be completely different depending on the position of the switching point.

Further, in the special game effect pattern for 15R, an effect period in which the effect effect is valid according to the operation input of the operation button 82 of the player is provided at times t _{10 to} t ₁₁ at which 8R can be regarded as being executed, for example. It has been. The effect production will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, the pattern storage means 130 selects a special game effect for 8R selected as a special game effect pattern when the number of unit games set is less than the upper limit, that is, when 8R jackpot is determined. Has a pattern. In the case of the special game effect pattern for 8R, the first valid period is provided at times t _{1 to} t ₂ at which, for example, 2R can be regarded as being executed. Further, at time t ₄ ~t ₅ second validity period can be regarded as example 4R is running, the time t ₇ ~t ₈ of the third valid period can be regarded as example 6R is running, the effect duration and There is provided a time _t 10 _{~t 11} which can be regarded as example 8R is running. However, the first switching point of time t ₃ as a special game effects pattern, a second switching point in time t _6, the third switching point of time t ₉ is not provided for 15R. In other words, during each effective period, it seems that the player can accept the operation input of the operation button 82, but in practice, the special game effect pattern is not switched to another special game effect pattern by the operation input. Effective period. Thereby, until the player performs an operation input of at least the operation button 82, it is possible to produce an effect that has an expectation that the player may be switched to the second special game effect pattern. In this case, when an operation input of the operation button 82 is made in each effective period and effect period, an object that decorates the image is displayed so as to overlap the display of the image according to the effect story of the first special game effect pattern. It may be. In this case, the object that decorates the image is not determined to continue the unit game until 15R, but may be a content that suggests that the unit game continues a predetermined number of times. For example, the sub character may be displayed as a “white” object that suggests that the unit game will continue until the next time. Alternatively, a “blue” subcharacter that suggests that the unit game will continue three times or a “red” subcharacter that indicates that the unit game will continue five times may be displayed. Further, a “golden” sub-character indicating that there is a possibility of switching to the second special game effect pattern may be displayed. By displaying such objects that decorate the image over the effect, it becomes easy to give the player a sense of expectation that the unit game may still continue, and the player will be able to respond to the effect during the special game. Can suppress the fading of interest.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the switching probability of the switching lottery. The switching lottery is executed by the switching lottery means 200 when the player inputs the operation button 82 during the effective period on the condition that the 15R jackpot is confirmed. As described above, the first special game effect pattern includes a plurality of branch effects. Moreover, the pattern memory | storage means 130 has memorize | stored the multiple types of special game effect pattern corresponding to each of the some branch effect of a 1st special game effect pattern as a 2nd special game effect pattern. Then, the effect display control means 134 selects a different type of second special game effect pattern according to which of the effective periods corresponding to each of the branch effects is input, and selects the effect. Switch to the production image display according to the story.

For example, in FIG. 22, “story A” in the second special game effect pattern is a second special game effect that executes the second special game effect using only the characters displayed together with the decorative symbol 190 during the normal game. It is a game production pattern. The “story B” is a second special game effect in which a character mainly displayed with the decorative symbol 190 during the normal game is combined with a character that does not appear during the variation of the decorative symbol 190. 2 special game performance patterns. “Story C” is a second special game effect pattern that executes a second special game effect of a story in which a large number of characters that do not appear during the variation of the decorative symbol 190 appear. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 22, when a special game is started and an operation input of the operation button 82 is performed at an early stage, “story A” is easily selected as the production content. For example, when the operation input of the operation button 82 is performed at the time t _{1 to} t ₂ which is the first effective period, “Story A” is selected with a probability of 80%, and “Story B” with a probability of 15%. Selected. The selection probability of “Story C” in which many characters that cannot be seen in the normal game appear is 5%, which makes it difficult to select. Further, when the operation input of the operation button 82 is performed at the time t _{4 to} t ₅ which is the second effective period, “Story A” is selected with a probability of 30%, “Story B” is a probability of 50%, “Story C” is selected with a probability of 20%. That is, “Story B” is most easily selected. On the other hand, when performing an operation input of the operation button 82 at time t ₇ ~t ₈ is a third valid period which can be regarded as being in the execution of the unit game of 6R th "Story A" select 2% chance “Story B” is selected with an 18% probability, and “Story C” is selected with an 80% probability. That is, “Story C” is most easily selected. Thus, the player who wants to know whether the unit game continues to 15R as soon as possible can operate the operation button 82 at an early stage and obtain the notification result. On the other hand, the effect content of the second special game effect pattern displayed is composed of characters often seen when the decorative symbol 190 changes. In this case, the player can select a game with priority on notification acquisition. On the other hand, in the case of enduring the acquisition of the result of whether or not the unit game is continued up to 15R, anxiety about whether or not the unit game is continued up to 15R occurs, but the content of the second special game effect pattern displayed is unusual. It becomes contents. In this case, the player can select a game that prioritizes the enjoyment of the production. In addition, it is possible to produce an effect that produces different production results at the timing of operation input of the operation button 82, and it becomes easy to improve the player's interest in operation input.

  As another example, it may be set to have a tendency opposite to the above. In this case, as the operation button 82 is operated faster, an effect using a character that is usually difficult to see is displayed. In other words, as an example that can be imagined by the player, it may be that the person who operated at the last minute may see a different production than usual, but the above example is the opposite of the psychology, and variations in game play Can be spread. Further, it may be determined by lottery or the like which of the tendencies as described above is set each time. In that case, it becomes easy to weaken the tendency of production, and the fun as a gaming machine can be improved. Further, the selection of the story and the result of the lottery determination may be associated with each other. For example, in the case of 15R big hit, the story A may be more easily selected as the operation timing of the operation button 82 is advanced as described above. Conversely, the story C may be more easily selected as the patient is put up and the operation timing is delayed. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit of 15R, the earlier the operation timing of the operation button 82 is, the easier it is to select the story C, and the longer it is patient and the operation timing is delayed, the more the story A is selected. Also good. If the big hit is not 15R, the story may be selected with a predetermined probability regardless of the operation timing of the operation button 82.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a display process of special game effects. Here, the case where story A is selected in the branch lottery as “branch 1” to “branch 3” shown in FIG. 21 will be described as an example, but the operation input of the operation button 82 as shown in FIG. Depending on the timing, different production contents are easily selected, and story B or story C may be displayed.

As a result of the winning or failing lottery, if the game is a 15R big hit or 8R big hit, the special game effect pattern suggests to the player that the special game has started after the special symbol 192 and the decorative symbol 190 have stopped variability in the big hit symbol Production begins. When the special game is started, a start demonstration effect is displayed first. For example, a display such as “big hit” is displayed on the effect display device 60. After the start demonstration is displayed for a predetermined time, for example, a scene 404 in which the main character 300 searches for an enemy character is displayed as the first special game effect by the first special game effect pattern. Subsequently, when a predetermined time elapses after the first special game effect is started, an encounter screen 406 in which the main character 300 encounters the enemy character 302 is displayed. The encounter screen 406 is a screen that suggests a battle between the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. For example, during the first effective period (time t _{1 to} t _{2 in} FIG. 21) in which 2R on the encounter screen 406 is being displayed, a “PUSH” display that prompts the player to input an operation button 82 is displayed. Overlaid on the effect display.

If the player does not operate the input operation buttons 82, fighting with battle screen 408 at the timing of the elapse of time t ₃ in FIG. 21 is started. On the battle screen 408, effect display is executed according to the first special game effect pattern for the battle scenes of the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. For example, during the second effective period (time t _{4 to} t _{5 in} FIG. 21) in which 4R on display of the battle screen 408 can be regarded as being executed, the second “PUSH” prompts the player to input the operation button 82. "" Is superimposed on the effect display.

If the player does not enter the operation button 82 again, the battle with battle screen 410 at the timing of the elapse of time t ₆ in FIG. 21 is continued. On the battle screen 410, the effect display is continued according to the first special game effect pattern for the battle scenes of the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. For example, the third “PUSH” that prompts the player to input the operation button 82 during the third effective period (time t _{7 to} t _{8 in} FIG. 21) during which the 6R on the battle screen 410 can be regarded as being executed. "" Is superimposed on the effect display.

If the player does not enter the operation button 82 again, the battle with battle screen 412 at the timing of the elapse of time t ₉ in FIG. 21 is continued. On the battle screen 412, the effect display is continued according to the first special game effect pattern for the battle scenes of the main character 300 and the enemy character 302. For example, during the effect period (time t _{10 to} t _{11 in} FIG. 21) in which 8R on the battle screen 412 is being displayed is being executed, the fourth “PUSH” display prompting the player to input the operation button 82 is displayed. Overlaid on the effect display.

  This fourth “PUSH” display is the last display in the unit game that is a division of whether the unit game ends at 8R or continues beyond 8R to 15R. That is, it is a display immediately before the 8R-th end among a plurality of “PUSH” displays. When the player does not input the operation button 82, the effect display is continued as it is. On the other hand, when the player inputs the operation button 82, an effect image 414 is displayed. The effect image is an image that is displayed over the effect display in order to suggest that the unit game of the 8R will be finished soon after the battle approaches the climax.

  Thereby, the player's expectation can be given regarding the continuation of the unit game after the end of 8R. Further, the player can know that the unit game of the 8R is almost finished and the result of whether or not the unit game after the 8R is continued is shown. As a result, the player can be concentrated on the special game effect until the reproduction display of the 8R special game effect is completed. The effect image 414 may not only indicate the end of the 8R unit game, but may also indicate the number of subsequent unit games to be continued. For example, “white”, “blue”, “red”, “gold”, “black”, and the like may be prepared as the lightning colors of the effect image 414, and the expected number of times of continuation may be associated with each. For example, “white” lightning suggests continuity once, “blue” lightning suggests continuity three times, “red” lightning suggests continuity five times, “golden” It is possible to associate the lightning bolt of “black” with the lightning bolt, suggesting that the number of continuations is unknown. By displaying such an effect image, it is possible to produce an effect suggesting the continuation of the unit game even if the operation input of the operation button 82 is not performed within each valid period with a big hit of 15R. Further, even in the case of 8R big hit, the display of the effect image makes it easy for the player to have a unit game continuation expectation until the end of the 8R unit game, and to keep interest in the contents of the production.

  If the operation input of the operation button 82 is performed in any of the first to third effective periods or the effect period in the case of 8R big hit, if any effect image 414 is displayed, It is not certain how long the unit game will continue, but it is possible to execute an effect that can be expected to continue the unit game.

  In the case of 8R big hit regardless of the player's operation input during each effective period or effect period, the defeat screen 416 suggests that the main character 300 has lost the battle with the enemy character 302. The production ends and the special game also ends. On the other hand, in the case of 15R big hit, the effect is once ended on the victory screen 418 that suggests that the main character 300 has won the battle with the enemy character 302, and a special game effect image showing a battle scene is further displayed. , The unit game after 9R is executed.

  As described above, in the case of 8R big hit, in both cases where the player does not input the operation button 82 or when the player inputs the operation button 82, the result of the battle on the battle screen is the final result. A scene where the main character 300 loses is displayed. On the other hand, in the case of 15R big hit, the result of the battle on the battle screen is the final result in either the case where the player does not input the operation button 82 or the case where the player inputs the operation button 82 during the effect period. A scene where the main character 300 wins is displayed.

  When the special game is 15R big hit, when the player inputs the operation button 82 during any of the first effective period to the third effective period, the displayed effect display is switched to an effect display with a different effect story. .

  Specifically, instead of the battle screen 408, the battle screen 410, or the battle screen 412, the effect display including the reconciliation screen 420 included in the story A of “branch 1”, “branch 2”, and “branch 3” is executed. Is done. The reconciliation screen 420 is a screen that suggests that the main character 300 and the enemy character 302 have stopped fighting and made up. Next, a friendship screen 422 is displayed. The friendship screen 422 is a screen showing a state in which the protagonist character 300 and the enemy character 302 cross their shoulders toward the sunset. For example, a message that the unit game continues up to 15R at this time is provided. Thereafter, a scene where the main character 300 and the enemy character 302 work together for peace is displayed until the unit game of the 15R ends.

  As described above, the story A of “branch 1” to “branch 3” is used to show an example in which the effect display after the switching is an effect display different in story from the effect display based on the battle before the switching. According to such an aspect, the player can be confident that the unit game continues up to 15R when the effect is switched. In addition, the player can obtain notification of whether or not the unit game continues up to 15R at his / her favorite timing. Further, since the contents of the effect change depending on the timing of receiving the notification, it is possible to provide an interesting gaming machine in which acquisition of the notification and selection of the effect content can be determined according to the player's preference.

  In this way, by switching the stories A to C of “branch 1” to “branch 3” with the switching probability of FIG. 22, it is possible to diversify the effect display according to the presence or absence of the player's operation input. Therefore, even if it is an effect display during a special game with a long game time, it is easy to maintain the concentration of the player on the game.

  In the first special game effect pattern, the switching point may be provided at least once and is not limited to three times. Also, it is sufficient that at least one story of the second special game effect pattern is provided, and the number is not limited to three. Further, the effect period is not provided in the first special game effect pattern, and the display using the effect image 414 may not be performed.

  Further, in the above-described example, an example of switching to the effect using the second special game effect pattern on the condition that the unit game setting number is a predetermined upper limit number (provided that it is a 15R big hit). explained. In another embodiment, the game may be switched to the effect using the second special game effect pattern on condition that the total opening time of the special winning opening 66 scheduled in the special game is a predetermined open time. . For example, as an example of the opening pattern of the big prize opening 66, there are cases where the long-time opening for 30 seconds is performed 8 times, and then the ultra-short time opening for 0.5 seconds is performed 7 times. That is, the opening / closing frequency is 15 times. However, in this case, since the game ball can actually enter the grand prize winning opening 66 for a long time of 8 times, the condition for switching to the effect using the second special game effect pattern is not satisfied. It is good. In another embodiment, the game is switched to an effect using the second special game effect pattern on condition that the profit state received by the player due to the opening of the special prize opening 66 scheduled for the special game becomes a predetermined value. May be. For example, there are cases where the long-time opening for 30 seconds is performed 10 times and the ultra-long opening for 50 seconds is performed 3 times. In this case, the total opening time is 450 seconds, and the player can receive the same benefits as when the total opening time is set to 450 seconds by executing 15 times of long-time opening substantially 30 seconds. The condition for switching to the effect using the special game effect pattern may be satisfied.

Third embodiment.
In the above-mentioned second embodiment, a special game is informed whether or not the number of continuations of a unit game during a special game continues up to 15R, that is, whether or not the maximum profit of the predicted special game can be obtained. An example is shown in which the production of is switched to the production of another story on the way. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which notification of whether or not to shift to a specific game after the end of the special game is performed by switching the effect during the special game to another story effect on the way.

  As described above, the specific game state is a state in which it is determined that the special game is to be executed, and the ease of acquiring a new special game after the end of the special game is more advantageous than the normal state. When a predetermined transition condition for shifting to the specific game state is satisfied, the specific game executing means 122 shifts to the specific game state until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. The specific game state includes at least one of a probability change state, a short time state, and an easy entry state. Further, the predetermined transition condition differs depending on, for example, the special symbol 192 when transitioning to a special game. In the case of the present embodiment, for example, when the special symbol 192 is “7”, “1”, “9”, the probability variation state, the short time state, and the easy entry state are obtained. In addition, when the special symbol 192 is “3” or “5”, the short time state and the easy entry state are entered. In the following example, a case will be described in which whether or not “probability change” is given as a specific game after a special game is notified.

  The pattern storage unit 130 stores a plurality of special game effect patterns in which a process for reproducing and displaying an image that indicates that a special game is being executed according to a predetermined effect story is displayed. The pattern storage means 130 includes a branch effect as a plurality of special game effect patterns, which is an effect content that suggests that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when the player's operation input is made with the operation button 82. A first special game effect pattern is included. Further, a second process that can be selected when a process for displaying an image is determined according to an effect story different from the first special game effect pattern, and it is determined that the special game state is to be entered after the end of the special game. Includes special game performance patterns.

  The effect display control means 134 is based on the condition that it is determined to shift to the specific game state when an operation input is made during a predetermined period in which an image is displayed according to the first special game effect pattern. The reproduction display of the image according to the effect story of the special game effect pattern is switched to the display of the image according to the effect story of the second special game effect pattern.

  For example, if the specification of the gaming machine may indicate that the specific game is executed or not executed after the end of the special game, as introduced in the specification table of the gaming machine, the player executes the special game. It is easy to be interested in whether or not a specific game is executed. Therefore, in the second embodiment, during the production showing that the special game is being executed during the special game, the specific game is executed or not executed by switching the production to a story different from the previous story. While notifying, the production is surprising. In addition, by allowing the player to perform an operation that triggers the switching of the story, not only a game that causes the special game to enter the grand prize opening 66 but also other operations that are requested during the special game. Thus, a player participation type gaming machine that prompts the player to participate in the game can be configured. In this embodiment, there is a 2R jackpot as a type of jackpot, but in the case of 2R jackpot, the opening time of the big winning opening 66 in one unit game is about 0.5 seconds, so the first special game effect pattern No effect is switched to the effect of the second special game effect pattern. However, if the game time of the special game by 2R jackpot is sufficient time to switch from the first special game effect pattern to the second special game effect pattern effect, such a switch effect is performed. May be.

  In the case of the second embodiment described above, the player's interest is whether the unit game is continued up to 15R beyond 8R. Therefore, it is preferable to notify the number of continuations of the unit game by 8R. won. On the other hand, in the case of the third embodiment, the specific game is executed after the end of the special game. Therefore, the notification as to whether or not the specific game is executed may be executed before the end of the specific game. For example, in the case of 15R big hit, it may be notified before 15R ends. Moreover, in the case of 8R big hit, what is necessary is just to alert | report before 8R is complete | finished. Note that the player may be notified once, but by providing a chance of receiving notifications a plurality of times, the player can increase the number of options for the game content and improve the gameability. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which there are three chances of receiving notifications by the player's operation. In another embodiment, the number of notifications may be selected every time a special game is started. For example, during the start demonstration displayed when the special game is started, the player may be designated by using the operation button 82, or may be determined by a lottery for determining the number of notifications.

  By the way, the unit game is temporarily closed after the special winning opening 66 is opened for about 30 seconds or after nine or more game balls are dropped. That is, the game time for each unit game may be 30 seconds or may be shorter than 30 seconds due to the drop of 9 or more balls. Therefore, in order to set the three notification chances with certainty, it is important at what timing the effective period is set in the first special game effect pattern. When the player wants to enter the big winning opening 66, the player usually fixes the launch handle 17 by hand to stabilize the launch position. Therefore, an average time for nine or more game balls to drop into the big prize opening 66 can be obtained in advance by a test or the like. Therefore, the effect display control means 134 measures the elapsed time from the start of the effect by the first special game effect pattern with a timer. Then, on the elapsed time axis of the first special game effect pattern, for example, a first valid period is set at a position corresponding to the elapsed time that can be regarded as being in execution of 2R. Further, the second and third valid periods may be set at positions corresponding to the elapsed time during which 4R is being executed and 6R is being executed. In another example, information on the number of execution rounds of the unit game from the special game control means 120 may be acquired, and the effective period may be set during execution of 2R, 4R, 6R, etc., for example. Further, the validity period may be set across two rounds. A specific example of the special game effect pattern used during the special game is shown in FIG. This example shows an example of “a special game effect pattern for determining the 15R non-probability change” and “special game effect pattern for determining the 15R probability change”.

In FIG. 24, the time when the “first special game effect” corresponding to the “first special game effect pattern”, which is the basic effect pattern during the big hit special game, is started as time t ₀ . It is desirable that the content of the “first special game effect” in the first special game effect pattern is substantially the same for the non-probability change confirmation and the probability change confirmation. In the special game effect pattern for confirming the probability change, “branch 1” to “branch 3” for switching to the effect by the second special game effect pattern are prepared.

First, the special game effect pattern for confirming the probability change will be described. In the special game effect pattern for confirming probability change, the first valid period is provided at times t _{1 to} t ₂ at which 2R can be regarded as being executed, for example. Special game effect pattern for probability variation determined, includes a first branch directed at time t _3. The branch effect is an effect content that suggests that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when the player inputs the operation button 82. In addition, at time t ₃ , “Branch 1” of “Second Special Game Effect” displayed in the second special game effect pattern, which is different from the “first special game effect”, is produced. A first switching point that can be switched is provided.

In the special game effect pattern for confirming probability change, a second valid period is further provided at times t _{4 to} t ₅ at which 4R can be regarded as being executed, for example. Special game effect pattern for probability variation confirm comprises a second branch directed at time t _6, the time t ₆ is displayed in the "first special game effects" and second the effect story is different special game effects pattern A second switching point at which the effect can be switched to “branch 2” of the “second special game effect” is provided. Furthermore, provided the time t ₇ ~t ₈ of the third valid period can be regarded as example 6R is running. "First special game effect" at time t ₉ includes a third branch director, at time t ₉ indicated by "first special game effect" is the effect story is different second special game effect pattern A third switching point at which the effect can be switched to “branch 3” of the “second special game effect” is provided.

When the branch effect is displayed, the player can expect at least two different effect contents as the subsequent effect story. Alternatively, as the effect story after the branch effect, at least two different effects can be continued from the switching point without causing the player to feel uncomfortable. Production story and is different from, and directing the story of, for example, time t ₃ after the first special game effect pattern, and directing the story of the second special game effect pattern is switched from the first special game effect pattern is, some Any display that allows the player to perceive different points. In other words, by changing the production story of the first special game production pattern and the production story of the second special game production pattern to an inconsistent story (inconsistent story), the player can switch production. Make them perceive. Further, the effect story of the second special game effect pattern is set to a story that cannot be predicted from the effect story of the first special game effect pattern (non-predicted story), thereby causing the player to perceive the change of effect. If the performance story is switched to the second special game effect pattern, the player is actually not possible to know the production story of the time t ₃ after the first special game effect pattern. Therefore, directing the story of the time t ₃ after the first special game effect pattern, compared to the effect the story of the second special game effect pattern, directing the previous director story than time t ₃ of the first special game effect pattern It is preferably a production story that gives the player the impression that the continuity of the story is higher. That is, the content that is inevitably expected when the player views the content of the first special game effect pattern until time t ₃ , and the first special game effect pattern has an effect after time t _3. It is preferable to include it as a story. Thereby, when the first special game effect pattern is switched to the second special game effect pattern, it can be more clearly suggested to the player that the effect story has been switched. As a result, it becomes easy for the player to be sure that the probability change is confirmed. Moreover, the unexpectedness with respect to the production | presentation in a special game can be heightened, and it can be set as the game machine which is easy to maintain the interest in a game and is hard to get tired. As another example, on the contrary, the production story of the first special game production pattern and the production story of the second special game production pattern may be a consistent story. However, in this case, although the story is consistent, it is desirable that the suggested content differs depending on the position of the branch. For example, the contents of a series of effects may be contents that cause a favorable result for the player, or may be definitely indicated or suggested as contents that cause an undesirable result. Further, the contents may be such that the result is not definitive at that time and the result is not known until the next switching point.

  In addition, the “special game effect pattern for probability change determination” which is the first special game effect pattern in the third embodiment has a plurality of branch effects. The pattern storage means 130 stores a plurality of types of special game effect patterns corresponding to each of the plurality of branch effects as the second special game effect pattern. The effect display control means 134 changes the first special game effect pattern to a different type of second special depending on which of the effective periods corresponding to each branch effect is input by the player's operation button 82. The content can be switched to the production content according to the production story of the game production pattern. Thereby, the player can change the content of the performance at his / her preferred timing according to his / her own operation input according to when he / she wants to know the result of whether or not the probability change is confirmed and the degree of interest in the content of the special game performance. . As a result, it becomes easy to give interest to the production during the special game.

  Furthermore, each of “branch 1” to “branch 3”, which is the second special game production corresponding to the second special game production pattern, has three variations with different story endings, stories A, B and C. Is prepared and stored in the pattern storage means 130. Even when the same story is selected, the time value until the end point of the story varies depending on the position of the switching point. Thus, even when the time values until the end point are different, in order to make the content of the same story, a part of the story can be cut and shortened. For example, when a series of images (or videos) containing a series of continuous contents (story) is connected as a story A, the combination of images (or videos) to be connected according to the switching point Or depending on the remaining time from the switching point to the end of the story. Moreover, you may cut a part of image (or moving image) simply. For example, only the first half of the story can be cut, or only the second half can be cut. Further, the content expressed as the entire story may be the same, or the content of the effect itself may be completely different depending on the position of the switching point.

In addition, in the special game effect pattern for confirming the probability change, the effect period in which the effect effect is valid according to the operation input of the operation button 82 of the player is, for example, at times t _{10 to} t ₁₁ at which 8R can be regarded as being executed. Is provided. The effect presentation in this case is the same as the example in FIG.

On the other hand, the pattern storage means 130 has a special game effect pattern for non-probability change confirmation selected as a special game effect pattern in the case of non-probability change confirmation in the present embodiment when a specific game is not executed. In the case of the special game effect pattern for determining the non-probability change, the first valid period is provided at times t _{1 to} t ₂ at which 2R can be regarded as being executed, for example. Further, at time t ₄ ~t ₅ second validity period is considered to be example 4R is running, the time t ₇ ~t ₈ of the third lifetime can be regarded as example 6R is running, the effect duration and There is provided a time _t 10 _{~t 11} which can be regarded as example 8R is running. However, the first switching point of time t ₃ as a special game effects pattern for probability variation determined, a second switching point in time t _6, the third switching point of time t ₉ is not provided. In other words, during each effective period, it seems that the player can accept the operation input of the operation button 82, but in practice, the special game effect pattern is not switched to another special game effect pattern by the operation input. Effective period. Thereby, until the player performs an operation input of at least the operation button 82, it is possible to produce an effect that has an expectation that the player may be switched to the second special game effect pattern. In this case, when an operation input of the operation button 82 is made in each effective period and effect period, an object that decorates the image is displayed so as to overlap the display of the image according to the effect story of the first special game effect pattern. It may be. In this case, it is good also as a content which suggests that the object which decorates an image may transfer to probability change. For example, a plurality of sub characters as objects may be prepared, and the expected degree of probability change transition may be expressed by the sub characters. By displaying such objects that decorate the image over the production, it becomes easy to give the player a sense of expectation that it may change, and the player's interest in the production during the special game It can suppress fading.

  In the third embodiment, the effect display control means 134 also uses different types of second special game effect patterns depending on which of the effective periods corresponding to each of the branch effects is operated. To switch to the display of the production image according to the production story. A specific example is the same as that in FIG. 22 of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also in the case of the third embodiment, the player who wants to know whether or not the probability change is confirmed as soon as possible can operate the operation button 82 at an early stage to obtain the notification result. On the other hand, the effect content of the second special game effect pattern displayed is composed of characters often seen when the decorative symbol 190 changes. In this case, the player can select a game with priority on notification acquisition. On the other hand, if the patient endures the acquisition of the result of whether or not the probability change is confirmed, the special game is uneasy about whether or not the probability change is confirmed until the end, but the effect content of the displayed second special game effect pattern is Unusual content. In this case, the player can select a game that prioritizes the enjoyment of the production. In addition, it is possible to produce an effect that produces different production results at the timing of operation input of the operation button 82, and it becomes easy to improve the player's interest in operation input.

  As another example, it may be set to have a tendency opposite to the above. In this case, as the operation button 82 is operated faster, an effect using a character that is usually difficult to see is displayed. In other words, as an example that can be imagined by the player, it may be that the person who operated at the last minute may see a different production than usual, but the above example is the opposite of the psychology, and variations in game play Can be spread. Further, it may be determined by lottery or the like which of the tendencies as described above is set each time. In that case, it becomes easy to weaken the tendency of production, and the fun as a gaming machine can be improved. Further, the selection of the story and the result of the lottery determination may be associated with each other. For example, in the case of a probable big hit, as described above, the earlier the operation timing of the operation button 82, the easier it is to select the story A. Conversely, the story C may be more easily selected as the patient is put up and the operation timing is delayed. On the other hand, when it is not a probable big hit, the earlier the operation timing of the operation button 82 is, the easier it is to select the story C, and the longer it is patient and the operation timing is delayed, the more the story A is selected. Also good. If it is not a probable big hit, the story may be selected with a predetermined probability regardless of the operation timing of the operation button 82.

  The display process of the special game effect is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 23 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the case of the third embodiment, when the uncertain change is confirmed, a defeat screen 416 indicating that the main character 300 has lost the battle with the enemy character 302 is displayed, and the enemy character 302 is set as the main character until the special game ends. An effect image is displayed. On the other hand, when the probability change is confirmed, if the operation input of the operation button 82 is not performed within any effective period, or if the operation input is performed during the effect period, the main character 300 enters the battle with the enemy character 302. A victory screen 418 suggesting that the player has won is displayed, and an effect image of the hero character 300 is displayed until the special game ends. Also, in the case of the probability change confirmation, when the operation input of the operation button 82 is performed within any valid period, the displayed effect display is switched to an effect display with a different effect story. Then, the settlement screen 420 and the friendship screen 422 are displayed, and the player is notified of the certainty change confirmation.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game control process in the second embodiment (S16 in FIG. 11 in the first embodiment). The flowchart showing the basic operation process in the pachinko gaming machine is the same as the contents shown in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  If the result of the lottery is a big hit (Y in S1090), if the special game has already been started (Y in S1092), a special game branching process that is a process for switching the effect contents during the special game is executed ( S1093). If the big prize opening 66 has not been opened (N in S1098), the opening process of the big prize opening 66 is executed (S1100). If the big prize opening 66 has been opened (Y of S1098), the closing process of the big prize opening 66 is executed (S1102). As a result, if the special winning opening 66 is in a closed state (Y in S1104), the process proceeds to S1106. If it is not in the closed state (N in S1104), the processing after S1106 is skipped and this processing is temporarily ended. On the other hand, if the special game has not started in S1092 (N in S1092), the special game is started (S1094), the display of the start demonstration effect is started (S1096), and this process is temporarily ended. The start demonstration can be an effect of displaying a message such as “Let's aim for the big hit, the big winning opening!”.

  In S1106, it is determined whether or not a special game effect is being executed. If the special game effect is not being performed (N in S1106), it is determined whether or not the special game end condition is satisfied with reference to an end flag described later (S1110), and if the special game end condition is satisfied (S1110). Y), after the end flag is turned off (S1112), the display of the end demonstration effect is started (S1114). The end demo preferably has a content that clearly informs the player of the end of the special game. For example, the end demo can be an effect of displaying a message such as “End of jackpot, aim for the next jackpot!”. If the special game end condition is not satisfied (N in S1110), the process is temporarily ended. When it is determined in S1106 that the special game effect is being performed (Y in S1106) and the end demonstration effect is ended (Y in S1116), the special game is ended (S1118), and the specific game process is executed (S1120). In other words, if the big hit is a win with probability change, short time, easy entry, etc. after the special game ends, the set specific game is started. If the end demonstration effect has not ended (N in S1116), the processes in S1118 and S1120 are skipped. If it is not a big hit (N in S1090), the flow after S1092 in this figure is skipped.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing in detail the special game branching process of S1093 in FIG. If the special game has been started and the first special game effect has not been executed (N in S1200), the first special game effect is started according to the first special game effect pattern (S1202). If the first special game effect has already been executed (Y in S1200), the process of S1202 is skipped. If the player inputs the operation button 82 (Y in S1204), the operation is within the effective period (Y in S1206), and the special game is 15R big hit (Y in S1208), the effect display control means 134 The switching lottery means 200 executes an effect selection process for selecting a second special game effect pattern according to the operation input timing of the operation button 82 (S1210). Thereafter, the effect display control means 134 executes a second special game effect process for switching the effect contents from the effect based on the first special game effect pattern to the effect based on the second special game effect pattern selected in S1210 ( S1212) This flow is ended.

In S1208, if it is not 15R big hit, that is, if it is 8R big hit (N in S1208), effect processing is executed (S1214). By displaying the effect image, it is impressed by the player that the unit game may still be continued, and the player has a sense of expectation until the end of 8R, and the interest in the production is easily maintained. . In S1204, when the player does not input the operation button 82 (N in S1204), or when the operation button 82 is operated but is not in the valid period (N in S1206), the effect display control means 134 Based on the elapsed time measured by the timer, it is determined whether the third valid period (time t ₈ ) has elapsed (S1216). If the third valid period has not elapsed (N in S1216), this flow is temporarily terminated. When the third effective period has elapsed (Y in S1216), the player inputs the operation button 82 (Y in S1218), and if the operation input is within the effective period (Y in S1220). Then, effect processing is executed (S1214). When the player does not input the operation button 82 (N in S1218), when the player inputs the operation button 82 but the operation input is not within the valid period (N in S1220), the effect display control means 134 Ends this flow without effect processing.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the features of the third embodiment, and is a flow executed instead of the special game branching process of S1093 in FIG. 25 of the second embodiment. If the special game has already started and the first special game effect has not been executed (N in S1300), the first special game effect is started according to the first special game effect pattern (S1302). If the first special game effect has already been executed (Y in S1300), the process of S1302 is skipped. If the player inputs the operation button 82 (Y in S1304), the operation is within the valid period (Y in S1306), and if the special game is confirmed with certainty change (Y in S1308), the effect display control means 134 The switching lottery means 200 executes an effect selection process for selecting the second special game effect pattern according to the operation input timing of the operation button 82 (S1310). Thereafter, the effect display control means 134 executes a second special game effect process for switching the effect contents from the effect based on the first special game effect pattern to the effect based on the second special game effect pattern selected in S1310 ( S1312) This flow is ended.

In S1308, if the probability change is not confirmed, that is, if the probability change is not confirmed (N in S1308), effect processing is executed (S1314). By displaying the effect image, the player is impressed that it may still be probable, making the player have a sense of expectation until the end of the special game and making it easier to maintain interest in the production. In S1304, when the player does not input the operation button 82 (N in S1304), or when the operation button 82 is operated but is not in the valid period (N in S1306), the effect display control means 134 Based on the elapsed time measured by the timer, it is determined whether or not the third valid period (time t ₈ ) has elapsed (S1316). If the third valid period has not elapsed (N in S1316), this flow is temporarily terminated. If the third effective period has elapsed (Y in S1316), the player inputs the operation button 82 (Y in S1318), and if the operation input is within the effective period (Y in S1320). Then, effect processing is executed (S1314). When the player does not input the operation button 82 (N in S1318), when the player inputs the operation button 82 but the operation input is not within the valid period (N in S1320), the effect display control means 134 Ends this flow without effect processing. By executing such a special game branching process, notification of whether or not the probability change is confirmed can be executed during the production of the special game.

  In the second and third embodiments described above, an example is shown in which either one of the notification of the number of continuations of the unit game or the notification of the certainty change is executed, but both notifications may be executed. For example, when 15 big hits with certainty have been confirmed, and when the operation input of the operation button 82 is first enabled, the production by the second special game production pattern is produced from the production story by the first special game production pattern. Switch to the story and inform that it is a 15R big hit. Thereafter, when the operation input of the operation button 82 becomes valid, the effect story by the second special game effect pattern is switched to another effect story to notify that the probability change is confirmed. The order of notification may be reversed. By executing such combined notification, the player participation in a specific game is further improved, and a gaming machine with high game performance can be provided. Further, the player may be able to select which notification is received. In that case, for example, the content of the notification may be selected when the operation input of the operation button 82 is performed. In this case, the game selectivity of the player can be improved, and a gaming machine suitable for the player's preference can be provided. Further, the first embodiment may be combined with at least one of the second embodiment or the third embodiment. In this case, it is possible to promote the effect during the normal game and the player participation during the special game, the game performance is improved, and the fun of the entire game can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from a summary. In addition, various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments, or some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments. . Furthermore, it is possible to appropriately combine the constituent elements over a plurality of embodiments.

Below, the structural example of a modification is shown.
[Configuration 1]
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start port provided at a predetermined position in the game area;
A winning / failing lottery means for executing a winning / failing lottery triggered by entering the starting opening;
A large winning opening that is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and is opened according to the result of the success / failure lottery, and a game ball entry is a trigger for paying out a prize ball;
Special game control for executing a special game in which the unit game with opening / closing of the big winning opening is executed up to the number of unit game setting times determined according to the type of winning when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a win Means,
An effect display device that displays an image as the game progresses;
A plurality of special game performance patterns in which a process of displaying an image indicating that the special game is being executed according to a predetermined performance story is displayed, and a game is stored as the plurality of special game performance patterns. A first special game effect pattern including a branch effect that is an effect content suggesting that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when a user's operation input is made, and the first special game effect pattern The second special game effect that can be selected when the process of displaying an image is determined according to different effect stories, and the unit game setting number determined prior to the execution of the special game is a predetermined upper limit number. A pattern storage means including a pattern;
An effect determining means for selecting one of the plurality of special game effect patterns according to the type of winning / failing lottery,
Effect display control means for displaying the image on the effect display device in accordance with the selected special game effect pattern;
Operation input means for receiving the operation input from a player;
With
The effect display control means is provided on the condition that the unit game setting number is the upper limit number when the operation input is made during a predetermined period in which the image is displayed according to the first special game effect pattern. A bullet ball game machine, wherein the display of an image according to the effect story of the first special game effect pattern is switched to the display of an image according to the effect story of the second special game effect pattern.

[Configuration 2]
When the number of unit game setting times is less than the upper limit number, the effect display control means, based on the operation input in the predetermined period, the effect story of the first special game effect pattern The bullet ball game machine according to Configuration 1, wherein an object that decorates the image is displayed so as to overlap the display of the image according to the above.

[Configuration 3]
The first special game effect pattern has a plurality of the branch effects,
The pattern storage means stores a plurality of types of special game effect patterns corresponding to the plurality of branch effects as the second special game effect pattern,
The effect display control means determines whether the image according to the effect story of the second special game effect pattern of a different type depends on which of the predetermined period corresponding to each of the branch effects is made. The bullet ball game machine according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, wherein the ball game machine is switched to display.

[Configuration 4]
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting port provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area, and the entrance of the gaming ball is a chance of lottery;
Triggering lottery means for executing a lottery lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by entering the starting port,
A large winning opening that is provided at a predetermined position in the game area, and the game ball accepting state can be changed to a state advantageous to the player;
Special game control means for executing the special game by changing the acceptance state of the special winning opening to a state advantageous to the player when the result of the lottery determination is a win indicating the shift to the special game When,
A predetermined game state in which it is determined that the special game is to be executed and the ease of acquiring the special game is more advantageous than the normal state after the special game is finished. If the transition condition is satisfied, the specific game executing means for shifting to the specific game state until a predetermined end condition is satisfied;
An effect display device that displays an image as the game progresses;
A plurality of special game performance patterns in which a process of displaying an image indicating that the special game is being executed according to a predetermined performance story is displayed, and a game is stored as the plurality of special game performance patterns. A first special game effect pattern including a branch effect that is an effect content suggesting that the effect story can be switched to a different effect story when a user's operation input is made, and the first special game effect pattern Includes a second special game effect pattern that can be selected when a process of displaying an image according to a different effect story is defined, and it is determined that the game is to be shifted to the specific game state after the special game is ended. Pattern storage means;
Effect determining means for selecting one of the plurality of special game effect patterns according to the result of the success / failure lottery,
Effect display control means for displaying the image on the effect display device in accordance with the selected special game effect pattern;
Operation input means for receiving the operation input from a player;
With
The effect display control means is provided on the condition that it is determined to shift to the specific game state when the operation input is made during a predetermined period in which the image is displayed according to the first special game effect pattern. A bullet ball game machine characterized in that the display of the image according to the effect story of the first special game effect pattern is switched to the display of the image according to the effect story of the second special game effect pattern.

[Configuration 5]
If the non-transition to the specific game state is determined, the effect display control means is an image according to the effect story of the first special game effect pattern based on the operation input in the predetermined period. The bullet ball game machine according to Configuration 4, wherein an object for decorating the image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the display.

“Configuration 6”
The first special game effect pattern has a plurality of the branch effects,
The pattern storage means stores a plurality of types of special game effect patterns corresponding to the plurality of branch effects as the second special game effect pattern,
The effect display control means determines whether the image according to the effect story of the second special game effect pattern of a different type depends on which of the predetermined period corresponding to each of the branch effects is made. The bullet ball game machine according to Configuration 4 or Configuration 5, wherein the display is switched to display.

  10 Pachinko gaming machines, 50 gaming boards, 52 gaming areas, 60 effect display devices, 112 winning / losing lottery means, 114 symbol determining means, 115 variation pattern determining means, 116 holding control means, 120 special game controlling means, 132 effect determining means, 134 Production display control means.

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting port provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area, and the entrance of the gaming ball is a chance of lottery;
Triggering lottery means for executing a lottery lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by entering the starting port,
An effect display device that displays a change in the design of the effect according to the result of the winning / failing lottery,
Stores the plurality of effect pattern process for displaying the variation of the symbols have been defined in accordance with a predetermined effect display process, certain effect display process when the a plurality of effect patterns, the operation input of the player is made a first effect pattern including branching effect is the effect details suggest that get switched to a different effect display process with the certain effect display process from, according to the effect display process that is different from the first performance pattern A pattern storage means including a second effect pattern that can be selected when a process of displaying the variation of the symbol is determined and the result of the success / failure lottery is a win,
Production determination means for selecting one of the plurality of production patterns according to the result of the success / failure lottery,
Effect display control means for variably displaying the symbol on the effect display device according to the selected effect pattern;
Operation input means for receiving the operation input from a player;
A large winning opening that is provided at a predetermined position in the game area, and the game ball accepting state can be changed to a state advantageous to the player;
Special game execution means for executing the special game by changing the acceptance state of the special winning opening to a state advantageous to the player when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win indicating the shift to the special game When,
With
The effect display control means is provided on the condition that, when the operation input is made during a predetermined period in which the symbols are variably displayed in accordance with the first effect pattern, the winning lottery result is a win. switching the variable display of the symbol in accordance with the effect display process of effect pattern the the variable display of symbols in accordance with the effect display process of the second performance pattern,
The first effect pattern has a plurality of the branch effects,
The pattern storage means stores a plurality of types of effect patterns corresponding to each of the plurality of branch effects as the second effect pattern,
The first effect pattern is a pattern according to the effect display process of the second effect pattern of a different type depending on which of the predetermined period corresponding to each of the branch effects is made. You can switch to variable display,
When the operation input is not performed during a predetermined period corresponding to a predetermined branch effect among the plurality of branch effects, the effect determining unit is configured to perform the predetermined period corresponding to a branch effect after the predetermined branch effect. By the operation input, it is possible to increase a probability that the change display of the symbol according to the effect display process of the first effect pattern is switched to the change display of the symbol according to the effect display process of the second effect pattern. A ball game machine.

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