JP6114966B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Usually, a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) includes a start winning device and a large winning device (variable winning device). In such a gaming machine, it is determined whether or not to generate a winning due to a game ball winning a start winning device (causing a start winning). In other words, “a gaming machine that determines whether or not to generate a big win due to a start winning prize” is determined as a big hit lottery, or “a game that determines whether or not to generate a big hit due to a start winning prize,
A gaming machine that performs a lottery on whether or not to generate a small hit when the result of the big hit lottery is a loss is used as a lottery lottery.

In recent years, as a gaming machine of this kind, (a) a main control unit that constitutes a go / no-go determination means for making a go / no-go decision and (b) a display control by the main control unit and the result of the go / no-go determination The display is controlled by the main variable display means for confirming the display via the variable display, and (b) the sub control unit (sub control unit) that receives the display control command transmitted from the main control unit, What is provided with the production | presentation display means which carries out a fixed display through a symbol fluctuation production becomes mainstream.

In such a gaming machine, the main control unit (variation pattern selection means) selects a variation pattern based on the result of the determination, and the sub-control unit displays an effect pattern corresponding to the selected variation pattern as an effect pattern storage means. Select from the production patterns memorized in. Then, in the main variable display means, after the variation display is performed in a very simple and inconspicuous manner during the variation time specified according to the selected variation pattern, the determination of success / failure is made in a very simple and inconspicuous manner. The result is finalized. On the other hand, in the effect display means, the design variation effect is advanced according to the effect mode specified by the selected effect pattern, and when the variation time specified by the variation pattern elapses, the result of the determination is determined and displayed. However, the symbol variation effect and the final display are generally performed in a manner rich in performance and decoration while using decorative elements (background symbols, character symbols, live-action images, etc.).

In this type of gaming machine, the result of the determination as to whether or not the main variable display means and the effect display means are “
When the stop symbol (big hit symbol) indicating “winning (big hit)” is confirmed and displayed, the gaming machine starts the big hit game and performs the opening operation of the opening / closing member constituting the big winning device and is in the closed state. Change the big prize device to the open state. As a result, it is possible or easy to win a game ball in the big prize opening that constitutes the big prize winning device, and the “big hit effect (effect indicating that the big hit game is being played, the number of rounds, etc.)” is produced. It is executed in the display device. Thereafter, when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the grand prize winning opening or a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing member is temporarily closed to close the grand winning device and applied to the opening / closing member. Complete one unit drive. When this “unit driving of the opening / closing member” is repeated a predetermined number of times (so-called “round number”), the gaming machine ends the big hit game.

In this type of gaming machine, an attempt has been made to enhance the game entertainment by diversifying the contents of the symbol variation effect executed by the effect display means. For example, when the result of the determination is a big hit, in the effect display means, (a) the reach display is executed after the reach display is performed during the progress of the symbol variation effect, and the stop is stopped when the reach effect is ended. In addition to the symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “general type symbol variation effect”) whose content is to confirm and display the symbol (big hit symbol), the same as (b) “general type symbol variation effect” A symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “design change effect”) that starts the symbol variation effect according to the effect mode, switches the effect mode to another effect mode during the progress of the symbol variation effect, and then displays the stop symbol (big hit symbol). , A game machine that performs “sudden hit-type symbol variation effect”) is disclosed (see Patent Document 1, hereinafter).
It is called “conventional example”. ).

Then, in the “sudden hit-type symbol variation effect”, after suddenly switching the effect mode of the symbol variation effect during its progress, a stop symbol (big hit symbol) is confirmed and displayed to the player as if “ It is intended to give the impression of suddenly hitting a jackpot without any notice. Here, in the description related to this conventional example, “the effect performed after the effect mode is switched in the sudden hit type pattern effect” is hereinafter referred to as “the sudden hit effect”.

JP 2009-119155 A

In the gaming machine according to this conventional example, since the effect pattern for specifying the “sudden hit-type symbol variation effect” is predetermined in a state corresponding to the variation pattern, (Occurrence) timing (at which timing of the design variation effect the effect of sudden occurrence) cannot be diversified, and it is difficult to enhance the interest of the player.

For example, an effect pattern for specifying a “sudden hit type pattern change effect” in a state corresponding to “a change pattern that specifies a change time of 30 seconds” is defined. When the start timing is set at a time point of 20 seconds after the start of the design variation effect, “display that should be scheduled at a time point 20 seconds after the start of the design variation effect (a specific background design or a specific character design). Etc.) ”will always occur at the timing of occurrence. For this reason, the execution timing of the “explosive hit effect” is easily overlooked by the player based on the rule of thumb, and there is a possibility that the interest of the player is lowered.
In other words, in the prior art, the timing at which the normal symbol variation effect ends halfway and the sudden hit effect (big hit display) is executed is the specific timing of the specific effect pattern (specific reach) (after the symbol variation effect starts). It is fixed at 20 seconds). Therefore, a player who has rarely seen the effect is surprised by the sudden hit effect that suddenly occurred, but the player who touched the effect many times has a timing at which the sudden hit effect can occur. As such, such a player first expects the occurrence of the sudden hit effect at the specific timing in the middle of the normal variation effect, and when the specific timing elapses, the player hits at the final symbol stop timing. This will result in expectation of symbol stop display. In this case, the more the game is played, the more the game will be lost.

Even if a large number of effect patterns for executing the “sudden hit-type symbol variation effect” are provided in association with various variation patterns, the storage capacity in the storage means (effect pattern storage means) constituting the sub-control unit However, it is not possible to obtain a great effect simply by expanding. That means
Even if multiple execution timings of “prompt hit effect” are set (the timing before execution of the reach display is the execution timing, the timing after the reach display is the execution timing, etc.), the player will eventually store the execution timing, etc. Even in this case, it is difficult to enhance the interest of the player.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can easily enhance the interest of the player.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on a start winning prize as a hold;
A determination unit for determining whether or not to execute a winning game based on the acquired information stored as the hold ;
A variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation patterns for specifying different variation times;
A variation pattern selecting means for selecting a predetermined variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means based on the result of the determination of success / failure;
An effect pattern for general effect for specifying the effect mode of the general effect and a sudden hit effect for specifying the effect mode of the sudden hit effect provided corresponding to each change pattern stored in the change pattern storage means Production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of production patterns including
When executing a predetermined hit effect, select a general effect effect pattern corresponding to a variation pattern that specifies a variation time that is greater than or equal to the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means, and select the selected general effect together to initiate FIG pattern variation effect in accordance representation embodiment the effect for effect pattern identifying, during the progress of the symbol variation effect that the start, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect on representation embodiment according effect pattern for the sudden per presentation It said switch being configured to initiate a sudden hit effect,
The plurality of variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means include a first type variation pattern whose selection tendency changes according to the number of the suspensions remaining when the predetermined variation pattern is selected, and the predetermined variation pattern A second type variation pattern whose selection tendency does not change according to the number of the suspensions remaining when selecting a variation pattern of
When the predetermined variation pattern is selected from the second type variation pattern, the predetermined hit effect can be executed.
And wherein a call.

As described above, according to the invention of each claim, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine that can easily enhance the interest of the player.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows a game board in the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a schematic front view which shows a special symbol display part in each Example of this invention, (b) is the outline which shows the display content displayed on the display screen of an effect display apparatus in each Example of this invention. It is a typical front view. (A) is a schematic front view of a lower left display apparatus, (b) is a schematic front view of a lower right display apparatus. It is a back view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. In the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the aspects of the stop symbol of the main symbol and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a symbol fluctuation production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table and the production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table and the production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table and the production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table and the production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a pattern fluctuation effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a pattern fluctuation effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a pattern fluctuation effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a pattern fluctuation effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a pattern fluctuation effect. It is a time chart for explaining a general effect. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a general effect, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special effect. It is a time chart for explaining a special effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special effect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special effect. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a success / failure determination process in the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol change start process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot game end of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production control processing of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) is an explanatory view showing “contents of processing of S1120” in FIG. 39, and (b) is an explanatory view showing another specific example of “contents of processing of S1120” in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a modification of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the jackpot game effect process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the jackpot game effect process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table of Example 2, and the effect pattern table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the design fluctuation effect added in Example 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 2; It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table of Example 3, and an effect pattern table. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 3;

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

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2, a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2,
It has. Although not shown, the outer frame 2 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body H. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) configured by a substantially rectangular frame-like body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

The gaming machine main body H is rotatably attached to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIG. 1) on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper dish member 5, and the lower dish member 6. The game board 10 (see FIG. 4), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7), and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. A locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

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

When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion. A game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls to the upper plate member 5 is provided on the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and is opened in a substantially circumferential shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the game area 11 (see FIG. 4) formed on the board surface of the game board 10. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 disposed behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder (not shown) for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. Is provided. Speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 9) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the front frame 4, respectively. In the gaming machine 1, the speakers SP are also provided on the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22.
3, SP4 (see FIG. 9) is built-in. In the gaming machine 1, sound effects and other sounds (sounds) corresponding to the gaming state are generated using the speakers SP1 to SP4.

An upper plate member 5 and a lower plate member 6 are provided in a portion below the front frame 4 in the front portion of the gaming machine main body H. In other words, the upper plate member 5 is disposed below the front frame 4 and includes a receiving port 5b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1 inside the container. In addition, on the back side of the upper plate member 5, the ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 8) and the effect button board 2 are provided.
28 (see FIG. 9) is provided, and an “effect button SW” is arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5 (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 6 is disposed below the upper plate member 5. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. An ashtray 6 b is provided at the left end of the lower plate member 6, and a firing handle 9 is provided at the right end of the lower plate member 6.

A launching device unit 90 (see FIG. 4) is disposed in a front portion of the main body frame 3 and located below the game board 10 and on the left end side. The firing handle 9 is connected to the launcher unit 90. Here, the launcher unit 9
0 is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeding device (not shown) substantially vertically upward and reaching the game area 11 via the guide passage Y (see FIG. 4). The launch handle 9 has a touch switch (touch sensor) 9 for detecting that the player is touching.
a is attached, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is attached.

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

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

This area forming unit 10B (that is, a part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10)
Includes a main accessory device 20, a normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, a start winning device 17, a lower device 30, a lower left display device 50, a lower right display device 60, and four pieces. General winning devices 40, 41, 43, 44, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill 19 and the like are arranged.

The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the site | part except the left end side among the upper half parts of the game area | region 11. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a substantially rectangular display window 21e in front view.

The part from the top of the mounting member 21 to the lower end of the right edge is close to the outer rail 12, and the part from the top to the upper end of the left edge is mounted with the upper decorative member 21n protruding forward. Yes. Further, the left decorative member 21q is mounted on the left edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the stage member 21p is mounted on the lower edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward. . Furthermore, the left decorative member 21q includes a model 21r in which a game ball passage (not shown) is formed. The entrance of the game ball passage is opened obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at the entrance and enters the main accessory device 20.

The stage member 21p constitutes a rolling surface of the game ball by its upper surface portion, and this rolling surface is an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion. However, the central portion of the rolling surface is a raised portion that slightly rises upward. The stage member 21p is provided with a discharge passage for discharging the game ball on the rolling surface to the outside of the main accessory device 20. The outlet 21u of the discharge passage opens at a position continuous with the central portion behind the central portion of the rolling surface, and the outlet 21v of the discharge passage opens at a position below the central portion. ing.

In the present embodiment, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and entered the main accessory device 20 reaches the left end of the rolling surface, rolls right on the rolling surface, Roll in the direction. When the momentum of the game ball has declined, the game ball passes through the discharge passage and enters the main accessory device 20.
It is discharged to the outside or from the front edge of the rolling surface to the outside of the main accessory device 20.
Note that a start winning device 17 described later is located immediately below the exit portion 21v.

The effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, and performs a special symbol variation display and a stop display as in the lower right display device 60 described later. However, this effect display device 2
7, effect display (symbol variation display) is performed in conjunction with the special symbol variation display and stop display on the lower right display device 60. In the present embodiment, the lower right display device 60 constitutes a display device (main display means) for displaying the present symbol (one specific example of the special symbol).
In addition, the effect display device 27 displays a pseudo symbol (another specific example of a special symbol is shown) and the like, and constitutes a specific example of the effect display means.

The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d and a background screen display portion 27h composed of other portions may appear. In this case, the three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen 27a. In each of the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d that appear in this manner, an effect display (fluctuation display) using “pseudo symbols”, a stop display, and the like are performed. When the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the display screen 27a is displayed.
The background screen display unit 27h is displayed by other parts of the screen. The background screen display unit 27h displays a symbol indicating the background (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol), a symbol indicating the character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol), a live-action image, and the like together with the background symbol. can do. These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” are specific examples of “effect symbols” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols”, “ A “design variation effect” is realized by “background design”, “character design”, “live-action video”, and the like. The type, size, display speed, display timing, etc. of the “pseudo symbols” and decorative elements (elements that make up the effect symbols, such as background symbols, character symbols, live-action images, etc.) to be displayed on the display screen 27a. The effect pattern is specified by a general effect pattern (effect data), which will be described later, or a sudden hit effect pattern (effect data).

The normal symbol operating gate (ordinary symbol operating port) 16 is disposed in a portion located on the left side of the main accessory device 20 in the game area 11. Further, a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (see FIG. 8) is disposed in the normal symbol operation gate 16. Then, assuming that the game ball is detected by the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, “
When the normal symbol variation start condition (normal symbol lottery execution condition) is satisfied, the lower left display device 50
In (described later), normal symbol variation display (specifically, blinking display of the normal symbol lamp device) is started. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed after the start of normal symbol fluctuation, the normal symbol is confirmed (lit or extinguished). And normal symbol hit display (
When the lighting display is performed, the ordinary electric accessory 17d (described later) is in a predetermined time (for example, 0).
. 5 seconds) Driven open.

The start winning device 17 is disposed at a position located directly below the discharge path of the stage portion 21d. The first start winning portion 17a and the second start winning portion 17b are arranged vertically. Among these, the first start winning portion 17a is provided with a pocket shape with an opening, that is, a first start opening opened upward. The first start port is an outlet portion 21 of the discharge passage.
Since it is located directly under v, the probability that the game ball that has passed through the discharge passage will win the start winning device 17 through the first start opening is increased.

The second start winning portion 17b is located substantially directly below the first start winning portion 17a, and includes an ordinary electric accessory 17d at the entrance side portion. The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip type and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. That is, the second start winning portion 17b is a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (FIG. 8) for operating the pair of blade pieces.
See). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. It becomes.

Inside the start winning device 17, a start opening winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball through the first start winning portion 17a or the second start winning portion 17b is disposed. Yes. That is, the game ball won in the first start winning portion 17a and the second start winning portion 17b.
The game balls that have won a prize pass through the same passage (not shown) in the start winning device 17 and are detected by a start opening winning detection switch 17s disposed in the middle of the passage of the passage.

The big winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the big winning port 31a, a big winning port solenoid 31c (see FIG. 8) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a game to the big winning port 31a. A large winning opening winning detection switch 31s (see FIG. 8) for detecting a winning of a ball. Further, the opening / closing plate 31b is tiltable by pivotally supporting the lower end portion thereof.
When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the big winning opening 31a, so that it is impossible to win a game ball to the big winning device 31, and the opening / closing plate 31b has its lower end as a fulcrum. When the player leans forward and assumes a forward leaning posture, the special winning opening 31a is opened.

The lower left display device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 31. This lower left display 5
As shown in FIG. 6A, 0 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes an attachment plate 51 attached to the front surface portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 51 is provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 52, a special symbol hold display unit 53, a game state display unit 55, and a normal symbol display unit 56.

The normal symbol hold display unit 52 is configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a normal symbol” with an upper limit of four. In other words, “the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of holding balls)” is 4
In addition to displaying the upper limit number of pieces, every time an undigested game ball is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” related to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the normal symbol display unit 56, which will be described later, shows the result of the lottery result associated with the passage. This indicates a game ball in which neither display nor change display preceding this (in this embodiment, blinking display using an LED) is made.

The special symbol hold display section 53 is also configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a special symbol” with an upper limit of four. That is, “the number of game balls that have been won in the start winning device 17 but are still undigested (ie, the number of reserves)” is displayed as the upper limit number of 4 and every time an undigested game ball is digested , "Number of undigested game balls (ie, number of holds)"
Sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” related to the special symbol wins the start winning device 17, but in the special symbol display unit 82 described later, whether or not to win or not (determination of success / failure) This indicates a game ball in which the result display and the change display preceding the result are not made.

In the normal symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53, the number of holds is displayed in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off and “holding number” is “zero”, (b) one LED is turned on, one LED is turned off and “holding number” is "1"
(C) The two LEDs are turned on and the “holding number” is “2”.
) Blink one LED, turn on one LED, and confirm that “hold number” is “3”.
(E) Two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “holding number” is “4”.

The gaming state display unit 55 is composed of one LED, and is used to display a gaming state (game mode) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on (when the gaming machine 1 is activated). Specifically, LE
By turning off D, a message that “the gaming state is the normal gaming state (normal mode)” is displayed,
By turning on the LED, it is displayed that “the gaming state is the probability variation gaming state (high probability mode)”. In other words, the LED of the game state display unit 55 is lit only when the game mode is in the high probability mode when the power is turned on (when activated). In this case, when “hit” is obtained as a result of the special symbol winning / rejecting determination, the LED of the gaming state display unit 55 is turned off thereafter.

And even if the gaming state is in the probability changing mode until the gaming machine 1 is turned off (while the gaming machine 1 is operating), the LED of the gaming state display unit 55 is not lit. Here, in this embodiment, when the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the “normal mode” to the “high probability mode”, the probability variation means (the probability that the big hit determination is made in the lottery determination) A means of setting a high probability) and a means of shortening the fluctuation time (the fluctuation time of special symbols and normal symbols is usually (
Means to increase the possibility of setting a shorter time than when the fluctuation time shortening means is not in operation), and
The opening extension means (means for setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to a longer time than usual or setting the number of times of opening to a higher number than usual) is activated. When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the “high probability mode” to the “time reduction mode”, the fluctuation time shortening means and the opening extension means continue to operate, and only the probability changing means stops operating. Further, when the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is returned from the “time reduction mode” to the “normal mode”, the operation of the variable time shortening means and the opening extension means stops.

Next, the lower right display device 60 includes the special symbol display unit 62 and the big hit mode display unit 63 as described above. Among these, the special symbol display unit 62 has seven L as shown in FIG.
ED62a-62g is comprised, and "the winning of the game ball to the starting winning device 17 (hereinafter,"
It is called “Startup Prize”. The display of the result of the success / failure determination associated with “)” is executed through the variable display (in the present embodiment, lighting display using a plurality of LEDs). That is, as shown in FIG.
When the execution time of “advanced variable display” comes to the display of the result regarding the determination of success / failure determination, “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” are sequentially turned on. And this fluctuation display (hereinafter referred to as “LED6
It is called “circulation display using 2b to 62g”. ) Is executed, and the special symbol display unit 62 executes stop display (determined display) of the special symbol when the execution time of “display of the result related to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined” comes.

The big hit mode display unit 63 is configured by using two LEDs 63a and 63b, and mainly displays “the type of big hit that is generated based on the result when the determination result of special symbol is a win (big hit)”. Used to do. That is, when the big win display is not made in the special symbol display unit 62, the two LEDs 63a and 63b are turned off. When the special symbol display unit 62 performs a big hit display, any of the LEDs 63a and 63b is turned on to display the type of the big hit.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the two general winning devices 40 and 41 are integrated with a mounting plate 51 constituting the lower left display device 50. In each of the general winning devices 40 and 41, winning detection switches 40s and 41s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged.

Returning to FIG. 4, a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above, and below the game board 10. Is provided with an outlet 18. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18.

c. Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on the large back pack 102, and the back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. Yes.

The back pack 102 stores a game ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls as prize balls or rental balls, and a main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A. A main control board case, a launcher control board case 130 storing a launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, and a payout control board case storing a payout control board 240 for controlling the game ball payout device 109. 118, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted. In addition, the game ball tank 105
Is provided with a tank switch at the bottom so that a ball break can be detected. The game ball tank 105 and the game ball payout device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. Further, in FIG. 7, a ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a refilling ball breakage detection switch is provided on the downstream side of the tank rail 106.

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

The sub-control unit is composed of (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc.” It is configured using the control unit 220A and (b) the effect display control board 222, and the symbol display,
An effect control unit 222A that controls various effects of the game using the light emission of the lamp, sound effects, movement of moving objects, and the like, and (c) a payout control board 240, and is used for lending and winning balls. A payout control unit 240A that controls the payout operation, and (d) a launch control unit 260A that uses the launch control board 260 and controls the game ball launch. The sub-control unit includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140 and a first control unit 200A connected to the main control unit 200A via the primary sub-control unit. There is a secondary sub-control unit (260A).

Control board (2) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A)
00, 220, 240, 260) is a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations,
ROM storing various programs and data executed by the CPU, RAM storing temporary data when the program is executed, peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, CPU Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that outputs a clock for performing calculations, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates interrupt signals Has been configured. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 to 10 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 8, only the CPU 201, RAM 202, and ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown.
PIO mounted on the CPU, and CPU, RAM, R mounted on other control boards
Illustration of OM and the like is omitted.

The main control part 200A (main control board 200) is a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16.
s, start winning detection switch 17s, winning ball detection switch 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s
After receiving the detection signal of the game ball from, etc., and determining whether or not the basic progress of the game and the winning ball are relevant, the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220) and the payout control part 240A (payout control board 240) Various signals (commands) to be described later are output toward the launch control unit 260A (launch control board 260) and the like. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit.

In addition, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c,
These operations are directly controlled by outputting signals to the big prize opening solenoid 31c, the lower left display device 50, and the lower right display device 60. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 20
0) is “appropriateness determination unit”, “variation pattern storage unit”, “variation pattern selection unit”,
It functions as “a jackpot game executing means for executing a jackpot game” or the like. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively.

The sub controller 220A (sub control board 220) is connected to the main controller 200A (main control board 200).
When various signals (commands) are received, the contents of the signals (commands) are analyzed, and the game is rendered according to the results. That is, the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) is responsible for controlling the effect of the game based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200).

As shown in FIG. 9, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, and a decoration drive board 226.
And the effect button substrate 228, respectively. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c.

The CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives the control signal from the main control board 200 and produces the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 22.
Control each substrate such as 8. In addition, the ROM 220b stores data necessary for controlling each board (
In particular, information relating to game decoration is stored. Further, the CPU 220a is connected to the main control unit 2
Display control command (ie, display control signal) sent from 00A (main control board 200)
Are analyzed according to the program stored in the ROM 220b. And
The CPU 220a constituting the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) is the CPU 2
The predetermined display control command determined by 20a and the main control unit 200A (main control board 20
0) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).

As shown in FIG. 10, the effect display control board 222 includes a CPU 222 a and a control ROM 2.
22b, control RAM 222c, VDP (video display processor) 222d, work RAM 222e, display ROM (character ROM) 222g, video RA
M222h is mounted. In addition, an effect display device 27 is electrically connected to the VDP 222d. The sub-control board 220 cooperates with the effect display control board 222 to provide “effect pattern storage means”, “sudden hit effect execution determination means”, “effect pattern selection means”, “
It functions as “general hit effect executing means”, “special hit effect executing means”, and “outgoing effect executing means”. In the second embodiment to be described later, it also functions as “general losing effect executing means” and “special losing effect executing means”.

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

Based on the “analysis result” by the CPU 222a, the VDP 222d
The data stored in M222g is read, and work RA is based on the read data.
Image data is generated in M222e and is temporarily stored in the video RAM 222h. Thereafter, the image data stored in the video RAM 222h is loaded on the signal (RGB image signal) from the transmission unit 222k and transmitted to the effect display device 27.

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

As shown in FIG. 8, a relay terminal plate, a launch control unit 260A, a lower pan full tank switch 6s, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Also, the payout control unit 2
The main control unit 200A is connected to 40A so that bidirectional communication is possible.

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

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

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

Next, the drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is sent to the effect display control unit 2.
It outputs to 22A and performs the change display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbol, background symbol, character symbol, etc.). At this time, the display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, live-action images, etc.) is displayed on the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM (not shown) built in is used.

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

(3) Game Flow by the Gaming Machine 1 As described above, in the gaming machine 1, the fixed display (stop display) indicating the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined, and the variable display performed before the final display, Are simultaneously executed in two types of symbol display devices (lower right display device 60 and effect display device 27). Here, the lower right display device 60 (
That is, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 62) (the special symbol indicated by turning on and off the LEDs 62a to 62g) is “main symbol”. In the gaming machine 1, the display mode (at least “stop symbol” and “variation time”) is determined in the “main control unit 200A (described later)” that governs the basic progression of the game.

On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is “pseudo symbol”.
“The sub-control unit 220A that controls the game effects under the control of the main control unit 200A”
(To be described later) "determines the variation mode (design variation effect mode) and the stop symbol. Usually, this “pseudo symbol” is displayed for the same amount of time as this symbol, and the “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)” of this “pseudo symbol” stop symbol is the stop symbol of this symbol. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)”. And in this embodiment, when performing symbol variation effect display (variable game) such as reach display using special symbols,
The symbol variation effect display is performed on the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol).

In addition, in this gaming machine 1, “low probability mode in which probability changing means does not operate (normal probability mode)
When the winning / nothing determination is made due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17, the probability that the determination result indicating this jackpot is derived is about “1/315”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the big hit gaming state (special gaming state). As a result, the main control unit 200A drives the large winning opening solenoid 31c, changes the open / close plate 31b in the standing position to the forward inclined position, changes the closed large winning opening 31a to the open state, and the big hit game is performed. Be started. The open prize opening 31a in the open state has a predetermined time even if a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls enter the big prize opening 31a or a predetermined number of game balls do not enter. When the time has elapsed, the closed state is restored and one round is completed. When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is terminated. Hereinafter, the display content of the present symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

a. The jackpot display in this symbol When the winning / nothing judgment is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17 and the judgment result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the type of jackpot (the jackpot symbol of the jackpot symbol) Type) ”is determined by random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as“ sort lottery ”). And by this random number lottery,
As shown in FIG. 11, the mode (type) of big hit is defined as one of “normal big hit”, “first probability variation big hit”, and “second probability variation big hit”. Note that the random number (big hit symbol determination random number) for performing the “lottery lottery” is acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, in the same manner as the random number for determining whether or not it is successful (such as the random number for the big hit lottery).

Here, when the “ordinary big hit” occurs, the first big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high is executed, and the probability of the success / failure determination result being a big hit after the end of the first big hit game. Is a low probability (normal probability). In addition, the first jackpot game is a big winning device 31.
Is opened and closed 15 times with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds)
15 rounds) type of jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “first jackpot game”).
). At this time, the time (first opening time) for which the grand prize winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “25 seconds”. In this way, the gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a low probability (normal probability) is the “low probability mode (low probability state)”. In addition, the “main symbol indicating a big jackpot (stop symbol)” is displayed by turning on two LEDs as shown in the column in FIG. In addition, after the special game (the first jackpot game) related to the “normal jackpot” is finished, the probability changing means does not operate, but the number of changes of the special symbol is “1”.
"00 times" or until the next big hit occurs, the open extension means and variable time reduction means (
The means for shortening the variation time of the special symbol is in the operating state.

When the “first probable big hit” is generated, the first big hit game is executed, and after the first big hit game is executed, the probability of the success / failure determination being a big hit is high until the next big hit is generated. Probability. In this way, the gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a high probability (a winning probability that is approximately five times the normal probability) is “high probability mode (high probability state)”.
It is. In addition, as shown in the column in FIG. 11 (c), the “main symbol (stop symbol) indicating“ first probability variation big hit ”” is displayed by lighting three LEDs.

When the “second probability variation big hit” is generated, the second big hit game is executed, and after the second big hit game is finished, until the next big hit is generated, there is a high probability that the result of the determination is a big hit. It is said. However, as the second jackpot game due to the “second probability variation jackpot”,
The opening / closing operation of the special winning device 31 is repeated twice (two rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) in between. In the second jackpot game, the time (second opening time) for which the winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “0.2 seconds”. In addition, as shown in the column in FIG. 11D, the main symbol (stop symbol) indicating “second probability variation big hit” is displayed by turning on four LEDs. In addition, if a “first probable big hit” or “second probable big hit” is generated, after the big hit game related to the big hit, the special symbol changes to “10,000 times” or the next big hit Until it occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an activated state.

b. Out-of-line display with the present symbol The stop display (determined display) of the present symbol is performed by turning on one LED of the “special symbol display section 62” as shown in the column in FIG. The stop symbol (determined symbol) displayed by the lighting of this one LED becomes a “disappearing symbol” indicating that the result of the special symbol winning lottery is “disappearing”. In this case, the big hit game execution means does not operate.

c. Pseudo design (directing design)
Also in the effect display device 27, each time a special symbol variation start condition (presence / absence determination execution condition) is satisfied, a pseudo symbol variation display (symbol variation effect display) is started on the display screen 27a. Then, when this variable display period (that is, a predetermined time) elapses, pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed. At this time, the pseudo symbol stop display also displays the result of the lottery determination as in the case of the stop symbol of the main symbol.

On the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the pseudo symbol variable display is started, three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d appear, and each pseudo symbol display portion is displayed. In 27b to 27d, variable display using “pseudo symbols”, stop display, and the like are performed. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. Consists of repeated “circular display”. When the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d start the variable display,
The background screen display unit 27h is displayed by other parts of the display screen 27a. And on this background screen display part 27h, a background design can be displayed or a character design can be displayed with this background screen.

11 (a) to 11 (d) are examples of the confirmed symbols displayed on the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d.
There is a mode shown in FIG. That is, “a stop symbol (disconnection display)” in FIG. 11A and FIG.
1 (b) to (d) are “stop symbols indicating a big hit (big hit display)”. That is, FIG.
As shown in (b) to (d), the “normal jackpot symbol” is configured by arranging three “even numbers in the same number” on the display screen 27a, and the “first odd variation jackpot symbol” is displayed on the display screen 27a as “odd number”. "Same number" are arranged side by side, and "second probability variation big hit symbol" is constituted by arranging "different odd numbers" in ascending order from left to right. In addition, the “off symbol” is a stop symbol constituted by displaying a different number on at least one of the three pseudo symbol display portions, excluding the “second probability variation big hit symbol”. .

The effect display device 27 performs reach display in principle during the symbol variation effect (variation display), which is the premise of any “hit symbol” display. However, in the special effects described later, a “hit symbol” may be displayed without performing reach display (see FIG. 28). Further, in the case of displaying the “stop symbol indicating detachment” on the effect display device 27, the reach display is not performed during the presumed variation display (that is, detachment variation) (hereinafter referred to as “simple detachment”). And reach display (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”). In addition, the reach display of the present embodiment is the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27
Among the pseudo symbols displayed on the screen, two pseudo symbols are stopped at the same symbol, and the other one pseudo symbol is changing. However, when the “stop symbol indicating the second probability variation big hit” is stopped and displayed, the reach display may not be performed during the change.

(4) Outline of Symbol Fluctuation Effect The symbol variation effect executed by the gaming machine 1 is “an effect that is performed without a sudden hit effect (hereinafter referred to as“ general effect ””) and “a sudden hit effect with an effect. Production (hereinafter referred to as “special production”) ”. Hereinafter, after describing the common items of the general effect and the special effect, the characteristics of the general effect and the special effect will be described. In addition, the symbol variation effect (design variation effect performed on the display screen 27a) executed in the general effect is executed continuously (in order). For example, all three symbols start changing, then the two symbols stop at the same symbol (that is, reach), one symbol continues to fluctuate for a predetermined time, and then the same as the reach symbol If you stop at the symbol (three symbols are the same symbol),
If you stop at a different symbol, you will be off. In addition, the symbol variation effect (
The symbol variation effect performed on the display screen 27a is switched to an effect (sudden hit effect) that informs that the effect being executed is not related to the previous effect and is a hit. The For example, when all three symbols start to fluctuate and then two symbols try to stop at the same symbol (reach arrangement), the symbol variation effect (display screen 27a) that suddenly tries to form a reach arrangement. The symbol variation effect performed in step 1 is interrupted, and instead, an effect that informs a hit that is not related to the previous symbol variation effect is executed (started). In addition, in the case of performing either “general effect” or “special effect”, the special symbol display unit 62 (variable display using this symbol,
In the (definite display), the variation display and the definite display of the same mode are performed.

a. Common Items In any of the general effects and the special effects, when a game ball is won (start winning) in the start winning device 17, the special symbol variation start condition (presence / absence determination execution condition) is satisfied.
Thereby, while the special symbol display part 62 starts the symbol fluctuation of this symbol, FIG.
As shown in (c), the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27).
In d), the symbol variation effect using the pseudo symbol is started. In addition, FIG. 12 (a)-(c)
In FIG. 5, illustration of decorative elements (“background design”, “character design”, “actual video”, etc.) displayed on the display screen 27a is omitted.

The execution time of the symbol variation effect varies depending on the variation pattern selected when the variation of the special symbol is started in the special symbol display unit 62 (at the start of variation of the present symbol). It is selected by random number lottery using the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 in consideration of the result and the gaming state at that time. Each of the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 is set in advance in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and a predetermined storage area of the ROM 203 (storage area for storing the variation pattern table) is A specific example of the variation pattern storage means is configured. In addition, in the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, a plurality of variation patterns are stored in association with “random value”, and based on random lottery, “variation pattern used for symbol variation” is determined to be any one. Is done. Furthermore, FIG.
For convenience of explanation, ˜16 describes a fluctuation pattern table storing a small number of fluctuation patterns. Actually, these fluctuation pattern tables include a large number of fluctuation patterns (for example,
20 types, 50 types, 100 types) are stored.

Here, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show a plurality of “big hit variation pattern tables” used when the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit, and FIGS. 15 and 16 show the result of the success / failure determination. A plurality of “displacement variation pattern tables” used in the case where is out of place are shown. That is, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 describe a plurality of “big hit variation pattern tables” selected according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 and the type of big hit that occurs, and FIG. 15 and FIG. A plurality of “outgoing variation pattern tables” selected according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, the number of holds (the number of holds relating to special symbols), and whether or not reach display is executed are described.

As will be described later, the type of jackpot that is generated is determined by obtaining a symbol determining random number and determining the mode of the jackpot symbol to be stopped. In addition, in the symbol variation effect performed when the result of the determination is wrong, the determination as to whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by random number lottery using reach random numbers, as will be described later. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the gaming machine is determined depending on whether the probability varying means and the varying time shortening means are activated. In other words, by not operating the probability variation means and the variation time shortening means, a “low probability and no shortening variation state (low probability normal variation mode)” is realized, and the probability variation means is not activated. By operating the time shortening means, a “state with low probability and performing shortening variation (low probability shortening variation mode)” is realized. Further, by operating the probability variation means and the variation time shortening means, a “high probability and state of performing shortening variation (high probability shortening variation mode)” is realized. In this embodiment, the probability variation means is activated and the variation time shortening means is not activated, thereby realizing a “high probability and no shortening variation (high probability normal variation mode)”. .

The result of the determination is a big hit, and the generated big hit is “normal big hit” or “
In the case of “first probability variable big hit” (when the determined big hit symbol is “big hit symbol indicating normal big hit” or “big hit symbol indicating first positive variable big hit”), the gaming state of gaming machine 1 (gaming Mode), the “big hit fluctuation pattern table” shown in the A column of FIG. 13, the “big hit fluctuation pattern table” shown in the B column of FIG. 13 and the “big hit fluctuation pattern table” shown in the C column of FIG. ”Is selected, and a variation pattern is set (selected). That is, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with low probability (low probability normal variation mode)”, the “low probability normal variation pattern table” shown in the column A of FIG. 13 is selected. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)”
”Is selected, the“ low probability shortening variation pattern table ”shown in the B column of FIG. 13 is selected,
When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, a “high probability shortening variation pattern table” shown in the column C in FIG. 14 is selected. ,
A process for setting (selecting) the fluctuation pattern is performed.

In this embodiment, the “shortening variation mode (time reduction mode)” refers to a state in which the variation time reduction means (time reduction function) is in operation, and is a game mode in which the release extension means is operated, that is, “ In the “high probability open extension mode” and the “normal probability open extension mode”, the variable time reduction function (time reduction function) operates. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” can be read as “open extension mode”.

The result of the determination is a big hit, and the generated big hit is “the second probability variable big hit (when the determined big hit symbol is a big hit symbol indicating the second probability variable big hit), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 In consideration of (game mode), the “big hit fluctuation pattern table” shown in the D column of FIG. 14, the “big hit fluctuation pattern table” shown in the E column of FIG. 14 and the “big hit fluctuation pattern” shown in the H column of FIG. One of the “pattern tables” is selected, and the process of setting (selecting) the variation pattern is performed. That is, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)”, the “low probability normal variation pattern table” shown in the D column of FIG. 14 is selected. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)”, the “low probability shortening variation pattern table” shown in the E column of FIG. 14 is selected, The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”
In this case, the process of setting (selecting) the fluctuation pattern is performed by selecting the “high probability shortening fluctuation pattern table” shown in the H column of FIG.

If the result of the determination is not good, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 and the number of holdings at that time (
In consideration of whether or not a special symbol is held) and whether or not reach display is executed, one of the “fluctuation variation pattern tables” shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is selected and a variation pattern is set (
Process). That is, when the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)” and no reach is performed in the starting symbol variation effect, FIG. From the “low probability normal fluctuation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the N column, the portion corresponding to the number of reservations at that time is selected. Further, when the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)” and the reach is performed in the starting symbol variation effect, P in FIG. Select “Low probability normal variation pattern table for reach” shown in the column.

When the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)” and no reach is performed in the starting symbol variation effect, the column S in FIG. The portion corresponding to the number of reservations at that time is selected from the “low probability reduced variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in FIG. Further, when the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)” and the reach is performed in the starting symbol variation effect, T in FIG. Select “Low probability shortening variation pattern table for reach” shown in the column. Furthermore, when the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability normal variation mode)” and no reach is performed in the starting symbol variation effect, FIG. Of the “high probability shortening variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the U column, the portion corresponding to the number of reservations at that time is selected. In addition, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (
When the game mode) is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)” and the reach is performed in the starting symbol variation effect, the “high for reach” shown in the V column of FIG. Select “probability reduction variation pattern table”.

When the determination result is “out”, when the number of holds is small (for example, when the number of holds at the time of determining the change pattern is “1”), the fluctuation pattern for specifying a longer fluctuation time Is selected and the number of holdings is large (for example, the number of holdings when determining the variation pattern is “3” to
In the case of “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected.
In addition, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. There is a tendency to be shortened. Further, in each variation pattern table illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, the variation pattern described below specifies a variation time longer than the variation pattern described above. Further, in the case of realizing “a state with high probability and no shortening variation (high probability normal variation mode)”, a big hit variation pattern table corresponding to this gaming state and a deviation variation pattern table are also provided. .

In FIGS. 13 to 16, an effect pattern table is also written. This effect pattern table is provided in a specific storage area of the ROM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220, and the ROM 220b (specific storage area) constitutes a specific example of the effect pattern storage means.
In the effect pattern table, the “general effect effect pattern” in a state associated with each change pattern stored in the change pattern storage means (“big hit change pattern table” and “outgoing change pattern table”). And “a sudden hit effect pattern” that is not associated with each variation pattern is stored. The “arrows pointing rightward on the paper” displayed in FIGS. 13 to 16 are arrows indicating the general effect effect patterns in which each variation pattern has a corresponding relationship.

Each effect pattern for general effects specifies the effect aspect of the effect over the same variation time as the “variation pattern in correspondence”, and depending on the selected effect pattern for general effects,
The aspect of the effect displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is specified. That is, the types, sizes, display positions, display speeds, and the like of the pseudo-symbol display units 27b to 27d displayed on the display screen 27a and decoration elements (such as “background design”, “character design”, and “live-action video”) are determined. Or a variation mode (presence / absence of re-variation, presence / absence of super reach) or the like in the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d is specified.

The effect pattern for the sudden hit effect is a big hit in the result of the determination of the success / failure, and is used when performing the special effect, and is always the same regardless of the change time specified by the change pattern to be selected. Sudden hit effect pattern (specifying the 20-second symbol variation effect)
Is used. In addition, the mode of the effect displayed on the display screen 27a according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect is different from the mode of the effect displayed on the display screen 27a according to any of the effect patterns for general effect (the type and arrangement of the decoration elements). The number is different, the animation / live action is different from that for general effects, or the display is completely different).

Returning to FIG. 12, when the “variation time specified by the variation pattern” elapses after the variation display is started, the special symbol display unit 62 confirms and displays the stop symbol of the present symbol and the display screen 27 a. The stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is fixedly displayed at. here,
“Out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 12A is “out-of-display with no reach effect (so-called“ normal out ””), and “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. This is the accompanying display (so-called “outgoing reach”). Here, the reach display (reach effect) refers to, for example, a symbol other than a symbol that finally stops (hereinafter referred to as “final stop symbol”) in the middle of the variation display (effect display) as a predetermined symbol. This is a stunning display that indicates that there is a possibility that a jackpot display may be made depending on the type of the final stop symbol. For example, if the “hit display” is completed when the stop symbols of multiple symbols are the same symbol, the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol and the game machine “ This indicates an indication that there is a possibility of occurrence.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), using “a special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol”, “
In the case of a stop display (hit display) indicating that the result of the determination is a big hit, a “reach display” is performed in the middle of the special symbol (pseudo symbol) symbol variation display (variation display). After confirmation, this final display is performed. When this “big hit display” is made, after executing “shift display for shifting to big hit” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the big hit state, and the big hit game is started. However, in the special effects described later, a “hit symbol” may be displayed without performing reach display (see FIG. 28).

b. Characteristics of general effects and special effects The general display and the special effects are displayed in the same manner in the special symbol display unit 62, but the display form in the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is different. Yes. For this reason, in the following description, the difference between the display mode on the display screen 27a in the general effect (the pattern change effect mode) and the display mode on the display screen 27a in the special effect (the pattern change effect mode) will be mainly described. Explained. Further, for convenience of explanation, the case where the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)” will be mainly described. That is, the case where the variation pattern table shown in the A column of FIG. 13 is selected will be described as an example. The CPU 222a of the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) can identify the selected fluctuation pattern by receiving the fluctuation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control board 200.

For example, when “variation pattern A2 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 30 seconds)” is selected as the variation pattern, the CPU 222a of the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) executes the general effect. As an effect pattern for general effects, “variation pattern A2
The general effect production pattern a2 "corresponding to is selected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 222a starts the symbol variation effect while displaying the character symbol of “flower” on the edge of the display screen 27a (X1).

Then, after 13 seconds have elapsed since the start of the symbol variation effect, after the reach display is executed on the display screen 27a (X2), the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced,
Reach production is started (X3). This reach production is performed by enlarging the display of the “flower” character design. The “flower” character gradually blooms, and all of them bloom (full bloom). Done. Furthermore, when 30 seconds have elapsed after the start of the symbol variation effect, the symbol variation effect is terminated and the pseudo symbol display unit 27 enlarged to the original size is displayed.
A jackpot symbol (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed using b to 27d (see FIG. 5) (X4).

When “variation pattern A3 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 40 seconds)” is selected as the variation pattern, the CPU 222a selects “general effect production pattern a3 corresponding to variation pattern A3” as the general effect production pattern. ”Is selected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 222a starts the symbol variation effect while displaying the character symbols “octopus” and “squid” on the edge of the display screen 27a (X11).

Then, when 15 seconds have elapsed after starting the symbol variation effect, reach display is executed on the display screen 27a (X12), and then the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced to reach the reach effect. Is started (X13 to X15). This reach production is performed while enlarging the character designs of “octopus” and “squid” and displaying a “background image showing the ground”. The character design of “octopus” and the character design of “squid” It is a battle production that fights. Then, a battle effect is performed in which “squid (character A)” and “octopus (character B)” fight, and in the case of winning, an effect that “squid” wins at the end of the battle is executed. Performs the performance of losing “squid” at the end of the battle. Furthermore, after the start of the symbol variation effect, the battle effect is settled immediately before 40 seconds elapse (X15). In the case of FIG. 18, since the result of the determination of success or failure is a big hit, the effect that “squid” wins is executed, and when 40 seconds elapse, the symbol variation effect is ended and the original size is enlarged. Pseudo symbol display parts 27b-27d (
The jackpot symbol (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed (X16).

When “variation pattern A5 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 60 seconds)” is selected as the variation pattern, when executing the general effect, the CPU 222a displays “to the variation pattern A5 as the general effect effect pattern”. A corresponding general effect effect pattern a5 ”is selected.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 222a starts the symbol variation effect while displaying the character symbols “squid” and “crab” on the edge of the display screen 27a (X21).

Then, when 20 seconds have elapsed after starting the symbol variation effect, reach display is executed on the display screen 27a (X22), and then the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced to reach the reach effect. Is started (X23 to X27). This reach production is performed while enlarging the character designs of “squid (character A)” and “crab (character C)” and displaying a “background image showing a cloud”, and the character design of “squid” This is a battle effect in which the character design of “Crab” fights. Then, a battle effect is performed in which “squid (character A)” and “crab (character C)” fight, and in the case of winning, an effect that “squid” wins at the end of the battle is executed. Performs the performance of losing “squid” at the end of the battle.
Furthermore, after the start of the symbol variation effect, the battle effect is settled immediately before 60 seconds elapse (X27).
). In the case of FIG. 19, since the result of the determination is a big hit, the effect that “squid” wins is executed, and after 60 seconds, the symbol variation effect is terminated and enlarged to the original size. Using the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5), a big hit symbol (for example, “
7, 7, 7 ") is displayed (X28).

When “variation pattern A8 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 120 seconds)” is selected as the variation pattern, when executing the general effect, the CPU 222a displays the “variation pattern A8 as the general effect effect pattern”. The corresponding general effect effect pattern a8 "is selected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 222a displays “squid (
The character variation effect is started while displaying the character symbols of “Character A)” and “Whale (Character D)” (X31).

Then, when 25 seconds have elapsed after starting the symbol variation effect, reach display is executed on the display screen 27a (X32), and then the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced, and FIG. And as shown in FIG. 21, reach production is started (X33-X40). This reach production is performed while enlarging the character design of “squid” and “whale” and displaying the “background image showing the underwater”. The character design of “squid” and the character design of “whale” However, it is a battle effect that fights for a long time (about 85 seconds). Then, a battle effect is performed in which “squid (character A)” and “whale (character D)” fight, and in the case of winning, an effect that “squid” wins at the end of the battle is executed. Performs the performance of losing “squid” at the end of the battle. Furthermore, after starting the symbol variation effect, the battle effect is settled immediately before 120 seconds elapse (X40). In the case of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, since the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit, the effect that “squid” wins is executed, and after 120 seconds, the symbol variation effect is ended and the original size is restored Using the enlarged pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5), a big hit symbol (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed (X41).

In these general effects, for example, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23A, a movie corresponding to the selected general effect effect pattern (hereinafter referred to as “normal movie”).
) Is used to produce a symbol variation effect. That is, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, during the “variation time specified by the selected variation pattern”, the symbol variation effect is performed using the normal movie.

On the other hand, the special effects have the following characteristics. That is, when the variation pattern is selected in the main control unit 200A, the CPU 222a of the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) performs a process of selecting a general effect effect pattern to be used based on the variation pattern. Specifically, “the length of the change is longer than the specified change time
An effect pattern for general effect (hereinafter referred to as “dummy effect pattern”) corresponding to “a change pattern for specifying a change time” is selected using a random number lottery.

This point will be described using a specific example shown in FIG. For example, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)”, the main control unit 200A displays the variation pattern described in the column A in FIG. Any one of them {any one of the fluctuation patterns A1 to An (n is a natural number)} is selected. Then, assuming that “variation pattern A5 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 60 seconds)” is selected as the variation pattern, “general effect production patterns a5 to an” corresponding to “variation patterns A5 to An”, respectively. "Is a selection target. In this case, the CPU 222a makes a random lottery to
One of the general effect production patterns a5 to an is selected as the “dummy production pattern”. However, the method of selecting the “dummy effect pattern” is not limited to this (this will be described later).

In the special effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 23A and FIG. 25, a display screen 27a is used by using a movie (normal movie) corresponding to the selected “dummy effect pattern”.
To start the symbol variation production. Then, the symbol variation effect using this “normal movie” is performed only for “the time obtained by subtracting 20 seconds (special variation time) from the variation time specified by the selected variation pattern”. Then, when the remaining time of the fluctuation time becomes 20 seconds (special fluctuation time), the sudden hit effect is started. That is, the sudden hit effect is started using the sudden hit movie on the display screen 27a. In addition, the sudden hit effect of the present embodiment is an effect that is poor in continuity with the symbol variation effect that was executed before the sudden hit effect was started. This is an effect that gives the impression that it has occurred. In particular,
Fluctuation display (variable display) of the pseudo pattern (identification information) that is continuing according to the “dummy performance pattern”
Is different from the design variation effect that was executed before the sudden hit effect was started (at least one of the type, number, combination, arrangement position, size, etc. of the decoration elements). (Different) The symbol variation effect is executed.

Furthermore, at the end of the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern,
The jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the special effect is ended.
Hereinafter, the special effects will be further described using specific examples.

When the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is the “low-probability normal variation mode”, the main control unit 200A uses “variation pattern A5 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 60 seconds)” as the variation pattern. And the sub control unit 220A selects the general effect production pattern a5 as the dummy production pattern (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 1”). In this specific example 1, as shown in FIG. 19, while displaying the character symbols of “squid” and “crab” on the display screen 27a, the symbol variation effect is started (X21), and after the symbol variation effect is started,
When 20 seconds elapse, reach display is executed on the display screen 27a (X22). Thereafter, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced, and a battle effect is started (
X23 etc.).

In this specific example 1, when 40 seconds elapse after starting the symbol variation effect, as shown in FIG. 26, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect is switched to the effect mode according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect. That is, during the execution of the reach effect, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect is switched to the effect mode according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect, and the sudden hit effect is started.

When this sudden hit effect is started, the background image displayed on the display screen 27a and the character image are naturally switched. Specifically, the squid character image and the moon character image are displayed on the display screen 27a so as to face each other, and the “shining plain background image”
Is displayed (y1). Then, after the background image changes to a background image with a “closed open / close door” (y2), when the variation time specified by the variation pattern ends (when 60 seconds have elapsed), the display screen 27a displays “Open A background image with the “open / closed door” is displayed to end the sudden hit effect, and a big hit symbol appears from the inside of the open / closed door.

In this specific example 1, the reach effect that the player pays attention to is suddenly terminated, and the effect mode of the symbol variation effect is switched to the “effect mode according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect”. Can be given.

When the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is the “low-probability normal variation mode”, the main control unit 200A uses “variation pattern A5 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 60 seconds)” as the variation pattern. And the sub-control unit 220A selects the general effect effect pattern a8 (effect pattern for 120 seconds) as the dummy effect pattern (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 2”). In the second specific example, as shown in FIG. 20, the symbol variation effect is started while the character symbols “squid” and “whale” are displayed on the display screen 27a (X3).
1).

Then, when 25 seconds have elapsed after starting the symbol variation effect, reach display is executed on the display screen 27a (X32). Thereafter, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 5) are reduced, and a battle effect is started (X33 and the like).

Also in this specific example 2, when 40 seconds elapse after starting the symbol variation effect, as shown in FIG. 27, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect is switched to the effect mode according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect. Then, at the end of the variation time specified by the variation pattern (when 60 seconds have elapsed), the display screen 27a displays “background image with open / closed door in an open state” to terminate the sudden hit effect and open it. The jackpot symbol appears from inside the open door.

Also in this specific example 2, the reach effect that the player pays attention to is suddenly ended, and the effect mode of the symbol variation effect is switched to the “effect mode according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect”. It can give an impact. In addition, “the selected variation pattern (A5
) For general effect production pattern (a5) ”, which is not displayed (cannot be visually recognized) (“ squid ”and“ whale ”character designs,“ background image showing underwater ”) Can be displayed (viewed).

When the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is the “low-probability normal variation mode”, the main control unit 200A uses “variation pattern A2 (variation pattern that specifies a variation time of 30 seconds)” as the variation pattern. Suppose that the sub-control unit 220A selects the general effect effect pattern a8 (the effect pattern for 120 seconds) as the dummy effect pattern (hereinafter referred to as “specific example 3”). In the third specific example, as shown in FIG. 20, the symbol variation effect is started while the character symbols “squid” and “whale” are displayed on the display screen 27a (X31).
) When 10 seconds have elapsed after starting the symbol variation effect, as shown in FIG. 28, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect is switched to the effect mode according to the effect pattern for the sudden hit effect. Then, at the end of the variation time specified by the variation pattern (when 30 seconds have elapsed), the display screen 27a displays “
A “background image with an open / closed door” is displayed to suddenly end the hit effect, and a big hit symbol appears from inside the open / closed door.

Also in this specific example 3, when the “general effect production pattern corresponding to the selected variation pattern” is used, the character design of “squid” and “whale”, “underwater The background image shown)) can be visually recognized. Moreover, in the third specific example, before the reach display is performed, the sudden hit effect is started and the big hit symbol is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 27a. Normally, when the player starts displaying the fluctuation, the player is playing with the expectation that he will first reach reach, but skips the reach or subsequent fluctuation display and suddenly reports the big hit. By doing so, I feel joy with surprise. Thereby, a player's preference can be improved.

In other words, in Example 1, various special effects are formed by combining all the general effect patterns and the sudden hit effect effects pattern without providing “the effect pattern dedicated to the special effects” as the entire effect pattern. Special effects can be executed with various timings and patterns. In other words, depending on “the length of the variation time specified by the selected variation pattern” and which general effect production pattern is selected as the dummy production pattern, the sudden hit production start timing (before reach display, during reach display) , After the reach display), and the aspect of the effect performed before the sudden hit effect starts. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player can have a sense of expectation for the big hit throughout the entire period of execution of the symbol variation effect (regardless of whether it is before reaching or after reaching). At the same time, special effects can be executed with various timings and various production patterns.

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

The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. One of these bits is allocated for strobe signal output,
The remaining 8 bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal. Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. 29B. That is, there are (A) a variation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for specifying the variation pattern, and is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol.

(6) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, a prize ball payout process (S80).
Each process such as the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal electric accessory game process (S200), the special symbol game process (S300), and the big hit game process (S700) is repeatedly executed. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 of FIG. 30 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. That is, the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 30 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec.

The above-mentioned CTC (counter / timer circuit) is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by CTC, various random numbers are updated and various game balls are detected. Switch (normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, start winning opening winning ball detection switch 17s, winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s, etc.)
A process for detecting the state is performed. In the game control shown in FIG. 30, the normal symbol game processing (S100), the normal electric power generation are performed while generating various interrupts and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice each time the control goes around. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S600), and the like are performed. During these processes, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S80). That is, the state of the start winning opening winning ball detection switch 17s or the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, and 44s is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. If a game ball has entered, this information is used as the main control board 2.
The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on 00. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored in the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is designated and a payout signal is output. To do.

When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. In contrast, the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A.
When the CPU mounted on the CPU receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and outputs the prize ball payout device 109.
A payout ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the. And
The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (a front payout switch 109a and a rear payout switch 109b) for detecting a payout game ball. Meanwhile, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of a “payout device”.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
In the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal symbol display of the lower left display device 50 is triggered by the detection of the game ball by the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (detection that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 16). In part 56, the normal symbol variation display is started. If the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 30, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. In addition, C
When the PU 201 determines that the stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) of the stop symbol has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 30, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. Whether it is a normal symbol or a symbol that is not activated (
Judgment of out-of-normal symbols).

If the stop symbol is a symbol (ordinary symbol winning symbol) that activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b), whether or not the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is activated. (That is, whether or not the opening extension means is in operation) is determined, and when the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is set to “open extension. After setting to “Opening time when function is activated (for example, 5 seconds)”, normal symbol game processing (S1
00) and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.5 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

The CPU 201 does not execute the normal symbol change display on the normal symbol display unit 56, and the normal symbol stop display is not performed on the normal symbol 17d (second start winning portion 17b). If it is determined that the number of holds for the normal symbol is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. Further, the number of holdings for the normal symbol is “+1” when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holdings for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment). It is set to “−1” every time the symbol variation display is started.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric game game process.
When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated during the game control process, the ordinary electric accessory 17d
It is determined whether or not (second start winning portion 17b) is in operation (whether or not second start winning portion 17b is in an open state). If it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the operation time (second second) of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is determined. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time for maintaining the start winning device 17b in the open state has elapsed (3 seconds in the open extension mode and 0.5 seconds in the normal open mode) (S202). When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S202; YE)
S), by stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b), the second start winning device 17b in the open state is closed (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is performed. finish.

However, when the CPU 201 opens the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b),
When it is determined that a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b,
Even when the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the ordinary electric accessory 17d (
The operation of the second start winning portion 17b) is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory 17d game process is ended. Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c provided therein is driven, and the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 1) is driven.
The pair of blade pieces 7b) rotate outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

D. Special Symbol Game Processing Next, an outline of the special symbol game processing will be described with reference to FIGS. When the special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 32, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has won the start winning device 17 (S302). If a negative determination (determination that no game ball has been won) is made in the process of S302 (S302; NO), the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has won the start winning device 17 (S3).
02; YES), it is determined whether or not the “number of special symbols held” is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4) (S304). In the process of S304, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304; YES), a determination random number (lottery random number) related to winning in the start winning device 17 is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) is acquired. RAM mounted on main control board 200
202 is stored at a predetermined address 202 and “+1” is added to the “special symbol hold count” (
S306).

Here, as a determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306, (a
) Random number for lottery used for determination of success / failure (determination as to whether or not to generate a big hit) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17, (b) stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 A random number for determining a symbol to be determined (hereinafter referred to as “symbol determined random number”), (c
) There is a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display displayed on the effect display device.

In the process of S308, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, the jackpot game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 33) is set (set to ON)
If so, a positive determination is made in the processing of S308. The jackpot game flag is “a jackpot game execution means (control program, which is stored in the ROM 203.
) "Indicates that it is operating.

When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S308; YES), it ends the special symbol game process and returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, in the process of S308,
If it is determined that the big hit game is not being executed (S308; NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (in this embodiment, this stop display time is set to 0.6 seconds) (
S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314).

The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that “the number of holds regarding the special symbol” is not “zero”. And when "the number of reservations regarding a special symbol" is "zero" (S3
14; YES) The special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if “the number of holds regarding the special symbol” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306) is read from a predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316),
An appropriate / bad determination process is performed (S320b). In this success / failure determination process (S320), FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability mode (S
322) When the mode is the high probability mode (S322; YES), the determination of success / failure (whether or not to generate a big hit is made using the “high probability data table” and the “random number for determination read in the processing of S316”). When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), “low probability data table”
And “Randomness for determination read out in the process of S316” are used to determine whether or not (a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a big hit) ”(S326). In the high probability mode, the fluctuation shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal is operated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning portion 17b (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is provided. Operate.

When the determination of success / failure made in the process of S324 or S326 is a big hit (S330; Y
ES), after setting the big hit flag (set to ON) (S332), the success / failure determination process (S3)
20) is ended, and the process proceeds to a symbol variation start process (S500). Further, when the result of the determination is wrong (S330; NO), “after setting a set off flag (a flag indicating that no big hit has occurred) (set to ON) (S339), the success / failure determination process (S320) is performed. The process ends, and the process proceeds to the symbol variation start process (S500).

In the symbol variation start processing (S500), as shown in FIG. 35, first, variation setting processing (S510, S540) and the like are performed based on the result of the success / failure determination processing (S320). That is,
If it is determined in the process of S502 that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is “big hit” (S502; YES), the process proceeds to S510 and “big hit fluctuation setting process” is performed. In the jackpot variation setting process (S510), the symbol determination random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 32) is read, and the symbol (hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 is set (determined). Thereafter, a process of setting (selecting) a variation pattern by random lottery using a “variation pattern table selected in consideration of the determined jackpot symbol aspect and the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1” I do.

That is, when the determined jackpot symbol is “a jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot” or “a jackpot symbol indicating a first probability variation jackpot”, the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 is taken into consideration. And the corresponding variation pattern table is selected from the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 14, and the variation pattern is set (selected) using random number lottery. That is, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with low probability (low probability normal variation mode)”, the “low probability normal variation pattern table” shown in the column A of FIG. 13 is selected. When the variation pattern is set (selected) and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with a low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)”, the “low probability” shown in the B column of FIG. Shortened variation pattern table "
Select to set (select) the fluctuation pattern. Further, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, the “high probability shortening variation pattern table” shown in the column C of FIG. 14 is selected. To set (select) the fluctuation pattern.

In addition, when the determined jackpot symbol is “a jackpot symbol indicating a second probability variation jackpot”,
In consideration of the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1, the corresponding variation pattern table is selected from the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 14, and the variation pattern is set (selected) using random number lottery.
Perform the process. That is, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)”, the “low probability normal variation pattern table” shown in the D column of FIG. 14 is selected. When the variation pattern is set (selected) and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with low probability (low probability shortening variation mode)”, the “low probability” shown in the E column of FIG. The “shortened fluctuation pattern table” is selected and a fluctuation pattern is set (selected). Further, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, the “high probability shortening variation pattern table” shown in the H column of FIG. 14 is selected. To set (select) the fluctuation pattern. Note that the process of setting (selecting) the variation pattern in S510 constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 as the “variation pattern selection unit”.

On the other hand, in the process of S502, if it is determined that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is not “big hit” (S502; NO), the process proceeds to S540, and “outgoing fluctuation setting process” is performed. In this outlier variation setting process (S540), the “variation pattern tail shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is selected in consideration of the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 and whether or not the reach effect is executed”. Using the variation pattern table, processing for setting (determining) the variation pattern by random number lottery is performed. Thereafter, a symbol determination random number is acquired, and a process of setting a stop symbol is performed. The presence / absence of execution of the reach effect is determined based on the reach random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 32) and the read reach random number.

That is, the CPU 201 indicates that the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with a low probability (low probability normal variation mode)”, and the reach is determined in the symbol variation to be started based on the read reach random number. If it is determined not to be performed, the portion corresponding to the number of holdings at that time in the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the N column of FIG. 15 is selected to set (select) the variation pattern, and reach is determined. If it is determined to be performed, the “variation pattern table for reach” shown in the P column of FIG. 15 is selected to set (select) the variation pattern. In addition, gaming machine 1
The game state (game mode) of the game is “a state that performs short fluctuation with low probability (low probability short fluctuation mode)”
If it is determined that the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number, it corresponds to the number of reservations at that time in the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the S column of FIG. If a portion to be selected is selected and a variation pattern is set (selected) and it is determined that a reach is to be performed, the “variation pattern table for reach” shown in the T column of FIG. 15 is selected to set (select) the variation pattern. . Further, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”, and the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number. When the determination is made, it is determined that, in the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the U column of FIG. Then, “V” shown in FIG.
The “variation pattern table for reach” is selected to set (select) the variation pattern. Note that the process of setting (selecting) the variation pattern in S540 also constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 as the “variation pattern selection unit”.

After the processing of S510 or S540, the CPU 201 starts the variation of the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 62 (S590) and the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 2).
20), a predetermined command (symbol variation start command) indicating the start of symbol variation is transmitted (S592). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is connected to the sub control board 220.
For example, “variation pattern designation command (command for designating variation pattern)”, “special symbol stop information designation command”, and the like are transmitted. Further, the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting “1” from the “number of reserved special symbols” and a process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of held after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S595). ), Symbol variation start processing (S500b)
), And the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Note that when the processing of S510 or S540 is completed, a start condition for special symbol variation display is established. In other words, if all of the hold memory preceding the target hold memory is processed, the special symbol variation display is not being continued, and the jackpot game is not being executed,
The start condition regarding the variation display of the special symbol is established through the determination of success / failure, selection of the variation pattern, and determination of the stop symbol.

Next, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S310; YES) in S310 of the special symbol game processing (S300) (see FIG. 32), the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are already present. Is determined, and the change of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S
300) and the game control process shown in FIG. 30 is resumed.

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

If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S35)
0; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES)
Then, it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode of jackpot (big jackpot symbol) (S35 in FIG. 33).
2).

If an affirmative determination is made in the processing of S352, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 uses a buffer (reference buffer at the end of the big hit game) for reference at the end of the “big hit game” as shown in FIG. The information indicating the current game progress is set (stored) (S354).
). Specifically, “type of jackpot (whether or not it is a promising big hit)” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). Here, the “game state flag” is a flag (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag, etc.) indicating “the game state of the gaming machine 1”. In the process of S354, these flags are set to “ON”. Set ”or“ O ”
Whether “FF” is set is set. Also, the RA mounted on the main control board 200
The specific area of M202 functions as a buffer (reference buffer at the end of the big hit game) used in the process of S354.

The “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in the high probability mode (the mode in which the probability varying means operates), and the “variation shortening flag” is the gaming machine 1
This flag indicates that the game mode (game state) is in the variation shortening mode (a mode in which the execution time of the symbol variation display is likely to be shortened). The “open extension flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in the open extension mode (a mode in which the opening time of the “variable start winning device” is extended). Furthermore, the jackpot game flag described below is
This is a flag indicating that the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit gaming state.

Subsequent to the process of S354, the process proceeds to S372 and subsequent processes, and the mode of “big hit game” is distributed according to the type of big hit that has occurred. First of all, the “big hit is” second
If it is “probable big hit (2R big hit)” (S372; YES), after setting the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game” (S374), the process proceeds to S378, and the generated big hit Is “a normal big hit or the first probability variation big hit” (S37
2; NO), “Open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first jackpot game” is set (S376), and the process proceeds to S378.

In the process of S378, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed. The game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the “hit game state” by setting the “hit game flag” (the jackpot game execution means starts operating). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, While the “hit game flag” is set (that is, when the jackpot game execution means is operating)
Probability change function, time reduction function (variation time shortening function), and open extension function do not work. For this reason, after the process of S378, the special symbol game process (S3) is performed through a series of processes after S380.
00).

That is, in the process of S378, if the “big hit game flag” is set, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380), and if not set (S380; NO), it remains as it is. The process proceeds to S384, and if it is set (S
380; YES) After canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF) (S382), the process proceeds to S384. Then, in the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. on the other hand,
In the process of S384, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) (S386, S387), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 30, the big hit game process (S700) is started, and the aforementioned big hit game (the first big hit game or the second big hit game) is executed.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES),
That is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode”, the value of the variation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), and then the value of the variation shortening counter is set. Is determined to be “zero” (S404). If it is not “zero” (S404; NO),
As it is, the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the game control process of FIG. 30 is resumed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S404 that the value of the variation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. Will be switched to. For this reason, the process of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410) and the process of canceling the release extension flag (set to OFF) (S4)
16) and the process of transmitting the mode designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S430), then the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” that designates the low-probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

E. Big hit game processing (S600)
If the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the “big hit game flag” is set (set to ON) while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 30 (S60).
2; YES), the big hit game process is started (S600), and the “big hit game” is realized.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When the special winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, a predetermined opening time (set in the process of S374 or S376 in FIG. 33) elapses, or a predetermined number of game balls are received in the special winning opening 31a. Once a prize is won, it will be closed once, but after a predetermined closing time, it will be opened again. here,
A game whose content is that the closed big winning device 31 is opened and then opened again is referred to as “unit action (or round in a big hit game)”. When this unit operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (2 times or 15 times), the big hit game is terminated. Less than,
Detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37.

When the big hit game is started, first, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S60).
4). Here, the big winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal game state that is not the big hit game state”, and therefore is closed immediately after the start of the big hit game. It is determined that the winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the condition for ending the big hit game is satisfied (S612). That is, the number of hit games set corresponding to “the number of unit actions executed after the start of the big hit game” (2 times or 15
It is determined whether or not it has reached (set in the processing of S374 and S376 in FIG. 33) (S
612).

However, immediately after the big hit game is started, the end condition for the big hit game is not satisfied, so S6
In the process of 12, a negative determination is inevitably made (S612; NO). For this reason, S6
The process proceeds to the process of No. 14, and it is determined whether or not an interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614). That is, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S61).
4). Here, the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 31a is a time during which the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state between unit operations. Immediately after the big hit game is started, since the big prize opening 31a is in a closed state, it is inevitably determined that the closing time of the big prize opening has passed (S614; YES). After the big winning opening 31a to be opened is opened (S616), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 36 is once ended and the game control process shown in FIG. 30 is resumed.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, it performs a series of various processes shown in FIG. 30, and then starts the big hit game process (S600) again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 30 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game process (S6 shown in FIG. 36).
00) is also repeated approximately every 4 msec. If a positive determination is made in the process of S604, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606).
. That is, when the big hit game being executed is “first big hit game”, the first opening time (
It is determined whether or not (25 seconds) has elapsed. When the big hit game being executed is the “second big hit game”, it is determined whether or not the second opening time (0.2 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the first opening time (25 seconds) is a sufficient time for a large number of game balls (for example, a predetermined number of game balls, such as 8) to win, and the second opening time is It is a difficult time for a game ball to win a prize.

If the opening time (first opening time or second opening time) of the big winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), after closing the big winning opening 31a (S610), the big hit shown in FIG. After exiting the game process (S600), the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 31a has reached a specified number (eight balls) (S608). . Even when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number (S608; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S6).
10). That is, when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number, the special winning opening 31a is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse.

The opening time (the first opening time or the second opening time) of the grand prize winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S
606; NO), when the number of winnings has not reached the prescribed number (S608; NO), the big winning opening 3
While leaving 1a open, the player exits the big hit game process of FIG. 36 and returns to the game control process of FIG.

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the “big hit gaming state” (when the big hit gaming flag is set), while the game control process of FIG. 30 is repeatedly executed, "Open time"(S606; YES) or "Big prize opening 31a"
A predetermined number of game balls win a prize (S608; YES), and the big prize opening 31a is closed (S6).
10). Thus, one unit operation is completed.

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit gaming state”, the big hit game processing (S6) is again performed.
00 is executed, and it is determined in S604 that the special winning opening 31a is closed (S604).
NO), it is determined whether or not the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612).
That is, in the case of the “first jackpot game”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit operations (number of rounds) executed during the “jackpot game” has reached “15”. ", It is determined whether or not the number of unit operations (number of rounds) executed during the" hit game "has reached" 2 ". If the number of unit movements (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S614; YES), and then a big prize is won again. A new unit operation for opening the mouth 31a is executed (S616).

On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “big hit game end process (S700)” shown below, The process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, referring to FIG. 37, the process at the end of the big game (S700) will be described.

When the big hit game end process (S700) is activated, the CPU 201 releases (sets to OFF) the big hit game flag (the big hit game flag set to ON in the process of S378 in FIG. 33) as shown in FIG. (S705), the above-mentioned “big hit end reference buffer (FIG. 3)
3 (see S354 of No. 3) ", the state at the time of the big hit symbol stop display is acquired (S710). That is, “information about the type of winning symbol (normal jackpot symbol, first probability variation big winning symbol, second probability variation big winning symbol) stopped in the process of S344 of FIG. 32 is acquired (
S710). Next, based on the information acquired in the process of S710, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol that triggered the occurrence of the current jackpot game was a “probable big bonus symbol” (S720).

In the process of S720, if it is determined that the jackpot symbol is "probability variation jackpot symbol (first probability variation jackpot symbol or second probability variation jackpot symbol)"(S720; YES), processing for setting the probability variation flag (set to ON). (S725) and “10,000” in the fluctuation shortening counter
After performing the process of setting (S760), the process of setting the shortening variation flag (S775), and the process of setting the release extension flag (S780), the process proceeds to S785.
Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates “the upper limit number of variations of the special symbol executed while shortening the variation”. When the value becomes “zero”, the shortening variation is not performed in the next symbol variation. I will not.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S720 (S720; NO), a process of setting “100” in the fluctuation shortening counter (S770) and a process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S770).
After performing S775) and the process of setting the release extension flag (S780), the process proceeds to S785.

In S785, a process of transmitting a “mode designation command” to the sub-control board 220 is performed, and when this process ends, the big hit game end process (S700) ends. Here, the “mode designation command” is a game state flag (probability change flag, change shortening flag, release extension flag)
Is a command for designating one of “low probability normal variation mode”, “low probability shortening variation mode”, and “high probability shortening variation mode”.

(7) Effect control processing Using FIG. 38, sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 2 constituting sub-control unit 220A)
20 CPU 220a) is the effect display control unit 222A (the CPU of the effect display control board 222)
An outline of the “production control process” performed in cooperation with 222a) will be described. Note that FIG. 38 illustrates only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In this effect control process, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or the reset switch is pressed (S950;
(YES) First, initialization processing is performed (S960). Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until affirmative determination is made in S2300), main processes such as the symbol variation effect process (S1100) and the big hit game effect process (S1300) are repeatedly executed. Here, the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S1100 to S2300 in FIG. 38 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 2 msec occurs after the power is turned on. . That is, the processing of S1100 to S2300 in FIG. 38 is repeatedly executed every 2 msec. The effect control process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

a. Symbol variation effect processing (S1100)
The CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 performs the symbol variation effect process (S1100).
In FIG. 39, when the sub-control unit 220A receives the “design variation start command” (S1105; YES), the process of S1110 is executed. Here, the “symbol variation start command” is a command transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A when starting the symbol variation of the special symbol, and includes a variation pattern designation command (CHP),
A special symbol stop information designation command (CJS) corresponds to this command.

In the process of S1110, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A determines whether or not the result of the correct / incorrect determination executed in the main control unit 200A is a big hit based on the “special symbol stop information designation command received in the process of S1015”. Judgment is made (S1110). That is, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A, based on the received special symbol stop information designation command,
It is possible to determine the result of the determination and the type of jackpot in the case of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol).

When it is determined that it is a big hit (S1110; YES), the CPU of the sub-control unit 220A
220a performs a lottery (random lottery) to determine whether or not to execute a sudden hit effect (S1112).
When the lottery is lost (S1113; NO), based on the received “general effect effect pattern selected in response to the change pattern designation command”, the “effect display (symbol change effect) execution mode” (Pseudo symbol variation display mode displayed on display screen 27a of effect display device 27, reach display mode, etc.) "and" hit stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for definite display of jackpot) "are performed ( S1115). That is, while selecting the general effect production pattern corresponding to the received variation pattern, specifying the execution mode of the symbol variation production,
After performing the process of determining the “big hit stop symbol (a form of a pseudo symbol for definite display of the big hit)” (S1115), the process proceeds to S1160.

On the other hand, when the lottery of S1112 is won (S1113; YES), based on the received “dummy effect pattern selected in consideration of the change pattern designation command”, the execution mode of “effect display (symbol change effect)” ( A process of determining “variable display mode of pseudo symbol displayed on display screen 27a of effect display device 27, mode of reach display, etc.” and “hit stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for definite display of jackpot)” is performed (S1120). ).

That is, as shown in FIG. 40A, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A specifies the variation pattern selected for the current symbol variation effect by the received variation pattern designation command. A variation pattern that identifies a variation time that is greater than or equal to the variation time specified by the variation pattern and that is stored in the same variation pattern table is detected (a plurality of performance patterns). To select an effect pattern that can be selected to execute the sudden hit effect). For example, when the variation pattern specified by the received variation pattern designation command is “stored in the variation pattern table shown in the column A of FIG. 13” (for example, pattern A3), “the variation specified by the variation pattern” A variation pattern for specifying a variation time equal to or greater than the time, which is stored in the variation pattern table shown in the column A of FIG. 13 (patterns A3 to A9.
Patterns a3 to a9 ...) are detected. Furthermore, random number lottery is used from the detected general effect effects patterns (patterns a3 to a9...) (However, when the number of detected general effect effects patterns is one, The detected effect pattern for general effects is determined as it is.) A dummy effect pattern is selected (for example, patterns a3 to a9...
-Select the pattern a7), based on this dummy performance pattern (pattern a7),
While determining the “execution mode of the effect display (symbol variation effect)” and “2 before the end of the symbol variation effect 2”
A process for specifying “0 second effect” as a “sudden hit effect” (a process for specifying an effect using an effect pattern for a sudden hit effect) and a “hit stop symbol (a form of a pseudo symbol to be confirmed)” are determined. Processing is performed (S1120). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1160.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), among the "detected general effect effect patterns",
“General effect production pattern (pattern a4) corresponding to the variation pattern (pattern A4) that identifies the variation time longer than the variation time that identifies the selected variation pattern (pattern A3)
However, when this general effect production pattern does not exist, the “general production effect pattern corresponding to the selected variation pattern)” is selected as the dummy production pattern. The “execution mode of display (design variation effect)” may be determined. Further, other methods (for example, “whether one general effect production pattern is randomly detected from the same variation pattern table and the detected general production effect pattern can be a dummy production pattern or not. If it can be, the detected effect pattern for general effect is used as a dummy effect pattern. If it is not possible, the dummy effect pattern is determined using a method of repeating the random detection and determination again. It can also be selected.

Further, the processing of S1112 and S1113 is performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A.
A specific example of processing performed as the sudden hit effect execution determination unit is configured. Further, FIGS. 13 and 14
In the “big hit variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 5, only the variation pattern that specifies a variation time longer than the execution time of the sudden hit effect (20 seconds in this embodiment) is stored.
"Successful hit effect execution time (20 seconds in this example)"
“A variation pattern for specifying a shorter variation time” may be stored. In this case (for example, the variation pattern corresponding to the second probability variation jackpot), as shown in FIG. 41, for the symbol variation effect process, a special effect is given according to the variation time specified by the selected variation pattern. The process of determining whether or not it can be executed (S1111) ”can be dealt with by adding or the like. In other words, when the “abrupt hit effect execution time” exceeds the “variation time specified by the selected variation pattern”, a negative determination result is obtained in the processing of S1111. In this case, the processing of S1111, S1112 and S1113 is performed by the CPU 22 of the sub-control unit 220A.
0a constitutes a specific example of processing performed as a sudden hit effect execution determination means.

When it is determined that the result of the determination is incorrect (S1110; NO), based on the received “general effect effect pattern selected in response to the change pattern designation command”, “effect display execution mode (pseudo) After performing the process of determining the symbol variation display mode, whether or not reach display is performed, the reach display mode when the reach display is performed, etc.) and “outage stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for confirming the outage)” (S1145), the process proceeds to S1160. S
In 1115, S1120, and S1145, the process of selecting the “general effect effect pattern to be used for the design variation effect” constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A as the effect pattern selection means.

In the process of S1160, the sub-control unit 220A transfers the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and the “effect” determined in the process of S1115, S1120, or S1145. A command (effect display detail command) for designating “display execution mode” and “pseudo symbol stop symbol” is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and display is started on the effect display device 27 ( S1160).

In the case of performing a general effect (when the processing of S1115 or S1145 is performed), the “general effect effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern” is followed until the variation time specified by the selected variation pattern elapses. The symbol variation effect is executed. On the other hand, in the case where a special effect is performed (when the process of S1120 is performed), “a time obtained by subtracting 20 seconds (the execution time of the sudden hit effect) from the variation time specified by the selected variation pattern” elapses. After the symbol variation effect is executed according to the “selected dummy effect pattern”, the sudden hit effect is performed according to the sudden hit effect pattern until “the variation time specified by the selected variation pattern elapses”.

In both the general effect and the special effect, the sub-control unit 220A performs the main control unit 200A (
When the symbol stop designation command (CZE) transmitted from the main control board 200 is received (S1)
165; YES), the sub-control unit 220A transfers the received symbol stop designation command to the effect display control unit 222A, and stops the “special variation display on the effect display device 27”. Note that the processing from S1115 to S1160, S1165, and S1170 constitutes a specific example of processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A as “general hit effect execution means”, and after processing of S1120, S1160. , S1165, and S1170 constitute a specific example of processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A as “special hit effect execution means”. Further, through the processing of S1145, S1160, S1165, S117.
The process leading to 0 constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A as “out-of-run effect executing means”.

b. Big hit game effect processing (S1300)
The jackpot game effect process (S1300) is performed when the gaming machine 1 plays a jackpot game. In this jackpot game effect process (S1300), as shown in FIG.
When the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives the “big hit game start designation command” (S1305; YES), the processing after S1310 is executed. Here, in the gaming machine 1, when a big hit occurs, a big hit game start designation command (COR) is transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A. That is, the main control unit 200A sets the “big hit game flag” (set to ON) (see S378 in FIG. 33), and the sub control unit 2
A jackpot game start designation command (COR) is transmitted to 20A.

Receiving the jackpot game start designation command, the sub-control unit 220A analyzes the received jackpot game start designation command to identify the type of the jackpot game this time, and in the effect display device 27 or the like, corresponds to the type of the jackpot game this time. Perform fanfare production (big hit start production) (S
1310). And after performing the process (S1320) which sets the round effect pattern for big hits according to the kind (mode) of big hits, it transfers to the process of S1338.

When a big hit has occurred, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR), and then “a timing for starting each round (a timing for opening the big winning opening 31 in S622 in FIG. 37). ) ”Transmits a“ round number designation command (CRS) ”to the sub-control unit 220A. As a result, as shown in FIG.
Since the first round number designation command (command for specifying the start of the first round) is received (S1338), the round display (one round based on the set round production pattern in the production display device 27 or the like). (Indicating that it is) ”is started (S
1340).

Thereafter, the main control unit 200A makes a “round end command (CRE)” to the sub-control unit 220A at “timing to end the round (timing to close the special winning opening 31 and S608 in FIG. 37)”. ". As a result, the sub-control unit 220A
In order to detect the end of “the first round” (S1345; YES), once “round effect”
Is finished, “interval display (effect display between rounds) on the effect display device 27 etc.
"Is started (S1348). Further, the sub-control unit 220A ends the “interval display” every time it receives a subsequent “round number designation command (CRS)” and “round effect”.
(S1338; YES, S1340) and the subsequent “round end command (CR
E) "is received every time" interval display "is started (S1345; YES, S134)
8). In this manner, the “round effect” is repeated while displaying the “interval display” until the final round is displayed.

In this way, at the timing of ending the final round while executing the big hit game, the “big hit end designation command (COE) is directed from the main control unit 200A to the sub control unit 220A.
”Is transmitted, the sub-control unit 220A determines that the“ big hit end designation command (COE) ”
Is received (S1390; YES). Then, the sub-control unit 220A that has received the “hit end designation command (COE)” executes the “hit end effect (hit ending effect)” in the effect display device 27 and the like (S1395). Then, after executing the “hit end effect (big hit ending effect)”, the big hit game effect is ended.

(8) Effects of the embodiment According to this gaming machine 1, since the “effect pattern that identifies the special effect (sudden hit-type symbol variation effect)” and the “variation pattern” are not associated with each other, there are various timings and variations. “Special effects” can be executed with various patterns. In other words, the start timing of the sudden hit effect and the pattern change effect mode executed in the previous stage can be changed according to the difference in the selected variation pattern or the selected effect pattern for the effect. . Therefore, according to this gaming machine 1,
It is easy to increase the interest of the player.

Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a sudden hit effect is executed. In Example 2, except that FIG. 44 is used instead of FIG. 16, FIG. 45 is added, and part of FIG. 39 is modified as shown in FIG. The drawings used in Embodiment 1 and the description thereof can be applied as they are.

In the effect pattern storage means used in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, “the effect pattern for the sudden hitting effect used when the result of the determination of success / failure is out” is also stored. Also,
As shown in FIG. 45, this sudden attack effect proceeds in the same manner as the sudden hit effect,
A different point from the sudden hit effect is that a “stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is out of place” is displayed together with the end of the sudden hit effect.

The symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the second embodiment is different from the symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the first embodiment in the following points. That is, the symbol variation effect process of the second embodiment (S1100).
In the case where it is determined that the result of the determination is wrong (S1110; NO), FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the received variation pattern is a specific variation pattern (
S1130). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern specifies a variation time that can secure the effect time per sudden attack (whether or not the variation pattern identifies a variation time exceeding 20 seconds) (S1130). If a negative determination is obtained (S1130; NO), the process directly proceeds to S1145.

If an affirmative determination is obtained in the processing of S1130 (S1130; YES), a lottery (random lottery) is performed as to whether or not to perform a sudden hit effect (S1132). If the lottery is lost (S1133; NO), the process directly proceeds to S1145. On the other hand, when the lottery is won (S1133; YES), based on the received “dummy effect effect pattern selected in consideration of the change pattern designation command”, “effect display execution mode (pseudo symbol change) After performing the process of determining “display mode, reach display execution / reach display mode when reach display, etc.” ”and“ stop stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for confirming the release) ”(S1150) , The process proceeds to S1160. Here, S113
The processing of 0, S1132, and S1133 constitutes a specific example of the processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A as the sudden hit effect execution determination means.

In the process of S1150, a dummy effect pattern is selected according to the specific example shown in FIG. 40A described above, and based on this dummy effect effect pattern, “effect display (design variation effect)” is selected.
And a process of specifying “the effect for 20 seconds before the end of the design variation effect” as “the effect of suddenly hitting the effect” (the process of specifying the effect using the effect pattern for the effect of sudden hitting), A process of determining “disconnection stop symbol (a pseudo-pattern form for confirming display of dislocation symbol)” is performed (S1150). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1160. However, FIG.
The process of S1150 can also be performed according to the specific example shown in b). Note that the processing from S1145 to S1160, S1165, and S1170 constitutes a specific example of the processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A as “general losing effect execution means”.
The processing from S1160, S1165, and S1170 through the processing of 50 is performed by the sub-control unit 22.
A specific example of processing performed by the CPU 220a of 0A as “special gusset effect execution means” is configured.

According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, in addition to the sudden hit effect, the sudden hit effect can be executed with various timings and various effect patterns. Therefore, it is even easier to increase the interest of the player.

Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 48, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of sudden hit effect production patterns are stored in the production pattern storage means.

In the symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the third embodiment, the process of S1120 is performed as follows. That is, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A, as shown in FIG.
The variation pattern selected for the current symbol variation effect is specified by the received variation pattern designation command. Then, a variation pattern that identifies a variation time that is greater than or equal to the variation time specified by the variation pattern and that is stored in the same variation pattern table is detected.

Furthermore, a random effect pattern is selected using random number lottery from the specified general effect effects patterns (provided that there are a plurality of detected general effect effects patterns). In addition, from among a plurality of effect patterns for sudden hit effects stored in the effect pattern storage means, those that specify an effect time less than the variation time specified by the variation pattern are detected and used from these. The “sudden hit effect production pattern” is specified by random lottery. Then, based on the specified effect pattern for the sudden hit effect and the effect pattern for the dummy effect, the “execution mode of the effect display (design variation effect)” is determined, and the “hit stop symbol (
The process of determining the “pseudo symbol form in which the big hit is definitely displayed” is performed (S1120). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1160. In the third embodiment, the dummy effect pattern may be specified by the method shown in FIG.

According to the gaming machine of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, since a plurality of production patterns for sudden hitting effects are provided to further diversify the effects, the player's interest can be further enhanced.

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

That is, a specific example in which the hit is a big hit is illustrated, but the invention of each claim can also be applied to a gaming machine that realizes a small hit as a win. In each embodiment, the variation pattern stored in the variation pattern table and the corresponding general effect effect pattern are “1: 1”.
However, a plurality of effect patterns for general effects may correspond to each variation pattern. In this case, the effect pattern selecting means selects one general effect effect pattern from the plurality of general effect effect patterns.

Although the third embodiment has been described as a modification of the first embodiment, the third embodiment may be a modification of the second embodiment. In other words, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment may store a plurality of effect patterns for the effect of sudden hitting in the effect pattern storage means.

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
17: Start winning device,
27; effect display device (effect display means),
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize device (variable prize device),
200; main control unit (win / fail judgment means, fluctuation pattern storage means, fluctuation pattern selection means),
203; ROM (variation pattern storage means)
220A; sub-control unit (effect pattern storage means, effect execution determination means, effect pattern selection means, general hit effect execution means, special hit effect execution means, missed effect execution means, gaze sudden hit effect execution determination means, general outage effect execution Means, special offense production execution means),
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (1)

Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on a start winning prize as a hold;
A determination unit for determining whether or not to execute a winning game based on the acquired information stored as the hold ;
A variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation patterns for specifying different variation times;
A variation pattern selecting means for selecting a predetermined variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means based on the result of the determination of success / failure;
An effect pattern for general effect for specifying the effect mode of the general effect and a sudden hit effect for specifying the effect mode of the sudden hit effect provided corresponding to each change pattern stored in the change pattern storage means Production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of production patterns including
When executing a predetermined hit effect, select a general effect effect pattern corresponding to a variation pattern that specifies a variation time that is greater than or equal to the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means, and select the selected general effect together to initiate FIG pattern variation effect in accordance representation embodiment the effect for effect pattern identifying, during the progress of the symbol variation effect that the start, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect on representation embodiment according effect pattern for the sudden per presentation It said switch being configured to initiate a sudden hit effect,
The plurality of variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means include a first type variation pattern whose selection tendency changes according to the number of the suspensions remaining when the predetermined variation pattern is selected, and the predetermined variation pattern A second type variation pattern whose selection tendency does not change according to the number of the suspensions remaining when selecting a variation pattern of
When the predetermined variation pattern is selected from the second type variation pattern, the predetermined hit effect can be executed.
The gaming machine which is characterized a call.

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