JP6343318B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  A type of gaming machine (pachinko machine) performs a jackpot lottery (winning determination) based on the establishment of the start condition, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot game with the opening of a big prize opening is performed as a kind of special game . A large number of prize balls can be obtained by winning game balls at the big prize opening. The result of the jackpot lottery is shown to the player in the symbol stop mode after the symbol change display on the symbol display means.

  Many gaming machines include audio output means including a speaker and image display means formed by a liquid crystal display panel or the like, and use them to realize various effects (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2013-236850 A

  It is conceivable that the sound is displayed on the image display means as a character image when an effect including the output of the sound is performed. Alternatively, it is conceivable to display on the image display means, as a character image, a speech generated by the character in the effect of causing a predetermined character to appear on the image display means. In these effects, it is considered that there is room for creativity in how to display a character image, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game by adding ingenuity to the display method of the character image.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that contributes to the enhancement of the interest of the game with respect to the display method of character images.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, and a predetermined effect means including a sound output means and an image display means. An effect control means for performing an effect according to the determination result of the means, wherein the effect control means provides a predetermined effect including the output of a predetermined character's speech by the sound output means. It is possible to display the line as a character image on the image display means when the character image is displayed, when displaying the character image in the first display mode, and displaying the character image in the first display mode. And changing to the second display mode that suggests that the degree of expectation of execution of the special game is higher than that of the first display mode, and displaying the predetermined effect until a specific time. And when the predetermined effect is ended by the specific time or when the predetermined effect is continued beyond the specific time, the predetermined effect is the specific time. It is possible to perform a suggestion effect that suggests that there is a possibility that the character image will be continued, and when the suggestion effect is being performed, the character image is not displayed and before the specified time is exceeded When the character image is displayed in the first display mode and when the character image is displayed in the second display mode, the character image is displayed in the second display mode when the predetermined effect is finished by the specific time. It is characterized by restricting the display with.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is possible to provide the game machine which contributes to the interest improvement of a game regarding the display method of a character image.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic enlarged view of the information display part in the gaming machine of FIG. It is a back perspective view of the gaming machine of FIG. It is a block diagram of the part in connection with control of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which listed some processes performed in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the determination table per special figure in the main control part of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the type of jackpot based on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which listed a part of process performed in the production | presentation control part of a game machine. FIG. 11 is a relationship diagram between a production mode and a gaming state. It is explanatory drawing of reach production. It is explanatory drawing of the special figure fluctuation pattern table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation production pattern table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the information for special figure determination and the variation production noticed in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the multistage effect which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention and can be performed in a change effect. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the music effect consisting of the first to third stage effects according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the music effect consisting of the first and second stage effects according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the music effect consisting of the first stage effect according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process with respect to one special figure determination information and one variation | change effect which paid attention to 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the change effect content determination process which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that the character is uttering words in the story production which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that the character is uttering words in the story production which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the story production which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of the story production which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of the story production which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the special figure fluctuation pattern table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation production pattern table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the information for special figure determination and the variation production noticed in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an outline figure of change production including a story production which consists of one scene production concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the story effect consisting of two scene effects and a low expectation scene effect according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the story effect consisting of two scene effects and a low expectation scene effect according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the story effect consisting of two scene effects and a high expectation scene effect according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process with respect to 2nd Embodiment of this invention about the information for one special figure determination and 1 variation effect which attracted attention. It is a flowchart of the change effect content determination process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the technique in connection with 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and related to the color change of a character image. It is related with the deformation | transformation technique of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a related figure of a fluctuation production pattern and words. It is explanatory drawing of the special figure fluctuation pattern table which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation production pattern table which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the information for special figure determination and the variation production noticed in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an outline figure of change production including a story production which consists of one scene production concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including a story effect consisting of two scene effects and a low expectation scene effect according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the story effect consisting of two scene effects and a high expectation scene effect according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the fluctuating effect including the story effect consisting of two scene effects and a high expectation scene effect according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process with respect to 3rd Embodiment of this invention about the information for one special figure determination and 1 variation effect which attracted attention. It is a flowchart of the change effect content determination process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the color pattern selection table which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is related with the deformation | transformation technique of 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is a related figure of a fluctuation production pattern and words.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings to be referred to, the same part is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description regarding the same part is omitted in principle. In this specification, for simplification of description, the names of information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. corresponding to the symbols or signs are indicated by writing symbols or signs referring to information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. Omitted or abbreviated.

  An embodiment suitable for a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (so-called digipachi) belonging to the former first type.

<< Basic configuration of gaming machine >>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. A basic configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 100 includes the game board 101 and the constituent members shown in FIG. Note that the top, bottom, left, and right refer to the top, bottom, left, and right viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the game board 101 unless otherwise specified. Both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are parallel to the board surface of the game board 101. The vertical direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. Unless stated otherwise, the front refers to the player closest to the game machine 100 and the game board 101, and the rear refers to the player facing the game machine 100 and the game board 101 unless otherwise specified. Point farther away.

  The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine, and includes an outer frame 10 attached to an island structure disposed in a gaming facility, an inner frame 11 attached to the outer frame 10 so as to be openable and closable, and an inner frame 11. And a door frame 12 that can be freely opened and closed. The inner frame 11 is relative to the outer frame 10, and the door frame 12 is relative to the inner frame 11. The left side is the rotation base end side (opening / closing base end side) and the right side is the rotation leading end side (opening / closing distal end side). ) Is configured to be pivotable forward (openable and closable). The door frame 12 is attached to the inner frame 11 so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 11, but the door frame 12 can visually recognize almost the entire game area described later from the front (player side). The window part 12a formed by fitting a transparent glass plate is formed so as to be able to.

  The game board 101 is detachably attached to the inner frame 11. At a lower position of the game board 101, a launching unit for launching a game ball is disposed (the detailed structure of the launching unit is not shown).

  In the gaming machine 100, the game ball launched upward by the driving of the launching unit rises between the rails 102a and 102b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then in the game area 103 formed in the game board 101. Falls (flows down). The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls are dropped by the nails while changing the moving direction in an unspecified direction. Further, in the game board 101, a game ball drop path in the game area 103 includes a windmill (not shown) that changes the direction of the game ball fall, a first start port 105, a second start port 106, an electric tulip 107, A gate 108, a special winning opening 111, and a normal winning opening 112 are provided.

  An image display unit 104 composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. The image display unit 104 displays various effect images. For example, the image display unit 104 displays a decorative symbol provided corresponding to a special symbol for representing a lottery result of a special symbol lottery (also referred to as a jackpot lottery), and the gaming machine 100 performs a special symbol lottery. An image related to the effect performed until the lottery result is shown. The image display unit 104 may also display a symbol (ordinary decoration symbol) for representing a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery.

  A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are installed below the image display unit 104. The start openings 105 and 106 form a start area through which game balls can pass (winning is possible). The right to receive the special symbol lottery is acquired when the predetermined first start condition or second start condition is satisfied. The first and second start conditions are satisfied when the game balls pass through the start ports 105 and 106, that is, when the game balls win the start ports 105 and 106, respectively. In the following, the special symbol lottery based on the establishment of the first start condition may be particularly referred to as a first special symbol lottery, and the special symbol lottery based on the establishment of the second start condition may be particularly referred to as a second special symbol lottery. . In addition, when the gaming machine 100 detects a winning game ball at the start port 105 or 106, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of gaming balls. A game ball that is paid out due to a winning of a game ball with respect to the start opening 105, 106 or a winning opening (large winning opening 111, normal winning opening 112) is also referred to as a winning ball. Then, paying out three game balls for winning a game ball to the start port 105 may be referred to as “there are three prize balls at the start port 105”. The same applies to the other starting ports or winning ports. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that there are three, three, fourteen, and three prize balls in the start openings 105 and 106, the big prize opening 111, and the normal prize opening 112, respectively. It should be noted that winning may be read as winning.

  An electric tulip 107 is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 106. The electric tulip 107 is in a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second start port 106, and an open state (open state) that makes it easier to win the game ball in the second start port 106 than in the closed state. ) In either state. Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the electric tulip 107. In effect, when the electric tulip 107 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the second starting port 106, and only when the electric tulip 107 is in the open state, the second starting of the game ball is started. Winning to the mouth 106 becomes possible. The opening of the electric tulip 107 is also referred to as the opening of the electric tulip 107. The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the right side of the image display unit 104. Similarly to the start ports 105 and 106, the gate 108 forms a start region through which a game ball can pass (winning is possible).

  A big prize opening 111 is provided on the right side of the first start port 105 and the second start port 106. The grand prize opening 111 can also be opened and closed like the electric tulip 107, and a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the big prize opening 111, and a larger game ball than the closed state. One of the open states (open state) that makes it easy to win the winning opening 111 is taken. Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the special winning opening 111. In effect, when the grand prize opening 111 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the big prize opening 111, and only when the big prize opening 111 is in the open state, the prize winning of the game ball is won. Winning to the mouth 111 is possible. The opening of the big prize opening 111 is also referred to as the opening of the big prize opening 111. The big winning opening 111 is normally closed, and when a big win is won by a special symbol lottery, a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds or winning 10 game balls) is satisfied. Repeat a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). When the gaming machine 100 detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning slot 111, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 14) of winning balls.

  One or more normal winning openings 112 are installed on the side or lower side of the image display unit 104. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls when detecting a winning in the normal winning opening 112. The first start port 105, the second start port 106, the gate 108, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning port 112 are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 1, and may be arranged at arbitrary positions in the game area 103. . At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 113 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the first start port 105, the second start port 106, the big winning port 111 and the normal winning port 112. Yes. An information display unit 114 is provided in the lower right part of the game board 101 (details will be described later). The installation positions of the collection port 113 and the information display unit 114 can be arbitrarily changed.

  A frame member including an outer frame 10, an inner frame 11, and a door frame 12 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game board 101. Various effect members and the like used for arbitrary effects are incorporated in the door frame 12 around the door frame 12 in which the window portion 12a is formed (the outer peripheral portion of the door frame 12). As the performance member, the first speaker 115a, the second speaker 115b, and the third speaker 115c (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the speakers, they may be simply referred to as “speakers 115”). ), The effect light unit 116 and the movable frame accessory 117 are incorporated. The speaker 115 outputs sound used for production. The effect light unit 116 has a plurality of lamps and a plurality of motors, and the direction of light irradiation by the lamps can be changed up and down or left and right by driving the motors. The movable frame accessory 117 basically stands by at the reference position, and when used for the production, moves to the operating position to constitute a part of the production.

  The frame movable accessory 117 will be described in detail. The frame movable accessory 117 is a foldable movable accessory, and is provided one at the upper left and the upper right of the door frame 12. The movable frame accessory 117 provided at the upper left and the upper right portion is arranged so that the left and right sides of the movable frame accessory 117 are both in contact with the door frame 12 at the reference position, while at the operating position, The former is pivoted forward with the left side as the pivot base side and the right side as the pivot tip side, and the latter is pivoted forward with the right side as the pivot base side and the left side as the pivot tip side. The rotating leading end side of the movable accessory 117 protrudes toward the player compared to the reference position. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the movable frame accessory 117 is at the reference position.

  In the door frame 12, an operation handle 119 is disposed at the lower right position. The operation handle 119 has a shape that protrudes toward the player, and a firing instruction member 120 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. The firing instruction member 120 is rotatably supported by the operation handle 119. When a player fires a game ball, the player rotates the firing instruction member 120 clockwise. At this time, the player can adjust the firing strength of the game ball according to the angle at which the firing instruction member 120 is rotated.

  Below the game area 103 in the door frame 12, an effect button 121, a cross key 122, an upper plate (hitting ball supply plate) 123, an upper plate lever 124, a lower plate (excess ball receiving plate) 125, a lower plate lever 126, and the like are provided. It has been. The effect button 121 and the cross key 122 constitute an operation receiving unit (which may be referred to as an operation input unit or an operation unit) that receives an operation from the player. The upper plate 123 has a shape that can accommodate a game ball, and sends the stored game ball to the launching unit. The upper plate lever 124 is means for sending out the game balls stored in the upper plate 123 to the lower plate 125. The lower plate 125 has a shape that can accommodate game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper plate 123, and stores the game balls. The lower plate lever 126 is an opening means that opens a part of the lower surface of the lower plate 125, and a game ball stored in the lower plate 125 is arranged below the lower plate 125 by the player operating the lower plate lever 126. It falls into a box (a so-called dollar box (not shown)).

  A movable accessory used for production is also provided on the game board 101. In this embodiment, a movable board accessory 130 is provided on the game board 101. For example, when performing an effect using the panel movable combination 130, the movable combination 130 slides downward from the position shown in FIG. 1 and advances to the front surface of the image display unit 104. As described above, the image display unit 104 is retreated in a storage space provided above.

<< Information display section >>
As shown in FIG. 2, the information display unit 114 includes a special symbol display unit 201 that displays a special symbol indicating a lottery result of a special symbol lottery, a normal symbol display unit 202 that displays a normal symbol that indicates a lottery result of a normal symbol lottery, A hold display unit 203, a round number display unit 204, and a right-handed display unit 205 are provided. Each display unit 201 to 205 can be formed by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

  There are first and second special symbols as special symbols. The special symbol display unit 201 includes a first special symbol display unit 201a that displays a first special symbol and a second special symbol display unit 201b that displays a second special symbol. The hold display unit 203 includes display units 203a, 203b, and 203c. The right of the first special symbol lottery (special symbol determination information described later) is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the number of the reserved rights is displayed on the display unit 203a as the number of reserved information U1. . The right of the second special symbol lottery (special drawing determination information described later) is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the number of reserved rights is displayed on the display unit 203b as the number of reserved information U2. . The right of the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 108 is held up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit, and the number of the held rights is displayed on the display unit 203c as the hold information number U3.

<< Back configuration of gaming machine >>
With reference to FIG. 3, the back side structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing a rear configuration of the gaming machine 100. On the back surface of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 301, a prize ball control board 302, an effect control board 303, a power board 304 that supplies power to each board in the gaming machine 100, an output terminal board 305, and the like are provided. ing. Each of these boards (particularly the effect control board 303) may be formed from a plurality of printed boards. Further, a power plug 315 for supplying power to the power supply board 304 and a power switch (not shown) are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 100. The main control board 301 is provided with a RAM clear switch (not shown). When the power of the gaming machine 100 is off, the power is turned on by pressing the power switch while pressing the RAM clear switch, so that power is supplied to the gaming machine 100 and the RAM clear preparation state is entered. By pushing the RAM clear switch again, the game information of the gaming machine 100 can be initialized (RAM clear) (that is, the gaming machine 100 can be in the initial state). If the power is turned on by pressing the power switch without pressing the RAM clear switch, the gaming machine 100 is controlled based on the gaming information of the gaming machine 100 before the power is turned off.

<< Basic operation of gaming machine >>
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. When the first or second start condition is established, the gaming machine 100 acquires special figure determination information according to the establishment timing, and performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) based on the special figure determination information. Acquisition of special figure determination information is equivalent to acquisition of special symbol lottery rights. In the special symbol lottery, it is determined whether or not the jackpot has been won (whether the jackpot has been won or the game has been lost). In some cases, the winning of a jackpot is expressed as the occurrence of a jackpot. In addition, the fact that certain special figure determination information is won in a jackpot may be expressed as the special figure determination information being a big hit. When the first special symbol lottery is performed, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 201a. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery (that is, in a mode indicating the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery). On the other hand, when the second special symbol lottery is performed, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the second special symbol of the second special symbol display unit 201b. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable display, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the second special symbol lottery (that is, in a mode indicating the lottery result of the second special symbol lottery).

  When the gaming machine 100 displays the special symbol (first or second special symbol) in a variable manner, the gaming machine 100 displays the decorative symbol in a variable manner on the image display unit 104, and stops the decorative symbol in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. Display. The decorative symbols displayed on the image display unit 104 include first to third decorative symbols, and each decorative symbol is associated with a numerical value or a symbol. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (that is, when a jackpot is won in a special symbol lottery), a combination indicating a jackpot (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) ) To stop and display the first to third decorative symbols.

  The combination of the first to third decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed varies depending on the type of jackpot that has been won. For example, when winning a winning jackpot of A to be described later (see FIG. 7), blue decorative symbols (for example, “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7, If a special symbol A or B, which will be described later, is selected as a bonus (see Fig. 7), it will be displayed in a special manner. The display is stopped and displayed with a red decorative symbol (for example, a “3, 3, 3” or “7, 7, 7” numeral symbol of a flat symbol) indicating a big hit of A or Special B. Even if a special A or B jackpot is won, a decorative symbol indicating a big jackpot of A is stopped on the image display unit 104 and then (for example, before jackpot game transition or after jackpot game transition) , There may be a promotion effect that clearly indicates that the special A or B is a big hit.

  When the result of the special symbol lottery is lost (that is, when the special symbol lottery is lost, in other words, when the jackpot is not won), the first to third decorative symbols are displayed with, for example, so-called rose eyes indicating the loss. Stop. The loose eye refers to a state in which two or three of the first to third decorative symbols are non-common symbols.

  When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a jackpot, the gaming machine 100 enters a jackpot gaming state. In the jackpot game state, a jackpot game is executed in which the round game that opens the jackpot 111 is executed for rounds (for example, 16 rounds) according to the type of the jackpot (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins the big prize opening 111 while the big prize opening 111 is opened, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls. The jackpot game state ends when the jackpot game ends. In the jackpot game, an opportunity to obtain a prize ball by giving a game ball to the prize winning slot 111 is given, so that the jackpot game is more for the player than a game in which the prize winning slot 111 is not opened (for example, a game in a normal gaming state). It can be said that it is advantageous. The advantage here means that the player can easily obtain more prize balls (the expected value of the prize balls to be obtained is large) as the special winning opening 111 is opened.

  No special symbol lottery will be held during the jackpot game. In the jackpot game state, the game is played by right-handed. “Right hit” means that a game ball is launched into a game area on the right side of the center line that divides the game area 103 left and right in the game area 103. On the other hand, left-handed strike means that a game ball is launched into the game area on the left side of the center line in the game area 103, and left-handed strikes the second start opening 106 and the big winning opening 111. Cannot win a game ball.

  After the end of the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 returns to a state where a special symbol lottery is performed. At this time, the gaming state may be changed according to the type of winning jackpot.

<< Game state of gaming machine >>
The gaming machine 100, except for the gaming state (including the jackpot gaming state) with the opening of the big prize winning hole 111, the low probability non-electric support game state, the low probability electric support game state, and the probability variation game as the normal gaming state. Any one of the high-probability electric support game states to be called states is taken. The gaming state in the initial state of the gaming machine 100 is a low probability non-electric support game state. The electric support is an abbreviation for an electric chew support function, and details will be described later.

  The normal gaming state (low probability non-electric support game state) and the low probability electric support game state belong to the low probability game state. In the low-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a special symbol lottery using a determination table per low-probability special chart (see table TAt1 in FIG. 6 described later). As an example in this embodiment, the gaming machine 100 has a probability of 1/399. A special symbol lottery will be held to win the jackpot.

  The high probability electric support game state belongs to the high probability game state. In the high-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a special symbol lottery using a high-probability special figure determination table (see table TAt2 in FIG. 6 described later). Here, as an example, the gaming machine 100 wins a jackpot with a probability of 10/399. A special symbol lottery will be held. That is, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot is won with a 10 times higher probability than in the low probability gaming state. Therefore, the high probability gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the low probability gaming state with respect to the ease of winning the jackpot.

  The low probability electric support game state and the high probability electric support game state belong to the electric support game state. In the electric support game state, the gaming machine 100 provides a game support function (hereinafter referred to as “electric support”) that involves opening and closing the electric tulip 107 (that is, the electric support is activated). The specific contents of the electric support will not be described in detail because it is a publicly known technology. For example, when the electric support is given, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to when the electric support is not provided, A non-electric support game in which an electric support is not given in an electric support game state, in which an increase in the probability of winning a lottery (thus, an increase in the opening frequency of the electric tulip 107) and an increase in the opening time of the electric tulip 107 are achieved. Compared to the state, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the second starting port 106. In the electric support game state, a game is played by the above-mentioned right strike, and the special symbol lottery is mainly a win to the second start opening 106. Note that the game area 103 is provided with nails and obstacles for hindering winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105 by right-handed hitting.

  The normal gaming state (low probability non-electric support game state) belongs to the non-electric support game state where no electric support is given. In the non-electric support game state, the game is performed by left-handed as described above, and the special symbol lottery is mainly a prize for the first start opening 105. As understood from the above description, the electric support game state is a game state in which the start condition (second start condition) is more easily established than the non-electric support game state. Therefore, the electric support game state is more advantageous to the player than the non-electric support game state with respect to the ease of establishment of the start condition.

<< Internal structure of gaming machine >>
The internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a part related to control in the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 400 provided in the gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 401 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 402 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect that controls the contents of the effect. And a control unit 403. In addition to the control unit 400, each component shown in FIG. For example, the main control board 301, prize ball control board 302, and effect control board 303 in FIG. 3 form the main control section 401, prize ball control section 402, and effect control section 403 in FIG. The terminal board 305 includes the board external information terminal board 491 of FIG.

[1. Main control unit]
The main control unit 401 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 413, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The The CPU, ROM, and RAM in the main control unit 401 are also referred to as a main CPU, a main ROM, and a main RAM, respectively. The main CPU 411 reads various programs related to the progress of the game from the main ROM 412 and executes the read program using the main RAM 413 as a work area. As shown in FIG. 4, the main ROM 412 stores tables TAt, TZt, THt, FAt, FZt, FHt and DKt, and the main RAM 413 is provided with storage areas 413a to 413j. In addition to this, various tables can be stored in the main ROM 412, and various storage areas can be provided in the main RAM 413.

  The main controller 401 is connected to various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 401 includes a first start port SW 414 a that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105 and a second start point that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. A start port SW414b, a gate SW415 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning port SW416 that detects a game ball that has won a prize winning port 111, and a normal ball that detects a game ball that has won a normal winning port 112 A winning opening SW417 is connected.

  Each of SW 414a and 414b and SW 415 to 417 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 401, and the main control unit 401 performs a special symbol lottery based on the input detection signal. Special figure determination information corresponding to the right to receive is stored, special symbol lottery is performed using the special figure determination information, and prize ball payout instructions are given to the prize ball control unit 402. As the SWs 414a, 414b, 415, 416 and 417, proximity switches or the like can be employed. Further, when a plurality of first start ports 105 are provided on the game board 101, a first start port SW 414 a is provided for each of the plurality of first start ports 105. The same applies to the case where a plurality of the second start opening 106, the gate 108, the big winning opening 111 or the normal winning opening 112 are provided.

  The main control unit 401 is connected to various solenoids that drive the electric combination on the game board 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 401 is connected to an electric tulip solenoid 420 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 421 that opens and closes the big prize opening 111. The main control unit 401 inputs or does not input an electric signal to the electric tulip solenoid 420 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, and inputs or does not input an electric signal to the big prize opening solenoid 421 based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. As input. The solenoids 420 and 421 perform an opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 107 and an opening / closing operation of the special prize opening 111 by converting the electric signal supplied from the main control unit 401 into a mechanical motion, respectively.

  Also, various display units in the information display unit 114 in FIG. 2 are connected to the main control unit 401 (however, the display units 204 and 205 are not shown in FIG. 4). The main control unit 401 performs display control of the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery, and displays the normal symbol display unit 202 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Take control. Furthermore, the main control unit 401 controls the display content of the hold display unit 203 based on the number of hold information U1, U2, and U3.

[1-1. Main processing]
FIG. 5 lists the main processes performed by the main control unit 401. When power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, the main process is executed by the main CPU 411. In the main process, the main CPU 411 performs initial setting of built-in devices such as a CTC (timer counter) of the main control unit 401 and stores setting information indicating setting contents in the setting storage area 413a. For example, the setting information includes information indicating a cycle for executing a timer interrupt process to be described later. In the main process, whether or not the gaming machine 100 is turned off is monitored. When the power is turned off, backup information is generated and the backup information is stored in the backup storage area 413b. The main RAM 413 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). For this reason, the main RAM 413 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 413b for a certain period even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off.

[1-2. Timer interrupt processing]
The main CPU 411 interrupts and executes a timer interrupt process for the main process at a period (for example, a period of several milliseconds or less) stored in the setting storage area 413a by the main process (see FIG. 5). In the timer interrupt process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a random number update process, a switch process, a special symbol process, a normal symbol process, an electric accessory control process, a prize ball process, and an output process.

[1-2-1. Random number update processing]
The random number update process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the random number update process, the main CPU 411 updates the count value of each random number counter by adding “1” to the count value of each random number counter stored in the counter storage area 413c. The counter storage area 413c includes a main control unit 401 that includes a random number counter C1 per special figure, a special figure random number counter C2, a special figure variation pattern random number counter C3, a random number counter C4 per common figure, and a general figure random number counter C5. The count values of various random number counters to be managed are stored. The counters C1 to C5 respectively count a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, a special fluctuation pattern random number, a random number per common figure, and a common figure random number. In the random number update processing, the main CPU 411 returns the count value of the counter to “0” when the count value of any one of the random number counters C1 to C5 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, and thereafter the same Count up. Here, for example, a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number are counted within the ranges of “0 to 398”, “0 to 99”, and “0 to 499”, respectively. The random numbers per common figure and the random numbers of common symbols are counted within a range of “0 to 9”, for example. Note that the arbitrary random number in the present embodiment takes only an integer value unless otherwise specified.

[1-2-2. Switch processing]
The switch process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the switch process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a start opening switch process, a gate switch process, a big winning opening switch process, and a normal winning opening switch process.

  The start port switch process includes first and second start port switch processes (see FIG. 5). In the first start port switch process, the main CPU 411 establishes the first start condition based on the timing at which the first start port SW 414a detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105 (that is, based on the winning to the start port 105). Timing), the count values of the random number counter C1, the special symbol random number counter C2, and the special symbol variation pattern random number counter C3 in the counter storage area 413c are acquired, and the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 are displayed as the special values. Special figure determination information (special figure holding information) including hit random numbers, special figure random numbers, and special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d of the main RAM 413. In the second start port switch process, the main CPU 411 establishes the second start condition based on the timing at which a game ball winning the second start port 106 is detected by the second start port SW 414b (that is, based on the winning to the start port 106). Timing), the count values of the random number counter C1, the special symbol random number counter C2, and the special symbol variation pattern random number counter C3 in the counter storage area 413c are acquired, and the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 are acquired per special symbol. Special figure determination information (special figure hold information) included as a random number, special figure design random number and special figure variation pattern random number is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d of the main RAM 413.

  The special figure determination information storage area 413d stores special figure determination information based on establishment of the first start condition and special figure determination information based on establishment of the second start condition, with a predetermined number as an upper limit. it can. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. Therefore, up to eight pieces of special figure determination information can be stored in the storage area 413d. The number of special figure determination information triggered by the establishment of the first and second start conditions in the storage area 413d corresponds to the above-described numbers of hold information U1 and U2, respectively. In addition, a priority order for receiving a special symbol lottery is set for each special figure determination information stored in the storage area 413d. Basically, a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired earlier in time. However, it is assumed that a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired when the second start condition is satisfied as compared to the special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied. The prior determination process executed in the start port switch process will be described later.

  In the gate switch process (see FIG. 5), the main CPU 411 detects the game ball that has passed through the gate 108 by the gate SW 415, and stores the random number counter C4 and the regular symbol random number counter C5 in the counter storage area 413c. Obtains the count value, and stores the information for determining the usual figure (ordinary figure holding information) including the obtained count values of the counters C4 and C5 as the random numbers per common figure and the common symbol random numbers, and stores the information for the usual figure determination in the main RAM 413 Store in the area 413i. The common figure determination information storage area 413i can store the common figure determination information with a predetermined number as an upper limit. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. The number of general-purpose determination information in the storage area 413i corresponds to the above-described reserved information number U3. Priorities for receiving the normal symbol lottery are set for each of the information for determining ordinary symbols stored in the storage area storage area 413i. A higher priority is set for the information for determining ordinary drawings acquired earlier in time.

  In the big prize opening switch process (see FIG. 5), the main CPU 411 detects the game ball that won the big prize opening 111 by the big prize opening SW416. In the normal winning opening switch process (see FIG. 5), the main CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the normal winning opening 112 by the normal winning opening SW417.

[1-2-3. Special design processing]
The special symbol process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 executes special symbol determination. The special figure determination includes a special figure determination, a special symbol design determination, and a special graphic fluctuation pattern determination. The special symbol lottery described above may include special symbol determination and special symbol determination, and may further include special symbol variation pattern determination. Therefore, the special symbol determination may be considered to include a special symbol lottery, or the special symbol determination and the special symbol lottery may be considered to be equivalent to each other. In the special symbol processing, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes determination per special symbol, special symbol determination and special symbol variation pattern determination using the special symbol determination information stored in the special symbol determination information storage area 413d. These determination results are stored in the special figure determination result storage area 413e. Then, after displaying the fluctuation of the special symbol for the fluctuation time indicated by the special figure fluctuation pattern selected by the special figure fluctuation pattern judgment, it is a symbol indicating the judgment per special figure and the judgment result of the special symbol judgment. The special symbol is stopped (in a manner showing the determination result of the determination and the special symbol determination).

  When the main CPU 411 starts the variation display of the special symbol, the main CPU 411 sets the variation start command including the determination result of the special symbol per unit determination, the special symbol determination, and the special symbol variation pattern determination in the main RAM 413 to the effect control unit 403. On the other hand, when the execution of the change effect is instructed and when the change of the special symbol is stopped, the change control command is instructed to the effect control unit 403 to end the execution of the change effect by setting the change stop command in the main RAM 413. In addition, when the result of the special figure hit determination indicates that the big hit is won, the main CPU 411 instructs the effect control unit 403 to start executing the hit effect by setting an opening command in the main RAM 413 following the change stop command. At the end of the jackpot game, an end command is instructed to the effect control unit 403 by setting an ending command in the main RAM 413. These commands set in the RAM 413 are output to the effect control unit 403 in an output process (see FIG. 5) described later.

  In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 acquires the special figure determination information set with the highest priority in the special figure determination information storage area 413d as the determination target (the determination target) TT, and the special CPU determines the special target of the determination target TT. By using the information for figure determination, judgment per special figure, special figure design judgment and special figure variation pattern judgment are sequentially executed. The special figure determination information that is the determination target TT is deleted from the storage area 413d (therefore, the number of held information U1 or U2 is decreased by 1) and transferred to another storage area (not shown). In the special symbol processing, when the special symbol determination information is not stored in the storage area 413d, the special symbol processing is finished without performing the special symbol determination.

  In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 first makes a per-special symbol determination that involves a comparison between the special symbol determination table TAt stored in the main ROM 412 and a random number per special symbol of the determination target TT.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the determination table TAt per special figure includes a determination table TAt1 per low probability special figure and a determination table TAt2 per high probability special figure. Each of the tables TAt1 and TAt2 has a predetermined determination value associated with the jackpot.

  When the high probability game flag is set to OFF at the time of determination per special figure (that is, at the time of special symbol lottery), the main CPU 411 performs determination per special figure using the table TAt1, and the high probability game flag is ON. If it is set to, determination per special figure is performed using the table TAt2. Then, the main CPU 411 determines that the jackpot has been won if the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the jackpot, otherwise it is a loss (that is, the jackpot is won) Not). The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. Here, the determination table TAt per special figure is formed so that the winning probability of winning a jackpot (the winning probability of the special symbol lottery) becomes 1/399 and 10/399 in the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state, respectively. It is assumed that

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating types of jackpots. There are special A, special B, and common A as types of jackpots. The numbers of rounds for special A, special B, and communication A are 4, 16, and 12, respectively. Note that “R” in the jackpot indicates a round. In each round, the big prize opening 111 is opened until the opening time of the big prize opening 111 reaches the specified maximum opening time (predetermined time). However, in each round, even if the opening time of the big prize opening 111 does not reach the specified maximum opening time, the big winning opening 111 is closed when the number of winning game balls to the big prize opening 111 reaches a predetermined number. Is done. In the following description regarding the opening time of the big prize opening 111, it is assumed that the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 111 does not reach a predetermined number in each round. The larger the number of rounds, the more the number of award balls that can be obtained by winning in the big winning opening 111 in the jackpot game, which is more advantageous to the player.

  In the judgment per special figure for the first special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the first starting condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio that the jackpot becomes Special A, Special B, and A These are 70%, 5% and 25%, respectively. In the judgment per special figure for the second special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the second starting condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio that the jackpot becomes Special A, Special B, and A These are 25%, 50%, and 25%, respectively.

  After the special A or special B jackpot game is finished, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game state, and then the next jackpot (that is, the next jackpot as seen from the jackpot generated immediately before). If the number of changes in the special symbol (that is, the number of times that the special symbol has been changed and stopped through the change display) is equal to or greater than the high-probability number of times and the number of times that the electric support is granted, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 Is set to the low probability non-electric support game state.

The high-probability number of times refers to the number of changes in the special symbol that maintains the high-probability gaming state. In other words, for a certain jackpot, after the jackpot game is over, while the special symbol fluctuates by i _k times, the gaming state becomes a high probability gaming state, and after the special symbol fluctuates by i _k times, the low probability gaming state when it is a high probability granted number corresponding to the jackpot is i _k times (i _k is an integer). Since a big hit is more likely to occur in the high probability gaming state than in the low probability gaming state, the higher the number of high probability grants, the more advantageous for the player.

The number of times when the electric support is given refers to the number of times the special symbol is maintained to maintain the electric support game state. That relates to certain jackpot, after completion of the jackpot gaming, non conductive support game after while, the and special symbol is gaming state and conductive support gaming state fluctuates by i _d times the special symbol is varied by i _d times when it is a state, support grant number electrostatic corresponding to the jackpot is i _d times (i _d is an integer). Since the starting condition is more easily established in the electric support game state than in the non-electric support game state, the more the number of electric support grants, the more advantageous for the player.

  The number of high-probability grants and power support grants for special A or special B jackpots are both 10,000 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, after the special jackpot game of special A or special B is over, if the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 10,000 without any other jackpots, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is reduced from the high probability electric support game state. It is made to shift to the probabilistic non-electric support game state. However, since the jackpot winning probability in the high probability gaming state is “10/399”, the high probability electric support game state is practically until the next jackpot winning after the special A or special B jackpot game is over. Can be said to be maintained.

  After the end of the big hit game of A, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the low-probability electric support game state until the special symbol fluctuates by the predetermined number of times of the electric support grant, After changing by the number of times that the electric support is given, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low probability non-electric support state (that is, the normal gaming state). However, when the next jackpot is won after the end of the big A jackpot game, the game state after the end of the next jackpot game is set according to the type of the jackpot won next time. For example, if the special A jackpot is won at the first change of the special symbol after the end of the jackpot game of the communication A, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the high probability electric support game after the end of the jackpot game of the special A. Set to state. The number of times electric support is given to the jackpot of the communication A is 100 times. In addition, since the high probability game state is not entered after the big A hit game, the low probability electric support game state is set.

  The special symbol determination included in the special symbol processing will be described (see FIG. 5). The main CPU 411 compares the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the main ROM 412 with the special symbol random number of the determination target TT, and determines in what symbol the special symbol is stopped based on the comparison result. Special symbol design is performed. At the time of winning the jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined based on the comparison result.

  The special symbol symbol determination table TZt is composed of a first special symbol symbol determination table and a second special symbol symbol determination table. When the determination target TT is special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied, the determination target TT is triggered when the second start condition is satisfied using the first special symbol determination table. In the case of the acquired special symbol determination information, the special symbol determination is performed using the second special symbol determination table. The first and second special symbol determination tables are formed so that the types of jackpots for the first and second special symbols are determined by the above-described ratio (see FIG. 7).

  As can be seen from FIG. 7, the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the second start condition is relatively more advantageous to the player than the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the first start condition (ie, more Easy to get many prize balls). Here, “relatively advantageous” means that the expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the big winning opening 111 in the jackpot game executed based on the establishment of the second starting condition is executed based on the establishment of the first starting condition. This means that the number of prize balls obtained by winning the winning prize 111 in the jackpot game is larger than the expected value. “Expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the jackpot game 111 in the jackpot game” is the expected value of the number of rounds in the jackpot game or the maximum value of the total opening time of the jackpot 111 in the jackpot game It may be read as a value.

  In the special symbol processing, the main CPU 411 determines the special symbol variation pattern for the determination target TT based on the special symbol variation pattern table THt and the random number per special symbol of the determination target TT, the special symbol random number, and the special graphic variation pattern random number. Special pattern variation pattern judgment is performed. The determination of the special figure fluctuation pattern is synonymous with the selection or setting of the special figure fluctuation pattern. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a plurality of special figure fluctuation patterns, and one special figure fluctuation pattern for the determination target TT is selected in the special figure fluctuation pattern determination. Each special symbol variation pattern defines a variation pattern of a special symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of the special symbol (the length of time during which the variation display of the special symbol is performed).

  In the special figure determination result storage area 413e (see FIG. 4), the determination results of the special object per TT, the special symbol design determination, and the special figure variation pattern determination for the determination target TT are stored in a state of being associated with each other. The

[Pre-judgment process in start-up switch process]
Further, the main CPU 411 executes a pre-determination process during the start port switch process (see FIG. 5). In the pre-determination process, the main CPU 411 sets, as a pre-determination target, the special-determination determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d and put on hold. The special symbol design determination and the special symbol variation pattern determination are sequentially executed. The method of special figure determination, special symbol design, and special figure variation pattern determination for the prior determination target is the same as those for the determination target TT. The determination result of the prior determination process (that is, the determination result per special figure, the determination of special symbol design, and the determination of the special figure variation pattern for the preliminary determination target) is stored in the preliminary determination information storage area 413h. The determination result of the prior determination process is included in the hold increase command, and the hold increase command is set in the main RAM 413 and transmitted to the effect control unit 403 in the output process described later. The hold increase command includes information indicating which of the hold information numbers U1 and U2 has increased in addition to the determination result of the above-described pre-determination process. The pre-determination process for certain special figure determination information is executed in the start-up switch process before the special figure determination information is acquired and stored in the storage area 413d.

[1-2-4. Normal symbol processing]
The normal symbol processing (see FIG. 5) will be described. In the normal symbol processing, the main CPU 411 obtains the common symbol determination information set with the highest priority in the general symbol determination information storage area 413i as the normal symbol determination target FF, and determines the normal symbol per-determination determination table FAt, Based on the normal symbol determination table FZt, the normal symbol variation pattern table FHt, and the general symbol determination target FF, etc. Is executed, and the determination result of the common figure determination is stored in the general figure determination result storage area 413j, and the change display and the stop display of the normal symbol are performed based on the determination result of the common figure determination. The information for determining the normal map that has become the normal map determination target FF is deleted from the storage area 413i (therefore, the number U3 of reserved information is decreased by 1) and transferred to another storage area (not shown). In the normal symbol process, when the general pattern determination information is not stored in the storage area 413i, the normal symbol process is terminated without performing the normal symbol determination.

  In the determination per common figure, it is determined whether or not the winning per common figure is won. When the winning is per common figure, the type per common figure is determined by the general symbol determination using the general symbol determination table FZt. There are two types of per map: per long open and short open. The time for the electric tulip 107 to be in the open state is longer per long opening than per short opening. In the normal map variation pattern determination, the main CPU 411 selects a general map variation pattern for the normal map determination target FF from a plurality of normal map variation patterns included in the general map variation pattern table FHt based on whether or not the electric support is provided. To do. The regular pattern variation pattern defines the variation time of a normal symbol. The main CPU 411 controls the display of the normal symbols based on the stored contents of the general pattern determination result storage area 413j in which the determination result of the general pattern determination is stored. For example, after displaying the change of the normal symbol for the change time indicated by the normal pattern change pattern selected by the normal pattern change pattern determination, the symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination and the normal symbol determination The normal symbol is stopped (in the form showing the determination result of the determination and the normal symbol determination).

[1-2-5. Electric accessory control processing]
The electric accessory control process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the electric accessory control process, the big prize opening process and the electric chew process are sequentially executed.

  In the special winning a prize opening process, when the result of the special figure determination indicates that a big win is won, the special winning opening 111 is opened and closed using a big winning opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of the big win. In the big prize opening pattern table DKt, a big prize opening pattern defining the opening mode of the big prize opening 111 is stored for each type of jackpot. The main CPU 411 realizes the big prize opening process with reference to the table DKt.

  The jackpot game with the opening of the big prize opening 111 is started after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 201 in a manner showing a big hit. When the jackpot game is started, after a predetermined opening period (in other words, opening time; for example, 10 seconds), the round winning opening 111 is opened for a predetermined maximum opening time (predetermined time) according to the type of jackpot. The game is executed Rmax times with a predetermined interval period (in other words, an interval time). Rmax represents the number of rounds (see FIG. 7) according to the type of jackpot. However, as described above, in each round (that is, each round game), even if the opening time of the big winning opening 111 has not reached the specified maximum opening time, the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 111 is a predetermined value. When the number (for example, 10) is reached, the special winning opening 111 is closed, and the round (round game) ends. Then, when the last round game ends and a predetermined ending period (in other words, ending time; for example, 5 seconds) elapses, the jackpot game is ended. It may be considered that the opening period and the ending period are not included in the jackpot game execution period.

  In the big prize opening pattern, the above-mentioned prescribed maximum opening time and interval period are defined, and an opening period and an ending period can also be defined.

  In addition, the game state setting process (see FIG. 5) is executed in the big prize opening process during the jackpot game or after the jackpot game. In the game state setting process, the main CPU 411 sets various game flags such as a high probability game flag and an electric support game flag that determine the game state in the game flag storage area 413f. As described above, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is an electric support game state when the electric support game flag is ON, and a non-electric support game state when the electric support game flag is OFF. In the game state setting process during the big prize opening process executed in response to the occurrence of the jackpot, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are set ON / OFF according to the type of the jackpot that has occurred, Depending on the type of jackpot that occurred, the high probability remaining game number X indicating the remaining number of variations of the special symbol that maintains the high probability gaming state and the remaining variation number of the special symbol that maintains the electric support game state The electric support game remaining count J is set in the main RAM 413.

In the game state setting process associated with special A or special B jackpot (see FIG. 7), the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are both turned ON, and the high probability game remaining number X and the electric support game remaining number J are both set. “10000” is set.
In the game state setting process associated with the big hit of A, the high probability game flag is turned off while the electric support game flag is turned on and the high probability remaining game count X is set to “0” while the electric support “100” is set in the remaining game count J.
That is, the high probability remaining game count X and the electric support game remaining count J set in the game state setting process executed with a certain jackpot are respectively the high probability grant count and the electric support grant corresponding to the jackpot. This is consistent with the number of times (see FIG. 7).

  The high probability remaining game count X set in the game state setting process is subtracted by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “X ≧ 1”, and becomes “X = 0”. The high probability game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a low probability gaming state. The electric support game remaining number J set in the game state setting process is decremented by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “J ≧ 1”, and becomes “J = 0”. The electric support game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a non-electric support game state. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are OFF, and “0” is set to the number of times X and J. As described above, by initializing the game information of the gaming machine 100 using the RAM clear switch provided on the back surface of the game board 101, the initial state is obtained.

  In the electric Chu process, the main CPU 411 opens and closes the electric tulip 107 based on the result of the normal symbol process. When a normal symbol lottery is won (per common symbol), the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined time.

[1-2-6. Prize ball processing]
In the winning ball process, the main CPU 411 pays out a predetermined number of winning balls for winning at the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning port 112. Is set in the prize ball information storage area 413g as a prize ball command.

[1-2-7. Output processing]
In the output process, the main CPU 411 sends information (including arbitrary commands) indicating the storage contents of each storage area in the main RAM 413 to each control unit (the prize ball control unit 402 and the effect) connected to the main control unit 401. Output to the control unit 403). A command related to the prize ball is output to the prize ball control unit 402, and a command related to the effect is output to the effect control unit 403. In the output process, the main CPU 411 can transmit any information that it recognizes or holds (for example, information indicating the state of the electric support game flag and the high probability game flag) to the effect control unit 403. When the output process ends, the timer interrupt process also ends. When the timer interrupt process ends, the process executed by the main CPU 411 returns to the main process (see FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a board external information terminal board 491 is connected to the main control section 401, and the main control section 401 sends information indicating the contents stored in the main RAM 413 to the outside (through the board 491). For example, it can be output to a hall computer of a game facility.

[2. Prize ball control unit]
The prize ball control unit 402 (see FIG. 4) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The prize ball control unit 402 pays out a prize ball based on a payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 401.

  Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 402. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the prize ball control unit 402 includes a fixed position detection SW 424 for detecting a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW425 for detecting a paid game ball, and a game ball in the upper plate 123. A sphere presence detection SW 426 for detecting whether or not there is a full tank detection SW 427 is connected. The full tank detection SW 427 includes an upper dish full tank detection SW for detecting that the upper dish 123 is filled with game balls, and a lower dish full tank detection SW for detecting that the lower dish 125 is filled with game balls. Including. Each of SW 424 to 427 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 402. The winning ball control unit 402 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 401 or a detection signal input from the SWs 424 to 427. Further, the prize ball control unit 402 may output detection signals input from the SWs 424 to 427 to the main control unit 401.

  Further, a launching unit 428 is connected to the prize ball control unit 402. The award ball control unit 402 detects the operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 428 (operation by the player) and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 428 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 402 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 428, the game ball 103 is intermittently fired by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, and the game area 103 of the game board 101 is played. Launch a game ball.

  The prize ball control unit 402 is connected to a payout unit 429 for paying out a prize ball. The payout unit 429 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from a storage unit (not shown) that stores game balls. The prize ball control unit 402 controls the payout unit 429 to drive the payout drive motor, thereby to each winning port (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 111, the normal winning port 112). The payout of prize balls corresponding to the winnings of will be realized. The prize ball controller 402 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 492, and various information handled by the prize ball controller 402 can be output to the outside through the board 492.

[3. Production control unit]
The effect control unit 403 includes a CPU 431, a ROM 432, a RAM 433, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like (see FIG. 4). The CPU, ROM, and RAM in the effect control unit 403 are also referred to as a sub CPU, a sub ROM, and a sub RAM, respectively. The sub CPU 431 reads out various programs related to the control of the effects performed by the gaming machine 100 from the sub ROM 432, and executes the read programs using the sub RAM 433 as a work area.

  The effect control unit 403 includes an image / sound control unit (not shown) that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 115, lighting control of the effect light unit 116 and the board lamp 135 on the game board 101, and A lamp control unit (not shown) that performs drive control of the frame movable accessory 117 and the panel movable accessory 130 is provided. In addition, the effect control unit 403 is connected with an effect button 121 and a cross key 122 for receiving an operation from the player. The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect corresponding to the input operation content from the player with respect to the effect button 121 and the cross key 122.

  The effect control unit 403 realizes an arbitrary effect including a change effect using an effect realizing element (effect means). That is, the production control unit 403 controls the production realization element to cause the production realization element to perform a desired production (the main body of the production in this expression is the production realization element, but in the description of this embodiment, The effect control unit 403 is regarded as the main subject of the effect). The effect realizing element includes at least one of the image display unit 104, the speaker 115, the effect light unit 116, the movable frame accessory 117, the effect button 121, the panel lamp 135, and the movable panel accessory 130. The variation effect refers to an effect executed by the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation during the special symbol variation display, and includes an effect suggesting the determination result of the special symbol determination. It should be noted that suggestions, notifications, notifications, notifications, etc. due to effects may be considered to be for players unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, display of an arbitrary image and design (decorative design or the like) under the control of the effect control unit 403 indicates display on the image display unit 104.

[3-1. Production main processing]
FIG. 8 lists the main processes performed by the effect control unit 403. When power is supplied to the effect control unit 403, the effect main process is executed by the sub CPU 431. In the effect main process, the sub CPU 431 performs initial setting of a built-in device such as CTC in the effect control unit 403 and stores the setting content in the sub RAM 433.

[3-2. Production timer interrupt processing]
The sub CPU 431 interrupts and executes the effect timer interrupt process with respect to the effect main process at a cycle according to the setting content stored in the sub RAM 433 by the effect main process (see FIG. 8). In the effect timer interrupt process, the sub CPU 431 sequentially executes an effect random number update process, a command reception process, and an operation reception process.

[3-2-1. Production random number update process]
In the effect random number update process, the sub CPU 431 adds “1” to the count value of each effect random number counter stored in the effect counter storage area (not shown) in the sub RAM 433 to thereby generate each effect random number counter. Update the count value. When the count value of any random number counter for presentation exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the count value of the counter is returned to “0”, and thereafter the same count up is performed. The count value of the effect random number counter can be referred to as the value of the effect random number used in various effects.

[3-2-2. Command reception processing]
In the command reception process, the sub CPU 431 executes a special drawing effect process, a general drawing effect process, and a hit effect process.

[3-2-2-1. Special drawing production process]
The special figure effect process includes an effect start process and an effect end process. The sub CPU 431 starts the variation effect by executing the effect start process in response to the reception of the variation start command from the main control unit 401, and then performs the effect in response to the reception of the variation stop command from the main control unit 401. The variation effect is ended by executing the end process. The effect start process includes a variable effect content determination process. In the variation effect content determination process, the sub CPU 431 determines the content of the variation effect based on the effect random number, the command received from the main control unit 401, or the like. Specifically, for example, a variation production pattern table (special drawing variation production pattern table) including a plurality of variation production patterns (special drawing variation production pattern) each defining the contents of the variation production is stored in the ROM 432 in advance. In the variation effect content determination process, the content of the variation effect is determined by selecting and determining one variation effect pattern from the variation effect pattern table based on the variation start command or the like.

  Further, when receiving a hold increase command from the main control unit 401, the sub CPU 431 stores information based on the hold increase command in the sub RAM 433 and performs a hold increase process in the command reception process. In the hold increase process, a hold image corresponding to the prior determination target is additionally displayed on the image display unit 104. The reserved image corresponding to the advance determination target is later deleted from the image display unit 104 or shifted to a specific display position when the change start command is received when the advance determination target becomes the determination target TT. . The sub CPU 431 can also perform a pre-reading notice effect for the prior determination target based on the hold increase command.

[3-2-2-2. General drawing processing]
The ordinary drawing effect process (see FIG. 8) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to a normal symbol is received from the main control unit 401. A command related to the normal symbol is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation of the normal symbol. In the ordinary drawing effect process, the ordinary drawing effect is executed when the normal symbol changes.

[3-2-2-3. Winning effect processing]
The winning effect process (see FIG. 8) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to the winning effect is received from the main control unit 401. An opening command and an ending command are transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 as commands related to the win effect at the start and end of the win game, which is a big hit game, respectively. In the winning effect process, the effect control unit 403 starts the winning effect in response to the reception of the opening command, and ends the winning effect in response to the reception of the ending command.

  In the opening command, information indicating the opening period, information indicating the type of winning (which type of jackpot), information indicating the winning opening opening pattern, and information that can identify the current gaming state of the gaming machine 100 May be included. The ending command may include information indicating the ending period. The effect control unit 403 can determine the content of the winning effect based on information included in the opening command and the ending command.

[3-2-3. Operation acceptance process]
In the operation accepting process (see FIG. 8), the sub CPU 431 operates based on a signal from the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 to determine whether the player has operated the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 (operation presence / absence and operation contents). ) The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect according to the recognized operation state.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the effect control unit 403 selects and sets one effect mode from a plurality of predetermined effect modes, based on the command received from the main control unit 401. The effect mode selected here may be hereinafter referred to as a target effect mode. The effect control unit 403 performs various effects including a variable effect in the target effect mode. The plurality of effect modes include a normal mode, a probability change mode, and a chance mode as first to third effect modes. The effect control unit 403 executes different effects between the normal mode, the probability variation mode, and the chance mode. The target effect mode is the normal mode in the low probability non-electric support game state, the probability change mode in the high probability electric support game state, and the chance mode in the low probability electric support game state.

<< Description of contents and flow of various productions >>
Next, the flow of some effects that can be performed by the effect control unit 403 will be described. The variable effects described below and the various effects during the variable effects are the variable effects for the particular special figure determination information to which attention is paid (the variable effects according to the result of the special figure determination for the determination target TT, unless otherwise specified). ) And various effects. In the following description, it is assumed that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a low-probability non-electric support game state and the determination target TT is special figure determination information acquired based on the establishment of the first start condition. However, even when the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is different from the low-probability non-electric support game state, and even when the determination target TT is special figure determination information acquired based on the establishment of the second start condition, Various effects shown below can be executed.

  The effect control unit 403 starts the variable display of the first to nth decorative symbols in synchronization with the start of the variation display of the special symbol, and then determines the determination target TT in synchronization with the stop of the variation display of the special symbol. The variation display of the first to nth decorative symbols is stopped in a manner corresponding to the result of the special figure determination. Here, n is usually an arbitrary integer of 2 or more, but may be “n = 1”. In the following, it is assumed that n = 3 unless otherwise specified.

  The first to third decorative symbols are composed of a left symbol, a right symbol, and a middle symbol. In the image display unit 104, a left symbol display area in which a left symbol is displayed, a right symbol display area in which a right symbol is displayed, and a middle symbol display area in which a middle symbol is displayed are set. Of the left, right, and middle symbol display areas, the left symbol display area is located on the left and the right symbol display area is located on the right as viewed from the player facing the image display unit 104.

[Reach production]
The effect control unit 403 performs reach effect after temporarily stopping the change display of the first to (n-1) decorative symbols among the first to nth decorative symbols in the common effect. be able to. Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is considered that the first and second decorative symbols are the left symbol and the right symbol. Then, the effect control unit 403 can perform the reach effect after temporarily stopping the left and right symbol variation displays with the common symbol.

  Strictly, the decorative symbol is not temporarily stopped, but the decorative symbol is displayed on the image display unit 104 in such a manner that the player can recognize that the decorative symbol has stopped. This is a variation display mode of a decorative pattern that is slightly varied. Specifically, for example, when the i-th decorative symbol is temporarily stopped at the symbol with the number “2”, the player recognizes that the i-th decorative symbol is the symbol with the number “2”. As can be done, it means that the symbol with the numeral “2” is continuously displayed as a i-th decorative symbol for more than a predetermined time while vibrating in a predetermined display area in the image display unit 104 (i is an integer).

The reach effect is an effect suggesting that the degree of expectation of execution of the jackpot game with respect to the determination target TT is higher than the predetermined expectation degree KT _REF . The expected degree of execution of the jackpot game (hereinafter also referred to as the jackpot expectation) is the probability (statistical probability) that one piece of special figure determination information (in this case, the determination target TT) has been won. Represents. If a specific effect is performed on one noticed special figure determination information, the expected degree of jackpot for the special figure determination information is the expected degree of jackpot for the specific effect (the specific effect is It can also be said that the assigned special figure determination information is a winning probability. The predetermined expectation degree KT _REF indicates a probability OTK predetermined as a jackpot winning probability or a predetermined value larger than the probability OTK (for example, five times the probability OTK). The probability OTK is “1/399” if the special figure determination is performed in the low probability gaming state, and is “10/399” if the special figure determination is performed in the high probability gaming state (FIG. 6). reference). Here, since the low probability non-electric support game state is assumed, the probability OTK is “1/399”. The degree of expectation for jackpot is synonymous with the reliability described later. In the variation effect, the execution of the reach effect may be considered to suggest that the expectation of the jackpot of the determination target TT is higher than the non-execution of the reach effect.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in the variable effect including the reach effect, the first and second decorations are passed through an arbitrary effect after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols (corresponding to SZ1 to SZ3 in FIG. 10). The symbols are temporarily stopped in a state where the symbols are aligned with a common symbol (the symbol “2” in FIG. 10), and then a predetermined reach effect is performed. In the reach effect, for example, a game problem (such as a problem in which the main character defeats an enemy character in the game) occurs, and an effect indicating whether or not the problem is achieved is executed. Before the reach effect is performed, when the first and second decorative symbols are temporarily stopped at a common symbol, the first and second decorative symbols are arranged so that the player can easily see the first and second decorative symbols. Temporarily stopped at a predetermined large size. During execution of the reach effect, small-sized first and second decorative symbols arranged in common symbols for viewing the reach effect are temporarily displayed in the upper left corner and the upper right corner of the image display unit 104, for example. Stopped (small size is smaller than the large size). During the execution of the reach effect, the third decorative symbol may be displayed in a small size in an arbitrary display area in the image display unit 104 (variable display at a higher speed than the first and second decorative symbols).

  When the determination target TT wins any one of the jackpots, an effect (for example, displaying a moving image showing how the hero character wins the enemy character) showing how the game task is achieved is performed. The first to third decorative symbols of the size are temporarily stopped and displayed near the center of the image display unit 104 in the form of a doublet, and when the change stop command is received, the first to third decorative symbols of the large size are in the form of a doublet Is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, when the determination target TT is a loss, an effect (for example, displaying a moving image showing a state where the main character is defeated by an enemy character) indicating that the game task is not achieved is performed and a large-sized first The first to third decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed near the center of the image display unit 104 in a non-zero pattern, and when a variable stop command is received, the large first to third decorative symbols are changed to a non-zero pattern. Is displayed.

  The doublet refers to a state in which the first to third decorative symbols are aligned with a common symbol on a predetermined effective line (that is, a combination of the first to third decorative symbols indicating a jackpot). The stop display of the first to third decorative symbols by the flat eyes corresponds to a jackpot announcement. On the other hand, a non-zolo eye refers to a state in which the first to third decorative symbols are not aligned with a common symbol on a predetermined effective line. The stop display of the first to third decorative symbols by the non-flat eyes corresponds to a notice of losing.

  The reach effect shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example of the reach effect. In the gaming machine 100, a plurality of reach effects having different contents can be executed.

[Reliability (Expectation)]
Here, the term “reliability” will be explained. In the case where certain effect Q ₂ for a certain one of JP diagram determination information Q ₁ is carried out, the probability that special symbol determination information Q ₁ is elected jackpot, i.e., based on the special symbol determination information Q ₁ expected value is determined jackpot in the determination per special symbol (the expected value of the probability theory), reliability of jackpot, the reliability of the special symbol determination information Q _1, or, referred to as the reliability of the effect Q _2, or , terms related to special symbol determination information Q ₁ or effect Q ₂ (e.g., hold the image for special symbol determination information Q ₁ that is suspended) while correlated to simply as reliability. For example, if the information Q ₁ is being held, it is sometimes referred to as reliability information Q ₁ and so the reliability of the hold. The information Q ₁ is being held, the information Q ₁ is be stored in the special symbol determination information storage area 413d, variation of the special symbols based on information Q ₁ is refers to a condition that has not been started yet. Effect Q ₂ are to be located in the advance notification effect that takes place during the variation of the special symbols that correspond to special symbol determination information Q ₁ (i.e. variation effect), starting variation of special symbol corresponding to the special symbol determination information Q ₁ This may be a pre-reading notice effect performed before.

For any one of JP diagram determination information Q _1, the probability effect Q ₂ is performed on the special symbol determination information Q ₁ and result is a "loss" of the hit determination special symbol in "r" The probability that the result of the determination per special figure is “big hit” and the effect Q ₂ is executed on the special figure determination information Q ₁ is expressed by “v”. Then, the reliability of the jackpot when the production Q ₂ is performed on the special figure determination information Q ₁ is represented by “(100 × v / (r + v)) [%]”. The jackpot reliability and the jackpot expectation are the same.

  Several embodiments based on the above are described below.

<< First Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows a special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a, which is an example of components of the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a unless otherwise specified.

  The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a is a table in which predetermined decision values are associated with the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15. Each special symbol variation pattern defines a variation mode of a special symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of the special symbol (the length of time during which the special symbol variation display is performed). The special symbol fluctuation times in the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15 are 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.

  The special figure variation pattern table table THt_a includes tables THt_a1 and THt_a2. The main CPU 411 selects the table THt_a1 when the determination result of the special figure determination is a loss, and determines that the determination result of the special figure determination is a big win (special A, special B, or a special big hit). If so, THt_a2 is selected.

  The main CPU 411 corresponds to the determination target TT when the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_ai in the selection table (here, THt_a1 or THt_a2). The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_ai is selected and set as the special figure fluctuation pattern to be performed (where i is an integer of 11 to 15). As described above, the special figure variation pattern random number is a random number that takes an integer in the range of “0 to 499”.

In the table THt_a1, a total of 450 judgment values “0 to 449” and a total of 34 judgment values “450 to 483” and a total of 13 for the special figure variation patterns THp_a11, THp_a12, THp_a13, THp_a14, and THp_a15, respectively. Determination values “484 to 496”, a total of two determination values “497 to 498”, and one determination value “499” are assigned.
In the table THt_a2, for the special figure variation patterns THp_a12, THp_a13, THp_a14, and THp_a15, a total of 10 determination values “0-9”, a total of 40 determination values “10-49”, and a total of 150 determinations, respectively. A total of 300 determination values “200 to 499” are assigned, with a value “50 to 199”. In the table THt_a2, no determination value is assigned to the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_a11 that can be selected only at the time of loss. Therefore, the special figure variation pattern THp_a11 is not selected when the table THt_a2 is selected.

  FIG. 12 shows a variation effect pattern table HEt_a that is an example of components of the variation effect pattern table stored in the sub ROM 432. The variation effect pattern table HEt_a includes the variation effect patterns HEp_a11 to HEp_a15 each defining the contents of the variation effect. Here, it is assumed that the special drawing variation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15 are associated with the variation effect patterns HEp_a11 to HEp_a15 on a one-to-one basis.

  When the variation start command indicating that the special figure variation pattern THp_a11, THp_a12, THp_a13, THp_a14, THp_a15 is determined and selected for the determination target TT is received, the effect control unit 403 receives the received change in the change effect content determination process. Based on the start command, the variation effect patterns HEp_a11, HEp_a12, HEp_a13, HEp_a14, and HEp_a15 are selected. Then, the effect control unit 403 executes the effect according to the selected variation effect pattern as the variation effect of the determination target TT. In FIG. 12, the number of execution stages of a predetermined multistage effect that can be executed as a variable effect is also shown as a reference. The multistage effect will be described later.

  In the first embodiment, hereinafter, attention is paid to a single special figure determination information 1100 and a fluctuating effect 1200 for the special figure determination information 1100 for specific and clarification of the description. Therefore, for example, the jackpot expectation (reliability) described in the following description of the first embodiment refers to that for the special figure determination information 1100.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the first and third decorative symbols (corresponding to SZ <b> 1 to SZ <b> 3) are displayed in synchronization with the start of variation display of the special symbol at the start timing of variation effect 1200, and the end timing of variation effect 1200 is started. In FIG. 5, the change display of the first to third decorative symbols ends in synchronization with the stop of the change display of the special symbols (that is, the first to third decorative symbols that have been changed and displayed are stopped and displayed). The effect control unit 403 can execute a multistage effect at an arbitrary timing when the change effect 1200 is performed based on the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1100 (based on the change start command). is there.

  FIG. 14A shows the configuration of the multistage effect executed in the variable effect 1200. The multistage effect is an effect composed of one or more stage effects arranged in time series. The maximum number of stage effects included in the multistage effect may be any number as long as it is two or more, but here, the maximum number of stage effects included in the multistage effect is 3, and the three stage effects are designated as first to first. This is called a three-stage production. In the multistage effect, the second stage effect is executed after the first stage effect is executed, and the third stage effect is executed after the second stage effect is executed. However, after the first stage effect is performed, the multistage effect may end without performing the second and third stage effects, and after the second stage effect is performed, the multistage effect is performed without performing the third stage effect. Sometimes it ends.

A more specific description will be given with reference to FIGS.
When the variation effect pattern HEp_a11 or HEp_a12 is selected in the variation effect content determination process as a result of selecting the special diagram variation pattern THp_a11 or THp_a12 for the special map determination information 1100 (see FIG. 14B), the effect control is performed. In the variation effect 1200, after the start of the variation display of the decoration symbol, the unit 403 stops the variation display of the decoration symbol through a predetermined effect other than the multi-stage effect without performing any multi-stage effect.
When the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected in the variation effect content determination process as a result of selecting the special diagram variation pattern THp_a13 for the special map determination information 1100 (see FIG. 14C), the effect control unit 403 In the fluctuating effect 1200, after the decorative symbol fluctuating display starts, the multi-stage effect starts to be executed from the first stage effect, but after the first-stage effect has been executed, the multi-stage effect is performed without performing the second and third stage effects. The execution is terminated, and thereafter, the decorative symbol variation display is stopped through a predetermined effect other than the multistage effect.
When the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected in the variation effect content determination process as a result of the selection of the special diagram variation pattern THp_a14 for the special figure determination information 1100 (see FIG. 14D), the effect control unit 403 In the variation effect 1200, the first stage effect and the second step effect in the multi-stage effect are sequentially executed after the start of the decorative symbol variation display, but the multi-stage effect is performed without performing the third stage effect after the execution of the second stage effect. The display of the decorative symbols is stopped after a predetermined effect other than the multistage effect.
When the variation effect pattern HEp_a15 is selected in the variation effect content determination process as a result of the selection of the special diagram variation pattern THp_a15 for the special map determination information 1100 (see FIG. 14E), the effect control unit 403 In the variation effect 1200, the first to third stage effects in the multistage effect are sequentially executed after the start of the variation display of the decorative symbols, and after the third stage effect is finished, the decoration symbols are displayed in a predetermined manner other than the multistage effect. Stop.

  In the change effect 1200 by the change effect patterns HEp_a13 to HEp_a15, the predetermined effect executed after the multistage effect may be a reach effect. However, the entire multistage effect may constitute a reach effect, or a part of the latter half of the multistage effect may constitute a reach effect.

  Here, it is assumed that the multistage effect includes an effect of outputting sound from the speaker 115. Hereinafter, the sound output from the speaker 115 is also referred to as output sound. The output speech includes not only speech of words but also sounds that are not classified into words, such as onomatopoeia. The effect control unit 403 can display the output voice as a character image on the image display unit 104, and the display of the character image also forms part of the multistage effect. The character image here is an image showing words, onomatopoeia, and the like indicated by the output voice as characters.

  For example, the multistage effect including the audio output may be a story effect that causes a predetermined character to appear on the image display unit 104. The appearance of the predetermined character on the image display unit 104 means that the predetermined character image indicating the predetermined character is displayed on the image display unit 104. In the story production including voice output, the production control unit 403 outputs the speech generated by the character appearing on the image display unit 104 as a voice from the speaker 115 and displays the speech as the output voice as a character image. Displayed on the unit 104. The story production forms a series of stories, and the first stage to the third stage production are executed to express the entire series of stories as production. Therefore, when the multistage effect ends in the first or second stage effect, only a part of the series of stories is expressed as the effect.

  Alternatively, for example, the multistage effect including audio output may be a music effect including reproduction of music. However, the music here is assumed to be music containing lyrics. In the music production including the reproduction of the music, the production control unit 403 reproduces the predetermined music and outputs the sound constituting the music from the speaker 115 and the lyrics as the output sound (the lyrics of the music being reproduced). Is displayed on the image display unit 104 as a character image. When it is considered that the entire music is reproduced by executing the first stage effect to the third stage effect, when the multistage effect is finished in the first or second stage effect, only a part of the music is expressed as the effect. Will not be.

  In addition, the multistage effect in the present embodiment is any effect as long as it is a predetermined effect including an effect produced by the sound output from the speaker 115 and an effect that the sound output is displayed on the image display unit 104 as a character image. There may be. Data necessary for realizing each effect, including music data, is stored in the sub ROM 432 in advance. Hereinafter, it will be described more specifically assuming that the multistage effect is a music effect.

  FIG. 15 shows the variation when the variation effect pattern HEp_a15 is selected for the special figure determination information 1100, that is, when the music effect is executed from the first to third stage effects in the variation effect 1200. The outline of the production 1200 (this is particularly referred to by the symbol 1200C) is shown. In the variation effect 1200C of FIG. 15, the first to third stage effects constituting the music effect are sequentially executed immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols, or after an arbitrary effect. After the execution of the effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner showing the result of the special symbol determination for the special symbol determination information 1100 after a predetermined effect (that is, the first to third decorative symbols). Fluctuation display is stopped). If the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed.

  In the first to third stage effects in the variable effect 1200C, the effect control unit 403 outputs the music including the lyrics and outputs the music from the speaker 115, and outputs the music simultaneously with the reproduction of the music. The lyrics as sound are displayed on the image display unit 104 as a character image. At this time, an image of a character or person showing how to sing a song is also displayed on the image display unit 104. Character images 1511 and 1512 are character images displayed on the image display unit 104 in the first stage effect, and character images 1513 and 1514 are character images displayed on the image display unit 104 in the second stage effect. Character images 1515 and 1516 are character images displayed on the image display unit 104 in the third stage effect. In this way, the character image displayed in each stage effect may be switched. For example, the character image displayed in the first stage effect is switched from the character image 1511 to the character image 1512. However, implementation of such switching is not essential.

  In addition, here, during execution of the first to third stage effects, small-sized first to third decorative symbols (corresponding to KZ in FIG. 15) are variably displayed at the upper left corner of the image display unit 104. It is said. However, during the execution of the first to third stage effects, the small or large first to third decorative symbols may be variably displayed at any position on the image display unit 104. During the execution of the first to third stage effects, the first and second decorative symbols may be temporarily stopped with a common symbol (in this case, the multistage effect constitutes a reach effect).

  In the variation effect 1200C, the first continuous sound effect and the second continuous sound effect are also performed. The first continuous production effect is an effect that is performed after the end of the first stage effect and before the start of the second stage effect. The music effect exceeds the first stage effect and continues to be executed after the second stage effect. This is an effect that suggests whether or not to be performed. The second continuous production effect is an effect that is performed after the end of the second stage effect and before the start of the third stage effect. The music effect exceeds the second stage effect, and the third stage effect is also continuously executed. It is a production that suggests whether or not. The first and second continuous production effects may be considered as components of the music effect, or may be considered as effects different from the music effect.

  In the first or second continuous production effect, for example, the production control unit 403 displays a moving image on the image display unit 104 that looks as if the door located in front of a character or the like showing a state of singing a song is half closed. Thereafter, a continuation suggestion effect by displaying a moving image that appears as if the door has been opened or a non-continuation suggestion effect by displaying a moving image that appears as if the door has been closed is executed. The continuation suggestion effect in the first continuous production effect is an effect that suggests and announces that the music production exceeds the first stage production and is continuously executed after the second stage production, and is a non-continuation suggestion in the first continuous production effect. The effect is an effect that suggests and announces that the music effect is not continuously executed after the second stage effect (that is, the music effect ends up to the first stage effect without executing the second and third stage effects). . The continuation suggestion effect in the second continuous production effect is an effect that suggests and announces that the music production exceeds the second stage production and the third stage production is also continuously executed, and the non-continuation suggestion production in the second continuous production effect. Is an effect that suggests and announces that the music effect is not continuously executed until the third stage effect (that is, the music effect is ended up to the second stage effect without the third stage effect being executed). The continuation suggestion effect is executed in each of the first and second continuous turn effects in the variation effect 1200C.

  During the execution of the first and second continuous turning effects, the effect control unit 403 does not display the character image on the image display unit 104. In response to this, it is preferable that the output of the sound corresponding to the character image is interrupted during the execution of the first and second continuous turning effects. For example, the production control unit 403 pauses the output of the sound from the speaker 115 by temporarily stopping the reproduction of the music during execution of the first and second continuous production productions (however, a predetermined sound effect or the like) Output may be performed). Alternatively, for example, when the interlude part (part without lyrics) in the music is being played back, the first and second continuous squeak effects may be performed.

  FIG. 16 shows a variation effect 1200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected for the special figure determination information 1100, that is, when the music effect is executed up to the second stage effect in the variation effect 1200 (this). Is specifically referred to by the symbol 1200B). In the variation effect 1200B of FIG. 16, the first and second stage effects constituting the music effect are sequentially executed immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols, or after an arbitrary effect. The execution of the multistage effect is terminated without performing the third stage effect at the end of the execution of the effect, and then, through the predetermined effect, the results of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1100 are shown in the first to third modes. The decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. If the difference in the display mode of the character image described later is ignored, the contents of the first and second stage effects in the change effect 1200B may be considered to be the same as the contents of the first and second steps effect in the change effect 1200C. .

  The first and second continuous turning effects described above are also performed in the changing effect 1200B. In the variable effect 1200B, the first continuous turn effect is performed after the end of the first stage effect and before the start of the second step effect, and the second continuous turn effect is performed after the end of the second step effect. In the variation effect 1200B, the continuation suggestion effect is executed in the first continuous effect, but the non-continuation suggestion effect is executed in the second effect. After the non-continuation suggestion effect by the second continuous turning effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed through a predetermined effect.

  In FIG. 17, when the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected for the special figure determination information 1100, that is, when the music effect is executed up to the first stage effect in the variation effect 1200, this is the variation effect 1200 (this) Is referred to in particular by the symbol 1200A). In the variation effect 1200A of FIG. 17, after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols, the first stage effect constituting the music effect is executed immediately or after passing through any effect, and the execution of the first stage effect is completed. The execution of the multistage effect is completed without performing the second and third stage effects, and then the first to third decorations are shown in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1100 after a predetermined effect. The symbol is stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. If the difference in the display mode of the character image to be described later is ignored, the content of the first stage effect in the variation effect 1200A may be considered to be the same as the content of the first step effect in the variation effect 1200B or 1200C.

  In the variation effect 1200A, only the first continuous sound effect is performed among the first and second continuous sound effects described above. In the variation effect 1200A, the first continuous beat effect is performed after the end of the first stage effect, and the non-continuation suggestion effect is performed in the first continuous beat effect. After the non-continuation suggestion effect by the first continuous turning effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed through a predetermined effect.

Here, the reliability of music production will be described.
The probability that the special figure determination information 1100 is lost and the special figure variation pattern THp_a13 is selected for the special figure determination information 1100 is represented by r _A (r _A = (398/399) × (13/500). ), if the special symbol determination information 1100 represents the probability that the special symbol variation pattern THp_a13 to be in and special symbol determination information 1100 jackpot is selected in _{v a (v a = (1/399} ) × ( 40/500)), the reliability RL _1200A of the music effect up to the first stage effect in the change effect 1200A (in other words, the reliability of the change effect 1200A in which the music effect is executed until the first stage effect) is “100 ×. v _A / (r _A + v _A ) ≈0.7% ”.
The probability that the special figure determination information 1100 is lost and the special figure variation pattern THp_a14 is selected for the special figure determination information 1100 is represented by r _B (r _B = (398/399) × (2/500). ), if the special symbol determination information 1100 represents the probability that the special symbol variation pattern THp_a14 to be in and special symbol determination information 1100 jackpot is selected by _{v B (v B = (1/399} ) × ( 150/500)), the reliability RL _1200B of the music effect up to the second stage effect in the change effect 1200B (in other words, the reliability of the change effect 1200B in which the music effect is executed up to the second stage effect) is “100 × v _B / (r _B + v _B ) ≈15.9% ”.
The probability that the special figure determination information 1100 is lost and the special figure variation pattern THp_a15 is selected for the special figure determination information 1100 is represented by r _C (r _C = (398/399) × (1/500). ), if the special symbol determination information 1100 represents the probability that the special symbol variation pattern THp_a15 to be in and special symbol determination information 1100 jackpot is selected in _{v C (v C = (1/399} ) × ( 300/500)), the reliability RL _1200C of the music effect up to the third stage effect in the change effect 1200C (in other words, the reliability of the change effect 1200C in which the music effect is executed up to the third stage effect) is “100 × v _C / (r _C + v _C ) ≈43.0% ”.

Therefore, “RL _1200A <RL _1200B <RL _1200C ” is established. That is, the direction in which the music production is continuously executed from the first stage production to the second stage production is high in expectation of the jackpot, and the music production is to be executed from the second stage production to the third stage production. However, the expectation of jackpot is high.

Further, when the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the variation effect 1200 in which the music effect is performed is more likely to occur than the variation effect 1200 in which the music effect is not performed, and the special figure determination information 1100 is lost. In this case, the variation effect 1200 where the music effect is performed is less likely to occur than the variation effect 1200 where the music effect is not performed. Therefore, in the variation effect 1200, it can be said that the execution of the music effect suggests that the expectation of execution of the jackpot game for the special figure determination information 1100 is higher than the non-execution of the music effect. Further, the fluctuation effect 1200, music effect is expected of the execution of the jackpot gaming for special symbol determination information 1100 is directed suggests that higher than a predetermined expectation KT _REF, and can be considered.

[Operation flowchart]
FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart of the gaming machine 100 focusing on the variation effect 1200. First, in step S11, special figure determination information 1100 is acquired when the start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, when the special figure determination information 1100 becomes the determination target TT, the special control is performed on the special figure determination information 1100 by the main control unit 401 in step S12. Then, in step S13, a change start command including the result of the special figure determination is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403. In subsequent step S14, the effect control unit 403 that has received the change start command executes a change effect content determination process for determining the content of the change effect 1200 based on the result of the special figure determination included in the change start command. .

  Thereafter, in step S15, the variation effect determined in the variation effect content determination process is started as the variation effect 1200. After the special symbol variation display for the special symbol determination information 1100 starts, when the variation time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol variation pattern determination elapses, the variation of the special symbol is stopped and the variation stop command is controlled by the main control. It is transmitted from the unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 (step S16). The effect control unit 403 ends the change effect 1200 upon receiving the change stop command (step S17). At this time, the decorative design is stopped and displayed on the image display unit 104 in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1100.

  FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart of the variation effect content determination process in step S14. In the variation effect content determination process, the effect control unit 403 analyzes the variation start command (step S141), and based on the analysis result, one variation effect among the variation effect patterns HEp_a11 to HEp_a15 included in the variation effect pattern table HEt_a. A pattern is selected (step S142). If the selected variation effect pattern is HEp_a13, HEp_a14, or HEp_a15 (Y in step S143), character image color determination processing for determining the color of the character image in the music effect is performed in step S144. The variation effect content determination process ends. If not (N in step S143), the variation effect content determination process ends without performing the character image color determination process. When the character image color determination process is not performed, the above-described music effect is not performed in the variation effect 1200.

[FIG. 20: Character image color determination processing in HEp_a13]
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the character image color determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected. When the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected, in the character image color determination process, the effect control unit 403 recognizes whether or not the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit based on the fluctuation start command of the special figure determination information 1100. If the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the color patterns PTN _A [1,1] and PTN _A [1,2] are selected as target color patterns with a probability of 90% and 10%, respectively. On the other hand, when the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the color patterns PTN _A [1,1] and PTN _A [1,2] are set as target color patterns with a probability of 10% and 90%, respectively. select. The effect control unit 403 controls the color of the character image in the music effect of the variation effect 1200 according to the target color pattern selected here. The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself. In the case of a jackpot, it means a jackpot of Special A, Special B or A.

When the color pattern PTN _A [1,1] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 sets the color of the character images 1511 and 1512 in the music effect (first stage effect) in the change effect 1200 to white. To do.
When the color pattern PTN _A [1,2] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 changes the color of the character images 1511 and 1512 in the music effect (first stage effect) in the change effect 1200 to red. To do.
That is, the character image display mode is different between the color patterns PTN _A [1,1] and PTN _A [1,2]. The color of the character image refers to the display color of characters included in the character image. The white character image is an example of the character image in the first display mode, and the red character image is an example of the character image in the second display mode.

When the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected in the variation effect content determination process for the special figure determination information 1100, the color pattern PTN _A [1,1] is the color pattern PTN when the special figure determination information 1100 is lost. _The color pattern PTN _A [1,2] is more easily selected than the color pattern PTN _A [1,1] when the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit.

Therefore, the reliability RL _A [1,1] when the color pattern PTN _A [1,1] is selected as the target color pattern (ie, the first stage effect of the color pattern PTN _A [1,1] is configured. And reliability RL _A [1,2] when the color pattern PTN _A [1,2] is selected as the target color pattern (that is, the color pattern PTN _A). [1, 2] “RL _A [1, 1] <RL _A [1, 2]” when compared with the reliability of the variation effect 1200 including the music effect composed of the first stage effects of [1, 2]. is there. As described above, “reliability” is synonymous with “expected expectation of jackpot”.

Therefore, the display of the red character image by the color pattern PTN _A [1,2] has a higher expectation of jackpot than the display of the white character image by the color pattern PTN _A [1,1]. It can be said that. In other words, when the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected, when the music effect with the display of the white character image is compared with the music effect with the display of the red character image, the jackpot suggested by the latter music effect expected degree _(RL a [1,2]) is higher than that of the former _(RL a [1,1]).

[FIG. 21: Character image color determination processing in HEp_a14]
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the character image color determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected. When the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected, in the character image color determination process, the effect control unit 403 recognizes whether or not the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit based on the fluctuation start command of the special figure determination information 1100. When the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the color patterns PTN _A [2, 1], PTN _A [2, 2], and PTN _A [2, 3] are set to 70% and 15%, respectively. If the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the color patterns PTN _A [2, 1], PTN _A [2, 2], PTN _A [2 , 3] are selected as target color patterns with a probability of 20%, 40%, and 40%, respectively. The effect control unit 403 controls the color of the character image in the music effect of the variation effect 1200 according to the target color pattern selected here. The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself.

When the color pattern PTN _A [2,1] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 changes the colors of the character images 1511 to 1514 of the first and second stage effects in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. White.
When the color pattern PTN _A [2, 2] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 changes the colors of the character images 1511 to 1514 of the first and second stage effects in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. Red.
When the color pattern PTN _A [2, 3] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 sets the color of the character images 1511 and 1512 of the first stage effect to white in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. However, the color of the character images 1513 and 1514 of the second stage effect is red. That is, the color of the character image is changed from white to red between the first and second stage effects.

When the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected in the variation effect content determination process for the special figure determination information 1100, the color pattern PTN _A [2, 1] is the color pattern PTN when the special figure determination information 1100 is lost. _a [2, 2] and _PTN a [2,3] likely to be selected than the color when special symbol determination information 1100 jackpot pattern _PTN a [2,2] and _PTN a [2,3] is It is easier to select than the color pattern PTN _A [2, 1]. Further, between the color pattern PTN _A [2, 2] and the color pattern PTN _A [2, 3], it is easy to select whether the special figure determination information 1100 is lost or a big hit. There is no superiority or inferiority.

Therefore, the reliability RL _A [2,1] when the color pattern PTN _A [2,1] is selected as the target color pattern (ie, the first and second stage effects of the color pattern PTN _A [2,1]) And the reliability RL _A [2, 2] when the color pattern PTN _A [2, 2] is selected as the target color pattern (that is, the color) The reliability of the variation effect 1200 including the music effect composed of the first and second stage effects of the pattern PTN _A [2,2] and the color pattern PTN _A [2,3] are selected as the target color patterns. Reliability RL _A [2,3] (that is, the reliability of the variation effect 1200 including the music effect composed of the first and second stage effects of the color pattern PTN _A [2,3]). when _compared, "RL A [2,1] < L is _{A [2,2] = RL A [} 2,3] ".

Therefore, the display of the red character image by the color pattern PTN _A [2,2] or PTN _A [2,3] is expected to be a big hit compared to the display of the white character image by the color pattern PTN _A [2,1]. It can be said that the production suggests that the degree is high. In other words, when the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected, the red character image is displayed with the music effect without displaying the red character image and any stage effect with the display of the white character image. When compared with the accompanying music production, the jackpot expectation (RL _A [2,2] or RL _A [2,3]) suggested by the latter music production is that of the former (RL _A [2,1]). Higher). Note that the selection probability of the color pattern may be changed from the above so that one of the reliability RL _A [2, 2] and RL _A [2, 3] is higher than the other. good. However, both the reliability RL _A [2, 2] and RL _A [2, 3] should be higher than the reliability RL _A [2, 1].

[FIG. 22: Character image color determination processing in HEp_a15]
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the character image color determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_a15 is selected. When the variation effect pattern HEp_a15 is selected, in the character image color determination process, the effect control unit 403 recognizes whether or not the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit based on the fluctuation start command of the special figure determination information 1100. If the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the color patterns PTN _A [3, 1], PTN _A [3, 2], PTN _A [3, 3], and PTN _A [3,4] are displayed. Are selected as target color patterns with a probability of 70%, 10%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, and when the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the color patterns PTN _A [3, 1], PTN _A [3,2], PTN _A [3,3], and PTN _A [3,4] are selected as target color patterns with a probability of 16%, 28%, 28%, and 28%, respectively. The effect control unit 403 controls the color of the character image in the music effect of the variation effect 1200 according to the target color pattern selected here. The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself.

When the color pattern PTN _A [3, 1] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 changes the colors of the character images 1511 to 1516 of the first to third stage effects in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. White.
When the color pattern PTN _A [3, 2] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 changes the colors of the character images 1511 to 1516 of the first to third stage effects in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. Red.
When the color pattern PTN _A [3, 3] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 sets the color of the character images 1511 and 1512 of the first stage effect to white in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. However, the color of the character images 1513 to 1516 of the second and third stage effects is red. That is, the color of the character image is changed from white to red between the first and second stage effects.
When the color pattern PTN _A [3,4] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 changes the colors of the character images 1511 to 1514 of the first and second stage effects in the music effect in the change effect 1200. Although the color is white, the color images 1515 and 1516 of the third stage effect are red. That is, the color of the character image is changed from white to red between the second and third stage effects.

When the variation effect pattern HEp_a15 is selected in the variation effect content determination process for the special figure determination information 1100, when the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the color pattern PTN _A [3, 1] is the color pattern PTN. _The color patterns PTN _A [3,2] to PTN _A [3,4] are easier to select than _A [3,2] to PTN _A [3,4], and the special pattern determination information 1100 is a big hit. It is easier to select than the color pattern PTN _A [3, 1]. Also, as between color patterns _{PTN A [3,2] ~PTN A [} 3,4], in any case special symbol determination information 1100 in the case and jackpot losing also, there is no superiority or inferiority in the selected easiness .

Therefore, the reliability RL _A [3,1] when the color pattern PTN _A [3,1] is selected as the target color pattern (that is, the first to third stage effects of the color pattern PTN _A [3,1]) And the reliability RL _A [3,2] when the color pattern PTN _A [3,2] is selected as the target color pattern (that is, the color) The reliability of the variation effect 1200 including the music effect composed of the first to third stage effects of the pattern PTN _A [3,2] and the color pattern PTN _A [3,3] are selected as the target color patterns. Reliability RL _A [3,3] (that is, the reliability of the variation effect 1200 including the music effect composed of the first to third stage effects of the color pattern PTN _A [3,3]), the color pattern _PTN A [3,4] is the target color pattern Reliability _RL A [3,4] when selected as the emission (i.e., reliability of the color pattern _PTN A [3,4] The first to third stage fluctuation effect 1200 that contains the music effect consists rendition of Degree), “RL _A [3,1] <RL _A [3,2] = RL _A [3,3] = RL _A [3,4]].

Therefore, the display of the red character image by the color pattern _{PTN A [3,2] ~PTN A [} 3,4] is expected jackpot as compared to the display of white character image by the color pattern _PTN A [3,1] It can be said that the production suggests that the degree is high. In other words, when the change effect pattern HEp_a15 is selected, the red character image is displayed with the music effect without displaying the red character image and any stage effect with the display of the white character image. When compared with the accompanying musical performance, the expected degree of jackpot (RL _A [3,2] to RL _A [3,4]] suggested by the latter musical performance is that of the former (RL _A [3,1]). Higher). Among the reliability _{RL A [3,2] ~RL A [} 3,4], as any one or two of the reliability is higher than the rest of the reliability, the selection probability of the color pattern above You may make it change from what was done. However, it should all reliability _{RL A [3,2] ~RL A [} 3,4] is higher than the reliability _RL A [3,1].

  In the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined effect including a sound output such as a music effect is executed, a character image corresponding to the sound is displayed in the first display mode (white), and the character image is displayed as the first character image. There is a case of displaying in the second display mode (red) having a higher expectation degree of jackpot than the display mode. As a result, the player can recognize the degree of expectation of jackpot in the display mode of the character image, so that the player can see what the character image is displayed in and with a sense of tension. Become. When the display in the second display mode is performed, it is possible to watch the production up to the stop of the variation of the decorative pattern with expectation.

Further, when displaying the character image in the second display mode (red), when displaying the character image in the second display mode from the start of the display of the character image (for example, the color pattern PTN _A [2, 2 in FIG. 21). ], When the character image display mode is changed to the second display mode after the character image display is started in the first display mode (white) (for example, the color pattern PTN _A [2, 3] in FIG. 21). ) Thereby, even when the display of the character image is started in the first display mode, there is a possibility that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode from the middle, so the player does not give up his expectation. In addition, it is possible to watch the effect after the start of displaying the character image in the first display mode.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100, there are a case where execution of a predetermined effect including a sound output such as a music effect is finished by a specific time and a time when the execution is continued beyond a specific time. And the production | generation control part 403 changes and displays a character image from a 1st display mode (white) to a 2nd display mode (red) when a predetermined production (for example, music production) is continued over a specific time. It is possible to make it.

For example, when the variable effect 1200B of FIG. 16 is compared with the variable effect 1200A of FIG. (However, since the second stage effect does not exist in the variation effect 1200A, the predetermined time after the end of the first step effect may be regarded as the specific time). When the color pattern PTN _A [2, 3] (see FIG. 21) is selected, the music effect is continued beyond a specific time, and when the continuation is performed, the display mode of the character image is the first display. The mode is changed to the second display mode.
Similarly, for example, when the variable effect 1200B of FIG. 16 is compared with the variable effect 1200C of FIG. 15, the specific time is a predetermined time after the end of the second stage effect and before the start of the third stage effect. (However, since the third stage effect does not exist in the variation effect 1200B, the predetermined time after the end of the second step effect may be regarded as the specific time). When the color pattern PTN _A [3,4] (see FIG. 22) is selected, the music effect is continued beyond a specific time, and when the continuation is performed, the character image display mode is the first display. The mode is changed to the second display mode.

  If a predetermined effect (for example, a music effect) is continued, the player's expectation (expectation of occurrence of jackpot) increases, but when this is continued, the expectation of jackpot is relative to the display mode of the character image from the first display mode. If the display is changed to the second display mode that is high, the player's expectation is further increased. In this way, by allowing the display mode of the character image to be changed in connection with the continuation of the production, it becomes possible to increase the player's expectation synergistically and increase the game (the player's mood is increased). It can be raised and attracted to games).

  Hereinafter, in Examples EX1_1 to EX1_5 belonging to the first embodiment, some modified techniques related to the first embodiment will be described. As long as there is no contradiction, it is possible to combine two or more embodiments among the embodiments EX1_1 to EX1_5.

[Example EX1_1]
Example EX1_1 will be described. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, there are a case where the execution of the predetermined effect including the sound output such as the music effect is finished by the specific time and the time when the execution is continued beyond the specific time. The effect control unit 403 may hide the character image when a predetermined effect (for example, a music effect) is continued beyond a specific time. By providing an effect pattern that erases the display of the character image with respect to the music effect, a variety of effects can be created, and the gaming machine 100 that is less likely to get tired can be configured.

A specific example of this will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the character image color determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected according to the example EX1_1. When the variation effect pattern HEp_a14 is selected, in the character image color determination process, the effect control unit 403 recognizes whether or not the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit based on the fluctuation start command of the special figure determination information 1100. If the special figure determination information 1100 is lost, the color patterns PTN _A [2, 1], PTN _A [2, 2], PTN _A [2, 3], and PTN _A [2, 4] are displayed. Are selected as target color patterns with a probability of 70%, 15%, 15%, and 0%, respectively, and when the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit, the color pattern PTN _A [2, 1], PTN _A [2, 2], PTN _A [2, 3], and PTN _A [2, 4] are selected as target color patterns with a probability of 18%, 40%, 40%, and 2%, respectively. The effect control unit 403 performs display control of the character image in the music effect of the variation effect 1200 according to the target color pattern selected here. The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself.

Operation when the color pattern _{PTN A [2,1] ~PTN A [} 2,3] is selected as the target color pattern is as described above. When the color pattern PTN _A [2, 4] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 displays white or red character images 1511 and 1512 in the first stage effect in the music effect in the variation effect 1200. However, in the second stage effect, the sound corresponding to the character images 1513 and 1514 is output from the speaker 115, but the character images 1513 and 1514 are not displayed on the image display unit 104.

Also in the example EX1_1, as described above, “RL _A [2,1] <RL _A [2,2] = RL _A [2,3]”. On the other hand, the reliability RL _A [2, 4] when the color pattern PTN _A [2, 4] is selected as the target color pattern (that is, the first and second stage effects of the color pattern PTN _A [2, 4]) The reliability of the variation effect 1200 including the music effect comprised of 100% is 100%. This is because when the color pattern selection table of FIG. 23 is used, the color pattern PTN _A [2, 4] is selected only at the time of the big hit. That is, the music effect by the color pattern PTN _A [2, 4] functions as a jackpot finalizing effect (an effect performed only at the time of the jackpot), and “RL _A [2,1] <RL _A [2,2] = RL _A [2,3] <RL _A [2,4] = 1 ″. While “RL _A [2,1] <RL _A [2,2] = RL _A [2,3] <RL _A [2,4]” is satisfied, “RL _A [2,4] <1” The selection probability of the color pattern may be changed so that

[Example EX1_2]
Example EX1_2 will be described. The display of the red character image is an effect that has a relatively high expectation of jackpot. Therefore, when a red character image is displayed in the music effect, the player expects the music effect to continue correspondingly. In order not to betray this expectation, the color pattern PTN _A [1,1] (see FIG. 20) may always be selected as the target color pattern when the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected.

Alternatively, for example, when the special figure determination information 1100 is lost and the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected, the color pattern PTN _A [1, 1] (see FIG. 20) is always selected as the target color pattern. In addition, when the special figure determination information 1100 is a big hit and the variation effect pattern HEp_a13 is selected, the color pattern PTN _A [1,2] (see FIG. 20) is always selected as the target color pattern. You can leave it. In this case, the music effect by the color pattern PTN _A [1,2] functions as a jackpot finalizing effect (an effect performed only when the jackpot is reached).

[Example EX1_3]
Example EX1_3 will be described. In the above example, the display mode of the character image is determined through the selection of the color pattern by lottery on the side of the production control unit 403. However, the special figure variation pattern determined and selected in the special figure variation pattern determination is selected. The gaming machine 100 may be formed so that the display mode of the character image is determined depending only on the variation pattern.

[Example EX1_4]
Example EX1_4 will be described. In the above-described example, it can be considered that the mode of displaying the character image in white corresponds to the first display mode, and the mode of displaying the character image in red corresponds to the second display mode. However, the display mode of the character image depends not only on the color of the character image (the color of the character included in the character image) but also on the size and typeface of the character included in the character image. In other words, in the above-described example, the display mode of the character image is made different depending on the color of the character image, but the display mode of the character image may be made different depending on the size of the character and the typeface. For example, the first display mode of the character image is a display mode in which characters corresponding to the output sound are displayed in the first character size, and the second display mode of the character image is the character corresponding to the output sound being the first character. A display mode in which a second character size larger than the size is displayed may be used.

[Example EX1_5]
Example EX1_5 will be described. In the above example, only the first and second display modes are listed as the display mode of the character image, but the number of types of display modes of the character image may be three or more. For example, when executing a predetermined effect including a sound output such as a music effect, a character image corresponding to the sound is displayed in a first display mode (for example, white), and the character image is a jackpot than the first display mode. There are a case where a second display mode (for example, red) with high expectation is displayed and a case where a character image is displayed in a third display mode (for example, gold) with a higher expectation degree than the second display mode. Also good.

If the color pattern selection table of FIG. 23 is used to realize this, when the color pattern PTN _A [2, 4] is selected as the target color pattern, the effect control unit 403 performs the music effect in the change effect 1200. The first stage character images 1511 and 1512 are displayed in white, red, or gold (first, second, or third display mode), and the second stage character images 1513 and 1514 are displayed in gold (third It is preferable to display in the display mode (see FIG. 24).

<< Consideration of Invention Regarding First Embodiment >>
Consider the invention relating to the first embodiment.

The gaming machine W _{1 according} to one aspect of the present invention includes a determination unit (40l; special figure determination) for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, and an audio output unit (115 ) And an effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means including an image display means (104) to perform an effect according to the determination result of the determination means, wherein the effect control means It is possible to display the sound as a character image on the image display means when a predetermined effect including output of sound by the output means is performed, and the character image is displayed in a first display mode (for example, white). And displaying the character image in a second display mode (for example, red) suggesting that the expectation of execution of the special game is higher than that in the first display mode. And

  As a result, the player can recognize the expected degree of execution of the special game in the display mode of the character image, and can enjoy the manner in which the character image is displayed with a sense of tension. become able to. When the display in the second display mode is performed, the subsequent effects can be watched with a sense of expectation.

Also, for example, in the gaming machine W ₁ , when the effect control unit displays the character image in the second display mode, when the character image is displayed in the second display mode from the start of display. The character image may be displayed in the first display mode and then changed to the second display mode for display.

  Thereby, even when the display of the character image is started in the first display mode, there is a possibility that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode from the middle, so the player does not give up his expectation. In addition, it is possible to watch the effect after the start of displaying the character image in the first display mode.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W ₁ , the effect control means may end the execution of the predetermined effect by a specific time or continue to exceed the specific time, and continue the predetermined effect. The character image may be changed from the first display mode to the second display mode and displayed.

  By making it possible to change the display mode of the character image in connection with the continuation of the production, it becomes possible to increase the player's expectation synergistically and excite the game (raising the player's mood and playing the game Can be attracted to).

Determining means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the main control unit 401, for example. Presentation control means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the performance control unit 403, for example.

  Special games include games that involve opening a special prize opening. The special prize opening may be the big prize opening 111, and thus the special game may be a game (for example, a big hit game) with the opening of the big prize opening 111. In this case, the determination in the determination means includes determination per special figure, and may further include special symbol determination and special pattern fluctuation pattern determination.

<< Second Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. The above description can be applied to the second embodiment and a third embodiment to be described later unless otherwise specified. In the second embodiment, the following description of the second embodiment is given priority for points that contradict the above description.

  In the gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment, a story effect that forms a series of stories by causing a predetermined character to appear in the image display unit 104 can be performed in the variation effect. The appearance of the predetermined character on the image display unit 104 means that the predetermined character image indicating the predetermined character is displayed on the image display unit 104. In the following, letting a character appear on the image display unit 104 is simply expressed as appearance of the character. Further, the fact that the character does not appear on the image display unit 104 is also expressed as non-appearance of the character. Only one character can appear in the story effect, but here, different characters CR1, CR2, and CR3 can appear in the story effect.

  As shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B, or 25C, the characters CR1 to CR3 may always appear on the image display unit 104 at the same time during the execution of the story effect, or the characters CR1 to CR3, or When one character is appearing on the image display unit 104, at least one of the remaining two characters may not appear on the image display unit 104. In the example of FIG. 25D, from the state where the character CR1 appears and the characters CR2 and CR3 do not appear, the character CR2 appears and the characters CR1 and CR3 do not appear sequentially, The character CR3 appears and the characters CR1 and CR2 are not appearing. In FIGS. 25A to 25D, KZ represents the first to third decorative symbols that are variably displayed in a small size. When executing the story production, small-sized decorative symbols are placed near the four corners of the image display unit 104 (the lower right corner in FIGS. 25A to 25D) so that the player's attention is easily directed to the story production. Fluctuation is displayed.

  In the story production, each character emits a line. A state in which a certain character is uttering is expressed by causing the character to appear on the image display unit 104 and displaying a character image indicating the line on the image display unit 104. In the story effect, the effect control unit 403 causes the image display unit 104 to display a character image TALK1 indicating the words emitted by the character CR1 (more specifically, a character image including characters indicating the words generated by the character CR1). The character image TALK2 indicating the words generated by the character CR2 (more specifically, the character image including the characters indicating the words generated by the character CR2) can be displayed on the image display unit 104, and the character CR3 can be displayed. Can be displayed on the image display unit 104. A character image TALK3 indicating a line generated by the character CR3 (more specifically, a character image including a character indicating a line generated by the character CR3) can be displayed. Of the characters CR1 to CR3, two or more characters may simultaneously utter lines (in that case, two or more character images indicating the lines generated by the two or more characters are displayed simultaneously), Here, it is assumed that two or more characters do not utter lines at the same time.

  As shown in FIGS. 26A to 26D, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 causes the image display unit 104 to display the character images TALK1, TALK2, and TALK3 for the lines emitted by the characters CR1, CR2, and CR3. At this time, the speech generated by the characters CR1, CR2, and CR3 may be output as sound from the speaker 115. This audio output is applied when an arbitrary character image of the speech generated by each character is displayed on the image display unit 104. In the following, the audio output from the speaker 115 unless otherwise required. Omit the description.

  FIG. 27 shows the structure of the story effect. The story effect assumed in the present embodiment includes scene effects BE0 and BE1, a high expectation scene effect BE2, and a low expectation scene effect BE3. Not all of BE0 to BE3 are executed. After the start of the story production, only the scene production BE0 may be performed and the story production may end, or after the start of the story production, the scene production BE0, BE1, BE2 may be performed sequentially, and the start of the story production. Thereafter, scene effects BE0, BE1, and BE3 may be sequentially performed. In each of the scene effects BE0 to BE3, any one or more of the characters CR1 to CR3 can appear.

A specific example of the scene effects BE0 to BE3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the scene effect BE0, first, the character CR1 appears and emits a speech, and the character image 2301 indicating the speech is displayed. Thereafter, the character CR2 appears and emits the speech and the character image 2302 indicating the speech is displayed. After that, the character CR2 continuously appearing emits another line and the character image 2303 indicating the other line is displayed, and then the character CR1 appears and emits the line and indicates the line. An image 2304 is displayed.
In the scene effect BE1, first, a character CR3 appears and emits a speech and a character image 2311 indicating the speech is displayed. Thereafter, a character CR1 appears and emits a speech and a character image 2312 indicating the speech is displayed. After that, the character CR1 continuously appearing emits another line and the character image 2313 indicating the other line is displayed, and then the character CR2 appears and emits the line and indicates the line. An image 2314 is displayed.
In the high expectation scene effect BE2, first, a character CR3 appears to utter a line and a character image 2321 indicating the line is displayed, and then a character CR1 appears to utter a line and indicate the line, and a character image 2322 indicating the line. After that, the character CR3 appears, utters words, and a character image 2323 indicating the words is displayed.
In the low expectation scene effect BE3, a character CR3 first appears to utter a line and a character image 2331 indicating the line is displayed, and then a character CR2 appears to utter a line and indicate the line and a character image 2332 indicating the line. Then, after that, the character CR1 appears, utters words, and a character image 2333 indicating the words is displayed.

  Next, in order to explain the presence / absence of execution of the story effect and the relationship between the execution mode and the special figure fluctuation pattern, a special figure fluctuation pattern table assumed in the second embodiment will be explained.

  FIG. 30 shows a special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_b which is an example of the components of the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_b unless otherwise specified.

  The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_b is a table in which predetermined decision values are associated with the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b11 to THp_b16. Each special symbol variation pattern defines a variation mode of a special symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of the special symbol (the length of time during which the special symbol variation display is performed). The special symbol fluctuation times in the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b11 to THp_b16 are 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.

  The special figure variation pattern table table THt_b includes tables THt_b1 and THt_b2. The main CPU 411 selects the table THt_b1 when the determination result of the special figure determination is lost, and wins the determination that the determination result of the special figure determination is a big hit (special A, special B, or a special big hit). In this case, THt_b2 is selected.

  The main CPU 411 corresponds to the determination target TT when the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_bi in the selection table (here, THt_b1 or THt_b2). The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_bi is selected and set as the special figure fluctuation pattern to be performed (where i is an integer of 11 to 16, inclusive). As described above, the special figure variation pattern random number is a random number that takes an integer in the range of “0 to 499”.

In the table THt_b1, a total of 450 judgment values “0 to 449” and a total of 20 judgment values “450 to 469” and a total of 20 judgment values “450 to 469” and Sixteen determination values “470 to 485”, seven determination values “486 to 492”, six determination values “493 to 498”, and one determination value “499” are assigned.
In the table THt_b2, for the special figure variation patterns THp_b12, THp_b13, THp_b14, THp_b15, THp_b16, a total of 5 judgment values “0-4”, a total of 15 judgment values “5-19”, a total of 30 Determination values “20 to 49”, a total of 50 determination values “50 to 99”, and a total of 400 determination values “100 to 499” are assigned. In the table THt_b2, no determination value is assigned to the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_b11 that can be selected only at the time of loss. Therefore, the special figure variation pattern THp_b11 is not selected when the table THt_b2 is selected.

  FIG. 31 shows a variation effect pattern table HEt_b, which is an example of components of the variation effect pattern table stored in the sub ROM 432. The variation effect pattern table HEt_b includes variation effect patterns HEp_b11 to HEp_b16 each defining the contents of the variation effect. Here, it is assumed that the special drawing variation patterns THp_b11 to THp_b16 are associated with the variation effect patterns HEp_b11 to HEp_b16 on a one-to-one basis.

  Specifically, upon receiving a variation start command indicating that the special figure variation pattern THp_b11, THp_b12, THp_b13, THp_b14, THp_b15, THp_b16 has been determined and selected for the determination target TT, the effect control unit 403 In the determination process, based on the received change start command, change effect patterns HEp_b11, HEp_b12, HEp_b13, HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16 are selected. Then, the effect control unit 403 executes the effect according to the selected variation effect pattern as the variation effect of the determination target TT. Note that FIG. 31 simply shows the contents of the fluctuating effects for reference. A specific description of the variation effect corresponding to each variation effect pattern will be provided later.

With respect to any one special figure determination information Q ₁ , the result of the determination per special figure is “losing”, and a specific special figure variation pattern is selected for the special figure determination information Q ₁ or a specific The probability that an effect is executed is represented by “r”, the result of determination per special figure is “big hit”, and a specific special figure variation pattern is selected for the special figure determination information Q ₁ or a specific The probability that the effect is executed is represented by “v”. Then, the reliability of the jackpot when specific or a particular effect especially Figure fluctuation pattern is selected for the special symbol determination information Q ₁ is executed, "(100 × v / ( r + v)) [% ] ”(The jackpot reliability and the jackpot expectation are the same).

Thus, the probability for any one of JP diagram determination information Q _1, the Japanese view fluctuation pattern THp_b16 against special symbol determination information Q ₁ and result is a "loss" of the collision detection special symbol is selected ( Therefore, the probability that the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is executed is “(398/399) × (1/500)”, the determination result per special figure is “big hit”, and the special figure determination is made. since the probability of JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b16 against use information _{Q 1} is selected (the probability of change effect due to the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 runs therefore) is "(1/399) × (400/500) " reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b16 is selected for special symbol determination information Q _1, in other words, variation effect against special symbol determination information Q ₁ pattern H Confidence when fluctuation effect due p_b16 is performed (further reliability of fluctuation effect due to the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 other words) is about 50.1%.

Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b15 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b15 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability when executing is (in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b15) is about 2.1%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b14 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b14 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability (when in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b14) is about 1.1%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b13 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b13 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability when executing is (in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b13) is about 0.2%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b12 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b12 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability (when in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b12) is about 0.06%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b11 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b11 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability when executing is (in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b11) is 0%. JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_b11 is because special symbol determination information Q ₁ is not selected only in the case of loss.

  With reference to FIG. 32, in the second embodiment, attention is paid to one special figure determination information 2100 and a variation effect 2200 with respect to the special figure determination information 2100 for the sake of specific and clarification. Therefore, for example, the jackpot expectation (reliability) described in the following description of the second embodiment refers to that for the special figure determination information 2100. The first to third decorative symbols (corresponding to SZ1 to SZ3) are started to be displayed in synchronization with the start of the change display of the special symbol at the start timing of the change effect 2200. The change display of the special symbol is started at the end timing of the change effect 2200. The change display of the first to third decorative symbols is finished in synchronization with the stop (that is, the first to third decorative symbols that have been changed and displayed are stopped and displayed).

  When the variation effect pattern HEp_b11 or HEp_b12 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100, the story effect is not executed in the variation effect 2200 (see FIG. 31).

  FIG. 33 shows an outline of the variation effect 2200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_b13 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100. In the variation effect 2200 based on the variation effect pattern HEp_b13, the scene effect BE0 constituting the story effect is executed immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols, or after any desired effect, and the execution of the scene effect BE0 is completed. After the execution of the story effect is finished, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 2100 after a predetermined production (that is, the first -The change display of the third decorative symbol is stopped). If the special figure determination information 2100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 2100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the fluctuation effect 2200 by the fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b13, the reach effect is not performed (but may be performed). In the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b13, the color of the character image (2301 to 2304; see FIG. 28) is always white. The color of the character image refers to the display color of characters included in the character image.

  FIG. 34 shows an outline of the variation effect 2200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_b14 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100. In the variation effect 2200 by the variation effect pattern HEp_b14, the scene effects BE0, BE1 and BE3 constituting the story effect are sequentially executed in this order immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols or after any desired effect. After the execution of the story effect is ended at the end of the execution of the low expectation degree scene effect BE3, the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 2100 is shown through a predetermined effect including the first reach effect. The first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 2100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 2100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b14, the color of the character images (2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2331 to 2333; see FIGS. 28 and 29) is always white. Note that the reach effect may not be performed when the low expectation scene effect BE3 is executed.

  FIG. 35 shows an outline of the variation effect 2200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100. In the variation effect 2200 by the variation effect pattern HEp_b15, the scene effects BE0, BE1 and BE3 constituting the story effect are sequentially executed in this order immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols or after any desired effect. After the execution of the story effect is ended at the end of the execution of the low expectation degree scene effect BE3, the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 2100 is shown through a predetermined effect including the first reach effect. The first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 2100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 2100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the story effect by the change effect pattern HEp_b15, the color of one or more character images among the displayed character images (2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2331 to 2333; see FIGS. 28 and 29) is red. That is, the display mode of the character image is different between the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b14 and the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b15. The white character image is an example of the character image in the first display mode, and the red character image is an example of the character image in the second display mode. Note that the reach effect may not be performed when the low expectation scene effect BE3 is executed.

  FIG. 36 shows an outline of the variation effect 2200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100. In the variation effect 2200 based on the variation effect pattern HEp_b16, the scene effects BE0, BE1 and BE2 constituting the story effect are sequentially executed in this order immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols or after any desired effect. In a mode showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 2100 through a predetermined production including the second reach production after the execution of the story production is finished at the end of the execution of the high expectation scene production BE2. The first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 2100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 2100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b16, the color of one or more character images among the displayed character images (2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2321 to 2323; see FIGS. 28 and 29) is red.

[Operation flowchart]
FIG. 37 is an operation flowchart of the gaming machine 100 focusing on the variation effect 2200. First, in step S21, the special figure determination information 2100 is acquired when the start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, when the special figure determination information 2100 becomes the determination target TT, the special control is performed on the special figure determination information 2100 by the main control unit 401 in step S22. Then, in step S23, a change start command including the result of the special figure determination is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403. In subsequent step S24, the effect control unit 403 that has received the change start command executes a change effect content determination process for determining the content of the change effect 2200 based on the result of the special figure determination included in the change start command. .

  Thereafter, in step S25, the variation effect determined by the variation effect content determination process is started as the variation effect 2200. After the special symbol variation display for the special symbol determination information 2100 starts, when the variation time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol variation pattern determination elapses, the variation of the special symbol is stopped and the variation stop command is controlled by the main control. The data is transmitted from the unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 (step S26). The effect control unit 403 ends the change effect 2200 when receiving the change stop command (step S27). At this time, the decorative design is stopped and displayed on the image display unit 104 in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 2100.

  FIG. 38 is an operation flowchart of the variation effect content determination process in step S24. In the variation effect content determination process, the effect control unit 403 analyzes the variation start command (step S241), and based on the analysis result, one variation effect among the variation effect patterns HEp_b11 to HEp_b16 included in the variation effect pattern table HEt_b. A pattern is selected (step S242). If the selected variation effect pattern is HEp_b15 or HEp_b16 (Y in step S243), the variation effect is performed after performing color detail determination processing for determining the color of each character image in the story effect in step S244. The content determination process ends. If not (N in step S243), the variation effect content determination process ends without performing the color detail determination process. When the story effect is performed in the variation effect 2200 without performing the color detail determination process, the color of the character image in the story effect is all white.

[Detailed color determination processing]
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the color detail determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 is selected. When the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 is selected, in the color detail determination process, the effect control unit 403 selects any one of the color patterns PTN _B1 [1] to PTN _B1 [8] as the target color pattern. The effect control unit 403 controls the color of the character image in the story effect of the change effect 2200 according to the target color pattern selected here. For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 is selected, each of the color patterns PTN _B1 [1] to PTN _B1 [8] may be selected as the target color pattern with an equal probability (that is, a probability of 1/8). The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself. Of the color pattern _{PTN B1 [1] ~PTN B1 [} 8], only one of any 7 following color pattern may be may be selected as the target color pattern.

In any of the color pattern _{PTN B1 [1] ~PTN B1 [} 8], the color of the character image 2331 to 2333 at a low expectation scene rendering BE3 is white.

In the color pattern PTN _B1 [1], the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are all red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [2], the color of the character image 2301 is white, and the colors of the character images 2302 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [3], the color of the character images 2301 and 2302 is white, and the color of the character images 2303 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [4], the color of the character images 2301 to 2303 is white, and the color of the character images 2304 and 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [5], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 is white, and the color of the character images 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [6], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 is white, and the color of the character images 2312 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [7], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304, 2311, and 2312 is white, and the color of the character images 2313 and 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B1 [8], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2313 is white, and the color of the character image 2314 is red.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the color detail determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected. When the change effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected, in the color detail determination process, the effect control unit 403 selects any one of the color patterns PTN _B2 [1] to PTN _B2 [9] as the target color pattern. The effect control unit 403 controls the color of the character image in the story effect of the change effect 2200 according to the target color pattern selected here. For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected, each of the color patterns PTN _B2 [1] to PTN _B2 [9] may be selected as the target color pattern with an equal probability (that is, a probability of 1/9). The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself. Of the color pattern _{PTN B2 [1] ~PTN B2 [} 9], only one of any 8 following color pattern may be may be selected as the target color pattern.

In any of the color pattern _{PTN B2 [1] ~PTN B2 [} 9], the color of the character image 2321 to 2323 in a high degree of expectation scene rendering BE2 is red.

In the color pattern PTN _B2 [1], the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are all red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [2], the color of the character image 2301 is white, and the colors of the character images 2302 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [3], the color of the character images 2301 and 2302 is white, and the color of the character images 2303 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [4], the color of the character images 2301 to 2303 is white, and the color of the character images 2304 and 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [5], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 is white, and the color of the character images 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [6], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 is white, and the color of the character images 2312 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [7], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304, 2311 and 2312 is white, and the color of the character images 2313 and 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [8], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2313 is white, and the color of the character image 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _B2 [9], the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are all white.

  As described above, the color of the character image is always white in the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_b13 or HEp_b14, whereas the color of one or more character images is red in the story effect in the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 or HEp_b16. The On the other hand, the expectation of jackpot increases in the order of HEp_b11, HEp_b12, HEp_b13, HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16 from the varying effect pattern HEp_b11 to the changing effect pattern HEp_b16 (see FIG. 31). Therefore, in the story effect, it can be said that the display of the red character image suggests that the expectation of jackpot is higher than the display of the white character image. That is, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the first display mode (white), and the expectation level (the execution of the jackpot game is greater than the first display mode (white)). There is a case where it is displayed in the second display mode (red) suggesting that the degree of expectation is high. As a result, the player can recognize the degree of expectation of jackpot in the display mode of the character image, so that the player can see what the character image is displayed in and with a sense of tension. Become. When the display in the second display mode is performed, it is possible to watch the production up to the stop of the variation of the decorative pattern with expectation.

In the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the second display mode from the start of displaying the character image when displaying the character image in the second display mode (red) ( Color pattern PTN _B1 [1] or PTN _B2 [1]), when a character image is started to be displayed in the first display mode and then changed to the second display mode (color pattern PTN _B1 [2] to PTN _B1 [8] and PTN _B2 [2] to any one of PTN _B2 [9]). Thereby, even when the display of the character image is started in the first display mode, there is a possibility that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode from the middle, so the player does not give up his expectation. In addition, it is possible to watch the effect after the start of displaying the character image in the first display mode.

Further, in the story production by the variation production pattern HEp_b14 or HEp_b15, the scene production BE1 progresses to the low expectation scene production BE3 through the scene production BE0, whereas in the story production by the variation production pattern HEp_b16, the scene production BE1 through the scene production BE0 increases. It progresses to expectation scene production BE2. On the other hand, the expectation of jackpot increases in the order of HEp_b11, HEp_b12, HEp_b13, HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16 from the varying effect pattern HEp_b11 to the changing effect pattern HEp_b16 (see FIG. 31). Therefore, the progress to the high expectation scene effect BE2 suggests that the expectation of jackpot is higher than the progress to the low expectation scene effect BE3. That is, in the story production, the production control unit 403 has a high expectation level scene production BE2 that suggests that the expectation level of jackpot is relatively high from the scene production BE1, or a low level that suggests that the expectation level of jackpot is relatively low. It is possible to progress to the expectation level scene effect BE3.
On the other hand, the display of the character image in red is an effect that has a relatively high expectation of jackpot compared to the display of the character image in white. Then, if the display of a character image in red with a relatively high expectation degree of jackpot is continued when progressing to a low expectation scene effect BE3 with a relatively low expectation degree of jackpot, it is executed. There is a possibility that the player will feel uncomfortable because the consistency of the relationship between the performance and the expectation of jackpot is broken. Therefore, when the character image is displayed in the second display mode (red) in the scene effect BE1, when the progress is made to the low expectation scene effect BE3, the effect control unit 403 is in the low expectation scene effect BE3. The character image is changed to the first display mode (white) and displayed (see FIG. 39). Thereby, the consistency regarding the height relationship of the production performed and the expectation degree of jackpot can be taken.

Furthermore, when the progress in the high degree of expectation scene effect BE2, although the player's expectation (expectation jackpot occurs) increases, the color pattern _PTN B2 [9] in the fluctuation effect pattern HEp_b16 (see FIG. 40), this development At this time, since the display mode of the character image is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode having a relatively high expectation degree of jackpot, the player's expectation is further enhanced. In other words, it is possible to increase the player's expectation synergistically and increase the game (the player's mood can be raised and attracted to the game).

In some of the color patterns in the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 or HEp_b16 (see FIG. 39 or FIG. 40), the character image is displayed in the first display mode when the character that emits the dialog changes from one character to another. The display is changed from (white) to the second display mode (red). For example, in the color pattern PTN _B1 [2] in the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 or the color pattern PTN _B2 [2] in the variation effect pattern HEp_b16, the character image is the first when the character that emits the dialog changes from the character CR1 to the character CR2. For example, in the color pattern PTN _B1 [5] in the variation effect pattern HEp_b15 or the color pattern PTN _B2 [5] in the variation effect pattern HEp_b16, the character that emits the dialogue is displayed as a character. The character image is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode at the time of changing from CR1 to the character CR3. Further, for example, in the color pattern PTN _B1 [9] in the variation effect pattern HEp_b16, the character image is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode and displayed when the character that emits the dialog changes from the character CR2 to the character CR3. Is done.
Lines continuously generated by the same character are a group of continuous lines by the character, and if the display mode of the character image is changed in the middle of the line of lines, the continuity of the lines may be impaired (game) People are less likely to feel continuity). On the other hand, when a character that emits a line is changed, continuous lines by the same character are interrupted. Therefore, even if the display mode of the character image is changed, there is little risk of loss of continuity, and a more natural effect can be realized.

  Hereinafter, some modification techniques will be described in Examples EX2_1 to EX2_7 belonging to the second embodiment. As long as there is no contradiction, it is possible to combine two or more of the embodiments EX2_1 to EX2_7.

[Example EX2_1]
Example EX2_1 will be described. In the story production according to the second embodiment, when a character that emits a line is changed from a certain character to another character, the character after the substitution is a specific line, and when the first line is emitted, the jackpot is greater than the first line. There may be a time when a second line suggesting that the degree of expectation is high.

  With reference to FIGS. 41 (a) and (b), specific examples will be given. Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, when the character that generates a dialogue between the scene effects BE0 and BE1 changes from the character CR1 to the character CR3, the character CR3 after the substitution changes the first dialogue or the second dialogue to the character image 2311. Shall be selectively issued as a specific line corresponding to. In the example of FIGS. 41A and 41B, the color of the character image included in the character image 2304 in the scene effect BE0 is white, and the color of the character image displayed after the scene effect BE1 is changed to red. To get. In FIG. 41A, at the beginning of the scene effect BE1, the character CR3 emits the first line as a specific line, and a character image 2311A indicating the first line is displayed as a character image 2311 (see FIG. 28). On the other hand, in FIG. 41B, at the beginning of the scene effect BE1, the character CR3 emits the second line as the specific line and the character image 2311B indicating the second line is displayed as the character image 2311 (see FIG. 28). Yes.

  In the variation effect content determination process, when the variation effect pattern selected for the special figure determination information 2100 is the variation effect pattern HEp_b14, HEp_b15, or HEp_b16, the effect control unit 403 has the character CR3 at the beginning of the scene effect BE1. It is selected whether the specific line to be emitted is the first line or the second line.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram of a serif selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is used for selecting the first serif or the second serif. With respect to the example of FIG. 42, the effect control unit 403 selects the first serif and the second serif with the probabilities R _b14 [1] and R _b14 [2], _respectively , when the variable effect pattern HEp_b14 is selected. When the pattern HEp_b15 is selected, the first and second lines are selected with the probabilities R _b15 [1] and R _b15 [2], respectively, and when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected, the first and second lines are selected. _Are selected with probabilities R _b16 [1] and R _b16 [2], respectively. The effect control unit 403 executes the scene effect BE1 using the first or second line selected here as the specific line in the story effect of the change effect 2200. The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself.

Here, “1> R _b14 [1]> R _b15 [1]> R _b16 [1]> 0” and “0 <R _b14 [2] <R _b15 [2] <R _b16 [2] <1” Is established. For example,
“(R _b14 [1], R _b15 [1], R _b16 [1]) = (0.8, 0.5, _0, 2)” and “(R b14 [2], R _b15 [2], R _b16 [2]) = (0.2, 0.5, 0, 8) ”. It is possible to set “R _b14 [1] = 1” and “R _b14 [2] = 0”, or “R _b16 [1] = 0” and “R _b16 [2] = 1”. It is also possible to do.

  According to the serif selection table of FIG. 42, the first serif is most easily selected and the second serif is most difficult to be selected when the variable effect pattern HEp_b14 is selected from among the variable effect patterns HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16. When the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected, the first serif is hardly selected and the second serif is most easily selected. On the other hand, among the variation effect patterns HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16, the jackpot expectation corresponding to the variation effect pattern HEp_b14 is the lowest, and the jackpot expectation corresponding to the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is the highest.

  As a result, when a variation production pattern with a higher jackpot expectation is selected, the second line is more easily selected as a specific dialogue than the first serif, and when a variation production pattern with a lower jackpot expectation is selected, The first line is more easily selected as the specific line than the second line. Therefore, it can be said that the expectation of the jackpot suggested by the second line in the story production is higher than that suggested by the first line.

Further, when the character that generates a dialogue between the scene effects BE0 and BE1 is changed from the character CR1 to the character CR3, the character CR3 after the substitution produces the second dialogue rather than the first dialogue as the specific dialogue. The probability that the display mode of the character image 2311 is changed from the first display mode (white of the character image 2304) to the second display mode (red) is high (so that the probabilities R _b14 [1], R _b15 [ 1], R _b16 [1], R _b14 [2], R _b15 [2] and R _b16 [2] may be determined). This makes it easy to achieve a match between the jackpot expectation suggested by the contents of the dialogue and the jackpot expectation suggested by the display mode of the character image.

A method for realizing this will be described. When the probability that the variation effect pattern HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100 is represented by symbols A, B, and C, respectively, the probability that the first line is emitted as the specific line is “A × It is expressed by R _b14 [1] + B × R _b15 [1] + C × R _b16 [1] ”and the probability that the second serif is generated as the specific serif is“ A × R _b14 [2] + B × R _b15 [2] ] + C × R _b16 [2] ″. On the other hand, for simplification of explanation, when the variation effect patterns HEp_b15 and HEp_b16 are selected, the color patterns PTN _B1 [5] and PTN _B2 [5] are selected with a probability of 50%, respectively.

Then, the character image in the second display mode is displayed only in HEp_b15 and HEp_b16 among the variation effect patterns HEp_b14, HEp_b15, and HEp_b16.
When the first line is issued as the specific line, the probability PP ₁ that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode at the time when the character image 2311 is displayed,
When the second line is issued as the specific line, the probability PP ₂ that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode at the time of display of the character image 2311 is respectively
“(B × R _b15 [1] + C × R _b16 [1]) / (A × R _b14 [1] + B × R _b15 [1] + C × R _b16 [1])”,
“(B × R _b15 [2] + C × R _b16 [2]) / (A × R _b14 [2] + B × R _b15 [2] + C × R _b16 [2])”
It will have a value multiplied by a common coefficient. Here, the probabilities R _b14 [1], R _b15 [1], R _b16 [1], R _b14 [2], R _b15 [2] and R _b16 [] are established so that “PP ₁ <PP ₂ ” is satisfied. 2] should be determined.

[Example EX2_2]
Example EX2_2 will be described. As described above, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the second display mode from the start of displaying the character image when displaying the character image in the second display mode (red). Sometimes (color pattern PTN _B1 [1] or PTN _B2 [1]), when the character image is displayed in the first display mode and then changed to the second display mode (color pattern PTN _B1 [ _2] ~PTN B1 _[8] and one of _{PTN B2 [2] ~PTN B2 [} 9]), there are (see FIGS. 39 and 40). That is, the story effect is the effect EX2_2a for displaying the character image in the second display mode from the start of the display of the character image, or changed to the second display mode after starting the display of the character image in the first display mode. It can be said that the production EX2_2b to be displayed can be included. Here, any one of the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the former effect EX2_2a and the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the latter effect EX2_2b may be made larger than the other.

For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the special figure determination information 2100 has won the jackpot, and for the special figure determination. When the information 2100 wins the jackpot, the color pattern PTN _B2 [1] is selected with a probability of 60% and any one of the color patterns PTN _B2 [2] to PTN _B2 [9] is selected with a probability of 40%. If the special pattern determination information 2100 is lost, the color pattern PTN _B2 [1] is selected with a probability of 40% and the color patterns PTN _B2 [2] to PTN with a probability of 60%. _B2 Select one of [9]. Then, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100, the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the effect EX2_2a is higher than the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the effect EX2_2b.

[Example EX2_3]
Example EX2_3 will be described. In the story effect, the change of the character image display mode (change from the first display mode to the second display mode or vice versa) is performed only when the character that emits the dialog changes from one character to another. May be used.

In order to change the display mode of the character image from the first display mode (white) to the second display mode (red), for example, the change effect pattern HEp_b15 may be changed only when the character that emits the speech is changed. When selected (see FIG. 39 together with FIGS. 28 and 29), the color patterns PTN _B1 [1], PTN _B1 [2], PTN _B1 [4] to PTN _B1 [6], and PTN _B1 [8] When the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected (see FIG. 40 together with FIG. 28 and FIG. 29), the color pattern PTN _B2 [1], _{PTN B2 [2], PTN B2} [4] ~PTN B2 [6], any of the _PTN B2 [8] and _PTN B2 [9] are selected as the target color pattern As described above, the color detail determination process may be performed.

[Example EX2_4]
Example EX2_4 will be described. In the above example, in the story effect including progress to the high expectation scene effect BE2, the character image of the second display mode (red) is always included in the displayed character image. The display mode of the character image displayed in the story effect including the progress to the scene effect BE2 may be the first display mode (white). For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected, the effect control unit 403 changes the display mode of all character images displayed in the story effect to the first display mode with a predetermined probability (for example, 5%). Anyway.

[Example EX2_5]
Example EX2_5 will be described. In the above example, basically, whether or not to display the character image of the second display mode during the story production is determined depending only on the result of the special figure fluctuation pattern determination executed on the main control unit 401 side. However, the determination may be made on the side of the effect control unit 403 based on the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 2100.

[Example EX2_6]
Example EX2_6 will be described. In the above-described example, it can be considered that the mode of displaying the character image in white corresponds to the first display mode, and the mode of displaying the character image in red corresponds to the second display mode. However, the display mode of the character image depends not only on the color of the character image (the color of the character included in the character image) but also on the size and typeface of the character included in the character image. In other words, in the above-described example, the display mode of the character image is made different depending on the color of the character image, but the display mode of the character image may be made different depending on the size of the character and the typeface. For example, the first display mode of the character image is a display mode in which characters indicating the words are displayed in the first character size, and the second display mode of the character images is larger than the first character size. The display mode may be displayed in the second character size.

[Example EX2_7]
Example EX2_7 will be described. In the above example, only the first and second display modes are listed as the display mode of the character image, but the number of types of display modes of the character image may be three or more. For example, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the first display mode (white), and expects that the character image is a jackpot than the first display mode (white) (execution of the jackpot game is executed). When displaying in the second display mode (red) suggesting that the degree of expectation is high, and the third display mode suggesting that the expectation of jackpot is higher than the second display mode (red) For example, it may be displayed in gold).

  In order to realize this, for example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the special figure determination information 2100 has won the jackpot. The display mode of the character images 2321 to 2323 in the high expectation scene effect BE2 is set to the third display mode with a probability of 70% when the special figure determination information 2100 is won. When the figure determination information 2100 is lost, the second display mode is set with a probability of 30%. Then, when the variation effect pattern HEp_b16 is selected for the special figure determination information 2100, the jackpot expectation suggested by the character image in the third display mode is the jackpot suggested by the character image in the second display mode. Higher than expected.

<< Third Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a technique in which a part of the second embodiment is modified will be described. Regarding matters not specifically described in the third embodiment, the description of the second embodiment is also applied to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the description of the following third embodiment is given priority for contradictions with the above description.

  FIG. 43 shows a special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_c, which is an example of components of the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_c unless otherwise specified.

  The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_c is a table in which predetermined decision values are associated with the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_c11 to THp_c16. Each special symbol variation pattern defines a variation mode of a special symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of the special symbol (the length of time during which the special symbol variation display is performed). The special symbol fluctuation times in the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_c11 to THp_c16 are 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.

  The special figure variation pattern table table THt_c includes tables THt_c1 and THt_c2. The main CPU 411 selects the table THt_c1 when the determination result of the special figure determination is a loss, and wins the determination that the determination result of the special figure determination is a big hit (special A, special B, or a special big hit). If so, THt_c2 is selected.

  The main CPU 411 corresponds to the determination target TT when the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_ci in the selection table (here, THt_c1 or THt_c2). The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_ci is selected and set as the special figure fluctuation pattern to be performed (where i is an integer of 11 to 16 inclusive). As described above, the special figure variation pattern random number is a random number that takes an integer in the range of “0 to 499”.

In the table THt_c1, a total of 450 judgment values “0 to 449” and a total of 26 judgment values “450 to 475” and a total of 26 judgment values “450 to 475”, respectively, Fourteen determination values “476 to 489”, a total of eight determination values “490 to 497”, one determination value “498”, and one determination value “499” are assigned.
In the table THt_c2, for the special figure variation patterns THp_c12, THp_c13, THp_c14, THp_c15, and THp_c16, a total of five determination values “0 to 4”, a total of 15 determination values “5 to 19”, and a total of 80 Determination value “20 to 99”, a total of 150 determination values “100 to 249”, and a total of 250 determination values “250 to 499”. In the table THt_c2, a determination value is not assigned to the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_c11 that can be selected only at the time of loss. Therefore, when the table THt_c2 is selected, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_c11 is not selected.

  FIG. 44 shows a variation effect pattern table HEt_c that is an example of components of the variation effect pattern table stored in the sub ROM 432. The variation effect pattern table HEt_c includes the variation effect patterns HEp_c11 to HEp_c16 that define the contents of the variation effects. Here, it is assumed that the special drawing variation patterns THp_c11 to THp_c16 are associated with the variation effect patterns HEp_c11 to HEp_c16 on a one-to-one basis.

  Specifically, upon receiving a variation start command indicating that the special figure variation pattern THp_c11, THp_c12, THp_c13, THp_c14, THp_c15, and THp_c16 has been determined and selected for the determination target TT, the effect control unit 403 In the determination process, based on the received change start command, change effect patterns HEp_c11, HEp_c12, HEp_c13, HEp_c14, HEp_c15, and HEp_c16 are selected. Then, the effect control unit 403 executes the effect according to the selected variation effect pattern as the variation effect of the determination target TT. In FIG. 44, the contents of the variation effect are simply shown for reference. A specific description of the variation effect corresponding to each variation effect pattern will be provided later.

With respect to any one special figure determination information Q ₁ , the result of the determination per special figure is “losing”, and a specific special figure variation pattern is selected for the special figure determination information Q ₁ or a specific The probability that an effect is executed is represented by “r”, the result of determination per special figure is “big hit”, and a specific special figure variation pattern is selected for the special figure determination information Q ₁ or a specific The probability that the effect is executed is represented by “v”. Then, the reliability of the jackpot when specific or a particular effect especially Figure fluctuation pattern is selected for the special symbol determination information Q ₁ is executed, "(100 × v / ( r + v)) [% ] ”(The jackpot reliability and the jackpot expectation are the same).

Thus, the probability for any one of JP diagram determination information Q _1, the Japanese view fluctuation pattern THp_c16 against special symbol determination information Q ₁ and result is a "loss" of the collision detection special symbol is selected ( Therefore, the probability that the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is executed is “(398/399) × (1/500)”, and the determination result per special figure is “big hit” and the special figure determination is made. since the probability of JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c16 against use information _{Q 1} is selected (the probability of change effect due to the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 runs therefore) is "(1/399) × (250/500) " reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c16 is selected for special symbol determination information Q _1, in other words, variation effect against special symbol determination information Q ₁ pattern H Confidence when fluctuation effect due p_c16 is performed (further reliability of fluctuation effect due to the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 other words) is about 38.6%.

Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c15 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_c15 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability when executing is (in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c15) is about 27.4%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c14 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_c14 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability when executing is (in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c14) is about 2.5%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c13 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_c13 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability (when in other words, the reliability of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c13) is about 0.3%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c12 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_c12 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} The reliability when executing is (in other words, the reliability of variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c12) is about 0.05%.
Think Like reliability when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c11 is selected for special symbol determination information _{Q 1,} in other words, variation effect by fluctuation effect pattern HEp_c11 against special symbol determination information _{Q 1} Is executed (in other words, the reliability of the changing effect by the changing effect pattern HEp_c11) is 0%. JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_c11 is because special symbol determination information Q ₁ is not selected only in the case of loss.

  With reference to FIG. 45, in the third embodiment, attention is paid to one special figure determination information 3100 and a variation effect 3200 with respect to the special figure determination information 3100 for the sake of specific and clarification. Therefore, for example, the jackpot expectation (reliability) described in the following description of the third embodiment refers to that for the special figure determination information 3100. The first to third decorative symbols (corresponding to SZ1 to SZ3) are started to be displayed in synchronization with the start of the change display of the special symbol at the start timing of the change effect 3200, and the change display of the special symbol is started at the end timing of the change effect 3200. The change display of the first to third decorative symbols is finished in synchronization with the stop (that is, the first to third decorative symbols that have been changed and displayed are stopped and displayed).

  When the variation effect pattern HEp_c11 or HEp_c12 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100, the story effect is not executed in the variation effect 3200 (see FIG. 44).

  FIG. 46 shows an outline of the variation effect 3200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_c13 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100. In the variation effect 3200 by the variation effect pattern HEp_c13, the scene effect BE0 constituting the story effect is executed immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols, or after any desired effect, and the execution of the scene effect BE0 is completed. After the execution of the story effect is finished, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 3100 after a predetermined production (that is, the first -The change display of the third decorative symbol is stopped). If the special figure determination information 3100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 3100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the variation effect 3200 by the variation effect pattern HEp_c13, the reach effect is not performed (but may be performed). In the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c13, the color of the character images (2301 to 2304; see FIG. 28) is always white. The color of the character image refers to the display color of characters included in the character image.

  FIG. 47 shows an outline of the variation effect 3200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_c14 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100. In the variation effect 3200 by the variation effect pattern HEp_c14, the scene effects BE0, BE1 and BE3 constituting the story effect are sequentially executed in this order immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols or after any desired effect. After the execution of the story effect is ended at the end of the execution of the low expectation scene effect BE3, the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 3100 is shown through a predetermined effect including the first reach effect. The first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 3100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 3100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the story effect by the change effect pattern HEp_c14, the color of the character images (2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2331 to 2333; see FIGS. 28 and 29) is always white. Note that the reach effect may not be performed when the low expectation scene effect BE3 is executed.

  FIG. 48 shows an outline of the variation effect 3200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_c15 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100. In the variation effect 3200 based on the variation effect pattern HEp_c15, the scene effects BE0, BE1 and BE2 constituting the story effect are sequentially executed in this order immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols or after any desired effect. After the execution of the story effect is terminated at the end of the execution of the high expectation scene effect BE2, through a predetermined effect including the second reach effect, the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 3100 is shown. The first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 3100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 3100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c15, the color of the character images (2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2321 to 2323; see FIGS. 28 and 29) is always white.

  FIG. 49 shows an outline of the variation effect 3200 when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100. In the variation effect 3200 by the variation effect pattern HEp_c16, the scene effects BE0, BE1 and BE2 constituting the story effect are sequentially executed in this order immediately after the start of the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols or through any desired effect. After the execution of the story effect is terminated at the end of the execution of the high expectation scene effect BE2, through a predetermined effect including the second reach effect, the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 3100 is shown. The first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (that is, the variable display of the first to third decorative symbols is stopped). If the special figure determination information 3100 is a big hit, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet, and if the special figure determination information 3100 is lost, the first to third in the form of a non-doublet. The decorative design is stopped and displayed. In the story effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_c16, the color of one or more character images among the displayed character images (2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2321 to 2323; see FIGS. 28 and 29) is red. That is, the display mode of the character image is different between the story effect by the change effect pattern HEp_c15 and the story effect by the change effect pattern HEp_c16. The white character image is an example of the character image in the first display mode, and the red character image is an example of the character image in the second display mode.

[Operation flowchart]
FIG. 50 is an operation flowchart of the gaming machine 100 focusing on the variation effect 3200. First, in step S31, the special figure determination information 3100 is acquired when the start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, when the special figure determination information 3100 becomes the determination target TT, the special control is performed on the special figure determination information 3100 by the main control unit 401 in step S32. Then, in step S33, a change start command including the result of the special figure determination is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403. In subsequent step S34, the effect control unit 403 that has received the change start command executes a change effect content determination process for determining the contents of the change effect 3200 based on the result of the special figure determination included in the change start command. .

  Thereafter, in step S35, the variation effect determined in the variation effect content determination process is started as the variation effect 3200. After the special symbol variation display for the special symbol determination information 3100 is started, when the variation time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol variation pattern determination elapses, the variation of the special symbol is stopped and the variation stop command is controlled by the main control. It is transmitted from the unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 (step S36). The effect control unit 403 ends the change effect 3200 when receiving the change stop command (step S37). At this time, the decorative design is stopped and displayed on the image display unit 104 in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 3100.

  FIG. 51 is an operation flowchart of the variation effect content determination process in step S34. In the variation effect content determination process, the effect control unit 403 analyzes the variation start command (step S341), and based on the analysis result, one variation effect among the variation effect patterns HEp_c11 to HEp_c16 included in the variation effect pattern table HEt_c. A pattern is selected (step S342). When the selected variation effect pattern is HEp_c16 (Y in step S343), in step S344, after performing color detail determination processing for determining the color of each character image in the story effect, the variation effect content is determined. The process ends, but if not (N in step S343), the variation effect content determination process ends without performing the color detail determination process. When the story effect is performed in the variation effect 3200 without performing the color detail determination process, the color of the character image in the story effect is all white.

[Detailed color determination processing]
FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram of a color pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is referred to in the color detail determination process when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected. When the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected, in the color detail determination process, the effect control unit 403 selects any one of the color patterns PTN _C1 [1] to PTN _C1 [11] as the target color pattern. The effect control unit 403 controls the color of the character image in the story effect of the change effect 3200 according to the target color pattern selected here. For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected, each of the color patterns PTN _C1 [1] to PTN _C1 [11] may be selected as the target color pattern with an equal probability (that is, a probability of 1/11). The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself. Color patterns _{PTN C1 [1] ~PTN C1 [} 11] in only one of any 10 following color patterns may be may be selected as the target color pattern.

In any of the color pattern _{PTN C1 [1] ~PTN C1 [} 9], the color of the character image 2321 to 2323 in a high degree of expectation scene rendering BE2 is red.

In the color pattern PTN _C1 [1], the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are all red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [2], the color of the character image 2301 is white, and the colors of the character images 2302 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [3], the color of the character images 2301 and 2302 is white, and the color of the character images 2303 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [4], the color of the character images 2301 to 2303 is white, and the color of the character images 2304 and 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [5], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 is white, and the color of the character images 2311 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [6], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 is white, and the color of the character images 2312 to 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [7], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304, 2311, and 2312 is white, and the color of the character images 2313 and 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [8], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2313 is white, and the color of the character image 2314 is red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [9], the character images 2301 to 2304 and 2311 to 2314 are all white.

In the color pattern PTN _C1 [10], the character images 2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, and 2321 are white, and the character images 2322 and 2323 are red.
In the color pattern PTN _C1 [11], the color of the character images 2301 to 2304, 2311 to 2314, 2321, and 2322 is white, and the color of the character image 2323 is red.

  As described above, the color of the character image is always white in the story effect by the variation effect patterns HEp_c13 to HEp_c15, whereas the color of one or more character images is red in the story effect in the variation effect pattern HEp_c16. On the other hand, the expectation of jackpot increases in the order of HEp_c11, HEp_c12, HEp_c13, HEp_c14, HEp_c15, and HEp_c16 from the changing effect pattern HEp_c11 toward the changing effect pattern HEp_c16 (see FIG. 44). Therefore, in the story effect, it can be said that the display of the red character image suggests that the expectation of jackpot is higher than the display of the white character image. That is, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the first display mode (white), and the expectation level (the execution of the jackpot game is greater than the first display mode (white)). There is a case where it is displayed in the second display mode (red) suggesting that the degree of expectation is high. As a result, the player can recognize the degree of expectation of jackpot in the display mode of the character image, so that the player can see what the character image is displayed in and with a sense of tension. Become. When the display in the second display mode is performed, it is possible to watch the production up to the stop of the variation of the decorative pattern with expectation.

In the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the second display mode from the start of displaying the character image when displaying the character image in the second display mode (red) ( Color pattern PTN _C1 [1]), when the character image is displayed in the first display mode and then changed to the second display mode (color patterns PTN _C1 [2] to PTN _C1 [11] Any). Thereby, even when the display of the character image is started in the first display mode, there is a possibility that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode from the middle, so the player does not give up his expectation. In addition, it is possible to watch the effect after the start of displaying the character image in the first display mode.

In addition, when the player progresses to the high expectation scene effect BE2, the player's expectation (expectation of occurrence of jackpot) increases, but this progress is observed in the color pattern PTN _B2 [9] (see FIG. 52) in the variation effect pattern HEp_c16. At this time, since the display mode of the character image is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode having a relatively high expectation degree of jackpot, the player's expectation is further enhanced. In other words, it is possible to increase the player's expectation synergistically and increase the game (the player's mood can be raised and attracted to the game).

Further, in some of the color patterns in the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 (see FIG. 52), the character image is changed from the first display mode (white) to the boundary when the character that emits the dialog changes from one character to another. The display is changed to the two display mode (red). For example, regarding the variation effect pattern HEp_c16, in the color pattern PTN _C1 [2], the character image is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode and displayed at the time when the character that generates the speech is changed from the character CR1 to the character CR2. In the color pattern PTN _C1 [5], the character image is displayed by changing from the first display mode to the second display mode at the time when the character that generates the speech changes from the character CR1 to the character CR3, and the color pattern PTN _C1 is displayed. In [9], the character image is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode and displayed when the character that emits the dialog changes from the character CR2 to the character CR3.
Lines continuously generated by the same character are a group of continuous lines by the character, and if the display mode of the character image is changed in the middle of the line of lines, the continuity of the lines may be impaired (game) People are less likely to feel continuity). On the other hand, when a character that emits a line is changed, continuous lines by the same character are interrupted. Therefore, even if the display mode of the character image is changed, there is little risk of loss of continuity, and a more natural effect can be realized.

  Hereinafter, some modified techniques will be described in Examples EX3_1 to EX3_7 belonging to the third embodiment. As long as there is no contradiction, it is possible to combine two or more of the embodiments EX3_1 to EX3_7.

[Example EX3_1]
Example EX3_1 will be described. In the story production according to the third embodiment, when a character that emits a serif changes from a certain character to another character, when the character after the surrogate emits the first serif as a specific serif, and a bigger hit than the first serif There may be a time when a second line suggesting that the degree of expectation is high.

  Reference is again made to FIGS. 41 (a) and 41 (b). Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, when the character that generates a dialogue between the scene effects BE0 and BE1 changes from the character CR1 to the character CR3, the character CR3 after the substitution changes the first dialogue or the second dialogue to the character image 2311. Shall be selectively issued as a specific line corresponding to. In the example of FIGS. 41A and 41B, the color of the character image included in the character image 2304 in the scene effect BE0 is white, and the color of the character image displayed after the scene effect BE1 is changed to red. To get. In FIG. 41A, at the beginning of the scene effect BE1, the character CR3 emits the first line as a specific line, and a character image 2311A indicating the first line is displayed as a character image 2311 (see FIG. 28). On the other hand, in FIG. 41B, at the beginning of the scene effect BE1, the character CR3 emits the second line as the specific line and the character image 2311B indicating the second line is displayed as the character image 2311 (see FIG. 28). Yes.

  In the variation effect content determination process, when the variation effect pattern selected for the special figure determination information 3100 is the variation effect pattern HEp_b14, HEp_b15, or HEp_b16, the effect control unit 403 has the character CR3 at the beginning of the scene effect BE1. It is selected whether the specific line to be emitted is the first line or the second line.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of a serif selection table stored in the sub ROM 432, which is used for selecting the first serif or the second serif. With respect to the example of FIG. 53, the effect control unit 403 selects the first serif and the second serif with the probabilities R _c14 [1] and R _c14 [2], respectively, when selecting the fluctuating effect pattern HEp_c14. When the pattern HEp_c15 is selected, the first and second lines are selected with the probabilities R _c15 [1] and R _c15 [2], respectively, and when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected, the first and second lines are selected. _Are selected with probabilities R _c16 [1] and R _c16 [2], respectively. The effect control unit 403 executes the scene effect BE1 using the first or second line selected here as the specific line in the story effect of the change effect 3200. The effect control unit 403 can realize such a selection process according to the selection probability by lottery using an effect random number generated by itself.

Here, “1> R _c14 [1]> R _c15 [1]> R _c16 [1]> 0” and “0 <R _c14 [2] <R _c15 [2] <R _c16 [2] <1” Is established. For example,
“(R _c14 [1], R _c15 [1], R _c16 [1]) = (0.8, 0.6, 0, 2)” and “(R _c14 [2], R _c15 [2], R _c16 [2]) = (0.2, _{0.4, 0, 8} ) ”. It is also possible to set “R _c14 [1] = 1” and “R _c14 [2] = 0”, or “R _c15 [1] = 1” and “R _c15 [2] = 0”. It is also possible to set “R _c16 [1] = 0” and “R _c16 [2] = 1”.

  According to the serif selection table of FIG. 53, among the fluctuation effect patterns HEp_c14, HEp_c15, and HEp_c16, when the fluctuation effect pattern HEp_c14 is selected, the first serif is most easily selected and the second serif is hardly selected. When the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected, the first serif is hardly selected and the second serif is most easily selected. On the other hand, among the variation effect patterns HEp_c14, HEp_c15, and HEp_c16, the jackpot expectation level corresponding to the variation effect pattern HEp_c14 is the lowest, and the jackpot expectation level corresponding to the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is the highest.

  As a result, when a variation production pattern with a higher jackpot expectation is selected, the second line is more easily selected as a specific dialogue than the first serif, and when a variation production pattern with a lower jackpot expectation is selected, The first line is more easily selected as the specific line than the second line. Therefore, it can be said that the expectation of the jackpot suggested by the second line in the story production is higher than that suggested by the first line.

Further, when the character that generates a dialogue between the scene effects BE0 and BE1 is changed from the character CR1 to the character CR3, the character CR3 after the substitution produces the second dialogue rather than the first dialogue as the specific dialogue. The probability that the display mode of the character image 2311 is changed from the first display mode (white of the character image 2304) to the second display mode (red) is high (so that the probabilities R _c14 [1], R _c15 [ 1], R _c16 [1], R _c14 [2], R _c15 [2] and R _c16 [2] may be determined). This makes it easy to achieve a match between the jackpot expectation suggested by the contents of the dialogue and the jackpot expectation suggested by the display mode of the character image.

A method for realizing this will be described. When the probability that the variation effect patterns HEp_c14, HEp_c15, and HEp_c16 are selected for the special figure determination information 3100 are represented by symbols X, Y, and Z, respectively, the probability that the first serif is generated as the specific serif is “XX. R _c14 [1] + Y × R _c15 [1] + Z × R _c16 [1] ”and the probability that the second serif is _generated as the specific serif is“ X × R _c14 [2] + Y × R _c15 [2] ] + Z × R _c16 [2] ”. On the other hand, for simplification of explanation, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected, the color pattern PTN _C1 [5] is selected with a probability of 50%.

Then, the character image in the second display mode is displayed only in HEp_c16 among the variation effect patterns HEp_c14, HEp_c15, and HEp_c16.
Probability QQ ₁ that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode at the time of display of the character image 2311 when the first line is issued as the specific line;
When the second line is issued as the specific line, the probability QQ ₂ that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode at the time of display of the character image 2311 is respectively
“(Z × R _c16 [1]) / (X × R _c14 [1] + Y × R _c15 [1] + Z × R _c16 [1])”,
“(Z × R _c16 [2]) / (X × R _c14 [2] + Y × R _c15 [2] + Z × R _c16 [2])”
It will have a value multiplied by a common coefficient. Here, the probabilities R _c14 [1], R _c15 [1], R _c16 [1], R _c14 [2], R _c15 [2] and R _c16 [R] so that “QQ ₁ <QQ ₂ ” is satisfied. 2] should be determined.

[Example EX3_2]
Example EX3_2 will be described. As described above, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the second display mode from the start of displaying the character image when displaying the character image in the second display mode (red). When (color pattern PTN _C1 [1]), when a character image is started to be displayed in the first display mode and then changed to the second display mode and displayed (PTN _C1 [2] to PTN _C1 [11] (See FIG. 52). That is, the story effect is the effect EX3_2a for displaying the character image in the second display mode from the start of the display of the character image, or the display is changed to the second display mode after the character image is displayed in the first display mode It can be said that the production EX3_2b can be included. Here, any one of the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the former effect EX3_2a and the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the latter effect EX3_2b may be made larger than the other.

For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the special figure determination information 3100 is won and wins the special figure determination. When the information 3100 is won by jackpot, the color pattern PTN _C1 [1] is selected with a probability of 60% and any one of the color patterns PTN _C1 [2] to PTN _C1 [11] is selected with a probability of 40%. If the special pattern determination information 3100 is lost, the color pattern PTN _C1 [1] is selected with a probability of 40% and the color patterns PTN _C1 [2] to PTN with a probability of 60%. _{One of C1} [11] is selected. Then, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100, the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the effect EX3_2a is higher than the jackpot expectation degree suggested by the effect EX3_2b.

[Example EX3_3]
Example EX3_3 will be described. In the story effect, the change of the character image display mode (change from the first display mode to the second display mode or vice versa) is performed only when the character that emits the dialog changes from one character to another. May be used.

In order to change the display mode of the character image from the first display mode (white) to the second display mode (red), for example, the change effect pattern HEp_c16 may be changed only when the character that emits the speech is changed. When selected (see FIG. 52 together with FIGS. 28 and 29), the color patterns PTN _C1 [1], PTN _C1 [2], PTN _C1 [4] to PTN _C1 [6], PTN _C1 [8] Color detail determination processing may be performed so that any one of PTN _C1 [11] is selected as the target color pattern.

[Example EX3_4]
Example EX3_4 will be described. In the above example, in the story effect including progress to the low expectation scene effect BE3, the character image displayed in the second display mode (red) is not included in the displayed character image. The character image of the second display mode may be included in the character image displayed in the story effect including the progress to the effect BE3. For example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c14 is selected, the effect control unit 403 displays the display mode of one or more character images displayed in the scene effects BE0 and BE1 with a predetermined probability (for example, 5%) as the second display mode. You may make it.

[Example EX3_5]
Example EX3_5 will be described. In the above example, basically, whether or not to display the character image of the second display mode during the story production is determined depending only on the result of the special figure fluctuation pattern determination executed on the main control unit 401 side. However, the determination may be made on the side of the effect control unit 403 based on the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 3100.

[Example EX3_6]
Example EX3_6 will be described. In the above-described example, it can be considered that the mode of displaying the character image in white corresponds to the first display mode, and the mode of displaying the character image in red corresponds to the second display mode. However, the display mode of the character image depends not only on the color of the character image (the color of the character included in the character image) but also on the size and typeface of the character included in the character image. In other words, in the above-described example, the display mode of the character image is made different depending on the color of the character image, but the display mode of the character image may be made different depending on the size of the character and the typeface. For example, the first display mode of the character image is a display mode in which characters indicating the words are displayed in the first character size, and the second display mode of the character images is larger than the first character size. The display mode may be displayed in the second character size.

[Example EX3_7]
Example EX3_7 will be described. In the above example, only the first and second display modes are listed as the display mode of the character image, but the number of types of display modes of the character image may be three or more. For example, in the story effect, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image in the first display mode (white), and expects that the character image is a jackpot than the first display mode (white) (execution of the jackpot game is executed). When displaying in the second display mode (red) suggesting that the degree of expectation is high, and the third display mode suggesting that the expectation of jackpot is higher than the second display mode (red) For example, it may be displayed in gold).

  In order to realize this, for example, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the special figure determination information 3100 has won the jackpot. The display mode of the character images 2321 to 2323 in the high expectation scene effect BE2 is set to the third display mode with a probability of 70% when the special figure determination information 3100 is won. When the figure determination information 3100 is lost, the second display mode is set with a probability of 30%. Then, when the variation effect pattern HEp_c16 is selected for the special figure determination information 3100, the jackpot expectation suggested by the character image of the third display mode is the jackpot suggested by the character image of the second display mode. Higher than expected.

<< Consideration of Invention Regarding Second and Third Embodiments >>
Consider inventions relating to the second and third embodiments.

Game machine W ₂ in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, determining means for determining whether to perform the advantageous special game to the player by the occurrence of start-up conditions; including a (40 l special symbol determination), the image display means An effect control means (403) for causing a predetermined effect means to perform an effect according to the determination result of the determination means, wherein the effect control means sends a predetermined character to the image display means. In addition to causing a predetermined story effect to appear, it is possible to display on the image display means, as a character image, a line generated by the character in the story effect, and the character image is displayed in a first display mode (for example, white). When displaying, and when displaying the character image in a second display mode (for example, red) that suggests that the expectation of execution of the special game is higher than in the first display mode , Is characterized by.

  As a result, the player can recognize the expected degree of execution of the special game in the display mode of the character image, and can enjoy the manner in which the character image is displayed with a sense of tension. become able to. When the display in the second display mode is performed, the subsequent effects can be watched with a sense of expectation.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W _2, the performance control unit, when displaying the character image in said second display mode, and when displaying at the second display mode the character image from the time of display start The character image may be displayed in the first display mode and then changed to the second display mode (see, for example, FIGS. 39 and 40).

  Thereby, even when the display of the character image is started in the first display mode, there is a possibility that the display mode of the character image is changed to the second display mode from the middle, so the player does not give up his expectation. In addition, it is possible to watch the effect after the start of displaying the character image in the first display mode.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W _2, the performance control unit, in the story effect, suggesting that relatively high expectations of execution of the special game from the first scene effect (e.g. scene effect BE0, BE1) It is possible to progress to a second scene effect (for example, a high expectation scene effect BE2) or a third scene effect (for example, a low expectation scene effect BE3) that suggests that the expectation level of execution of the special game is relatively low. In the case where the character image is displayed in the second display mode in the first scene effect, the character image is displayed in the third scene effect when the character image is advanced to the third scene effect. The display may be changed to the first display mode (see, for example, FIG. 39).

  Thereby, the consistency regarding the high and low relationship between the performance to be performed and the expectation degree of execution of the special game can be taken.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W _2, wherein the character includes a plurality of characters, the presentation control unit is a boundary when a character which emits speech replaces, the said character image from said first display form second display form It may be possible to change to display.

  Lines continuously generated by the same character are a group of continuous lines by the character, and if the display mode of the character image is changed in the middle of the line of lines, the continuity of the lines may be impaired (game) People are less likely to feel continuity). On the other hand, when a character that emits a line is changed, continuous lines by the same character are interrupted. Therefore, even if the display mode of the character image is changed, there is little risk of loss of continuity, and a more natural effect can be realized.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W ₂ , in the story production, when the character that emits the speech is changed, when the character after the replacement emits the first speech, the expectation is higher than the first speech. The character image is displayed in the second display when the second character emits the second line compared to when the character after the replacement emits the first line. It is preferable that the probability of changing to an aspect is high.

  This makes it easy to match the expected degree of execution of the special game suggested by the contents of the dialogue and the expected degree of execution of the special game suggested by the display mode of the character image.

Determining means in the gaming machine W ₂ is in the gaming machine 100 is realized by the main control unit 401, for example. Presentation control means in the gaming machine W ₂ is in the gaming machine 100 is realized by the performance control unit 403, for example.

  Special games include games that involve opening a special prize opening. The special prize opening may be the big prize opening 111, and thus the special game may be a game (for example, a big hit game) with the opening of the big prize opening 111. In this case, the determination in the determination means includes determination per special figure, and may further include special symbol determination and special pattern fluctuation pattern determination.

<< Other modifications >>
The embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims. The above embodiment is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the meaning of the term of the present invention or each constituent element is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The specific numerical values shown in the above description are merely examples, and as a matter of course, they can be changed to various numerical values.

  The gaming machine 100 described above belongs to a loop machine in which the high probability gaming state is completely or substantially maintained until the next big jackpot is won when the big jackpot of the special A or special B is won. However, the gaming machine 100 may be formed as a so-called ST machine. In this case, the number of high-probability grants and power support grants for the special A or special B jackpot may be set to 70, for example (that is, the big prize executed in response to the occurrence of the special A or special B jackpot In the game state setting process during the mouth process, “70” may be substituted for the high probability remaining game count X and the electric support game remaining count J).

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an old first-class type pachinko gaming machine has been described. The present invention may be applied to other game machines such as slot machines that are not classified as pachinko gaming machines. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball is used as a game medium, while in a slot machine, a coin is used as a game medium.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 104 Image display part 105,106 Start opening 111 Extra prize opening 115 Speaker (audio | voice output means)
401 Main control unit (determination means)
403 Production control unit (production control means)

Claims (1)

A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing the start condition;
An effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means including an audio output means and an image display means to perform an effect according to the determination result of the determination means, and a gaming machine comprising:
The production control means includes
When you are to perform the predetermined effect including the audio output by the audio output unit, make it possible to display on the image display unit said voice as a character image,
And when displaying at the and when the character image to be displayed in the first display mode, the second display form suggests the possible higher expectations of execution of special games than the character image of the first display form, but As well as
There are times when the predetermined performance is finished by a specific time and when the predetermined performance is continued beyond the specific time,
A suggestion effect suggesting that the predetermined effect may be continued beyond the specific time when the predetermined effect is ended by the specific time or continued beyond the specific time. The character image can be hidden when the suggestion effect is performed,
When the character image is displayed in the first display mode and in the second display mode before the specific time is exceeded, the character image is displayed when the predetermined effect is ended by the specific time. Display in the second display mode ,
When the predetermined effect is continued beyond the specific time, the character image may be displayed or not displayed in the predetermined effect after the specific time is exceeded. A gaming machine.