JP6648326B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine, a symbol changing game in which a symbol is changed is performed, and an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player is given according to a derivation result in the symbol changing game.
Among such gaming machines, there is also disclosed one in which a specific effect in which a unit effect is performed in a stepwise manner is executed, as in Patent Literature 1, for example. In some of such gaming machines, the degree of expectation that an advantageous state is given according to the number of stages of a unit effect in a specific effect is different, so that the expectation of a player is increased.

JP 2014-210131 A

  However, in such a gaming machine, various measures have been taken to enhance the effect of the specific effect, but for example, the degree of advantage relating to the specific effect, such as the number of steps in a unit effect, is difficult for the player to recognize, and There was a risk that the interest would decline.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems existing in such conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest in games.

  A gaming machine that solves the above-mentioned problem is a gaming machine that executes a symbol changing game in which symbols are changed, and performs an effect executing means for executing a specific effect in which a unit effect is performed a plurality of times in one symbol changing game, and a notification. Notifying means, wherein the specific effect is an effect having a different degree of advantage depending on the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in one symbol variation game, and the notifying unit includes a unit effect in the specific effect. A notification capable of specifying the number of times equal to or less than the number of executions to be performed can be made by the time the execution of the final unit effect is started, and the effect execution means can execute one unit effect in one symbol change game. The special effect to be performed is performed, and the special effect is performed in a part of the effect mode is the same as the specific effect, and the notification means is performed in the special effect when the special effect is performed. And summarized in that a plurality of times can be performed identifiable notifying the number of executions of that unit director.

  A gaming machine that solves the above-mentioned problem is a gaming machine that executes a symbol changing game in which symbols are changed, and performs an effect executing means for executing a specific effect in which a unit effect is performed a plurality of times in one symbol changing game, and a notification. Notifying means, wherein the specific effect is an effect having a different degree of advantage according to the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in one symbol variation game, and the notifying unit includes a unit effect in the specific effect. A notification capable of specifying the number of times equal to or less than the number of executions to be performed can be made by the time the execution of the final unit effect is started, and the effect executing means is configured to execute one unit effect in one symbol change game. Performing a special effect to be performed, the special effect is the same effect as a part of the effect mode compared with the specific effect, and the notification means is performed in the specific effect when the specific effect is executed. And summarized in that it is possible to perform an identifiable broadcast once a number of executions of that unit director.

  Regarding the gaming machine, the notifying means can perform notification capable of specifying a unit effect already performed in the specific effect in a mode different from a unit effect currently performed in the specific effect. You may.

  For the gaming machine, the specific effect is an effect in which a lower limit of the number of unit effects is specified, and the notifying unit performs the execution when the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in the specific effect is not the lower limit number of times. The notification that can specify the number of times smaller than the number of times may be performed before the execution of the final unit effect is started.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the improvement of interest to a game can be aimed at.

The figure which shows a slot machine typically. The figure which shows an example of a game state and an effect mode. FIG. 3 is a view showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. The figure which shows a specific example about the correspondence of the winning number and the symbol combination which can be displayed in a fluctuation game. The figure which shows a game progress main process. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the execution aspect of a step-up effect. The figure which shows the effect pattern of a step-up effect. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the display aspect of an effect display device. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the display aspect of an effect display device. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the display aspect of an effect display device. The figure which shows an effect determination process. (A) And (b) is a figure showing display timing of a notice picture.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a slot machine which is a kind of a game machine will be described. The slot machine of this embodiment is a spinning-type gaming machine also called a pachislot. In this specification, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and rear refer to the respective directions as viewed from a player playing a game in the slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a main body cabinet 11 having a rectangular box shape. The main body cabinet 11 has an opening (not shown) on the front surface. The slot machine 10 includes a front door 12 that covers an opening of the main body cabinet 11. The front door 12 is supported to be able to open and close with respect to the main body cabinet 11.

  On the front of the front door 12, the slot machine 10 turns on, turns off, and blinks a light-emitting body (not shown) as one of the effects associated with the game (hereinafter, referred to as a game effect) (hereinafter, referred to as a light-emitting effect). (Shown) is provided. The slot machine 10 includes, on the front of the front door 12, a speaker 14 capable of executing an effect (hereinafter, referred to as an audio effect) for outputting a sound such as a sound effect or music as one of the game effects.

  The slot machine 10 includes, on the front of the front door 12, an effect display device 15 that can execute an effect (hereinafter, referred to as a display effect) for displaying an image imitating a character or a character as one of the game effects. I have. The effect display device 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like. The slot machine 10 has a substantially square display window 12a on the front of the front door 12 and below the effect display device 15, so that the player can see through the inside of the machine.

  The slot machine 10 includes a reel unit 16. The reel unit 16 is provided inside the machine so that the player can visually recognize the reel unit 16 through the display window 12a. The reel unit 16 includes a left (first) reel 16a, a middle (second) reel 16b, and a right (third) reel 16c. Each of the reels 16a to 16c is a turning drum also called a drum.

  The reels 16a to 16c are each provided with a symbol row in which a plurality of symbols are identifiably arranged along the outer peripheral surface. The symbol row is provided by winding a belt-shaped translucent film on which a plurality of symbols are printed in the longitudinal direction around the outside of the reels 16a to 16c. The symbol row of the reels 16a to 16c includes a total of 21 symbols from symbol number 0 to symbol number 20, respectively.

  In addition, there are a plurality of types of symbols in the symbol of this embodiment. For example, a plurality of types of designs include a cherry design that is a design imitating a cherry, a watermelon design that is a design imitating a watermelon, a bell design that is a design imitating a bell, and a replay design that imitates the characters “REPLAY”. It is included.

  The reel unit 16 includes an actuator for rotating and stopping the left reel 16a, an actuator for rotating and stopping the middle reel 16b, and an actuator for rotating and stopping the right reel 16c (none is shown). . These actuators for driving the reels 16a to 16c are, for example, stepping motors. The reels 16a to 16c can be rotated and stopped in the vertical direction independently of each other by actuators provided corresponding to the respective reels. In the slot machine 10, when the reels 16a to 16c rotate, the symbol row (a plurality of types of symbols) visible through the display window 12a is changed, whereby a changing game (symbol changing game) is performed. For example, the symbol row is changed in a manner in which the symbol row is scroll-displayed vertically from above to below. A portion of the reel unit 16 that can be visually recognized from the display window 12a functions as a game executing unit that can execute a variable game by changing a plurality of symbol rows.

  The reel unit 16 includes a left reel sensor SE1 for detecting a rotational position of the left reel 16a, a middle reel sensor SE2 for detecting a rotational position of the middle reel 16b, and a rotational position of the right reel 16c. And a right reel sensor SE3 (shown in FIG. 3).

  The display window 12a is large enough to display three symbols continuous in the circumferential direction on the reels 16a to 16c. An upper stop position, a middle stop position, and a lower stop position are set in the display window 12a for each of the reels 16a to 16c. In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the combination of the stop positions selected one by one from among the three stop positions set for each of the reels 16a to 16c can be used to determine the stopped symbol combination as a winning. A combination of stop positions has been set. In the following description, a line connecting a plurality of stop positions forming a combination of valid stop positions is simply referred to as a valid line NL. In this embodiment, an effective line NL (combination of effective stop positions) is constituted by the middle stop positions of the reels 16a to 16c.

  Here, when the symbol is simply indicated as "stop", the symbol is stopped in the display window 12a, that is, at any of the upper stop position, the middle stop position, and the lower stop position, and is displayed so as to be visible to the player. Is meant to be. Further, "winning" means that a predetermined combination of symbols necessary for obtaining a prize is displayed on the activated line NL. In the slot machine 10, when a prize is generated, a predetermined prize is awarded to the winning symbol combination. In the following description, a symbol combination that can win a prize by being displayed on the activated line NL may be indicated as a “role”.

  The combinations other than the combination of the valid stop positions are invalid stop position combinations (so-called invalid lines) in which the displayed symbol combination cannot be determined as a winning. In this specification, “deriving” means that a symbol combination corresponding to a game result is displayed on the activated line NL by stopping the symbol on the activated line NL.

  The symbol combinations (combinations) of the present embodiment include a symbol combination (small combination, payout combination) that determines the payout of medals as a prize, and a symbol combination (replay combination, replay combination) that defines a replay as a prize. . The small combination (payout combination) includes, for example, a cherry combination, a watermelon combination, and a bell combination, and a payout of a predetermined number of medals is defined as a prize for each small combination. The replay combination includes, for example, a normal replay combination and an elevated replay combination. The replay role is a role that does not require a medal to be bet as a prize and can start the next variable game. On the other hand, the symbol combinations in which a prize cannot be obtained include a cherry spillover symbol combination, a watermelon spillover symbol combination, and a bell spillover symbol combination.

  The slot machine 10 has a medal slot 17 for inserting a medal as a game medium on the front surface of the front door 12. The slot machine 10 has a bet button 18 on the front of the front door 12. The bet button 18 can be grasped as a means for betting a predetermined number of medals (hereinafter referred to as a bet) from credits stored internally in the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 has a payment button 19 on the front of the front door 12. The settlement button 19 can be grasped as a means to be operated when paying out a betted medal or a credit internally stored in the slot machine 10.

  The slot machine 10 has a start lever 20 on the front surface of the front door 12. The start lever 20 can be grasped as a means for performing a start operation for starting rotation of the reels 16a to 16c. That is, the reception of the start operation is an opportunity to start the fluctuating game.

  The slot machine 10 has a left (first) stop button 21 a on the front surface of the front door 12. The left stop button 21a corresponds to the left reel 16a, and can be grasped as a means for performing a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the left reel 16a after the fluctuation game has started. The slot machine 10 has a middle (second) stop button 21 b on the front surface of the front door 12. The middle stop button 21b corresponds to the middle reel 16b, and can be grasped as a means for performing a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the middle reel 16b after the fluctuation game has started. The slot machine 10 includes a right (third) stop button 21c on the front surface of the front door 12. The right stop button 21c corresponds to the right reel 16c, and can be grasped as a means for performing a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the right reel 16c after the start of the fluctuation game. As described above, the stop buttons 21a to 21c correspond to a plurality of symbol rows, respectively, and are a plurality of operation units for performing a stop operation of the corresponding symbol row in the fluctuation game. In the following description, after the fluctuation game is started, the first stop operation of the stop buttons 21a to 21c is referred to as a first stop operation, the second stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the third stop operation is performed. The operation is referred to as a third stop operation.

  The operation order (hereinafter, referred to as a pressing order) of the stop buttons 21a to 21c includes a total of six different pressing orders in which the stop buttons for performing the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation are different. . In the following description, when indicating the pressing order, the left reel 16a (left stop button 21a) is set to “left”, the middle reel 16b (middle stop button 21b) is set to “middle”, and the right reel 16c (right stop button 21c) is set. It indicates “right”, and indicates the pressing order, for example, “left middle right pressing order”.

  The slot machine 10 includes a medal payout opening 22 at a lower portion on the front surface of the front door 12. The slot machine 10 includes a receiving tray 23 for receiving medals paid out from a medal payout opening 22. The slot machine 10 has a medal selector (not shown) inside the machine. The medal selector includes an insertion sensor SE4 for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 (shown in FIG. 3). The slot machine 10 includes a hopper unit (not shown) capable of paying out medals from the medal payout opening 22 inside the machine (not shown).

The slot machine 10 includes an information panel 30 on the front of the front door 12, which can display predetermined information.
The information panel 30 includes an input enable display unit. The insertable display unit displays whether or not the slot machine 10 is in a state in which medals can be inserted, for example, based on a lighting state of a light emitter (not shown). The information panel 30 includes a replay display unit. The replay display unit displays whether or not a replay (replay) is performed, for example, based on a lighting state of a light emitter (not shown). Replay will be described later.

  The information panel 30 includes a shortest game time display unit. The shortest game time display unit displays whether or not the shortest game time (wait time) is in progress, for example, based on the lighting state of a light emitter not shown. The shortest game time is the shortest game time set so that the number of executions of the variable game per unit time does not exceed a predetermined number of times. The information panel 30 includes a status display unit. The status display unit includes, for example, one 7-segment display. The status display unit displays an error code or the like so that an error occurred in the slot machine 10 can be specified, for example.

  The information panel 30 includes a 1-bet display section, a 2-bet display section, and a 3-bet display section. The first bet display unit displays that the first medal is bet, for example, by the lighting state of a light emitter (not shown). The 2-bet display unit indicates that the second medal has been bet, for example, by the lighting state of a light-emitting body (not shown). The three-bet display unit indicates that the third medal has been bet, for example, by the lighting state of a light emitter (not shown).

  The information panel 30 includes a credit display unit. The credit display unit includes, for example, two 7-segment displays arranged side by side. The credit display unit displays the number of medals stored as credits inside the machine. The information panel 30 includes a payout display unit. The payout display unit includes, for example, two 7-segment displays arranged side by side. The payout display unit displays information on the number of medals to be paid out due to the occurrence of a prize in the variable game.

  The slot machine 10 includes an instruction information display section 38 separately from various display sections on the information panel 30. The instruction information display section 38 includes a left (first) instruction information display section 38a corresponding to the left reel 16a, a middle (second) instruction information display section 38b corresponding to the middle reel 16b, and a right reel 16c. A corresponding right (third) instruction information display section 38c is provided. The instruction information display sections 38a to 38c are arranged below the display window 12a so as to be arranged in the left-right direction. The instruction information display sections 38a to 38c include, for example, color LEDs (not shown), respectively, and are configured to emit light in red, green, blue, and yellow, respectively.

  The instruction information display section 38 of this embodiment is information on the operation mode of the (necessary) stop buttons 21a to 21c recommended for deriving a specific symbol combination (game result) in the variable game being executed. Display certain instruction information.

  The slot machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a replay time function (replaying game probability changing function) for changing the winning probability of the replaying role from a low probability to a high probability in an internal lottery (a winning number lottery process described later). . In the following description, the replay time may be indicated as “RT”. In the gaming state in which the RT function is operating (hereinafter, referred to as an RT1 state), the winning probability of the replay combination is improved as compared with the gaming state in which the RT function is not operating (hereinafter, referred to as an RT0 state). As a result, consumption of medals is suppressed. Therefore, the RT1 state is a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the RT0 state (non-RT state).

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, in the fluctuation game in the RT0 state, the gaming state is controlled to the RT1 state when the player wins the promotion replay combination. In the slot machine 10, in the fluctuation game in the RT1 state, the gaming state is controlled to the RT0 state when the symbol combination of the spilling bell is derived.

  Next, a mode effect that can be executed as one of the game effects in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The mode effect is performed by executing any one of a plurality of effect modes. That is, the effect mode is a mode indicating an effect state to be controlled.

  The plurality of effect modes include, for example, a normal mode MA, a preparation mode MB, and a special mode MC. The modes MA to MC are executed in such a manner that, for example, a background image or a character image that is different for each effect mode is displayed on the effect display device 15 as mode identification information that enables the effect mode being stayed to be identified. Therefore, the player can recognize which effect mode he is staying in based on the display contents of the effect display device 15.

  The normal mode MA is an effect mode in which the user mainly stays in the fluctuation game in the RT0 state. The normal mode MA is a non-assist time state (no instruction state) in which the player is not instructed to identify the recommended operation mode (the order of pressing or the pressed position) of the stop buttons 21a to 21c in the fluctuation game. is there. In the following description, the assist time may be indicated as “AT”.

  The preparation mode MB is an effect mode in which the user stays in the fluctuation game in the RT0 state. The preparation mode MB is an AT state (instruction generation state) in which the player is instructed to be able to identify the recommended operation mode of the stop buttons 21a to 21c in the fluctuation game. The preparation mode MB is a special mode preparation screen immediately before shifting to the special mode MC.

  The special mode MC is an effect mode in which the user stays in the fluctuation game in the RT1 state. The special mode MC is an AT state (instruction generation state) in which a player is instructed to be able to identify the recommended operation mode of the stop buttons 21a to 21c in the fluctuation game.

  As will be described later in detail, in the modes MB and MC, the recommended operation modes of the stop buttons 21a to 21c are notified by displaying the instruction information on the instruction information display unit 38. In the modes MB and MC, the recommended operation modes of the stop buttons 21a to 21c are notified by a game effect displayed on the effect display device 15. In the following description, a game effect for notifying the recommended operation mode of the stop buttons 21a to 21c may be referred to as a navigation effect, or a navigation effect for short. In this way, in the AT state, the recommended operation mode of the stop buttons 21a to 21c can be identified by executing the navigation effect. Therefore, the AT state is an effect state that is more advantageous for the player than the non-AT state.

  In the slot machine 10, in the normal mode MA, the effect state is shifted to the preparation mode MB, triggered by winning the AT shift lottery. In the present embodiment, the effect state is not shifted to the preparation mode MB in the variable game won in the AT shift lottery, and the effect state is prepared in the predetermined variable game executed after the end of the variable game won in the AT shift lottery. The mode is shifted to the mode MB. In the slot machine 10, in the preparation mode MB, the production state is controlled to the special mode MC, triggered by winning the promotion replay combination. In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the state of staying in the special mode MC is the so-called ART state because it is the AT state and the RT1 state. In the slot machine 10, in the special mode MC, the effect state is controlled to the normal mode MA when the predetermined number of variable games are ended.

Next, an electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 includes a main board 40 inside the machine. The main board 40 performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and outputs a control signal (control command) according to the result of the processing. The slot machine 10 includes a sub-board 41 inside the machine. The sub board 41 performs a process related to the execution of the effect based on the control signal input from the main board 40. That is, the sub-board 41 controls the display effect by the effect display device 15, the light emission effect by the decoration lamp 13, and the sound effect by the speaker 14.

First, the main substrate 40 will be described in detail.
The main board 40 includes a main control CPU 40a, a main control ROM 40b, and a main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a mainly executes processing relating to the progress of the game based on the main control program.

  The main board 40 and the sensors SE1 to SE4 are connected. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input signals output by the sensors SE1 to SE4. The main board 40 is connected to each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c. The main control CPU 40a is configured to control the operation of each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c individually by controlling the output mode of the control signal (pulse signal) to each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c.

  The main board 40 is connected to the bet button 18, the settlement button 19, the start lever 20, and the stop buttons 21a to 21c. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be capable of inputting an operation signal output when the bet button 18, the settlement button 19, the start lever 20, and the stop buttons 21a to 21c are operated. The main board 40, the information panel 30, and the instruction information display unit 38 are connected. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information panel 30 and the instruction information display unit 38.

  The main control ROM 40b stores a main control program, a lottery table used for a lottery process for making a decision regarding the progress of the game, and the like. Further, the main control RAM 40c can store various information rewritten during the operation of the slot machine 10, such as the credits described above. The information stored in the main control RAM 40c is, for example, a flag, a counter, and a timer.

  The main board 40 is configured to be able to generate random numbers used for a predetermined lottery process. The random number may be generated as a hardware random number, for example, by including a random number generation circuit that updates a value each time a clock signal is input. In addition or alternatively, the random number may be generated as a software random number, for example, by the main control CPU 40a performing a random number update process of updating a value at each predetermined control cycle.

  Next, among the lottery tables stored in the main control ROM 40b, a winning number lottery table used for an internal lottery (hereinafter referred to as a winning number lottery) for determining a winning number from a plurality of winning numbers, , And the winning numbers will be described in detail.

  First, the winning numbers will be described in detail. The winning number of this embodiment is control information in which one or a plurality of symbol combinations are determined as symbol combinations that can be displayed (derived) in the fluctuation game. That is, the winning number is a condition device identifier (ID) in which one or more winning combinations are determined as winning combinations in the variable game.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of winning numbers including winning numbers 001 to 007 are set. In the drawing, "ALL" shown in the column of the pressing order indicates that the pressing order of the reels 16a to 16c does not matter. In the figure, “ALL” shown in the column of the pressed position indicates that the pressed position is not limited.

  In the winning number 001, a cherry winning combination is defined as a winning combination in the fluctuation game. If the winning number 001 has been won and the left reel 16a is stopped at a push position where the cherry symbol can be stopped on the activated line NL (hereinafter referred to as a cherry push position), regardless of the pushing order. , The reels are stopped so as to win the role of cherry. On the other hand, when the left reel 16a is stopped at a push position different from the cherry push position, the reels are stopped so that a cherry spillover symbol combination is derived regardless of the pushing order.

  In the winning number 002, a watermelon combination is defined as a combination that can be won in the fluctuation game. If the winning number 002 has been won and each of the reels 16a to 16c is stopped at a pushing position (hereinafter, referred to as a watermelon pushing position) at which the watermelon symbol can be stopped on the activated line NL, the pushing is performed. Regardless of the order, the reels are stopped so as to win the watermelon role. On the other hand, when the reels 16a to 16c are stopped at a push position different from the watermelon push position, the reels are stopped so that a symbol combination of watermelon spills is derived regardless of the pushing order.

  In the winning number 003, a bell combination is defined as a winning combination in the fluctuation game. When the winning number 003 is won and the stop operation is performed in the middle left or right or left middle pressing order, the reels are stopped so as to win the bell role regardless of the pressed position. On the other hand, when the stop operation is performed in a different pressing order (in the figure, “other” in the drawing) from the left middle right and the left middle, the symbol combination of the bell spill is derived regardless of the pressed position. The reel is stopped.

  In the winning number 004, a bell combination is defined as a winning combination in the fluctuation game. When the winning number 004 is won and the stop operation is performed in the middle left / right or middle right / left pushing order, the reels are stopped so as to win the bell combination regardless of the pushed position. On the other hand, when the stop operation is performed in the pressing order different from the middle left and right or the middle right and left, the reels are stopped so that the symbol combination of the bell spill is derived regardless of the pressed position.

  In the winning number 005, a bell combination is defined as a winning combination in the variable game. If the winning number 005 has been won and the stop operation is performed in the right-left-middle and right-middle-left pressing order, the reels are stopped so as to win the bell role regardless of the pressed position. On the other hand, when the stop operation is performed in a different pressing order from the right-left middle and the right-middle left, the reels are stopped so that the symbol combination of the bell spill is derived regardless of the pressed position.

  In the winning number 006, a normal replay combination is defined as a winning combination in the variable game. When the winning number 006 is won, the reels are stopped so as to win the normal replay combination regardless of the pressing order and the pressing position.

  In the winning number 007, a normal replay combination and a promotion replay combination are defined as winning combinations in the variable game. If the winning number 007 has been won and the stop operation is performed in the right-middle-left pressing order, the reels are stopped so as to win the promotion replay combination regardless of the pressed position. On the other hand, when the stop operation is performed in a pressing order different from the right middle left, the reel is stopped so as to win the normal replay combination regardless of the pressed position.

  The winning number lottery table includes a winning number lottery table used for internal lottery in the RT0 state and a winning number lottery table used for internal lottery in the RT1 state. In each winning number lottery table, the value of a random number (hereinafter referred to as a winning number random number) used for the lottery of the winning number is determined from the possible values of the random number for the winning number that can be determined. It is sorted by a predetermined number.

  In the winning number lottery table for the RT1 state, the winning number random number is determined such that the probability of adding the determined probability (winning probability) of the winning number for which the replay combination is determined is higher than the winning number lottery table for the RT0 state. Values are sorted. As a result, the determination probability of the replay combination is changed to a higher probability in the RT1 state than in the RT0 state.

Next, the sub-substrate 41 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 3, the sub board 41 includes a sub control CPU 41a, a sub control ROM 41b, and a sub control RAM 41c. The sub-control CPU 41a executes a process related to the effect based on the sub-control program.

  The sub-board 41 and the effect display device 15 are connected. The sub-controlling CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display mode of the effect display device 15. The sub-board 41 and the decorative lamp 13 are connected. The sub-controlling CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the lighting mode of the decorative lamp 13. The sub-board 41 and the speaker 14 are connected. The sub-controlling CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker 14.

  The sub-control ROM 41b stores a sub-control program, a lottery table used for a lottery process for making a decision regarding an effect, and the like. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a display effect pattern that can specify the mode (contents) of the display effect on the effect display device 15, and display effect data used for executing the display effect. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a sound effect pattern capable of specifying a sound effect mode (contents) of the speaker 14, and sound effect data used for executing the sound effect. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a light emission effect pattern that can specify the mode (contents) of the light emission effect in the decorative lamp 13, and light emission effect data used for executing the light emission effect.

  The sub-control RAM 41c can store various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the slot machine 10. The information stored in the sub-control RAM 41c is, for example, a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. Similar to the main board 40, the sub board 41 is configured to be able to generate random numbers used for a predetermined lottery process as hardware random numbers or software random numbers.

  Next, a process executed by the main control CPU 40a of the main board 40 will be described. The main control CPU 40a performs the following game progress main process as one of processes related to the progress of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control CPU 40a performs a game start set process (step S101). In the game start set processing, the main control CPU 40a stores information relating to the game state of the slot machine 10 and information relating to effects using the reel unit 16, and initializes a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 40c. Or go. Next, the main control CPU 40a starts accepting medals bet (step S102). Next, the main control CPU 40a checks the gaming state of the slot machine 10 (step S103).

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a replay operation is being performed (step S104). When it is not during the replaying operation (step S104: NO), the main control CPU 40a performs a medal management process for setting the bet number in the current variable game (step S105). In the process of step S105, when the medal detection signal is input from the insertion sensor SE4, the main control CPU 40a adds 1 to the bet number stored in the main control RAM 40c. Further, in the process of step S105, when an operation signal is input from the bet button 18, the main control CPU 40a adds a predetermined bet number to the bet number stored in the main control RAM 40c, and adds the predetermined bet amount. Then, the credit stored in the main control RAM 40c is subtracted.

  When the replaying operation is being performed (step S104: YES) or when the process of step S105 is completed, the main control CPU 40a determines that the bet number in the current fluctuating game is equal to the specified bet number X that allows the fluctuating game to be started. Is determined (step S106). When the replaying operation is being performed (step S104: YES), the main control CPU 40a sets the bet number in the previous variable game again as the bet number in the current variable game in the main control RAM 40c.

  If the bet number does not match the prescribed bet number X (step S106: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S103. That is, in the process of step S106, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the fluctuating game can be started. On the other hand, when the bet number in the current fluctuation game matches the prescribed bet number X (step S106: YES), the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a start operation by the start lever 20 has been received (step S107). In the process of step S107, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when an operation signal is input from the start lever 20, and makes a negative determination when an operation signal is not input from the start lever 20. If the start operation has not been received (step S107: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S103.

  On the other hand, when the start operation is received (step S107: YES), the main control CPU 40a performs a game number subtraction process as one of processes related to the AT state (step S108). The game number subtraction process is as follows.

  The main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the current game state is the RT1 state by referring to the value of the game state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. If it is not the RT1 state, the main control CPU 40a ends the game number subtraction process and returns to the game progress main process. On the other hand, when in the RT1 state, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the number of remaining AT games stored in the main control RAM 40c is one or more. Here, the remaining number of AT games is information for enabling the remaining number of variable games to be controlled to the AT state to be specified. When the number of remaining AT games is not one or more, the main control CPU 40a ends the game number subtraction processing and returns to the game progress main processing.

  On the other hand, when the number of remaining AT games is one or more, the main control CPU 40a updates the remaining AT game number stored in the main control RAM 40c by subtracting one. Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the number of remaining AT games stored in the main control RAM 40c has become zero. When the number of remaining AT games is not 0, the main control CPU 40a ends the game number subtraction process and returns to the game progress main process. On the other hand, when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0, the main control CPU 40a can specify that the AT flag stored in the main control RAM 40c controls the non-AT state (no instruction state). Set the value (information). In this embodiment, the main control CPU 40a can specify the current effect state (instruction state) by referring to the value of the AT flag. Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a ends the game number subtraction process and returns to the game progress main process.

  When the process of step S108 (game number subtraction process) is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs a winning number lottery process for determining a winning number as the above-described internal lottery (step S109). The winning number lottery process is as follows.

  The main control CPU 40a specifies whether the current game state is the RT0 state or the RT1 state by referring to the value of the game state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a selects a winning number lottery table defined for the specified game state. The main control CPU 40a acquires the value of the winning number random number generated in the main board 40. Then, the main control CPU 40a refers to the selected winning number random determination table based on the value of the obtained winning number random number, and determines the winning number to which the value of the obtained winning number random number is allocated. I do.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the winning combination defines a symbol combination (combination) that can be won in the variable game. When the winning number lottery is performed, the main control CPU 40a sets a value (information) capable of specifying the determined winning number in a winning number flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a can specify the determined winning number by referring to the winning number flag. As described above, the main control CPU 40a executing the winning number lottery process determines a symbol combination (combination) that can be derived in the fluctuation game. The winning number lottery process is a so-called role lottery. Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a ends the winning number lottery process and returns to the game progress main process.

  When the process of step S109 (winning number lottery process) is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs an AT game number lottery process as one of processes related to the AT state (step S110). The AT game number lottery process is as follows.

  The main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the current game state is the RT0 state by referring to the value of the game state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. If the current game state is not the RT0 state, the main control CPU 40a ends the AT game number lottery process and returns to the game progress main process.

  When the current gaming state is the RT0 state, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the current effect state is the AT state by referring to the value of the AT flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. I do. When the current effect state is the AT state, the main control CPU 40a ends the AT game number lottery process and returns to the game progress main process.

  If the current effect state is not the AT state (if the state is not the AT state), the main control CPU 40a refers to the number of standby games stored in the main control RAM 40c to determine whether or not the state is the standby state. Is determined. The standby state is a state in which a transition to the AT state has been determined, but has not actually transitioned to the AT state. That is, the standby state is a state of waiting for transition to the AT state. The number of standby games is information indicating the number of variable games to be executed before the transition to the AT state, when the transition to the AT state is determined. As described above, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the transition to the AT state has already been determined in the non-AT state.

  If it is not in the standby state (if the transition to the AT state has not yet been determined), the main control CPU 40a determines the remaining AT game number based on the winning number determined in the processing of step S108 (winning number lottery processing). decide. Then, the main control CPU 40a of this embodiment determines the transition to the AT state by determining one or more games as the remaining AT games, while determining 0 game as the remaining AT games, Determine non-transition to AT state. That is, the main control CPU 40a executing the process of step S110 (AT game number lottery process) performs an AT shift lottery for determining whether to shift to the AT state.

  In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 40a determines one of the 0 game, 10 games, 20 games, 30 games, and 50 games by lottery as the remaining AT game number. For example, the main control CPU 40a acquires the value of the random number generated in the main board 40, refers to a predetermined lottery table based on the acquired value of the random number, and sorts the value of the acquired random number. By performing the process of determining the number of played games, it is possible to perform a lottery of the remaining number of AT games.

  In the present embodiment, when the winning number 001 (cherry) is won, the main control CPU 40a has a higher degree of expectation to shift to the AT state than when the winning number 002 (watermelon) is won. At a certain ratio, it is determined whether to shift to the AT state. When the winning number 002 (watermelon) is won, the main control CPU 40a has a higher rate of expectation to shift to the AT state than when winning any of the winning numbers 003 to 005 (bell). , To shift to the AT state.

  Further, when the winning number 001 (cherry) is won, the main control CPU 40a determines the number of remaining AT games at a rate that becomes a larger number of games than when the winning number 002 (watermelon) is won. . When the winning number 002 (watermelon) is won, the main control CPU 40a determines that the number of remaining AT games is greater than the number of games that have been won in any of the winning numbers 003 to 005 (bell). To determine.

  The main control CPU 40a stores the determined number of games in the main control RAM 40c as the remaining AT game number. This allows the main control CPU 40a to specify the number of AT games.

  Further, when one or more games are determined as the remaining AT games, the main control CPU 40a determines one of a plurality of types of games by lottery as the number of standby games. For example, the main control CPU 40a obtains the value of the random number generated in the main board 40, refers to a predetermined lottery table based on the obtained random number value, and sorts the obtained random number value. By performing the process of determining the number of games being played, a lottery of the number of standby games can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the number of standby games is determined so that one game is the minimum number of games. For this reason, the transition game to which the transition to the AT state is determined does not make a transition to the AT state. Will be done.

  Then, the main control CPU 40a stores a value (information) capable of specifying the determined number of games in the main control RAM 40c as the number of standby games, ends the AT game number lottery process, and returns to the game progress main process. Thus, the main control CPU 40a can specify the transition to the AT state based on the number of standby games and the number of variable games to be executed before the transition to the AT state.

  On the other hand, when it is in the standby state (when the transition to the AT state has already been determined), the main control CPU 40a does not determine the number of remaining AT games and the number of standby games. Then, the main control CPU 40a subtracts 1 from the number of standby games as the variable game is executed. As a result, the main control CPU 40a counts the number of variable games to be executed before shifting to the AT state, based on the number of standby games.

  The main control CPU 40a sets the AT flag stored in the main control RAM 40c to a value (information) that can specify that the AT state is controlled when the subtracted standby game number becomes 0. I do. As a result, the main control CPU 40a sets the value that can specify the control to the AT state in the AT flag, thereby shifting the effect state to the AT state.

  As a specific example, in the case where the transition to the AT state is determined, when five games are determined as the number of standby games, the fluctuation game in which the transition to the AT state is determined (first fluctuation game) Then, the main control CPU 40a stores 5 as the number of standby games. In the second variation game, the main control CPU 40a subtracts 1 from the number of standby games and stores 4 as the number of standby games. In addition, the main control CPU 40a subtracts 1 from the number of standby games even in the third to fifth variable games. Then, in the sixth variation game, the main control CPU 40a subtracts 1 from the number of standby games, stores 0 as the number of standby games, and stores a value that can specify control to the AT state in the AT flag. . Thus, the transition game determined to shift to the AT state is set as the first fluctuation game, the transition to the AT state is waited for in the fifth fluctuation game, and the transition to the AT state is performed in the sixth fluctuation game. Becomes

  When the process of step S110 (AT game number lottery process) is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs an AT instruction process (step S111). The AT instruction process is as follows.

  First, the main control CPU 40a clears the instruction number flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. The instruction number flag is information for specifying a predetermined instruction number. The instruction number is information for specifying instruction information (instruction content) displayed on the instruction information display unit 38. The main control CPU 40a can specify the instruction information to be displayed on the instruction information display unit 38 based on the instruction number that can be specified from the instruction number flag.

  In the instruction number in this embodiment, as the instruction information, the pressing order of the operation modes of the stop buttons 21a to 21c recommended for deriving a specific symbol combination in the fluctuating game being executed is determined. . Here, the specific symbol combination is, for example, a bell role or a promotion replay role.

  After clearing the instruction number flag, the main control CPU 40a refers to the value of the AT flag stored in the main control RAM 40c, and sets the current effect state to the non-AT state (normal mode MA) and the AT state (preparation mode). MB or the special mode MC). Then, the main control CPU 40a determines any one of the plurality of instruction numbers based on the specified effect state and the winning number determined in the processing of step S109 (winning number lottery processing). .

  The determination of the instruction number will be described in detail. In the non-AT state (normal mode MA), the main control CPU 40a performs the first stop operation to the third stop operation regardless of which winning number has been won. Then, an instruction number in which an instruction content (no instruction) not instructing a reel to be stopped is determined.

  On the other hand, in the AT state (the preparation mode MB or the special mode MC), the main control CPU 40a instructs the reel to be stopped when the winning number 001 (cherry), 002 (watermelon), or 006 (normal replay) is won. The instruction number for which the instruction content to be not performed (no instruction) is determined.

  When the winning number 003 (first control bell) has been won, the main control CPU 40a determines an instruction number having an instruction to stop the left reel 16a by the first stop operation. When the winning number 004 (second control bell) has been won, the main control CPU 40a determines an instruction number having an instruction to stop the middle reel 16b by the first stop operation. When the winning number 005 (third control bell) has been won, the main control CPU 40a determines an instruction number having an instruction to stop the right reel 16c by the first stop operation.

  When the winning number 007 (promotion replay) is won, the main control CPU 40a stops the right reel 16c by the first stop operation, stops the middle reel 16b by the second stop operation, and performs the third stop operation. An instruction number having an instruction to stop the left reel 16a by the stop operation is determined.

  When the instruction number is determined, the main control CPU 40a sets a value (information) capable of specifying the determined instruction number in an instruction number flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a ends the AT instruction process and returns to the game progress main process.

  When the processing of step S111 (AT instruction processing) is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs an effect command transmission processing (step S112). The production command transmission process is as follows.

  The main control CPU 40a refers to the value of the AT flag stored in the main control RAM 40c, and specifies an effect state (instruction state) in the current fluctuation game. The main control CPU 40a generates an AT command that can specify the specified effect state, and stores it in the transmission buffer. In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the command stored in the transmission buffer is transmitted to the sub board 41 by a predetermined transmission process.

  In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 40a refers to the value of the number of standby games stored in the main control RAM 40c, and determines whether or not the transition to the non-AT state but to the AT state has already been determined. Is determined. Then, in the non-AT state, when the transition to the AT state has already been determined, the main control CPU 40a can identify the non-AT state, and can set the value of the standby game number (transition to the AT state) An AT command capable of specifying the number of times of the fluctuating game before the game is generated is generated.

  The main control CPU 40a specifies the instruction number determined in the process of step S111 (AT instruction process) by referring to the value of the instruction number flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a generates an instruction command that can specify the specified instruction number, and stores it in the transmission buffer. As described above, one piece of instruction information is associated with each instruction number in this embodiment. Note that the main control CPU 40a does not generate an instruction command when the value of the instruction number flag is cleared.

  Further, the main control CPU 40a generates a winning command corresponding to the winning number that has been won, and stores the command in the transmission buffer. This winning command is a command that can specify the winning combination.

  When the processing of step S112 (effect command transmission processing) ends, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the shortest game time has elapsed (step S113). When the shortest game time has not elapsed (step S113: NO), the main control CPU 40a waits until the shortest game time elapses. When the shortest game time has elapsed (step S113: YES), the main control CPU 40a controls each actuator of the reels 16a to 16c so that the rotation of the reels 16a to 16c is started (step S114). That is, the main control CPU 40a executing the process of step S114 starts the variable game. In the process of step S114, the main control CPU 40a waits until the rotation speeds of the reels 16a to 16c become constant at a predetermined rotation speed and the stop operation by the stop buttons 21a to 21c can be accepted.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a performs an instruction information display process (step S115). In the processing of step S115, the main control CPU 40a specifies the instruction number determined in the processing of step S111 (AT instruction processing) by referring to the value of the instruction number flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a controls the instruction information display unit 38 to display the instruction information based on the specified instruction number. As described above, the main control CPU 40a that executes the instruction information display process causes the instruction information display unit 38 to display information on the operation modes of the stop buttons 21a to 21c recommended for deriving a specific symbol combination. Becomes

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a stop operation by any of the stop buttons 21a to 21c has been received (step S116). In the process of step S116, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when an operation signal is input from any of the stop buttons 21a to 21c, and inputs an operation signal from any of the stop buttons 21a to 21c. If not, a negative determination is made. If a stop operation has not been received (step S116: NO), the main control CPU 40a waits until a stop operation is received.

  On the other hand, when the stop operation is received (step S116: YES), the main control CPU 40a executes a reel stop process for stopping the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button to which the operation signal has been input (step S117). That is, the main control CPU 40a controls the actuator in response to the reception of the stop operation, and stops the symbol on the reel corresponding to the received stop operation.

  More specifically, the main control CPU 40a is determined in advance based on the winning number determined in the process of step S109 (winning number lottery process) and the operation mode (the pressing order and the pressing position) of the stop buttons 21a to 21c. A symbol that can be stopped on the activated line NL is searched for from symbols located within the pull-in range (for example, four symbols). Then, the main control CPU 40a controls the actuator so that the searched symbols are stopped on the activated line NL. The main control CPU 40a performs such a reel stop control with respect to the stop operation of the reels 16a to 16c, thereby stopping the symbol combination corresponding to the winning number and the operation mode of the stop button on the activated line NL. As described above, the main control CPU 40a that executes the reel stop process causes the reels 16a to 16c to stop according to the operation modes of the stop buttons 21a to 21c, thereby deriving the symbol combination.

  Further, in the process of step S117, when an operation signal is input from the stop buttons 21a to 21c, the main control CPU 40a generates an operation command capable of specifying the stop button to which the operation signal is input and stores the operation command in the transmission buffer. .

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not all of the reels 16a to 16c have been stopped (step S118). If one or more of the reels 16a to 16c has not been stopped (step S118: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S115. On the other hand, when all of the reels 16a to 16c are stopped (step S118: YES), a display symbol determination process for determining a symbol combination stopped on the activated line NL is performed (step S119). In the process of step S119, the main control CPU 40a determines whether the symbol combination (combination) for which the prize has been established on the activated line NL is stopped, or the symbol combination (combination) for which the award has been established on the activated line NL is suspended. If so, the type of the symbol combination is determined.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not to pay out medals to the player (step S120). In the process of step S120, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when the payout combination has been won, but makes a negative determination when the payout combination has not been won. When paying out medals (Step S120: YES), the main control CPU 40a executes a medal payout process for driving a hopper unit (not shown) to pay out medals (Step S121). As described above, in the slot machine 10, it is possible to generate medals as a predetermined game value in accordance with the symbol combination stopped on the activated line NL.

  In the process of step S121, the main control CPU 40a controls the payout display unit to display information on the number of medals to be paid out when a prize is generated. For example, the main control CPU 40a may display the remaining number of medals to be paid out or may display the number of medals paid out in the variable game as information on the number of medals to be paid out.

  When not paying out medals (step S120: NO) and when ending the process of step S121, the main control CPU 40a performs an end process of ending one fluctuation game (step S122). In the process of step S122, the main control CPU 40a generates a fluctuating game end command for instructing the end of the fluctuating game, and stores the command in the transmission buffer. The variable game end command can also specify the presence or absence of a prize and the winning symbol combination (combination). Note that the variable game end command is output as a command capable of specifying a winning symbol combination regardless of whether or not the player is in the AT state. The variable game end command is not output until a symbol combination is derived.

  Further, in the process of step S122, the main control CPU 40a performs a process of shifting the gaming state according to the symbol combination (combination) determined to have won. That is, when the promotion replay combination is won in the RT0 state, the main control CPU 40a sets a value (information) capable of specifying control to the RT1 state in the game state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. . When the main control CPU 40a wins the bell spilling combination in the RT1 state, the main control CPU 40a sets a value (information) capable of specifying control to the RT0 state in the gaming state flag stored in the main control RAM 40c. .

  When the main control CPU 40a completes the termination processing, the main control CPU 40a terminates the game progress main processing relating to one execution of the variable game, and returns to the processing of step S101 again. As described above, the slot machine 10 of this embodiment starts the fluctuating game when the start operation is received, and stops the symbol row when the stop operation is received.

Next, a process performed by the sub control CPU 41a of the sub board 41 will be described.
The sub-control CPU 41a performs the following mode effect processing as a process relating to the mode effect. Upon input of the AT command, the sub-controlling CPU 41a controls the effect display device 15 so as to display an image corresponding to an effect mode identifiable from the AT command. For example, when the AT command capable of specifying the normal mode MA (non-AT state) is input, the sub-control CPU 41a reads out the display effect data for the normal mode MA from the sub-control ROM 41b and uses the data to effect the effect. By controlling the display device 15, an image for the normal mode MA is displayed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, upon input of an AT command, the sub-controlling CPU 41a specifies whether or not the transition to the AT state has already been determined from the AT command. When it is determined that the transition to the AT state has already been determined, the sub-control CPU 41a specifies the number of standby games. As a result, the sub-controlling CPU 41a can specify the number of variable games to be executed until the transition to the AT state.

  Further, as a process related to the navigation effect, the sub-control CPU 41a controls the effect display device 15 so that when an instruction command is input, the navigation effect corresponding to the instruction number that can be specified from the command is displayed.

  The sub-controlling CPU 41a displays a navigation image that allows a stop operation recommended as the first stop operation to be identified during a period from input of an instruction command to input of an operation command related to the first stop operation. And the effect display device 15 are controlled. The sub-control CPU 41a identifies the stop operation recommended as the second stop operation from the time when the operation command regarding the first stop operation is input until the time when the operation command regarding the second stop operation is input. The effect display device 15 is controlled so that is displayed. The sub-control CPU 41a identifies the stop operation recommended as the third stop operation from the time when the operation command regarding the second stop operation is input until the time when the operation command regarding the third stop operation is input. The effect display device 15 is controlled so that is displayed. As described above, the sub-control CPU 41a that executes the navigation effect process displays the effect relating to the operation mode recommended for deriving the specific symbol combination.

  In addition, when the winning command is input, the sub-controlling CPU 41a controls the effect display device 15 so as to display a suggesting effect indicating that the role specified by the winning command may have been won. . Whether or not to execute the suggestion effect may be determined by the sub-control CPU 41a by a lottery using a predetermined random number.

  Further, when the sub-control CPU 41a inputs the variable game end command, the sub-control CPU 41a controls the decoration lamp 13 to execute a prize occurrence effect for notifying that a prize has occurred based on a symbol combination that can be specified from the command. Control.

  Note that, in the non-AT state of the present embodiment, a step-up effect in which a unit effect is performed stepwise in one fluctuation game may be executed. In particular, the step-up effect can be executed both when the transition to the AT state has already been determined and when it has not been determined yet, and can indicate the transition to the AT state. The step-up effect can also be said to be an effect indicating a transition to the RT1 state by winning a promotion replay combination by suggesting a transition to the AT state.

  A predetermined number of stages is defined for each of the unit effects performed in the step-up effect. The step-up effect in the present embodiment is an effect in which unit effects are executed in ascending order of the number of stages. In the step-up effect, an upper limit number of steps of the unit effect (four stages in the present embodiment) is defined. In the step-up effect, the transition to the AT state can be suggested by the maximum number of stages in which the unit effect has the largest number of stages. In particular, it is stipulated that as the maximum number of steps of the unit effect performed in the step-up effect increases, the degree of expectation to shift to the AT state increases. For this reason, when the step-up effect is executed, the unit effect is continuously executed step by step, so that the degree of expectation to shift to the AT state is increased. In the following description, when simply referred to as "AT transition expectation degree", it indicates the expectation degree for transition to the AT state. Also, when simply indicating “SU effect”, it indicates a step-up effect, and when simply indicating “SU1 effect”, it indicates the first stage unit effect in the step-up effect.

Next, a description will be given of an effect mode when the SU effect is executed with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the number of stages of the unit effect is indicated by “SU”.
As shown in FIG. 6 (a), when a SU effect in which a two-stage unit effect is performed in one fluctuation game is executed, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the one fluctuation game, The SU1 effect and the SU2 effect are sequentially executed.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (b), when a SU effect in which a three-stage unit effect is performed in one fluctuation game is executed, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of one fluctuation game, The SU1 effect, the SU2 effect, and the SU3 effect are sequentially executed.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (c), when a SU effect in which a four-stage unit effect is performed in one fluctuation game is executed, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the one fluctuation game, The SU1 effect, the SU2 effect, the SU3 effect, and the SU4 effect are sequentially executed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the SU effect in which one stage unit effect is performed in one fluctuation game is executed, a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the one fluctuation game. Later, the SU1 effect is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the unit effects having the same number of steps are started when the same time has elapsed since the start of the execution of the variable game. Also, the unit effect of the same number of steps ends when the same time has elapsed since the start of the execution of the variable game. Further, in the unit effect of the same number of stages, the same effect mode is obtained when the unit effect of the next stage is executed and when the unit effect of the next stage is not executed. From the effect mode of the unit effect, it is difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the next stage of the unit effect is executed. As described above, the SU effect in which the unit effect is performed stepwise in one fluctuation game corresponds to the specific effect.

Next, an effect pattern of a unit effect in the SU effect will be described with reference to FIG.
SU effects include a plurality of effect types, such as effect type A and effect type B, in which the type of effect content of the unit effect is different. As a specific example, the effect type A is an effect mode in which a character image imitating an animal appears. The effect type B is an effect mode in which a character image imitating a warlord appears. One effect type among a plurality of effect types is determined by a series of SU effects. That is, when the SU effect is executed, a unit effect of the determined effect type is performed. The SU effect (unit effect) of effect type B is defined such that the AT shift expectation is higher than the SU effect (unit effect) of effect type A.

  In the SU effect of each effect type, a plurality of effect patterns are defined for each of the number of stages of the unit effect. The greater the number of stages in the unit effect, the higher the AT shift expectation. For this reason, similarly, in the effect pattern, as the effect pattern has a larger number of stages of the unit effect, the AT shift expectation degree becomes higher.

  For the effect patterns having the same effect type and the same number of stages of the unit effect, a chance-up effect pattern having a high degree of AT transition expectation is defined (shown as “CU effect” in the figure). As a specific example, the effect patterns A11 to A13 are defined for the SU1 effect in the effect type A, and the effect pattern A13 is specified as a chance-up effect pattern. In other words, the effect pattern A13 is defined to have a higher AT transfer expectation degree than the effect patterns A11 and A12.

  In the present embodiment, an effect pattern in which a character image imitating a lion is displayed is defined as the chance-up effect pattern A13 in the effect type A, and the effect patterns A11 and A12 that are not chance-up are cats. And an effect pattern in which a character image imitating a mouse or a mouse is displayed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the SU effect of the effect type B is defined so that the AT transition expectation is higher than the SU effect of the effect type A, but the chance increase effect in which the number of stages of the unit effect is the same. Even if the patterns are compared, it is defined that the SU effect of the effect type B has a higher AT shift expectation degree than the SU effect of the effect type A. In addition, even if the stage patterns of the unit production are the same and the production patterns that are not chance-up are compared, the SU production of the production type B is specified to have a higher AT transition expectation degree than the SU production of the production type A. Have been. In other words, even when effect patterns having the same number of stages in the unit effect are compared, the SU effect of the effect type B is defined to have a higher AT transfer expectation degree than the SU effect of the effect type A.

Here, an example of an image displayed on the effect display device 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the effect display unit GH1 and the notification unit GH2 are separately assigned to the image display unit GH of the effect display device 15. The effect display unit GH1 displays effect images associated with the variable game, such as a background image HG and a character image CG. On the other hand, the notification unit GH2 displays a notification image for performing notification regarding the effect image (effect) in the effect display unit GH1. In particular, the notification unit GH2 displays a notification image for enabling recognition of the degree of advantage such as the AT shift expectation associated with the display of the effect image on the effect display unit GH1. By displaying such a notification image, it is possible for players such as beginners to easily grasp the degree of advantage of the effect.

  The specific notification image includes a type image SG indicating the type of effect of the SU effect being executed, a stage number image DG corresponding to the number of stages of the unit effect, and a privilege that can be given with the variable game in which the SU effect is executed. There is a privilege image TG indicating (advantage). Note that in the present embodiment, a shift to the AT state corresponds to a privilege.

  To describe in detail using a specific example, examples of the type image SG include an image indicating that the effect type of the SU effect is the effect type A and an image indicating that the effect type of the SU effect is the effect type B. is there. By displaying such a type image SG, it is notified which of the effect types having different AT shift expectation degrees is to be executed, and can be recognized by the player.

  As the privilege image TG, when the number of stages of the unit effect becomes the notified number of stages (specific number of stages), such as “the degree of expectation is increased up to 3” and the degree of expectation is maximized if the advancement is 4 There is an image showing the degree of advantage. As the privilege image TG, there is an image indicating a degree of advantage when a specific effect content is executed in a variable game in which an SU effect is executed, such as “Lion appearance is high expectation”. By displaying such a privilege image TG, the effect contents to be executed and the degree of advantage of the game result can be recognized by the player.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the stage number image DG includes a first stage number image DG1, a second stage number image DG2, a third stage number image DG3, and a fourth stage number image DG4. The first stage number image DG1 is a stage number image corresponding to the SU1 effect. The second stage number image DG2 is a stage number image corresponding to the SU2 effect, the third stage number image DG3 is a stage number image corresponding to the SU3 effect, and the fourth stage number image DG4 is corresponding to the SU4 effect. It is an image of the number of steps to be performed. Each of the stage number images DG1 to DG4 is an image on which a number indicating the number of stages of the unit effect is displayed. Each of the stage number images DG1 to DG4 is an image having a shape obtained by dividing a circle into four equal parts, and is displayed so that the number of stages of the unit effect is increased in the left-hand direction. Is recognizable by Then, the notification content can be made different depending on the display mode of each stage number image DG1 to DG4.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (c), the stage number image corresponding to the unit effect being executed is displayed in a blinking white display mode. A stage number image corresponding to a unit effect that has been executed or a unit effect that is scheduled to be executed but has not yet been executed (indicated as “unexecuted” in the figure) is displayed in a white-lit display mode. . In particular, the number-of-stages image corresponding to the unit effect in which the chance-up effect has been executed (shown as “chance-up effect execution history” in the figure) is displayed in a red-lit display mode. The stage number image corresponding to the unit effect that is not executed (indicated as “non-executed” in the figure) is displayed in a light-off display mode.

  Next, an example of an image displayed on the effect display device 15 when the SU effect is executed will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, a specific example in which three stages of unit effects are performed in one fluctuation game will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (a), when the SU effect is executed, when the fluctuation game is started in response to the start operation, the rotation of the reels 16a to 16c is started, and the fluctuation of the symbol row is started. In this case, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start operation, a character image CG imitating a cat is displayed on the effect display unit GH1 of the effect display device 15, and the SU1 effect is executed.

  In this case, when the fluctuating game is started in response to the start operation, the notification image GH2 of the effect display device 15 displays the type image SG, the number-of-stages image DG, and the privilege image TG. As the type image SG, an image indicating the effect type A is displayed, and as the privilege image TG, an image indicating “if the process proceeds to 3, the degree of expectation is high” is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, as the number-of-stages image DG, the fourth number-of-stages image DG4 is displayed in an extinguished display mode, and the other number-of-stages images DG1 to DG3 are displayed in a non-extinguished display mode. You. The display mode that is not turned off is any of display modes of white lighting, white blinking, and red lighting. Thus, it is notified that the SU effect in which the three-stage unit effect is performed in one fluctuation game is executed. The first stage number image DG1 is displayed in a blinking white display mode, and it is notified that the first stage unit effect is being executed. The second stage number image DG2 and the third stage number image DG3 are displayed in a display mode of white lighting.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the effect display unit GH1 of the effect display device 15, after the character image CG of the SU1 effect is deleted, a character image CG imitating a lion, which is a chance-up effect, is displayed. , SU2 effects are executed.

  As shown in FIG. 9D, the classification image SG and the privilege image TG are continuously displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15. As the number-of-stages image DG, the fourth number-of-stages image DG4 is continuously displayed in a light-off display mode. The second stage number image DG2 is displayed in a blinking white display mode, and it is notified that the SU2 effect is being executed. The first stage number image DG1 and the third stage number image DG3 are displayed in a white lighting display mode.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10A, in the effect display unit GH1 of the effect display device 15, after the character image CG of the SU2 effect is deleted, a character image CG imitating a mouse that is not a chance-up effect is displayed. Then, the SU3 effect is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the classification image SG and the privilege image TG are continuously displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15. As the number-of-stages image DG, the fourth number-of-stages image DG4 is continuously displayed in a light-off display mode. The third stage number image DG3 is displayed in a blinking white display mode, and it is notified that the SU3 effect is being executed. The second-stage number image DG2 is displayed in a red-lit display mode, and it is notified that the chance-up effect has been executed as the SU2 effect. The first stage number image DG1 is displayed in a display mode of white lighting.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, a character image of a chance is displayed on the effect display unit GH1 of the effect display device 15, and the rotation of the reels 16a to 16c is stopped according to the first to third stop operations. Then, the symbol row stops, and one fluctuation game ends.

  Here, the effect determination processing executed by the sub-control CPU 41a will be described with reference to FIG. The effect determination process is a process executed when an AT command is input.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sub-control CPU 41a executes an effect lottery process for determining an effect to be executed in accordance with the fluctuation game (step S201). In particular, the sub-control CPU 41a determines whether or not to execute the SU effect.

  More specifically, the sub-control CPU 41a determines whether or not the vehicle is in the non-AT state based on the input AT command. When determining that the vehicle is in the AT state, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines not to execute the SU effect. On the other hand, if the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines that the game is in the non-AT state, the number of times of the variable game to be executed until the transition to the AT state is one or more based on the input AT command. It is determined whether or not. In other words, the sub control CPU 41a does not shift to the AT state in the current change game, but has determined that the shift to the AT state has already been determined, and determines whether to shift to the AT state in the next and subsequent change games.

  In the non-AT state, the sub-control CPU 41a determines whether or not to execute the SU effect based on the determination result as to whether or not the transition to the AT state has already been determined. For example, the sub control CPU 41a obtains the value of the random number generated in the sub board 41, refers to a predetermined lottery table based on the obtained random number value, and sorts the obtained random number value. By performing the process of determining the result, it is possible to perform a lottery on whether or not to execute the SU effect.

  In particular, when the transition to the AT state has already been determined, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines to execute the SU effect with a higher probability than when the transition to the AT state has not yet been determined.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sub control CPU 41a determines whether or not to execute the SU effect at a rate at which the AT shift expectation degree is higher when the SU effect is executed than when the SU effect is not executed. I do. In this way, the AT shift expectation can be varied depending on whether or not the SU effect is executed.

  In step S202, the sub control CPU 41a determines whether a predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied when it is determined in step S201 that the SU effect is to be executed.

  When the predetermined effect execution condition is not satisfied (step S202: NO), the sub control CPU 41a ends the effect determination processing without executing steps S203 to S206. On the other hand, if the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied (step S202: YES), the sub-control CPU 41a determines the number of steps (maximum number of steps) in which the unit effect is performed in the SU effect, and returns the determined result to the sub-effect. A process of determining the number of stages to be stored in a predetermined area of the control RAM 41c is executed (step S203). The sub-control CPU 41a that executes such processing determines the maximum number of steps in which the unit effect is executed in the SU effect. The sub-control CPU 41a that executes such a process functions as a stage number determining unit.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines, as the maximum number of steps of the SU effect, at a rate at which the AT transition expectation is higher in a large number of steps than in a small number of steps. In this way, the degree of expectation for AT transition can be varied depending on the maximum number of steps of the unit effect.

  Next, the sub-control CPU 41a performs an effect type determination process of determining an effect type of the effect to be executed (step S204). In the process of step S204, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines one of a plurality of effect types based on whether the transition to the AT state has already been determined or has not yet been determined, and indicates the determined effect type. The information is stored in a predetermined area of the sub control RAM 41c.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines the effect type at a rate at which the effect type B has a higher AT transfer expectation degree than the effect type A. As described above, the degree of AT shift expectation can be made different depending on the determined effect type. In the present embodiment, the sub-controlling CPU 41a that executes the process of determining the effect type functions as an effect type determining unit.

  Next, the sub-controlling CPU 41a performs an effect pattern determination process for determining an effect pattern of an effect to be executed (step S205). In the process of step S205, the sub-controlling CPU 41a specifies the maximum number of steps of the unit effect. Then, the sub-control CPU 41a determines whether or not the transition to the AT state has been determined or not, and determines the unit effect of the number of stages up to the specified maximum number of stages based on the effect type determined in step S204. Each time, one of a plurality of effect patterns is determined, and information indicating the determined effect pattern is stored in a predetermined area of the sub-control RAM 41c.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sub-control CPU 41a determines the effect pattern at a rate at which the AT transition expectation degree is higher in the chance-up effect pattern than in the effect pattern that is not the chance-up effect. As described above, it is possible to make the AT shift expectation different depending on the determined effect pattern.

  Next, the sub-controlling CPU 41a executes a notification mode determination process for determining a notification mode regarding the effect to be executed based on the determination result of the type of effect, the maximum number of steps in the unit effect, and the effect pattern (step S206). Then, the effect determination processing ends.

  More specifically, the sub control CPU 41a determines a type image corresponding to the determined effect type. Specifically, when the effect type A is determined, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines the image to display the type image indicating the effect type A, and when the effect type B is determined, the type image indicating the effect type B Is determined as an image to be displayed.

  The sub-control CPU 41a determines a privilege image based on a predetermined lottery result. As a specific example, when the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three, the sub-controlling CPU 41a may determine a privilege image “the degree of expectation is high if the unit effect is advanced to three”. When the number of steps is four, a privilege image “the maximum degree of expectation is reached by proceeding to four” may be determined. That is, the sub-control CPU 41a can determine the privilege image corresponding to the specified maximum number of stages of the unit effect. On the other hand, the sub-controlling CPU 41a may determine a privilege image according to the execution of the SU production, such as "Lion appearance is high expectation", instead of a privilege image according to the maximum number of steps of the unit production.

  The sub-controlling CPU 41a determines the display mode of the number-of-stages image. As a specific example, when the maximum number of stages of the unit effect is three, it is determined that the fourth stage number image DG4 is to be displayed in a light-off display mode, and the other stage number images DG1 to DG3 are displayed. Is determined to be displayed in a display mode in which is not turned off. In addition, when the determined effect pattern includes a chance-up effect pattern, the sub-control CPU 41a determines to display the stage number image corresponding to the unit effect of the number of steps based on the chance-up effect pattern in a display mode of lighting red. I do.

  The notification control process executed by the sub-control CPU 41a will be described with reference to FIG. This notification control process is a process different from the effect determination process, and is executed with the start of the variable game and the start of the unit effect of each stage number. The sub-control CPU 41a reads, from the sub-control ROM 41b, the start timing of the unit effect of each stage number specified for each effect type, and starts the unit effect of each stage number based on the elapsed time from the start of the variable game. Identify timing.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, when the fluctuating game is started at the timing indicated by the symbol T0, the sub-controlling CPU 41a sets the type image SG, the number-of-stages image DG, and the privilege in the determined display mode (notification mode). The image TG is displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15. In particular, the sub-controlling CPU 41a causes the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15 to display the number-of-steps image DG in a manner corresponding to the number of steps of the unit effect in a series of SU effects. In this way, when the SU effect is executed, the sub-controlling CPU 41a causes the fluctuation game to be notified at the timing when the changing game in which the SU effect is executed starts. In this manner, the sub-controlling CPU 41a causes the variable game unit to be notified at the timing when the first variable game starts.

  Next, when the unit effect of each stage number is started at the timings indicated by symbols T1 to T3, the sub-controlling CPU 41a displays the stage number image DG in the determined display mode on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15. Let it. In particular, the sub-controlling CPU 41a causes the effect display device 15 to display the number-of-stages image corresponding to the unit effect being executed in a blinking white display mode. The sub-control CPU 41a causes the effect display device 15 to display a stage number image corresponding to the unit effect of the number of stages in which the chance-up effect has been executed out of the unit effects of the number of stages that have been executed, in a display mode of lighting red. In this way, the sub-controlling CPU 41a also notifies the SU effect unit (each unit effect) at the timing when the unit effect of each stage starts.

  The effect display device 15 executes the SU effect corresponding to the maximum number of stages determined in step S203, the effect type determined in step S204, and the effect pattern determined in step S205, in the effect display unit GH1. Become. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 15 that displays an image on the effect display unit GH1 functions as an effect executing unit. The effect display device 15 performs various kinds of information about the SU effect in the notification unit GH2. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 15 that displays an image on the notification unit GH2 functions as a notification unit.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The SU effect is an effect in which a unit effect is performed stepwise in one variable game, and the degree of AT shift expectation varies depending on the maximum number of steps of the unit effect. When the SU effect is executed, the maximum number of steps of the unit effect can be definitely specified before the execution of the unit effect of the maximum number of steps is started. For this reason, it is easy to recognize the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect.

  (2) A notification capable of specifying the unit effect being executed among the unit effects executed stepwise is performed. For this reason, it is possible to specify the stage of the unit effect that is being executed, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage relating to the SU effect, thereby improving the interest in the game.

  (3) Among unit productions executed in stages, for example, a unit production of a high number of stages such as a chance-up production can be specified, and the degree of advantage relating to the SU production can be easily recognized. Thereby, the interest in the game can be improved.

  (4) A notification that can specify the degree of advantage when the number of stages of the unit effect reaches a specific number of stages (for example, three or four) is performed. Therefore, the sense of expectation for the number of stages of the unit effect can be further enhanced, and the degree of advantage relating to the SU effect can be easily recognized, so that the interest in the game can be improved.

  (5) In the fluctuation game in which the SU effect is executed, the degree of advantage when the effect is executed with a specific effect content is notified. For this reason, it is possible to further enhance the expectation that the effect is performed with a specific effect along with the execution of the SU effect, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage relating to the SU effect, thereby improving the interest in the game. Can be achieved.

  (6) Since various notifications are performed separately from the SU production, the expectation for the maximum number of steps of the unit production can be further enhanced by the various notifications without reducing the production effect of the SU production itself. By making it easier to recognize the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect, it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

  (7) In SU effects, there are effect types with different degrees of advantage. When the SU effect is executed, a notification capable of specifying the effect type of the SU effect is issued. For this reason, it is possible to further enhance the sense of expectation for the maximum number of steps of the unit effect while recognizing the effect type of the SU effect, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage relating to the SU effect, thereby improving the interest in the game. be able to.

  Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. In the following description, the same configurations and the same control contents as those of the already described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the first embodiment, the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is reported, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the second embodiment, the number of stages equal to or greater than the maximum number of stages of the unit effect may be notified.
More specifically, in step S206 of FIG. 11, if the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is not the upper limit number of steps, the sub-controlling CPU 41a is larger than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect based on a predetermined lottery result, and Alternatively, the number of stages not exceeding the upper limit number of stages may be notified.

  As a specific example, when the SU effect in which the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three is executed, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines that the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is not the upper limit number of steps, and The number of stages to be notified out of the three stages and the four stages is determined based on the lottery result.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sub-control CPU 41a determines that the number of steps of the unit effect to be reported is larger than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, rather than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect. Is determined at a rate that becomes higher. As described above, the degree of AT transition expectation can be made different depending on whether or not the maximum number of steps of the unit effect and the notified number of steps of the unit effect match.

  As a specific example, when it is notified that the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is four, after the SU3 effect is executed, even if it is possible to recognize that the SU4 effect is not performed, the unit is not changed. The AT shift expectation is higher than when the maximum stage number of the effect is three. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest in not performing the SU4 effect.

As described in detail above, the second embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects (1) to (7) of the first embodiment.
(8) By the time the execution of the final unit effect is started, it is possible to specify a number of steps larger than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect. For this reason, it is easy to predict the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect, so that the interest in the game can be improved.

  (9) Even when the execution of the last unit effect is started, it is possible to give a sense of expectation that the next unit effect may be performed, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

  (10) The AT transition expectation degree is higher for a stage number larger than the maximum stage number at which the unit effect is executed than at the maximum stage number itself at which the unit effect is executed. For this reason, even when the unit effect is executed with the maximum number of steps smaller than the notified number of steps, it is possible to increase the sense of expectation for the transition to the AT state, and to improve the interest in the game. Can be.

Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is reported, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the third embodiment, the number of stages equal to or less than the maximum number of stages of the unit effect may be notified.

  More specifically, in step S206 of FIG. 11, if the maximum number of unit effects is larger than the lower limit number of steps (one in this embodiment), the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines the unit based on a predetermined lottery result. The number of stages smaller than the maximum number of stages of the effect and equal to or larger than the lower limit number of stages may be notified.

  As a specific example, when the SU effect in which the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three is executed, the sub-controlling CPU 41a determines that the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is not the lower limit number of steps, and The number of stages to be notified out of the first to third stages is determined based on the lottery result.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sub-control CPU 41a determines that the number of steps of the unit effect to be reported is smaller than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, rather than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect. Is determined at a rate that becomes higher. As described above, the degree of AT transition expectation can be made different depending on whether or not the maximum number of steps of the unit effect and the notified number of steps of the unit effect match.

  As a specific example, when it is notified that the maximum number of steps in the unit effect is two, after the SU2 effect is executed, even if it is possible to recognize that the SU3 effect has been performed, The AT shift expectation is higher than when the maximum stage number of the effect is three. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest in performing the SU3 effect.

As described in detail above, the third embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects (1) to (7) of the first embodiment.
(11) By the time the execution of the final unit effect is started, the number of stages smaller than the maximum number of steps of the unit effect can be specified. For this reason, it is easy to predict the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect, so that the interest in the game can be improved.

  (12) It is possible to specify the minimum number of steps guaranteed as the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, and it is possible to definitely determine that the unit effect is executed up to the notified step number. For this reason, it is easy to recognize the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, and it is easy to recognize the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect.

  (13) The AT transition expectation is higher for a stage number smaller than the maximum stage number at which the unit effect is executed than for the maximum stage number itself at which the unit effect is executed. For this reason, even if the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is notified as a smaller number of steps, the unit effect of the number of steps larger than the notified number of steps is actually executed, and the state is changed to the AT state. Can be raised, and the interest in the game can be improved.

The above embodiment can be embodied in another embodiment (another example) as follows.
In the second embodiment, for example, as the stage number of the unit effect to be reported, the maximum stage number of the unit effect itself has a higher AT transfer expectation degree than the stage number larger than the maximum stage number of the unit effect. May be determined as follows. Also, for example, as the number of stages of the unit effect to be notified, the maximum number of stages of the unit effect itself and the number of stages larger than the maximum number of unit effects are determined so that the AT transition expectation is the same. Is also good.

  In the third embodiment, for example, as the stage number of the unit effect to be reported, the maximum stage number of the unit effect itself has a higher AT transfer expectation degree than the stage number smaller than the maximum stage number of the unit effect. May be determined as follows. Also, for example, as the number of stages of the unit effect to be notified, the maximum stage number of the unit effect itself and the number of stages smaller than the maximum stage number of the unit effect are determined so that the expected AT transition degree is the same. Is also good.

  In the above embodiment, for example, based on a predetermined lottery result, it is possible to notify the maximum stage number of unit production itself, the number of stages larger than the maximum number of unit production stages, and the number of stages smaller than the maximum number of unit production stages. May be configured.

  In the third embodiment, when the number of stages smaller than the maximum number of unit productions is notified, the display mode of the number-of-stages image is changed so as to indicate the maximum number of stages of the unit productions by satisfying a predetermined condition. Is also good. As a specific example, when the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three, and when it is notified that the two-step unit effect is performed, when the execution of the SU3 effect is started, When a three-stage unit effect is performed, the notification mode of the number-of-stages image may be changed. Further, for example, when the execution of the SU2 effect is started, the notification mode of the number-of-stages image may be changed if the unit effect of three stages is performed. This makes it easy to recognize the maximum number of steps in the unit effect.

  In the above embodiment, the notification image is displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15 when the execution of the variable game is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the execution of the SU1 effect is started. By the time, the notification image may be displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15. Further, for example, a notification image may be displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15 before the SU1 effect ends. Further, for example, the notification image may be displayed on the notification unit GH2 of the effect display device 15 before the execution of the unit effect of the final number of stages is started. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three, the notification image is displayed when the execution of the SU2 effect is started. You may. Further, for example, when the number of stages of the unit effect is notified, it is preferable that the notification is performed before the execution of the unit effect of the notified number of stages is started. As a specific example, in the third embodiment, when the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three, and when the unit effect is informed to be a two-step unit effect, by the time the execution of the SU2 effect is started, Preferably, a notification is made. In addition, for example, the notification may be performed not at the start or at the end of the fluctuating game but at the first stop operation and the second stop operation in the fluctuating game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the AT transition expectation is increased as the maximum stage number of the unit effect increases. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the maximum number of steps in the unit effect increases, the AT transfer expectation may not be high, such as the AT transfer expectation being the same. In other words, it is sufficient that the expected degree of AT transition differs according to the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, for example, the expected degree of AT transition differs depending on at least one of the maximum number of steps of the unit effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, when the transition to the AT state has already been determined and the SU effect is executed in the fluctuation game immediately before the number of standby games becomes 0, in the final unit effect, “AT determined May be displayed on the effect display unit GH1. Thereby, the transition to the AT state may be definitively notified.

  In the above embodiment, for example, the transition to the AT state has already been determined, and the SU effect may be executed in the fluctuation game immediately before the number of standby games becomes zero. In this case, the transition to the AT state may be definitively notified by displaying a notification image “AT determined” on the effect display unit GH1 as the SU effect in the unit effect of the final number of stages.

  In the above-described embodiment, the expectation degree for transition to the RT1 state is made different by defining the AT transition expectation degree in accordance with the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be specified that the degree of expectation at which the winning of the bonus combination advantageous to the player is permitted is different. Further, for example, the degree of expectation of a state in which the probability of determining transition to the AT state is high may be different. Further, for example, a combination of these may be used. That is, it is preferable that the degree of advantage is defined so as to be different depending on the maximum number of steps of the unit effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, SU effects of a plurality of types of effect types having different effect types and AT transition expectation degrees are executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An SU effect may be executed. As a specific example, there may be an effect type in which the upper limit number of unit effects is four and an effect type in which the upper limit number of unit effects is eight. In this case, the AT transition expectation with respect to the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is significantly different, and by displaying the type image, the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect can be easily recognized. Further, for example, the number-of-stages image DG may be displayed in a different display mode depending on the effect type. Also, for example, even if one type of effect is defined in the SU effect, there is no problem and the type image may not be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, for example, even if the privilege image indicating the degree of advantage when the maximum stage number of the unit effect is different from the notified unit effect stage number (specific stage number) is displayed. Good. As a specific example, the case where the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is three, and when it is notified that the unit effect of the three steps is performed, the case where the maximum number of steps of the unit effect is four May be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, for example, a bonus image indicating a degree of advantage when a specific game result is derived in a variable game in which an SU effect is performed is displayed, such as “If the BAR symbols are aligned, the degree of expectation is high”. You may. As a result, the sense of expectation that a specific game result is derived with the execution of the SU effect can be further enhanced, and the degree of advantage regarding the SU effect can be easily recognized, thereby improving the interest in the game. be able to. Also, for example, the degree of advantage when the notified stage number of unit effects is reached, the degree of advantage when a specific effect content is executed in the variable game in which the SU effect is executed, or in the variable game in which the SU effect is executed A privilege image indicating at least one of the degrees of advantage when the specific game result is derived may be displayed, and there is no problem if none of them is displayed.

  -In the said embodiment, although the stage number image was displayed in the display form which shows the unit effect in which the chance up effect was executed among the executed unit effects, it is not limited to this. For example, the number-of-stages image may be displayed in a display mode indicating that the chance-up effect is being executed (in execution) in the unit effect being executed. In this case, for example, the number-of-stages image may be displayed in a blinking red display mode. Also, for example, a stage number image may be displayed in a display mode indicating that a chance up effect can be executed in a unit effect that has not yet been executed, and a case where the chance up effect is actually executed and a case where it is not executed There may be. In this case, for example, the number-of-stages image may be displayed in a blinking yellow display mode.

  In the above embodiment, a different effect pattern is determined for each stage number of unit effects, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same effect pattern may be determined. Also, for example, even with the same effect pattern, an effect image such as a background image HG may be displayed in a display mode corresponding to the number of stages of the unit effect.

  -In the said embodiment, although the maximum stage number of the unit effect was determined by the sub control CPU41a, it is not restricted to this. For example, the main control CPU 40a may determine the maximum stage number of the unit effect determined by the main control CPU 40a as long as it can be specified by the sub control CPU 41a.

  In the above embodiment, the effect type of the SU effect, the maximum number of steps in the unit effect, and the effect pattern of the SU effect are determined, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of types of selection patterns are associated with the effect type of the SU effect, the maximum number of steps in the unit effect, and the effect pattern of the SU effect. In this case, by selecting one of the plurality of types of selection patterns, the effect type of the SU effect, the maximum number of steps in the unit effect, and the effect pattern of the SU effect may be determined at one time.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image itself indicating the effect contents of the SU effect is displayed, such as the effect type, the privilege, the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, the unit effect during execution, the unit effect in which the chance up effect is executed, Not limited to this. For example, a predetermined number of star images or the like indicating the effect type and the advantage of the privilege may be displayed. In other words, it is only necessary to display an image that can specify the effect content of the SU effect, and it is preferable that the image be an image that can specify the degree of advantage of the effect effect of the SU effect.

In the above embodiment, for example, a unit effect of a predetermined number of stages may be executed in response to the stop operation. In this case, the start and the end of the unit effect are defined on the basis of the stop operation.
In the above embodiment, the unit effects were executed in the order of the smallest number of stages, such as the SU1 effect, the SU2 effect, the SU3 effect, and the SU4 effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, the unit effect of the predetermined number of stages may not be executed. Further, for example, the SU1 effect may not be executed, such as the SU2 effect, the SU3 effect, and the SU4 effect. Also, for example, the SU4 effect may be executed without executing the SU1, the SU2 effect, and the SU3 effect.

  In the above embodiment, the maximum number of steps in the unit effect was determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an SU effect selection pattern in which the execution of each of the SU1 effect, the SU2 effect, the SU3 effect, and the SU4 effect is defined. May be defined. In this case, by selecting one of a plurality of types of SU effect selection patterns, the execution availability of each of the SU1 effect, the SU2 effect, the SU3 effect, and the SU4 effect is determined at once.

  -In the said embodiment, although each stage number image DG1-DG4 was displayed in the display mode which divided the circle into four equal parts, it is not restricted to this, for example, each stage number image is displayed linearly, and the stage of a unit effect is performed. They may be displayed in the order of increasing numbers. In addition, for example, images of each stage number may be displayed in an arc shape, and may be displayed in an order in which the number of stages of the unit effect increases. That is, it is preferable that the number-of-stages image is displayed in a positional relationship in which the number of stages of the unit effect can be specified.

  -In the said embodiment, the effect display part GH1 and the alerting | reporting part GH2 which display an effect image were separately allocated to the image display part GH of the effect display device 15 provided integrally, but not limited to this. For example, a notification device (for example, a sub-display device) may be provided separately from the effect display device 15, and various notifications may be performed by the notification device.

  In the above-described embodiment, various types of notification are performed by displaying images. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of notification are performed based on an output mode of sound from the speaker 14 and a light emission mode of the decorative lamp 13. Alternatively, various types of notification may be performed based on the displacement of the movable body or the displacement of the operation unit. Also, a combination of these may be used.

-In the above-mentioned embodiment, for example, it may be possible to switch whether the notification unit GH2 is enabled or disabled in accordance with the operation of the player.
In the above-described embodiment, whether or not to shift to the AT state is determined based on the winning number. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a change performed after an advantageous state such as an ART state or a bonus is completed. Whether or not to shift to the AT state may be determined based on the fact that the number of games has exceeded a prescribed number (so-called ceiling number), or a combination thereof.

  In the above embodiment, in the non-AT state, the navigation effect is not performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the navigation effect is performed, but it is defined that the probability of occurrence of the navigation effect is lower than that in the AT state. Is also good.

In the above embodiment, for example, the sub-control CPU 41a may be configured not to perform the navigation effect.
In the above embodiment, for example, the main control CPU 40a may perform an additional process of adding the remaining AT games that can be controlled to the AT state based on the winning number that has been won. Further, for example, the main control CPU 40a may perform an additional processing of the number of sets that can be controlled to the AT state when one set is set until the remaining AT game number becomes zero.

-In the said embodiment, you may change the number of AT states (production mode), such as AT1 state and AT2 state.
In the above-described embodiment, for example, two or more types of RT states, such as an RT1 state and an RT2 state, may be provided as RT states that can be provided by the operation of the RT function, and the RT function may not be provided. That is, one type of game state in which the winning probability of the replay combination is constant may be provided. Further, for example, two or more types of RT0 states may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, after the transition to the AT state, the transition to the RT1 state is triggered by the winning of the promotion replay combination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transition to the AT state and the transition to the RT1 state may be performed. May be performed in the same fluctuation game.

  -In the said embodiment, you may be comprised so that a penalty which gives a disadvantage to a player can be given. For example, the main control CPU 40a may perform control to give a penalty when the stop buttons 21b and 21c are operated by the first stop operation during the non-AT state. The penalty can be realized, for example, by not executing the AT game number lottery process (AT transition lottery) in the game progress main process. In addition, the penalty may be given for one swing game or a plurality of swing games.

  In the above embodiment, for example, in accordance with stagnation control (so-called “freeze control”) in which the progress of the fluctuating game is stagnated, a plurality of unit effects in which the fluctuating symbol is stopped are performed in one fluctuating game in one step It may be performed in a targeted manner. In this case, notification that can specify the number of stages of the unit effect may be performed in the same manner. Further, for example, control may be performed so that the number of remaining AT games is increased (added) with the execution of the unit effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-261711, a plurality of fluctuating cycles associated with a symbol fluctuating may be executed in one fluctuating game. Then, in this case, a notification that can specify the number of fluctuation cycles executed in one fluctuation game may be similarly performed.

  In the above embodiment, an effect (unit effect) may be executed in each of a plurality of continuous variable games, for example, as in JP-A-2003-38713. Then, in this case, a notification that can specify the number of variable games in which the unit effect is executed may be similarly performed. That is, the specific effect may be an effect indicating the AT transition expectation degree by the number of continuous effects or the number of stages of the effect performed in one or a plurality of variable games.

  In the above embodiment, the SU effect was executed in the non-AT state and the RT0 state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the SU effect may be executed in the AT state or the RT1 state. Good. Specifically, in the ART state, there is a first special mode in which the number of remaining AT games decreases, and a second special mode in which the number of remaining AT games does not decrease. In the first special mode, transition to the second special mode is performed. SU effect indicating the degree of expectation for may be executed.

  In the above embodiment, the main board 40 and the sub board 41 are provided and various functions are mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least some of the various functions may be mounted on different boards. Further, the present invention is not limited to such two types of substrates, and may be configured as, for example, an integrated substrate, or may be configured as three or more types of substrates.

  In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine in which the variable game is executed in response to the start operation is an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various slot machines arranged in a downflow area of a gaming board may be used. It may be a pachinko gaming machine in which it is determined whether or not a big hit is made based on the entering of the game ball, and a fluctuating game is executed based on the result of the big hit determination. In this case, the degree of advantage may be an expectation to be a big hit, an expectation to be in a probability fluctuation state in which the probability of making a big hit determination is high, or an expectation to be in a state in which a predetermined fluctuation game is easily executed. Or a combination of these.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and other examples will be additionally described below.
(A) The notifying means is capable of performing a notification capable of specifying the maximum number of steps of the unit effect performed in the specific effect until the first unit effect ends.

  (B) Step number determining means for determining the maximum number of steps of the unit effect performed in the specific effect, wherein the notifying means is capable of specifying the maximum number of steps of the unit effect determined by the step number determining means. Can be performed before the execution of the final unit effect is started.

(C) The notifying means performs a predetermined notification separately from the specific effect executed by the effect executing means.
(D) The specific effect has an effect type having a different degree of advantage, and includes effect type determining means for determining an effect type of the specific effect, wherein the effect executing means is an effect type determined by the effect type determining means. Wherein the specific effect is performed, and when the specific effect of the effect type determined by the effect type determining means is executed, the notifying unit performs notification capable of specifying the effect type.

  (E) In a gaming machine that executes a symbol changing game for changing a symbol, an effect executing means for executing a specific effect in which a unit effect is performed stepwise in one symbol changing game, and a notifying means for notifying. The specific effect is an effect in which the degree of advantage is different depending on the maximum number of steps of the unit effect, the effect in which the lower limit of the number of unit effects is specified, and the notification unit is a unit performed in the specific effect. Notification that can specify the maximum number of stages of the effect can be performed until the execution of the final unit effect is started, and when the maximum number of steps of the unit effect performed in the specific effect is not the lower limit number of steps, The notification that can specify the number of steps smaller than the maximum number of steps can be performed until the execution of the final unit effect is started, and among the number of steps of the unit effect performed in the specific effect, It is possible to specify the number of steps of the executed unit effect that has been completed in the execution, and as the number of steps of the executed unit effect, the number of steps of the unit effect in which the effect has been The effect that can be specified is performed, and the effect execution means executes a special effect in which a one-stage unit effect is performed in one symbol change game, and the special effect has the same effect mode as that of the specific effect. And wherein the notifying means is capable of performing a notification capable of specifying one step as a maximum number of steps of the unit effect performed in the specific effect when the specific effect is executed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine, 12a ... Display window, 15 ... Production display device (production execution means, notification means), 16 ... Reel unit, 16a-16c ... Reel, 21a-21c ... Stop button, 40 ... Main board, 40a ... Main Control CPU, 41 ... Sub-board, 41a ... Sub-control CPU (stage number determining means, effect type determining means).

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine that executes a symbol variation game that varies symbols,
Effect executing means for executing a specific effect in which a unit effect is performed a plurality of times in one symbol change game;
Notification means for performing notification,
The specific effect is an effect having a different degree of advantage depending on the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in one symbol change game,
The notifying unit can perform a notification capable of specifying the number of times equal to or less than the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in the specific effect until the execution of the final unit effect is started,
The effect executing means executes a special effect in which one unit effect is performed in one symbol change game,
The special production is a production in which a part of the production mode is the same as the specific production,
The gaming machine, wherein, when the special effect is performed, the notifying unit can perform a notification capable of specifying a plurality of times as the number of executions of the unit effect performed in the special effect. In a gaming machine that executes a symbol variation game that varies symbols,
Effect executing means for executing a specific effect in which a unit effect is performed a plurality of times in one symbol change game;
Notification means for performing notification,
The specific effect is an effect having a different degree of advantage depending on the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in one symbol change game,
The notifying unit can perform a notification capable of specifying the number of times equal to or less than the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in the specific effect until the execution of the final unit effect is started,
The effect executing means executes a special effect in which one unit effect is performed in one symbol change game,
The special production is a production in which a part of the production mode is the same as the specific production,
A gaming machine capable of, when the specific effect is performed, performing a notification capable of specifying one as the number of executions of a unit effect performed in the specific effect.   The said notification means can perform the notification which can specify the unit production already performed in the said specific production in the aspect different from the unit production currently performed in the said specific production. A gaming machine according to claim 1. The specific effect is an effect in which the lower limit of the number of unit effects is defined,
The notification means, when the number of executions in which the unit effect is performed in the specific effect is not the lower limit number of times, a notification capable of specifying a number smaller than the number of executions, until the execution of the final unit effect is started. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which can perform the game.