JP6676302B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 has a plurality of effect modes having different determination ratios for determining execution of a specific effect (in Patent Document 1, a notice effect), and when the effect mode is switched, the effect mode after the switching is performed. There is disclosed a gaming machine that executes a specific effect corresponding to the game.

  For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses that when the effect mode (the effect stage in Patent Document 2) is changed, the display mode of the hold display (icon) being displayed is partially changed (in Patent Document 2, the shape is changed). But the display color may be maintained).

JP 2012-55426 A JP 2011-250965 A

  Even if the matters disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can be combined, if the display mode of the corresponding display (so-called active display or the like) corresponding to the variable display being executed is not properly managed, the effect mode of the effect mode At the time of the change, it is assumed that the display mode of the corresponding display becomes a display mode that is completely unrelated, and the player is confused.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that suppresses puzzlement of a player.

(A) The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine that performs a variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player,
Holding display means for displaying a holding display corresponding to a variable display that has not yet been started;
Corresponding display means for displaying a corresponding display corresponding to the variable display when the variable display is executed,
Effect mode control means that can be controlled to any of a plurality of effect modes in which the display mode of the hold display and the corresponding display are different,
As a suggestion effect that indicates whether the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display changes, a suggestion effect execution unit capable of executing an effect that suggests the display mode after the change,
With
When the display mode of the hold display is a first special mode indicating that the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state is a predetermined degree of expectation, after the effect mode is switched, the hold display is performed. At least a part of the display mode is common to the first special mode so that the display mode of the corresponding display corresponding to the first special mode maintains the predetermined expectation level suggested in the first special mode. The same as the second special mode,
As the types of the suggestive effects , there are a first suggestive effect and a second suggestive effect in which the effect mode differs from the first suggestive effect.
The display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display has a plurality of stages depending on the degree of expectation controlled in the advantageous state,
Depending on whether the suggestion effect of any kind is performed, the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display, Ri varying proportions in a plurality of stages is Do different,
The second suggestion effect is performed at a lower rate than the first suggestion effect,
When the second suggestion effect is executed, the number of times indicating that the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display changes during one variable display is larger than when the first suggestion effect is executed. High percentage,
It is characterized by the following.
(1) The gaming machine according to the present invention
A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that performs a variable display (for example, a variable display of a decorative symbol) and can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state or the like) advantageous to the player,
Holding display means (for example, the image display device 5 or the like) for displaying a hold display (for example, a hold display image or the like) corresponding to the variable display that has not yet been started;
A corresponding display unit (for example, the image display device 5 or the like) for displaying a corresponding display (for example, an active display image) corresponding to the variable display when the variable display is being executed;
Effect mode control means (for example, processing in steps S161 and S172) that can be controlled to one of a plurality of effect modes (for example, the normal mode of character A, the normal mode of character B, and the like) in which the display modes of the hold display and the corresponding display are different. Effect control CPU 120 etc.)
And
When the display mode of the hold display is the first special mode indicating that the expectation degree controlled to the advantageous state is the predetermined expectation degree, after the effect mode is switched, the hold display is performed. , At least a part of the display mode is common to the first special mode and the expectation level is the same, so that the display mode of the corresponding display corresponding to (See, for example, FIGS. 21 to 26, FIG. 34, and the like).
It is characterized by the following.

  According to this configuration, the puzzle of the player can be suppressed, and the processing load for controlling the display mode can be reduced.

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1),
The first special mode and the second special mode have at least a common color or a light-emitting mode (for example, the same display color).
You may do so.

  According to this configuration, the puzzle of the player can be effectively suppressed.

(3) In the gaming machine according to any one of the above (1) and (2),
The display mode of the hold display and the display mode of the corresponding display can be a common mode regardless of the effect mode (see, for example, FIG. 39).
You may do so.

  According to this configuration, the display modes of the hold display and the corresponding display can be diversified.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of the above (1) to (3),
The plurality of effect modes differ at least in the background of the effect image, and the effect mode control means switches the current effect mode to another effect mode by switching the background (for example, the normal mode of the character A, The background is different from the normal mode of character B),
You may do so.

  According to this configuration, since the switching of the effect mode is the switching of the background, the effect mode can be switched even while the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display is being changed, and the frequency of switching the effect mode is improved. Can be.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4),
Read-ahead determination means (for example, CPU 103 for performing the process of step S211) for performing a read-ahead determination on a variable display (for example, hold storage or the like) that has not yet been started;
Specific effect execution determining means for determining whether or not to execute a specific effect (for example, a prefetch change effect for changing a display color of a hold display image or an active display image to green or red) based on a result of the prefetch determination. (For example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S161), and
Specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect when the specific effect execution determination means determines to execute the specific effect (for example, an effect control CPU 120 for performing the process of step S172).
The plurality of effect modes include a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal mode of character A, a normal mode of character B, and the like) having different determination ratios at which the specific effect execution determination unit determines to execute the specific effect. ,
The effect mode control means can switch the current effect mode to another effect mode during execution of the variable display (for example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S557A),
The specific effect execution determining means, when there is a switch to another effect mode by the effect mode control means during the execution of the variable display, until the timing related to the end of the variable display during execution, It is determined whether or not to execute the specific effect at the determined ratio in the effect mode (see, for example, the processing of steps S575 and S161, FIG. 31 and the like).
You may do so.

  According to this configuration, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the load of the processing relating to the switching of the effect mode and the specific effect.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating examples of various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure showing an example of the main production control commands. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start winning determination process. It is a figure showing the example of composition of a special figure reservation storage part. It is a flowchart showing an example of a winning random number value determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is an explanatory view showing an example of composition of a special figure display result decision table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a structure of a big hit type determination table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a variation pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the fluctuation pattern determination table for big hits. It is a figure showing the example of composition of the change pattern for loss. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of processing content executed in a command analysis process. It is a figure showing the example of composition of a command buffer at the time of a start winning. It is a figure explaining an effect mode. It is a flowchart showing an example of an effect mode value setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of effect control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prefetch change effect setting process. It is a figure which shows the example of execution determination of a prefetch change effect. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a prefetch change effect. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a prefetch change effect. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a prefetch change effect. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a prefetch change effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start setting process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process during variable display. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in a final round. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed at the end of the ending process. It is a figure showing transition of an effect mode, etc. It is a figure explaining the determination ratio etc. of the look-ahead change effect when a character is changed. It is a figure showing an example of a production screen. It is a figure showing an example of a production screen. It is a figure showing an example of a production screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a volume adjustment process. It is a figure showing an example of a production screen. It is a figure showing an example of a production screen. It is a figure showing an example of a production screen. It is a figure showing an example of a display mode of a hold display picture and an active display picture.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Structure of pachinko gaming machine 1 etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, showing an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 has a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is fired from a predetermined hitting ball firing device.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (to the right of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is constituted by, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) of a 7-segment or dot matrix, and identifies each as a special figure game which is an example of a variable display game. Special symbols (also referred to as "special figures"), which are a plurality of types of special identification information, are variably displayed (variable display) (that is, variable display of special figures is executed).

  For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols including numbers indicating “0” to “9”, symbols indicating “−”, and the like. I do. Then, at the end of the variable display, the variable display result is derived and displayed (also simply referred to as “derived”) by stopping and displaying the fixed special symbol (a “big hit” or “losing” symbol) as the variable display result.

  The variable display result derived and displayed in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B and the special symbol variably displayed are numerals indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. Are not limited to those composed of For example, it is only necessary that a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which combinations of lighting and extinguishing of 7-segment LEDs are different are set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. The lighting pattern during the variable display may include a pattern in which all LEDs are appropriately turned off.

  Hereinafter, a special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as a “first special symbol”, and a special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is referred to as a “second special symbol”. Also called. Further, the special map game of the first special map is referred to as “first special map game”, and the special map game of the second special map is also referred to as “second special map game”.

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 includes, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device), and forms a display area for displaying various effect images.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, identification information different from the special symbol is displayed in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display portions, for example, three corresponding to the first special symbol game and the second special symbol game. A decorative pattern, which is (a plurality of types of decorative identification information capable of identifying each of them), is variably displayed.

  As an example, “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged on the screen of the image display device 5 (note that these display areas are variably displayed. It is possible to move on the screen as it progresses.) Then, in response to the start of one of the first special figure game and the second special figure game, each of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, “L”, “M”, “R”, In 5R, the variation (variable display) of the decorative design (for example, scrolling display or updating display in the vertical direction) is started. Thereafter, when the variable display result (fixed special symbol) in the special figure game is derived and displayed, the decoration symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” on the image display device 5 are displayed. Then, a fixed decorative symbol (final stop symbol) (a symbol such as "big hit" or "losing"), which is a variable symbol display result (a variable symbol display result), is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, on the screen of the image display device 5, each of them is identified in synchronization with the first special figure game on the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special figure game on the second special symbol display device 4B. A variable display of a plurality of possible decorative symbols is performed, and a variable display result (fixed decorative symbol) is derived and displayed at the end of the variable display.

  Deriving and displaying various display symbols, such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol, means that the identification information of the decorative symbol or the like is stopped and displayed (also referred to as complete stop display, complete stop, final stop display or final stop) and variably displayed. (Variable display up to stop display). On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbol to the derivation and display of the fixed decorative symbol as the variable display result, the fluctuation speed of the decorative symbol becomes “0” and the decorative symbol becomes “0”. The design may be stopped and displayed, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking, expansion and contraction, and the like. Such a display state is also referred to as a temporary stop display (or a temporary stop), and although the display result in the variable display is not steadily displayed, the change in the decorative design by scroll display or update display is not progressing. The player becomes recognizable. Note that the temporary stop display may include, for example, completely displaying the decorative symbol for a shorter time than a predetermined time (for example, one second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, a display area 5H is arranged. In the display area 5H, a display for specifying the number of special figure games whose execution is suspended is performed. The special figure game whose execution is suspended is a special figure game that has not been started yet, and is stored as the reserved memory. In this embodiment, by storing information for executing the special figure game (such as hold data described later), the special figure game corresponding to the information is stored as the hold memory. For this reason, the reserved number of special figure games is also referred to as the special figure reserved storage number. Further, a display that can specify the number of reserved special figure games displayed in the display area 5H is also referred to as a reserved storage display.

  The suspension of the special figure game is such that, for example, the game ball enters (for example, passes) a first starting winning opening formed by the ordinary winning ball device 6A or a second starting winning opening formed by the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B. (A first winning prize at the first starting prize opening is referred to as a first prize winning, and a starting winning at the second starting prize opening is sometimes referred to as a second starting prize). In other words, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing the special figure game (variable display game) is satisfied, but the special figure game based on the previously established start condition is being executed, and the pachinko game When the start condition that allows the start of the special figure game is not established due to the machine 1 being controlled to the big hit game state, the special figure game corresponding to the established start condition is suspended.

  For example, when the start condition (first start condition) of the first special figure game is satisfied due to the occurrence of the first start winning, the second special game for starting the first special figure game based on the establishment of the first start condition is established. If the one start condition is not satisfied, the first special figure reserved storage number is incremented by one, and the execution of the first special figure game is suspended. In addition, when the start condition (second start condition) of the second special figure game is satisfied due to the occurrence of the second start winning, a second special figure game based on the establishment of the second start condition is started. If the 2 start condition is not satisfied, the second special figure reserved storage number is incremented by one, and the execution of the second special figure game is suspended.

  When the execution of the first special figure game is started, the first special figure reserved storage number is decremented by one (decrement), and when the execution of the second special figure game is started, the second special figure reserved storage number is one. It is subtracted (decremented).

  The variable number of special figure reserved storage numbers obtained by adding the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number is particularly called the total reserved storage number. When simply referred to as “the number of special figure reserved storages”, it generally refers to a concept including any of the first special figure reserved storage number, the second special figure reserved storage number, and the total reserved storage number. (The concept includes the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number, but excludes the total reserved storage number).

  In the present embodiment, the same number of images (in the present embodiment, circles, squares, etc .; hereinafter, also referred to as a hold display image) are used as the hold storage display in the same number as the held special figure game. This is done by displaying. One hold display image corresponds to one held special figure game and indicates the held special figure game. The hold display image is usually white, for example, at normal times (naturally, any color such as black may be used).

  A hold display image corresponding to the first special map game (also referred to as a first hold display image) is displayed in a left area 5Ha of the display area 5H. In the area 5Ha, a plurality of display positions of the first hold display image are set, and the first hold display images are displayed right-aligned in order from the leftmost display position.

  The hold display image corresponding to the second special map game (also referred to as a second hold display image) is displayed left-justified in the area 5Hb on the right side of the display area 5H. In the area 5Hb, a plurality of display positions of the second reserved display images are set, and the second reserved display images are displayed left-justified in order from the leftmost display position.

  In this embodiment, an area 5Hc is also provided in the display area 5H. In the area 5Hc, an active display image (shown) corresponding to the variable display of the currently executed special figure game or decorative symbol is displayed. The active display image corresponds to the suspended display image displayed when the corresponding special figure game or the like is suspended, and is moved to the area 5Hc and displayed when the special figure game is executed.

  When the first special figure game is executed, the rightmost first hold display image is erased from the area 5a, moves to the area 5Hc, and is displayed as an active display image (the active display image is displayed in the second hold display mode). The image of the image is taken over, that is, the first hold display image is displayed as it is as the active display image by moving to the area 5Hc.) At this time, if there are other first reserved display images, each of the other first reserved display images is shifted to the display position on the right (shifted while the display mode is inherited). During the execution of the second special figure game, the leftmost second hold display image is deleted from the area 5b, moves to the area 5Hc, and is displayed as an active display image (the active display image is displayed in the second hold display mode). (The second hold display image is displayed as it is as the active display image by moving to the area 5Hc.) At this time, if there are other second reserved display images, each of the other second reserved display images is shifted to the display position on the left (shifted while the display mode is inherited).

  A display may be provided for displaying the number of special figure reservation storages together with or instead of the display area 5H. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a first reservation display 25A for displaying the number of special figure reservation storages on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B together with the display area 5H. And a second hold display 25B. The first reservation display 25A displays the first special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The second reservation display 25B displays the second special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The first reservation display 25A and the second reservation display 25B each have a number (for example, four) corresponding to the upper limit (for example, “4”) in each of the first special figure reservation storage number and the second special figure reservation storage number, respectively. ) LEDs. Here, the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number are displayed by the number of lighting of the LED.

  Below the image display device 5, a normal winning ball device 6A and a normal variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

  The normal winning prize ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example.

  The ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B is a motor-operated tulip-type combination having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed between a closed state at a vertical position and an open state at a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory (see FIG. 2). And a second starting winning opening.

  The normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is, for example, in a closed state in which a game ball does not enter the second starting winning prize port by the movable wing piece being in a vertical position when the solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory is in an off state. (It is also said that the second start winning opening is in a closed state.) On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the ON state, the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B opens the movable wing piece to the tilting position so that the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening. (The second starting winning opening is also opened). The normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is in a normally open state when the solenoid 81 is in an off state, and is enlarged and opened when a game ball is more likely to enter the second starting winning opening than in a normally open state when the solenoid 81 is in an on state. It may be configured to be in a state. The normal variable winning prize ball device 6B only needs to be able to change between, for example, a first variable state and a second variable state in which a game ball is more likely to enter the second starting winning opening than the first variable state.

  A game ball that has entered the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A is detected by, for example, the first starting opening switch 22A (see FIG. 2). The game ball that has entered the second starting winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball device 6B is detected by, for example, the second starting opening switch 22B (see FIG. 2).

  Based on the detection of the game balls by the first starting port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls (prize game media), and the first special figure reserved storage number is a predetermined number. If it is less than the upper limit (for example, “4”), the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second starting port switch 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure reserved storage number is less than a predetermined upper limit value. If so, the second start condition is satisfied.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a special winning opening door that is driven to be opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 2) for a special winning opening door, and that is changed to an open state and a closed state by the special winning opening door. A special winning opening as an area is formed.

  As an example, in the special variable winning prize ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door is in the off state, the special winning opening door closes the special winning opening, and the game ball enters the special winning opening (for example, Pass). On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the large winning opening door solenoid 82 is on, the large winning opening door opens the large winning opening, so that the game ball can easily enter the large winning opening. Become. As described above, the special winning opening as the specific area is changed into an open state in which the game balls are easy to enter, which is advantageous for the player, and a closed state in which the game balls cannot enter, which is disadvantageous for the player. In addition, instead of the closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the special winning opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially open state in which the game ball does not easily enter the special winning opening may be provided.

  The game ball that has entered the special winning opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 (see FIG. 2). Based on the detection of a game ball by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. Thus, when the game ball enters the large winning opening that has been opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the gaming ball enters another winning opening, for example, the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening. More award balls are paid out. Therefore, when the special winning opening is opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball can enter the special winning opening, and the first state is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, if the special winning opening is closed in the special variable winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult to obtain a prize ball by entering a game ball into the special winning opening, and it becomes more difficult to play a game than in the first state. The second state is disadvantageous for the person.

  At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the left side of the game area), a normal symbol display 20 is provided. As an example, the ordinary symbol display device 20 is configured by a 7-segment or dot matrix LED or the like like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, for example, a plurality of types different from the special symbol. A normal symbol (also called “ordinary symbol” or “ordinary symbol”), which is identification information, is variably displayed (variable display), and the display result is derived and displayed at the end of the variable display (in this case, a stop display is performed). I do. Such a variable display of ordinary symbols is called an ordinary game (also referred to as a “normal game”).

  Above the ordinary symbol display 20, there is provided an ordinary symbol holding display 25 </ b> C. The general-purpose display indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and a pass gate 41 formed in a game area (a game ball is formed to pass through by a predetermined member. 21) is displayed as the number of stored normal maps as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through.

  On the surface of the game board 2, in addition to the above-described configuration, a windmill for changing the flowing direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails are provided. Further, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. You may be. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as prize balls based on detection of a game ball that has entered any of the general prize holes by a predetermined general prize ball switch. At the bottom of the game area, there is provided an out port for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning ports.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a gaming effect lamp 9 for a gaming effect is provided around the gaming area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 includes an LED.

  At a lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to fire a game ball as a game medium toward the game area is provided. For example, the hit ball operation handle adjusts the resilience of a game ball in accordance with the amount of operation (the amount of rotation) by a player or the like.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball loaned by a predetermined ball rental machine is held so that it can be supplied to the hitting ball launching device (reservation). ) Is provided. At the lower part of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (retains) excess balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be able to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  For example, a stick controller 31A that can be gripped and tilted by a player is attached to a member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the near side on the upper surface of the lower plate main body (for example, the center portion of the lower plate). I have. The stick controller 31A includes an operation rod held by the player, and has a trigger button at a predetermined position of the operation rod (for example, a position at which the index finger of the operator's hand is gripped when the player grips the operation rod). The trigger button can perform a predetermined instruction operation by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger or the like) in a state where the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 31A with an operation hand (for example, a left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised as follows. It is sufficient that a trigger sensor for detecting a predetermined instruction operation such as a push-pull operation on the trigger button or the like is built in the operation stick.

  A controller sensor unit 35A (including a trigger sensor) including a tilt direction sensor unit for detecting a tilting operation on the operation rod is provided in a lower portion of the lower portion of the stick controller 31A inside the main body of the lower plate (FIG. 2). It should just be. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit includes two transmission-type photosensors (parallel sensors) disposed parallel to the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation stick when viewed from the side of the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. Pair) and two transmission-type photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) that are arranged on the right side of the center position of the operation stick as viewed from the player side and perpendicular to the board surface of the game board 2. What is necessary is just to be comprised including a photosensor. The controller sensor unit 35A outputs a signal corresponding to an operation to the stick controller 31A to the effect control board 12 in FIG.

  The member forming the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B at a predetermined position on the near side of the upper surface of the upper plate main body (for example, above the stick controller 31A) or the like, which allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like. Is provided. The push button 31B may be configured to be able to mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player. A push sensor 35B (FIG. 2) that mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detects a player's operation performed on the push button 31B, for example, inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. Should just be provided. The push sensor 35B outputs a signal corresponding to an operation on the push button 31B to the effect control board 12 in FIG.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 has mounted thereon various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a sound control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also provided with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, a touch sensor board, and a power board are arranged on a back surface of the game board or the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1. .

  The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 mainly has a function of setting a random number used in a special figure game, a function of receiving a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and a command to a sub-side control board including an effect control board 12 and the like. It has a function of outputting and transmitting a control command (an effect control command or the like to be described later) as an example of information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like. In addition, the main board 11 performs lighting / extinguishing control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to perform the first special symbol game or the second special symbol display. A function for controlling a variable display of a predetermined display symbol, such as controlling a graphic game, and controlling a general graphic game by the normal symbol display 20 by performing lighting / off / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20 and the like. It also has. Further, the main board 11 also has a function of controlling the first hold display 25A, the second hold display 25B, the general-purpose hold display 25C, and the like, and displaying the various numbers of stored storage.

  On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like are mounted.

  The switch circuit 110 detects detection signals (passage of game media, etc.) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, starting port switches (first starting port switch 22A and second starting port switch 22B), count switch 23). A detection signal (detection signal indicating that the switch has been turned on) that the entry has been detected is taken in and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. It should be noted that the various switches may be any switches having an arbitrary configuration that can detect a game ball as a game medium, such as a switch called a sensor.

  The solenoid circuit 111 converts a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal for turning on the solenoid 81 or the solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 into a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory or a solenoid for a special winning opening door. 82.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and displays the image display device 5 and the speakers 8L and 8R. And various circuits for controlling a staging operation by staging electric components such as a game effect lamp 9 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 has a function of performing a display operation on the image display device 5, a sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a lighting / extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9, and the like, that is, an electric component for effect. It has a function of performing a predetermined effect operation by controlling. The effect control board 12 has a function of detecting an operation on the stick controller 31A based on a signal from the controller sensor unit 35A and a function of detecting an operation on the push button 31B based on a signal from the push sensor 35B. It also has a function of causing a production electric component to execute a production operation according to the detected operation.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs a sound (effect) from the speakers 8 L and 8 R based on a signal (effect sound signal) from the effect control board 12. A processing circuit that executes audio signal processing for outputting a sound specified by the audio signal) is mounted.

  The lamp control board 14 is a control board for controlling the lamp output, which is provided separately from the effect control board 12. Based on a signal (lighting signal) from the effect control board 12, the lighting / lighting of the game effect lamp 9 or the like is controlled. A lamp driver circuit and the like for performing light-out driving (lighting / light-out according to the driving content indicated by the illumination signal) are mounted.

  A control signal (control command) transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted as an electric signal (details will be described later). Each effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte configuration. The first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). It is sufficient that the first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1” and the first bit of the EXT data is set to “0”.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 that stores a game control program and fixed data, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a game control program to perform a control operation, and updates numerical data indicating a random value independently of the CPU 103 It comprises a random number circuit 104 to be performed and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes a program read from the ROM 101, thereby performing a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, realizing the function of the main board 11). For example) is executed. At this time, a fixed data reading operation in which the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 103 writes various variable data in the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the data, and a Reading operation, CPU 103 receiving an input of various signals from the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, CPU 103 moving out of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105 And a transmission operation for outputting various signals.

  Note that the one-chip microcomputer serving as the game control microcomputer 100 may include at least the RAM 102 in addition to the CPU 103, and the ROM 101, the random number circuit 104, the I / O 105, and the like may be externally provided.

  In the game control microcomputer 100, for example, the random number circuit 104 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the progress of the game. The random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers. The game random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 104, or may be updated by software when the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 executes a predetermined computer program. You may. For example, numerical data indicating a predetermined random value is stored in a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 or a random counter provided in an internal register separate from the RAM 102, and the CPU 103 The random number value may be updated by updating the stored value periodically or irregularly.

  The ROM 101 included in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various selection data and table data used for controlling the progress of the game, in addition to a game control program. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 stores table data constituting a plurality of command transmission tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a fluctuation pattern table for storing a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns. Table data and the like to be configured are stored.

  Various data (including various flags, counters, timers, and the like) used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are temporarily stored in a RAM 102 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 in a rewritable manner. .

  The I / O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals are input from the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100. You.

  The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120 for performing a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 for storing an effect control program and fixed data, a RAM 122 for providing a work area of the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation, a random number circuit 124 that updates numerical data indicating a random number value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and an I / O 125. And are installed.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, the effect control CPU 120 executes the effect control program read from the ROM 121 to control the effect operation by the effect electric components (a predetermined effect is applied to the effect electric component). The processing for realizing the function of executing the effect operation) is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads fixed data from the ROM 121, a fixed data read operation, the effect control CPU 120 writes various variable data in the RAM 122, and temporarily stores the variable data, and the effect control CPU 120 stores the variable data in the RAM 122. A fluctuation data reading operation for reading various fluctuation data temporarily stored, a reception operation in which the effect control CPU 120 receives input of various signals from outside the effect control board 12 via the I / O 125, and an effect control CPU 120 A transmission operation of outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via the O125 is also performed.

  The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12.

  In the effect control board 12, numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the effect operation is counted in an updatable manner by, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the like. The random number used for controlling such a production operation is also referred to as a production random number. The effect random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 124 as in the case of the game random number used on the main board 11, or the effect control CPU 120 executes a predetermined computer program. May be updated by software.

  The ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 stores various data tables used for controlling the effect operation in addition to the effect control program. For example, the ROM 121 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data configuring a determination table, and pattern data configuring various effect control patterns. It is remembered.

  The effect control pattern is a group of data for executing various effects such as a variable display of a decorative pattern and a reach effect, for example, effect control execution data (display control) associated with a determination value such as a process timer determination value. Data, voice control data, lighting data, etc.) and process data including an end code, etc., and are configured by combining the pattern data, and are set as use patterns described later. Further, pattern data which is directly used as an effect control pattern is also stored, and the pattern data may be set as an effect control pattern which is used as it is as a use pattern.

  The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data (including various flags, counters, timers, and the like) used for controlling the effect operation.

  The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 controls an effect image to be displayed on the image display device 5 under the control of the effect control CPU 120 (for example, based on a display control command from the effect control CPU 120). The video signal is output, and the effect image is displayed on the image display device 5. As an example, the display control unit 123 may include a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), and the like. The VDP may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or a microprocessor for image processing more generally called a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The CGROM may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. Any configuration may be used.

  For example, the effect control CPU 120 transmits a display control command for specifying an effect image to be displayed on the display screen of the image display device 5 to the display control unit 123 according to the display control data included in the effect control pattern. The display control unit 123 uses the data stored in the CGROM or the like (storage unit) in accordance with the display control command from the effect control CPU 120 to display a video signal for displaying the effect image specified by the display control command. Is output. As a result, the video signal of the effect image according to the control of the effect control CPU 120 (control based on the effect control pattern or the like) is output, and the effect image is displayed on the image display device 5. Become.

  The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 has, for example, an input port for receiving an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like, and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12. It is comprised including. For example, from an output port of the I / O 125, a video signal transmitted to the image display device 5, a control signal (sound effect signal) transmitted to the audio control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 are transmitted. A control signal (illumination signal) and the like are output. An operation signal corresponding to an operation on the stick controller 31A is input from the controller sensor unit 35A to the input port of the I / O 125, and an operation signal according to an operation on the push button 31B is input from the push sensor 35B.

  The image display device 5 includes a display panel including a liquid crystal panel and a driver circuit for driving the display panel. The video signal supplied from the display control unit 123 to the image display device 5 via the I / O 125 under the control of the effect control CPU 120 is input to the driver circuit. The driver circuit drives the display panel based on the input video signal, and causes the display panel to display an image represented by the video signal. As a result, various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5.

  With the above configuration, the effect control CPU 120 controls the speakers 8L and 8R via the sound control board 13 to output sound, and turns on / off the game effect lamp 9 via the lamp control board 14. Various effects (including effects based on operations on the stick controller 31A and the push buttons 31B) are executed by displaying an effect image in the display area of the image display device 5 via the display control unit 123. .

  As an example of a game using a game ball, a predetermined hitting ball is fired based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) performed by a player on a hitting operation handle provided at the lower right of the front of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A game ball as a game medium is fired toward a game area by a firing motor or the like provided in the device.

  When the game ball that has flowed down the game area passes through the passage gate 41 and is detected by the gate switch 21 (when the gate switch 21 is turned on), the ordinary symbol display 20 displays based on this detection. The general-purpose starting condition for executing the general-purpose game is satisfied. Thereafter, based on the establishment of the general symbol starting condition for starting the variable display of the ordinary symbol, such as the end of the previous ordinary symbol game, the ordinary symbol display 20 uses Display) is started.

  In the ordinary figure game, after a change of the ordinary symbol (variable display) is started, after a predetermined time elapses, the fixed ordinary symbol that becomes the variable display result of the ordinary symbol (display result of the ordinary figure game) is stopped and displayed (derived display). ). At this time, if a specific ordinary symbol (a symbol per ordinary symbol, for example, “7”) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “a symbol per ordinary symbol”. On the other hand, if an ordinary symbol other than the symbol per ordinary symbol (eg, a lost symbol symbol, for example, “−”) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable display result of the ordinary symbol is “ordinary symbol loss”.

  In response to the result of the variable display of the ordinary symbol being “per-figure”, the opening control (the second starting winning opening is performed when the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B is in the tilting position). After the predetermined time has elapsed, a closing control is performed to return to the vertical position (the second starting winning opening is in a closed state).

  Whether or not the variable display result of the ordinary symbol is set to the "specific symbol hit" as a predetermined specific display result depends on the variable display result when the ordinary symbol game is started by the ordinary symbol display device 20 or the like. Is determined (predetermined) before derivation and display. In addition, the variable display period (variable time) of the ordinary symbol is also determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed, such as when a general symbol game is started.

  When the game ball that has flowed down the game area enters the first start winning opening (first start area) formed in the normal winning ball device 6A, the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 22A (first). The first start condition is satisfied by, for example, turning on the start port switch 22A). Then, based on the fact that the first start condition has been satisfied, for example, by ending the previous special figure game or the big hit game state, the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A (No. One special map game) is started.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening (second start region) formed in the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball is detected by the second start switch 22B (the second start switch). 22B is turned on) and the like, the second start condition is satisfied. After that, based on the second start condition being satisfied, for example, by ending the previous special figure game or the big hit game state, the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (No. 2 special map game) is started. However, when the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is in the closed state, game balls cannot enter the second starting winning opening (in this embodiment, the second starting winning opening is open in the high base state). Easy to be).

  When the first special figure game is started or the second special figure game is started, the variable display result of the special symbol (the display result of the special figure game) is changed to a "big hit" as a predetermined specific display result. Is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed. Then, at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, a variation pattern (for designating the execution time of the variable display of the special figure or the decorative pattern or the pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern) is determined.

  After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a fixed special symbol that is a variable display result is derived. Is displayed.

  When a predetermined big hit symbol is derived and displayed as the special symbol variable display result (when the fixed special symbol is a big hit symbol), the variable display result becomes “big hit” (specific display result), and for the player, It is controlled to a jackpot game state as an advantageous specific state. Whether or not to be controlled to the big hit game state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is "big hit", and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed. As a variable display result of the special symbol, when the big hit symbol is not derived and displayed and the lost symbol is derived and displayed (when the fixed special symbol is a lost symbol), the variable display result is “losing”.

  As an example, a special symbol indicating the numbers “3” and “7” is a big hit symbol, and a special symbol indicating the symbol “−” is a lost symbol. In addition, each symbol such as a big hit symbol or a losing symbol in the special figure game by the first special symbol display device 4A may be a different special symbol from each symbol in the special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B. Then, a special symbol common to both special symbol games may be a big hit symbol or a lost symbol.

  In the big hit gaming state, the special winning prize opening is in the open state, and the special variable winning prize ball device 7 is in the first state which is advantageous for the player. Then, in a period until a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 0.5 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls enters the special winning opening and a winning ball is generated, the special winning opening is set. A round game (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “round”) that is continuously opened is executed. During a period other than the round game execution period, the special winning opening is in a closed state, and it is difficult or impossible to generate a winning ball. When a game ball enters the special winning opening, a winning ball (game ball entering the special winning opening) is detected by the count switch 23, and a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each detection. It is. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “15” or “2”) is reached.

  The case where the variable display result of the special symbol is “big hit” includes a case where the big hit type is either “probable” (sudden probable change) or “probable change”. For example, as a special display variable display result, when the big hit symbol indicating the number of “3” is derived and displayed, the big hit type becomes “shock”, and when the big hit symbol indicating the number of “7” is derived and displayed, the big hit type is displayed. Becomes “probable”.

  When the jackpot type is “probable change”, as a round game in the jackpot gaming state, the upper limit time for setting the special variable prize ball device 7 to the first state (the large winning opening is opened) which is advantageous to the player is relatively long. The normal opening round, which takes a time (for example, 29 seconds), is executed a predetermined number of times such as 15 rounds (15 times).

  When the jackpot type is “spotted”, as a round game in the jackpot game state, the second time (short time) in which the special variable winning ball device 7 is set to the first state (the large winning opening is opened) which is advantageous for the player is short ( (For example, 0.5 seconds) is executed a predetermined number of times such as two rounds (two times).

  When the jackpot type is “probable change”, “big hit” may be referred to as “probable big hit”, and when the jackpot type is “probable”, “big hit” may be referred to as “probable big hit”. In addition, a jackpot game state based on a “probably variable jackpot” may be referred to as a “probably variable jackpot game state”. In addition, a jackpot game state based on a “probable jackpot” may be referred to as a “probable jackpot game state”.

  After the big hitting game state is ended, the variable display result may be controlled to the probability change state in which the probability (big hit probability) that the variable display result becomes “big hit” is higher than the normal state.

  In addition, after the big hitting game state ends, the average variable display time (variable display period) may be controlled to a time reduction state in which the average variable display time is shorter than the normal state.

  The probable change state and the time saving state are either one of the predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) of the special figure game being executed and the next big hitting game state being started. It is controlled to continue until it is established first. The time saving state and the probable change state are gaming states that are advantageous to the player.

  In this embodiment, the game state after the probable jackpot game state ends and the abrupt jackpot game state ends are the time saving state and the probable change state. In this embodiment, the time saving state is always set when the state is probable, and the state is always changed when the time saving state is set (the state does not change to only one of the time saving state and the state of probable change).

  In this embodiment, the period of the round game in the sudden jackpot game state is set to be extremely short, such as 0.5 seconds, and the number of rounds in the sudden jackpot game state is also small. For this reason, in the sudden jackpot gaming state, a prize ball is not substantially obtained, and the game ends immediately. However, since the gaming state changes to the probable state after the sudden-big hit gaming state, the player feels that the probable state suddenly arrives when the sudden-big hit gaming state is controlled.

  In the time saving state, the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is opened and closed in an advantageous change mode in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting winning opening compared to the non-time saving state in which the time saving state is not the normal state. To change.

  For example, control for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the normal symbol game by the ordinary symbol display device 20 (the period of variable display of the normal symbol, also referred to as the normal symbol fluctuation time) than in the normal state, The control to improve the probability that the variable display result of the normal symbol (display result of the normal figure game) becomes "perfect for common figure" in the regular figure game than in the normal state, and the variable display result becomes "perfect for common figure" In this case, the normal variable winning prize ball device 6B controls the tilting control time for performing the tilting control of the movable wing piece longer than in the normal state, and controls the number of times of tilting to be longer than in the normal state. The ball device 6B may be changed between the open state and the closed state in an advantageous manner. Note that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be performed in combination.

  The control for changing the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B between the open state and the closed state in an advantageous change manner as in the above control is called high open control (also referred to as "time saving control" or "high base control"). . By controlling to such a time saving state, the time required until the next variable display result becomes a "big hit" is reduced, and a special game state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal state is obtained.

  Note that the normal state is a game state other than an advantageous state for the player, such as a specific state such as a big hit game state, a time saving state, a probable change state, or the like. The probability of a “hit” and the probability of a variable display result in the special figure game being a “big hit” depend on the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, a predetermined return process after power-on, such as when a system reset is performed). Is not executed).

  The time saving state is also referred to as a “high base state” or “high base”, and the gaming state that is not the time saving state is also referred to as a “low base state”, “low base”, “non-time saving state”, “non-time saving”, or the like. The probable state in which the probabilistic control is performed is also referred to as “high-precision state” or “high-precision state”. It is also called. The game state in the probable change state and the time saving state is also referred to as a “high-probability base state”, a “high-probability base”, or the like. The normal state is also called a “low-probability low-base state”, a “low-probability low-base state”, or the like.

  In the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the image display device 5, the first special symbol game and the second special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A are provided. In response to the start of any of the special figure games in the second special figure game on the display device 4B, variable display of a decorative symbol (also a type of effect) is started. In the first special figure game and the second special figure game, when a fixed special symbol that is a variable display result of a special symbol (display result of the special figure game) is derived and displayed, an image is synchronized with the timing of the derived display. In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the display device 5, the variable display of the decorative symbol ends, and the fixed decorative symbol (the three decorative symbols Is displayed (stop display).

  During the period from the start to the end of the variable display of the decorative symbol, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol may be a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode refers to a decorative symbol that has not been stopped and displayed yet when the decorative symbol stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes a part of a jackpot combination described below (“reach variation”). This is also referred to as a “display pattern”, which is a display mode in which the fluctuation is continuing, or a display mode in which all or a part of the decorative patterns are synchronously fluctuating while forming all or a part of the big hit combination. .

  Specifically, some of the “left,” “middle,” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (eg, the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5R, etc.) When the decorative symbol (for example, “7”) that constitutes the determined jackpot combination is stopped and displayed, the remaining decorative symbol display area (for example, “medium” decorative symbol display area 5C) that has not been stopped and displayed yet. The display pattern in which the decorative symbol fluctuates, or the decorative symbol indicates all or a part of the jackpot combination in all or a part of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. This is a display mode that fluctuates in synchronization with the configuration.

  In this embodiment, a reach effect is executed in response to the reach mode being set during variable display. In the reach effect, the display mode and the variation mode of the decorative pattern are changed, a character image (a performance image imitating a person or the like) is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 separately from the decorative pattern, and the background image is displayed. By changing the mode or reproducing and displaying the moving image separately from the decorative design, the effect is to perform an effect operation different from before the reach mode.

  In this embodiment, a normal reach, a super reach A (developing from normal reach), and a super reach B (developing from normal reach) having different rendering modes are prepared as reach effects. In this embodiment, the big hit expectation when each reach effect is executed is higher in the order of super reach B, super reach A, and normal reach (normal reach that does not develop into super reach). The reach effect may include an effect by a sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, an effect by a lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9 and the like (the same applies to other effects).

  The big hit expectation degree is, for example, a rate at which the variable display result of the special symbol is “big hit”, and here, is also a rate at which the variable display result of the decorative symbol is “big hit”.

  In addition, as will be described later in detail, in this embodiment, the determination at the time of the start winning (the display result of the suspended special figure game (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol) is a big hit or not). A so-called pre-reading notice is executed based on the pre-reading judgment. The look-ahead notice is a kind of notice effect in which a special hit game (hereinafter, also referred to as a target) for which a look-ahead determination has been made is notified of a jackpot expectation degree. In this embodiment, as a pre-reading notice, a pre-reading change effect for changing the display mode (display color in this case) of the hold display image or the active display image based on the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment is prepared.

  During the variable display of the decorative symbol, various effects are executed in addition to the above effects.

  Further, in this embodiment, various effect modes are prepared as effect modes to be executed, and for example, according to the effect mode, for example, a display mode of a hold display image or an active display image (here, a look-ahead change effect (A shape which is a display mode other than the display mode changed in the above), the mode of the decorative design, the background, and the like are different, and the characters appearing in the effect are different. Although details of the effect mode will be described later, in this embodiment, a normal mode, a first transition mode, a first battle mode, a second battle mode, and a second transition mode are prepared as effect modes. The normal mode and the second battle mode each have two effect modes according to the characters appearing (the player can select the character).

  When the variable display result of the special symbol is “probable variable jackpot”, a fixed decorative symbol that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 as the decorative symbol variable display result. As an example, the same decorative symbol (for example, “7”) is stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. As a result, the determined decorative symbol to be the probable change big hit combination may be derived and displayed. In this embodiment, at the time of the "probable change big hit", the reach is always established in the variable display of the decorative symbol.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol is a "big hit", on the screen of the image display device 5, a fixed decorative symbol which is a combination of predetermined chances is derived and displayed as the variable symbol display result. . Opportunities include those for reach and those for non-reach. The chance at the time of the reach is a combination of decorative symbols derived and displayed after the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is changed to the reach mode, and is a combination different from the above-described big hit combination (eg, “7 5 7”). . The chance at the time of non-reach is a combination of decorative symbols that is derived and displayed without the variable display mode of the decorative symbol becoming the reach mode (eg, “7 35”). In the present embodiment, the chance at the time of the reach is derived and displayed only at the time of the normal reach (not derived at the time of the super reach).

  In this embodiment, various effects are appropriately performed even during the big hit game state. For example, an effect in which the player selects one of the first battle mode and the second battle mode is performed.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol does not become the reach mode, and the decorative symbol constituting the predetermined non-reach combination is stopped as the variable display result of the decorative symbol. By being displayed, a fixed decorative symbol which is a non-reach combination (a combination different from the above-mentioned chance) may be derived and displayed. Also, when the variable display result of the special symbol is “losing”, as the variable display result of the decorative symbol, after the variable display mode of the decorative symbol has reached the reach mode, a predetermined reach combination other than the big hit combination (“reach loss” By stopping and displaying the decorative symbols that constitute the “combination”, a fixed decorative symbol that is a reach-loss combination (a combination different from the above-mentioned chance) may be derived and displayed.

(Direction control command)
Next, an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 will be described. The main board 11 controls the progress of the game. Then, the main board 11 transmits an effect control command to the effect control board 12 in accordance with the progress of the game. The effect control board 12 performs various effects by executing effect control for controlling the image display device 5 and the like based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. Thus, the game executed by the main board 11 and the various effects executed by the effect control board 12 are synchronized. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 shows examples of main effect control commands. Note that the following “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number.

  The command 81XX (H) is to start the first special figure game or the second special figure game, and to change the special figure game to be started and the variable display of the decorative symbols executed corresponding to the special figure game. An effect control command (variable pattern designating command) for designating (notifying) a pattern (execution time of variable display of a special figure or a decorative design or a pattern of variable display of a decorative design). “XX” (EXT data) of the command indicates whether the special-figure game to be started is the first special-figure game or the second special-figure game, and each variation pattern (see FIG. 12, which will be described in detail later). A corresponding numerical value is set (for example, “00” if the variation pattern PA1-1 starts at the start of the first special figure game, “01” if the variation pattern PA1-1 starts at the start of the second special figure game, and the like). By such a setting, a fluctuation pattern or the like is specified in the command. The change pattern designation command is transmitted at the start of the special figure game. Note that a command for designating the start of the first special figure game or the start of the second special figure game may be prepared separately from the variation pattern designating command. In this case, a numerical value according to the variation pattern may be set to “XX” for both the first special figure game and the second special figure game.

  The command 8CXX (H) is an effect control command (display result designation command) for designating (notifying) whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” and the type of big hit (ie, variable display result). In this embodiment, a display result designation command corresponding to each variable display result is set. For example, a numerical value corresponding to a display result is set in “XX” in the command (for example, “00” for “losing”, “01” for “striking big hit”, and “02” for “stable changing big hit”). Such). With such a setting, the jackpot type is designated in the command. The display result designation command is transmitted at the start of the special figure game. In addition, a numerical value may be set in “XX” according to whether the special figure game to be started is the first special figure game or the second special figure game (for example, in the first special figure game). "00" for "losing", "01" for "losing" in the second special map game, and "02" for "striking big hit" in the first special map game).

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (design confirmation command) for designating (notifying) the end of the special figure game (that is, deriving and displaying the variable display result). The symbol confirmation designating command is for terminating the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbol and for deriving and displaying the display result. The symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted at the end of the special figure game.

  The command 95XX (H) is an effect control command (background specification command) for specifying the background of the effect screen displayed on the image display device 5. The background differs depending on the effect mode, and the effect mode is set according to the game state. For this reason, the background designation command also designates a gaming state, and in this embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to the gaming state is set in “XX” in the command (for example, the non-probable state ( "00" for normal state, "01" for probable change state, etc.). With such a setting, the background (game state) is specified in the command. The background designation command also designates the current game state. The background designation command is transmitted at the time of starting a special map game, for example.

  The command A0XX (H) is an effect control command (hit start designation command) for designating (notifying) the start of the big hit game state (also the start of the fanfare). The fanfare is an effect executed at the start of the big hit gaming state, and is an effect for notifying that the big hit gaming state has been achieved. "XX" in the command is set to a numerical value corresponding to the jackpot type (for example, "00" for "probable", "01" for "probable"). With such a setting, the jackpot type is also specified in the command. This command is transmitted at the start of the jackpot gaming state.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (specifying command during opening of the special winning opening) for designating (notifying) that the round game in the big hit gaming state has started, that is, the special winning opening has been opened. . “XX” in the command is set to a numerical value corresponding to the number of rounds (for example, “00” for opening the first round, “01” for opening the second round, etc.). With such a setting, the number of rounds is also specified in the command. The special winning opening opening designation command is transmitted when the special winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened.

  The command A2XX (H) is a production control command (specifying command during opening of the special winning opening) for designating (notifying) that the round game in the big hit gaming state has ended, that is, the special winning opening has been closed. . “XX” in the command is set to a numerical value corresponding to the number of rounds (for example, “00” for the end of the first round, “01” for the end of the second round, and the like). With such a setting, the number of rounds is also specified in the command. The command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted when the special winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is closed.

  The command A3XX (H) is an effect control command (hit end designation command) for designating (notifying) the end of the big hit game state (also the start of the ending). The ending is an effect executed at the end of the big hit gaming state, and is an effect for notifying that the big hit gaming state is ended. "XX" in the command is set to a numerical value corresponding to the jackpot type (for example, "00" for "probable", "01" for "probable"). With such a setting, the jackpot type is also specified in the command. This command is transmitted at the end of the last round game.

  The command B100 (H) is an effect control command (first start winning designation command) for designating (notifying) that the first start winning has occurred due to the game medium entering the first start winning opening. The command B200 (H) is an effect control command (second start winning designation command) for designating (notifying) that the second start winning has occurred due to the game medium having entered the second start winning opening. The first start winning designation command and the second start winning designation command may be collectively referred to as a start winning designation command. The start prize designation command is transmitted when a start prize is generated (at a start prize).

  The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first special figure reserved storage number addition designation command) for designating (notifying) that the first start winning is generated and the first special figure reserved storage number is increased by one. is there. The command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second special figure reservation storage number addition designation command) for designating (notifying) that the second start winning is generated and the second special figure reservation storage number is increased by one. is there. These commands may be collectively referred to as a special figure reserved storage number addition designation command. The special figure reservation storage number addition designation command is transmitted when the start winning is generated (at the time of starting winning).

  The command C200 (H) is an effect control command (designation of subtracting the number of the first special figure reservation storage number) for designating (notifying) that the first special figure reservation storage number is reduced by one by executing the first special figure game. Command). The command C300 (H) is an effect control command for designating (notifying) that the second special figure reserved storage number is reduced by one by executing the second special figure game (second special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation). Command). These commands may be collectively referred to as a special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command. The special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted at the time of starting the special figure game.

  The command C4XX (H) is an effect control command (winning-time determination result designation command) for designating (notifying) the determination result of the pre-reading determination at the time of the start winning. As will be described in detail later, when a first start prize or a second start prize is generated, random numbers MR1 to MR3 used for determining whether to make a big hit, a big hit type, and a variation pattern are extracted. . In this embodiment, the special figure game corresponding to the extracted random number values MR1 to MR3 is determined based on the extracted random number values MR1 to MR3 before the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. A look-ahead determination for the figure game (whether or not the variable display result is “probably variable big hit”, whether or not super reach or reach is established, etc.) is performed. The pre-read determination is performed in a winning random number determination process in step S211 described below. The determination result of the prefetch determination (also referred to as a prize-winning determination result) is set to “XX” in the prize-winning determination result designation command (see FIG. 7B). With such a setting, the determination result of the prefetch determination is specified in the command. The prize-winning-judgment-result designation command is transmitted when a start prize is generated (at a start prize). In accordance with the content of the prize-winning determination result designation command (prize-winning determination result), the effect control board 12 determines whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect.

(Major operations of pachinko machines)
Next, main operations (actions) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. In the following, the operation will be described with reference to flowcharts and the like. However, in each operation (each process), a process that does not appear in the flowchart may be appropriately performed.

  In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started (including restart after a power cut-off), the game control microcomputer 100 is started up, and the CPU 103 performs, for example, a predetermined game control main processing. The processing is executed. In the game control main process, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings and the like after setting interrupt prohibition.

  When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC supplied every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 sets an interrupt disabled state, for example, Executes control timer interrupt processing.

  In the game control timer interrupt process, the CPU 103 performs a game process in the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as a switch process, a main side error process, an information output process, a game random number update process, a special symbol process, a normal symbol process process, and a command control process. Execute processing for controlling progress and the like. At the end of the game control timer interrupt processing, an interrupt is permitted. Thus, the game control timer interrupt process is executed every time a timer interrupt occurs, that is, every predetermined time (2 ms) that is the supply interval of the interrupt request signal.

  The switch processing is performed by determining whether or not a detection signal is input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first starting port switch 22A, the second starting port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. This is a process of determining whether or not the game ball has been turned on (that is, whether or not a game ball has entered or passed) for each switch, and storing the determination result in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. The determination result stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is used in a special symbol process process and a normal symbol process process described later.

  The main-side error process is a process of performing an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and generating a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result.

  The information output process is a process of outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example.

  The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of the plurality of game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software. As an example, the random numbers for gaming used on the side of the main board 11 include a random number value MR1 for determining a special figure display result (variable display result of a special symbol), a random number value MR2 for determining a jackpot type, and a variation pattern determination. And a random number value MR3 for use.

  The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is a random number value used to determine whether or not to control the variable display result such as a special symbol in the special figure game to the "big hit" to control the big hit game state, and "1" To 65535.

  The random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is a random number value used to determine the jackpot type to be one of “probable change A”, “probable change B”, and “probable” when the variable display result is “big hit”. And can take any value of “1” to “100”.

  The random number value MR3 for determining a variation pattern is a random value used to determine a variation pattern in the variable display of a special symbol or a decorative symbol to one of a plurality of variation patterns prepared in advance, and is “1” to “1”. It can take any value of “100”.

  In the special symbol process process, as will be described in detail later, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is displayed. To determine whether or not to control the big hit game state as "big hit", determine the big hit type and the variation pattern, control the display operation in the special symbol display device 4 based on the determination result (execute the special figure game), Various processes are selected and executed in order to perform opening / closing operation setting (execution of a round game) of the special winning opening in the special variable winning ball device 7 in the big hit game state in a predetermined procedure. By executing the special symbol process process each time a timer interrupt is generated, a variable display result and a fluctuation pattern are determined, a special figure game is executed based on the determination, and a big hit game state is realized.

  In the normal symbol process process, for example, when a game ball passes through the pass gate 41 (for example, the result of the determination that the gate switch 21 is turned on in the switch process is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102). If the number of holdings does not reach the upper limit in the case, the holding of the general game (for example, extracting a random value and storing it in the RAM 102) is performed, or the holding memory (the random number stored in the RAM 102) is used. To determine a variable display result and a fluctuation pattern (such as a pattern for specifying a fluctuation time or the like) of the ordinary figure game, and control a display operation (for example, turning on or off a segment LED) on the ordinary symbol display 20 according to the fluctuation pattern. To perform variable display of ordinary symbols and derive and display the variable display result of the ordinary figure game, Or performs the processing of the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6B in an open state when per FIG. " By executing the normal symbol process process each time a timer interrupt occurs, the execution of the ordinary game, the open state of the ordinary variable prize ball device 6B for a predetermined period at the time of ordinary game, and the like are realized.

  The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in a special symbol process process, a normal symbol process process, or the like, transmission setting of a control command (such as an effect control command) is performed (for example, a storage address value of a control command to be transmitted is stored in the RAM 102), and command control is performed. In the process, a process of actually transmitting the set control command to the effect control board 12 is performed. In the transmitting process, a control command is transmitted using an effect control INT signal or the like.

  Next, the special symbol processing will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning determination process executed in step S101.

  When the start winning determination process is started, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the first starting port switch 22A provided corresponding to the first starting winning port formed by the normal winning ball device 6A is turned on ( Step S201). For example, when the first startup port switch 22A is turned on when the determination result that the first startup port switch 22A is turned on in the switch processing is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, or the like. What is necessary is just to judge. When the first starting port switch 22A is on (step S201; Yes), the first special figure reserved storage number, which is the reserved number of the first special figure game, is equal to a predetermined upper limit value (here, “4”). ) Is determined (step S202). At this time, the CPU 103 sets the first special figure reserved storage number count value which is the storage value of the first special figure reserved storage number counter (a counter for counting the first special figure reserved storage number) provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. It suffices if the number of first special figure reserved storages can be specified by reading. When the first special figure pending storage number is not the upper limit value in step S202 (step S202; No), the starting port buffer value which is the stored value of the starting port buffer provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is set to “1”. It is set (step S203).

  When the first start port switch 22A is turned off in step S201 (step S201; No), or when the first special figure reserved storage number has reached the upper limit in step S202 (step S202; Yes), it is normal. It is determined whether the second starting port switch 22B provided corresponding to the second starting winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B has been turned on (step S204). For example, when the second startup port switch 22B is turned on when the determination result that the second startup port switch 22B is turned on in the switch processing is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, or the like. What is necessary is just to judge. When it is determined that the second starting port switch 22B is turned on (step S204; Yes), the second special figure reserved storage number, which is the reserved number of second special figure games, is increased to a predetermined upper limit value (here, It is determined whether or not “4”) is satisfied (step S205). At this time, the CPU 103 sets the second special figure reserved storage number count value which is the storage value of the second special figure reserved storage number counter (a counter for counting the second special figure reserved storage number) provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. It suffices if the number of second special figure reserved storages can be specified by reading. When the second special figure reserved storage number is not the upper limit value in step S205 (step S205; No), the starting port buffer value is set to “2” (step S206). If the second starting port switch 22B is not turned on (step S204; No) or if the number of the second special figure reserved storage is the upper limit value (step S205; Yes), the start winning determination processing is ended.

  After executing one of the processes in steps S203 and S206, the count value of the special figure pending storage corresponding to the starting port buffer value is updated so as to be incremented by 1 (step S207). For example, when the starting port buffer value is "1", the first special figure reserved storage number count value is added by one, while when the starting port buffer value is "2", the second special figure reserved storage number count value is increased. Add one. In this way, the first special figure reserved storage number count value is updated so as to increase by one (increment) when the first starting condition that the game ball enters the first starting winning port is satisfied. In addition, the second special figure reserved storage number count value is updated so as to increase by one (increment) when the second starting condition in which the game ball enters the second starting winning port is satisfied. At this time, the total reserved storage number count value, which is the storage value of the total reserved storage number counter provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102, is updated so as to be incremented by 1 (step S208).

  After executing the process of step S208, the CPU 103 extracts a predetermined game random number corresponding to the occurrence of the start winning (step S209). As an example, in the process of step S209, the random number circuit 104 and the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result and the random number value Numerical data indicating a random number value MR2 and a random number value MR3 for determining a variation pattern is extracted. Numerical data indicating each of the random numbers extracted in this manner is stored as reserved data at the head of an empty entry in a special map reserved storage unit (provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102) corresponding to the starting port buffer value. Is performed (step S210).

  For example, when the starting port buffer value is “1”, the hold data is set in the first special figure hold storage unit as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the starting port buffer value is "2", the hold data is set in the second special figure hold storage unit as shown in FIG.

  When the hold data is set in the first special figure hold storage unit, the CPU 103 controls the first hold display 25A to display a display capable of specifying the number of first special figure hold storage added by one. The first hold indicator 25A may be used (for example, increase the number of lit LEDs by one).

  When the hold data is set in the second special figure hold storage unit, the CPU 103 controls the second hold indicator 25B to display a display capable of specifying the added second special figure hold storage number by one. The second hold indicator 25B may be configured to perform the operation (for example, increase the number of lit LEDs by one).

  In the first special figure holding storage unit shown in FIG. 6A, although the game ball enters the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6 </ b> A, the first start winning has occurred, but has not yet started. The reservation data of the first special figure game is stored. As an example, the first special map holding storage unit associates the winning order (the order of detection of game balls) with the holding number in the first start winning port and establishes the first starting condition based on the entry of the game ball. The number of stored random numbers MR1 for determining the special map display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, which are extracted from the random number circuit 104 and the like by the CPU 103, are stored as pending data. Until a predetermined upper limit (here, “4”) is reached. In this embodiment, in this manner, the first special figure game that has not been started yet (here, numerical data for executing the first special figure game) is stored as the hold storage.

  In the second special figure holding storage unit shown in FIG. 6 (B), although the game ball enters the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B, the second starting winning is generated, but the second starting winning is still started. No pending second game data is stored. As an example, the second special figure holding storage unit associates the winning order (the order in which game balls are detected) into the second starting winning opening with the hold number and based on the establishment of the second starting condition by the entry of the game ball. The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, which are extracted from the random number circuit 104 by the CPU 103, are held data. The information is stored until a predetermined upper limit (here, “4”) is reached. In this embodiment, in this way, the second special figure game that has not been started yet (here, numerical data for executing the second special figure game) is stored as the hold storage.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes a winning random number value determination process (a process of performing a pre-read determination on the special figure game) stored in the special figure game stored as the reserved memory (the reserved special figure game) (step S211). FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the winning random number value determination process.

  In the winning random number determination process, first, if the starting opening buffer value is “1” (when the first special figure game is suspended), the CPU 103 sets the transmission of the first starting winning designation command, The transmission setting of the first special figure reservation storage number addition designation command is performed, and if the starting port buffer value is “2” (when the second special figure game is suspended), the transmission setting of the second start winning specification command is set. After the execution, the transmission setting of the second special figure reserved storage number addition designation command is performed (step S401).

  Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the current state is the big hit gaming state (step S402). Whether or not the current state is the big hit gaming state can be specified by, for example, the value of a special figure process flag described later. Here, if it is "4" to "7", the big hit game state is in progress. When the value of the special map process flag is other than "4" to "7" and the big hit game is not in progress (step S402; No), it is determined whether or not the current time is in the time saving state (or whether or not the current time is in the probable change state). Is determined (step S403). Whether or not the current time is in the time saving state may be specified by the state of the time saving flag (a flag provided in the RAM 102 and turned on during the time saving state) (the same applies hereinafter).

  If the time reduction flag is on and the current time is in the time reduction state (step S403; Yes), if the value of the special figure process flag is "4" to "7" and the current state is the big hit gaming state (step S402; Yes), It is determined whether the starting port buffer value is “2” (step S404).

  When the starting port buffer value is “2” (step S404; Yes), when the time saving state is not in effect (step S403; No), the CPU 103 displays the special figure game held this time (the special symbol variable display result). Is determined as “big hit” (step S405).

  For example, based on the random number value MR1 extracted in the current step S209 (the random number value MR1 newly stored in the special figure holding storage unit in the current step S210), the first special figure display is performed in the same manner as in step S239 described later. The random number value MR1 is referred to a result determination table or a second special figure display result determination table (refer to FIG. 9, a table referred to when determining a variable display result when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later). When the decision result (special figure display result) assigned to the decision value that matches with is "big hit", it is determined that the display result of the special figure game suspended this time is "big hit". When the game state is the normal state, the first special figure display result determination table is referred to, and when the game state is the positive change state, the second special figure display result determination table is referred to. Whether or not the gaming state is the probable change state may be specified based on the probable change flag provided in the RAM 102 and turned on in the probable change state (the same applies hereinafter).

  When it is determined that the special figure display result of the special figure game suspended this time is "big hit" (step S405; Yes), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special figure game suspended this time is super reach. Then, it is determined whether or not the execution is specified (step S407).

  For example, first, based on the random number value MR2 extracted in step S209 (the random number value MR2 newly stored in the special figure reservation storage unit in step S210 this time), as in step S242 described later, the big hit type determination table ( Referring to FIG. 10, a table referred to when determining the jackpot type when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later), and the jackpot type assigned to the determined value matching the random number value MR2 is specified. . When the specified jackpot type is “surprise,” the super reach does not occur (see FIG. 13B, the details will be described later), so the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special figure game suspended this time is changed. It is determined that execution of super reach is not specified.

  When the specified jackpot type is “probable change”, the same as step S262 described later is performed based on the random number value MR3 extracted in step S209 (the random number value MR3 newly stored in the special figure reservation storage unit in step S210 this time). Next, refer to a first big hit variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 13A, a table referred to when determining a variation pattern at the time of the probability change big hit when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. The details will be described later). The variation pattern assigned to the determined value matching the random number value MR3 is specified. If the specified fluctuation pattern is PB3-3 or PB3-4 designating the execution of "super reach" (see FIG. 12), the fluctuation pattern of the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special figure game suspended this time Is to specify execution of super reach. If the specified variation pattern is PB3-2 (see FIG. 12), it is determined that the super reach is not reached.

  If it is determined in step S407 that the fluctuation pattern specifies execution of super reach (step S407; Yes), a prize-winning-judgment-result designation command that specifies "super-reach big hit" as a prize-winning determination result Transmission setting is performed (step S408). The determination result at the time of winning the “super reach big hit” (the determination result that the variable display result of the special figure game held this time is a big hit and that the super reach is executed with the variable display of the decorative symbol) is included as EXT data. Since “03” is set (see FIG. 7B), the transmission setting of the prize-winning-judgment-result designation command in which the numerical value is set as the EXT data is performed.

  If it is determined in step S407 that the variation pattern does not specify the execution of the super reach (step S407; No), "no determination" is specified as the prize-winning determination result in order to restrict the execution of the prefetch change effect. The transmission setting of the prize-time determination result designation command is performed (step S413). This limits the execution of the look-ahead change effect on the effect control board 12 side. In the prize determination result of “no determination” (the determination result of not performing the determination at the time of the start prize and limiting the execution of the prefetching change effect), “00” is set as the EXT data (FIG. 7B )), The transmission setting of the winning determination result designation command in which the numerical value is set as the EXT data.

  If it is determined that the special figure display result of the special figure game held this time is not “big hit” (step S405; Yes), the change pattern of the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special figure game held this time is the super reach. It is determined whether the execution is specified (a fluctuation pattern of super reach loss) (step S409).

  For example, based on the random number value MR3 extracted in step S209 (the random number value MR3 newly stored in the special figure holding storage unit in the current step S210), the first loss variation pattern determination is performed in the same manner as in step S263 described later. The random number value MR3 is referred to by referring to a table or a second loss variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 14, a table referred to when determining a loss pattern when a start condition of a special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later). The fluctuation pattern assigned to the determined value that matches with is specified. When the gaming state is the normal state, the first loss variation pattern determination table is referred to, and when the gaming state is the positive variation state, the second loss variation pattern determination table is referenced. If the specified fluctuation pattern is PA3-3 or PA3-4 designating execution of “super reach” (see FIG. 12), the fluctuation pattern of the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special figure game suspended this time Is a variation pattern of the super reach loss (loss variation pattern designating execution of the super reach). If the variation pattern is other than that, it is determined that the variation pattern is not a super reach loss variation pattern.

  When it is determined that the variation pattern is a variation pattern of super reach loss (step S409; Yes), transmission setting of a prize-winning determination result designation command for designating “super reach losing” as a prize-winning determination result is performed (step S410). The determination result at the time of winning of "Super Reach Loss" (the determination result that the variable display result of the special figure game held this time is a loss and that the super reach is executed with the variable display of the decorative pattern) is included as EXT data Since "02" is set (see FIG. 7B), the transmission setting of the prize-winning-judgment-result designation command in which the numerical value is set as the EXT data is performed.

  When it is determined that the variation pattern is not the variation pattern of the super reach loss (step S409; No), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special figure game suspended this time is the variation pattern that designates non-reach. It is determined whether or not the pattern is a variation pattern of non-reach loss (step S411).

  In step S411, for example, if the variation pattern identified in step S409 is PA1-1 or PA2-1 designating non-reach loss, it is determined that the variation pattern is a variation pattern designating non-reach, and At this time, it is determined that the variation pattern does not designate the non-reach.

  When it is determined that the fluctuation pattern is a non-reach loss fluctuation pattern (step S411; Yes), transmission setting of a prize-winning determination result designation command for designating “non-reach losing” as a prize-winning determination result is performed (step S412). The determination result at the time of winning of “Super Reach Loss” (the determination result that the variable display result of the special figure game suspended this time is a loss and that the reach is not established by the variable display of the decorative symbol) is “01” as EXT data. Is set (see FIG. 7B), the transmission setting of the prize-winning-judgment-result designation command in which the numerical value is set as the EXT data is performed.

  When it is determined that the variation pattern is not the variation pattern of non-reach loss (step S411; No) (when the variation pattern specifies the normal reach), the process of step S413 described above is performed. Also, when the starting port buffer value is not “2” (Step S404; No), the processing of Step S413 is performed. By limiting the execution of the look-ahead change effect for the first start prize in the time saving state or the first start prize in the big hit game state (by setting the determination result to "no determination"), at an inappropriate timing Can be prevented from being executed.

  After steps S408, S410, S412, and S413, the winning random number determination processing ends. In the prize-winning-time random number value determination process, a prefetch determination (steps S405, S407, S409, and S411) is performed for the reserved special figure game, and a transmission setting of a prize-winning determination result designation command according to the prefetch determination is performed.

  Note that one set of the commands (the start winning designation command, the special figure holding storage number addition designation command, and the prize winning determination result designation command) set in the transmission in this process is used as a start winning prize command, and the subsequent command control is performed. The batch transmission is performed in the processing (the transmission order is the above-described transmission setting order, in the order of the start winning designation command → special figure hold storage number addition designation command → winning time judgment result designation command). A set of the first start winning designation command, the first special figure reservation storage number addition designation command, and the prize determination result designation command is referred to as a first start prize time command, and the second start prize designation command and the second special figure hold command. A set of the storage number addition designation command and the winning determination result designation command is referred to as a second start winning command.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after the winning random number value determination processing in step S211, the CPU 103 determines whether the starting port buffer value is “1” or “2” (step S212). At this time, if the starting port buffer value is "2" (step S212; "2"), the starting port buffer is cleared and its stored value (starting port buffer value) is initialized to "0" ( Step S213), the start winning determination processing ends. On the other hand, when the starting port buffer value is "1" (step S212; "1"), the starting port buffer is cleared and its stored value (starting port buffer value) is initialized to "0". From (step S214), the process proceeds to step S204. Thereby, even when both the first starting port switch 22A and the second starting port switch 22B simultaneously detect the activation winning of the effective game ball, the processing based on the detection of the effective starting winning of both can be surely completed.

  Returning to FIG. 4, after executing the start winning determination processing in step S101, the CPU 103 selects any of the processing in steps S110 to S117 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. And run.

  The special symbol normal processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “0”. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S110 as the special symbol normal process.

  In the special symbol normal processing, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the second special figure hold storage number is “0” (step S231). The CPU 103 may determine whether the second special figure reserved storage number count value is “0”.

  When the number of second special figure reservation storages is other than “0” in step S231 (step S231; No), for example, the first area of the second special figure reservation storage unit (for example, the storage area corresponding to the reservation number “1”) Then, numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value, which is the hold data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, is read (step S232). Thereby, the random number for the game extracted in response to the occurrence of the start winning (the second starting winning) in the second starting winning opening in the process of step S209 is read. The numerical data read out at this time may be stored in, for example, a random number buffer for fluctuation and temporarily stored.

  Subsequent to the process of step S232, the second special figure reserved storage count is updated by subtracting 1 from the second special figure reserved storage count, for example, and the second special figure reserved storage number is updated by subtracting one. The contents stored in the hold storage unit are shifted (step S233). For example, the hold data stored in the storage area lower than the hold number “1” (the storage area corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) in the second special figure hold storage unit is higher by one entry at a time. (Storage areas corresponding to the hold numbers “1” to “3”). Further, in the process of step S233, the total number of reserved storages may be updated so as to be decremented by one. Then, the variable special figure designating buffer value stored in the variable special figure designating buffer provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is updated to "2" (step S234).

  When the second special figure reserved storage number is “0” in step S231 (step S231; Yes), it is determined whether the first special figure reserved storage number is “0” (step S235). The CPU 103 may determine whether or not the first special figure reserved storage number count value is “0”. As described above, the process of step S235 is executed when it is determined in step S231 that the second special figure reserved storage number is “0”, and the first special figure reserved storage number is “0”. It is determined whether or not. As a result, the execution of the second special figure game is started prior to the first special figure game.

  If the first special figure reserved storage number is other than “0” in step S235 (step S235; No), for example, the first area of the first special figure reserved storage unit (for example, the storage area corresponding to the reserved number “1”) Then, numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value, which is hold data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, is read (step S236). As a result, the game random numbers (numerical data of the random numbers MR1 to MR3) extracted corresponding to the occurrence of the start winning (first starting winning) in the first starting winning opening in the process of step S209 are read. The numerical data read out at this time (the numerical data of the random numbers MR1 to MR3) may be stored in, for example, a random number buffer for fluctuation and temporarily stored.

  Subsequent to the process of step S236, the first special figure reserved storage count is updated by subtracting 1 from the first special figure reserved storage count, and the first special figure reserved storage number is updated by subtracting one. The contents stored in the hold storage unit are shifted (step S237). For example, the hold data stored in the storage area lower than the hold number “1” (the storage area corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) in the first special figure hold storage unit is higher by one entry at a time. (Storage areas corresponding to the hold numbers “1” to “3”). In addition, in the process of step S237, the total reserved storage number may be updated so as to be decremented by one. Then, the variable special figure designation buffer value is updated to "1" (step S238).

  After executing one of the processes of steps S234 and S238, the special figure display result, which is the variable display result of the special symbol, is determined to be one of "big hit" and "losing" (step S239). As an example, in the process of step S239, when the current state is the normal state (when the probable change flag is off), the CPU 103 refers to the first special figure display result determination table shown in FIG. In the probability change state (when the probability change flag is ON), the special figure display result is determined with reference to the second special figure display result determination table shown in FIG. 9B. In each of the special figure display result determination tables, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is a “big hit” or a “loss” as a determination result. It only has to be assigned to. The first special figure display result determination table and the second special figure display result determination table are prepared by being stored in the ROM 101 in advance.

  In step S239, the CPU 103 reads, from the random number buffer for variation, numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result included in the random number for game temporarily stored in the random number buffer for variation in step S232 or S236. Based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1, the first or second special figure display result determination table is referred to and referred to based on the first special figure display result determination table or the second special figure display result determination table depending on whether the state is the probable change state. The "big hit" or "losing" assigned to the determined value matching the random value MR1 in the figure display result determination table may be determined as the present special figure display result (variable display result of the special symbol). When the random number value MR1 is “9000”, the CPU 103 determines that the special figure display result is “big hit” by referring to the second special figure display result determination table when in the probable change state. With reference to the first special figure display result determination table, it is determined that the special figure display result is “losing”.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the probability change state, the special figure display result is determined to be “big hit” at a higher determination ratio than in the non-probability change state. Therefore, for example, by the jackpot ending process of step S117 shown in FIG. 4 (to be described in detail later), based on the fact that the probability change flag is set to the ON state corresponding to the case where the jackpot type is “probability”, and the like. When the current state is the probable change state, the special figure display result is more likely to be a "big hit" than in the non-probable change state (normal state), and is more likely to be the big hit game state. In other words, when the current state is the probable change state, it is advantageous for the player.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the special figure display result determined by the process of step S239 is "big hit" (step S240). When the special map display result is determined to be "big hit" (step S240; Yes), a big hit flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is set to an on state (step S241).

  Thereafter, the jackpot type is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S242). As an example, in the process of step S242, the jackpot type is determined with reference to a jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 10) prepared by being stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance. In the big hit type determination table, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a numerical value (decided value) to be compared with the random number value MR2 for big hit type determination is assigned to “probability” and “probability” as the determination results. I just need.

  The CPU 103 reads, from the variation random number buffer, numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type included in the game random number temporarily stored in the variation random number buffer in step S232 or S236, and reads the large hit from the variation random number buffer. On the basis of the numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for determining the type, the large hit type determination table set in the use table is referred to, and in the big hit type determination table to be referred to, assigned to the determined value matching the random value MR2 Any one of “probability” and “probability” may be determined as the big hit type this time.

  After executing the processing of step S242, the previously determined jackpot type is stored (step S243). The CPU 103 stores a jackpot type buffer setting value (for example, “0” in the case of “probable”) and “0” in the case of “probable change” in the jackpot type buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the jackpot type buffer. By storing the value "1"), the big hit type may be stored.

  If the special figure display result is not "big hit" (step S240; No), after step S243, a fixed special symbol that is a variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is determined (step S246). As an example, when it is determined in step S240 that the special figure display result is not “big hit” (when the big hit flag is in an off state), a special symbol (for example, “−”) predetermined as a loss symbol is used. Is determined as a fixed special symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S240 that the special map display result is "big hit" (when the big hit flag is on), the big hit type determination result in step S242 (big hit type buffer setting value) ), One of a plurality of special symbols predetermined as a jackpot symbol (for example, “3” for “probable”, “7” for “probable”) is determined as the fixed special symbol. I just need.

  After executing the processing of step S246, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1" (step S247), and the special special pattern normal processing ends.

  If the number of reserved memories of the first special figure game is “0” in step S235 (step S235; Yes), a predetermined demonstration display setting is performed (step S248), and the special symbol normal processing ends. . In the demonstration display setting, for example, an effect control command (demo display start designation command) for designating the start of a demonstration display (demo screen display) by displaying a predetermined effect image on the image display device 5 is transmitted from the main board 11. It is determined whether or not it has been transmitted to the effect control board 12. At this time, if the transmission has been completed, the demo display setting ends. On the other hand, if not transmitted, a demo display start designation command is set for transmission, and then the demo display setting ends. When the demonstration display start command is transmitted, the effect control board 12 displays a demonstration screen.

  The variation pattern setting process in step S111 in FIG. 4 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S111 as a variation pattern setting process.

  In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 103 first determines whether the big hit flag is on (step S261). If the big hit flag is on (step S261; Yes), the big hit change pattern is determined with reference to the big hit change pattern determination table (stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance) (step S262). ). If the big hit flag is off (Step S261; No), the loss variation pattern is determined with reference to the loss variation pattern determination table (prestored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101) (Step S263).

  FIG. 12 shows a specific example of the variation pattern in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, variation patterns PA1-1, PA2-1, PA3-2 to PA3-4 are prepared as variation patterns at the time of a loss (variation patterns selected when the variable display result is "losing"). ing. Further, as the big hit change pattern at the time of the big change big hit (the change pattern selected when the variable display result is the "big change big hit"), the change patterns PB3-2 to PB3-4 are prepared. Further, as the big hit variation pattern at the time of a sudden hit (variation pattern selected when the variable display result is “sudden hit”), variation patterns PC1-1 and PC3-2 are prepared.

  The fluctuation patterns PA1-1 and PA2-1 of the loss-time fluctuation patterns are non-reach fluctuation patterns that specify non-reach (the variable display mode does not become the reach mode). The fluctuation pattern PA2-1 is a non-reach fluctuation pattern for time saving (with shortening) in which the special figure fluctuation time is shorter than the normal (PA1-1). The variation pattern PA3-2 of the loss-time variation pattern is a reach variation pattern that specifies execution of normal reach (no development to super reach). The variation pattern PA3-3 is a reach variation pattern designating that the development from normal reach to super reach A is performed. The variation pattern PA3-4 is a reach variation pattern designating that development from normal reach to super reach B is performed.

The fluctuation pattern PB3-2 of the jackpot fluctuation pattern is a reach fluctuation pattern that specifies execution of normal reach (no development to super reach). The fluctuation pattern PB3-3 is a reach fluctuation pattern designating that the development from the normal reach to the super reach A is performed. The fluctuation pattern PB3-4 is a reach fluctuation pattern designating that development from normal reach to super reach B is performed. The variation pattern PC1-1 is a non-reach variation pattern designating non-reach, and the variation pattern PC3-2 is a reach variation pattern designating execution of normal reach (no development to super reach).

  In this embodiment, among the above-mentioned fluctuation patterns, the fluctuation patterns PA1-1 and PC1-1 are the corresponding fluctuation patterns, and the fluctuation patterns PA3-2, PB3-2 and PC3-2 correspond. The same effect can be executed from the start of the variable display to the middle (for example, immediately before derivation of the variable display result). Thus, it is not possible to know whether the variable display result is "losing", "probable big hit", or "probable changing big hit" until the timing in the middle. Similarly, the fluctuation pattern PA3-3 and the fluctuation pattern PB3-3 are corresponding fluctuation patterns, and the fluctuation pattern PA3-4 and the fluctuation pattern PB3-4 are corresponding fluctuation patterns. The same effect can be executed from the start of the variable display to the middle (for example, immediately before derivation of the variable display result). Thus, it is impossible to know whether the variable display result is "losing" or "probable variable hit" until the timing in the middle. As is clear from the fluctuation pattern, in the case of the "big hit", non-reach or normal reach is performed, and super-reach is not performed (see also FIG. 13).

  In step S262, for example, the first big hit variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13A (see when the big hit type specified based on the big hit type buffer set value is “probable change”) or FIG. 13B Is referred to when the big hit type specified based on the big hit type buffer setting value is "probable". As shown in FIG. 13 (A), in the first variation pattern determination table for big hits, the numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination is the variation of the big hit at the time of the probability variation big hit which is the determination result. What is necessary is that it is assigned to any of the patterns (any of the fluctuation patterns PB3-2 to PB3-4). As shown in FIG. 13B, in the second big hit variation pattern determination table, the numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the variation pattern determination random number value MR3 is the big hit variation at the time of the sudden hit which is the determination result. What is necessary is that it is assigned to any of the patterns (the fluctuation pattern PC1-1 or the PC3-2).

  In step S262, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern read from the random number buffer for variation, the CPU 103 determines the first variation pattern for the large hit or the second variation pattern for the big hit according to the type of the big hit. With reference to the determination table, any of the variation patterns assigned to the determined value matching the random number value MR3 in the referenced jackpot variation pattern determination table may be determined (selected) as the current jackpot variation pattern.

  In FIG. 13, the determination ratio is described instead of the range of the determination value. In an actual table, a determined value in a range corresponding to the determined ratio in FIG. 13 may be assigned to each variation pattern. For example, in FIG. 13A, the determination ratio of the variation pattern PB3-2 is 10/100, the determination ratio of the variation pattern PB3-3 is 20/100, and the determination ratio of the variation pattern PB3-4 is 70/100. Since it is 100, determined values 1 to 10 (range of 10%) to be compared with the random value MR3 are assigned to the variation pattern PB3-2, and determined values 11 to 11 to be compared with the random value MR3 to the variation pattern PB3-3. 30 (range of 20%) is assigned, and the fluctuation patterns PB3-4 are assigned determination values 31 to 100 (range of 70%) to be compared with the random number value MR3. The same applies to other tables describing the determination ratio and determination examples described later.

  In step S263, when the current gaming state is the normal state (when the time reduction flag is in the OFF state), for example, the first loss variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. In the case where the current game state is the time saving state (in this embodiment, this is also the state of the probable change) (when the time saving flag is on), for example, the second loss variation shown in FIG. Refer to the pattern determination table.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the first and second loss variation pattern determination tables, for example, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination is a loss variation variation pattern that is a determination result. It may be assigned to any of them (any of the fluctuation patterns PA1-1, PA3-2 to PA3-4, or any of the fluctuation patterns PA1-1, PA2-1, PA3-2 to PA3-4). .

  In step S263, the CPU 103 refers to one of the first and second loss variation pattern determination tables based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern read from the random number buffer for variation. In the first or second loss variation pattern determination table, one of the variation patterns assigned to the determined value matching the random number value MR3 may be determined (selected) as the current loss variation pattern.

  In the loss variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 14, the variation pattern PA2-1 having a short special figure variation time is easily selected in the time reduction state, and in the non-time reduction state (normal state) in the time reduction state. It is possible to reduce the average variable display time, suppress occurrence of invalid start winning, and reduce the stop of the launch of the game ball by the player (so-called “stop hit”). Further, the execution frequency of the variable display can be increased.

  Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, at the time of the probable big hit, the fluctuation pattern PB3-4 for executing the super reach B, the fluctuation pattern PB3-3 for executing the super reach A, and the fluctuation pattern for executing the normal reach (from normal reach to super reach) (Variation patterns that do not occur) The determination ratio is higher in the order of PB3-2 (see FIG. 13A). On the other hand, the determination ratio of each variation pattern at the time of loss is reversed (PA3-2> PA3-3> PA3-4). For this reason, when Super Reach B is executed, the variable display result is “probable variable hit” at the highest rate. Then, in the order of Super Reach A and Normal Reach, the ratio of the variable display result to be “probable big hit” (so-called big hit expectation) decreases.

  After executing step S262 or S263, a special figure change time (also referred to as a change time), which is a variable display time of a special symbol, is set (step S266). As for the special figure fluctuation time which is the variable display time of the special symbol, a fixed special symbol which is a variable display result (special figure display result) is derived and displayed after the special symbol is started to change in the special figure game (variable display end). Time). The special figure variation time is designated by each variation pattern (see FIG. 12), and the CPU 103 sets the special figure variation time designated by the variation pattern selected in the process of step S262 or S263, thereby obtaining a special symbol, a decorative symbol, and the like. The timing at which the variable display result of the variable display is derived can be set. The setting of the special figure fluctuation time is performed, for example, by setting a timer value corresponding to the special figure fluctuation time in a game control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102.

  Subsequent to the process of step S266, any one of the first special figure game in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special figure game in the second special symbol display device 4B in which the start condition is satisfied The setting for starting the change of the special symbol is performed so as to start the game (step S267).

  As an example, if the variable special figure designation buffer value is “1”, a setting is made to transmit a drive signal for updating the display of the first special figure on the first special symbol display device 4A. On the other hand, if the variable special figure designating buffer value is “2”, a setting is made to transmit a drive signal for updating the display of the second special figure on the second special symbol display device 4B.

  Note that when starting the first special figure game, the CPU 103 controls the first reserve display 25A to display a display capable of specifying the number of first special figure reservation storages that has been subtracted by one. (For example, reducing the number of lit LEDs by one). Further, when starting the second special figure game, the CPU 103 controls the second reserve display 25B to display a display capable of specifying the number of the second special figure reservation storages that has been subtracted by one. (For example, reducing the number of lit LEDs by one).

  Thereafter, in order to notify the effect control board 12 of the special figure display result, the result of determining the variation pattern, and the like, transmission setting of a command at the start of the variation of the special symbol (variation start time command) is performed (step S271).

  For example, when the variable special figure designation buffer value is “1”, a display result designation command (a designation command indicating the current variable display result) and a background designation command ( A command in which a numerical value according to the current game state (which can be specified by the time reduction flag and the probability change flag) is set as EXT data), a first special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command, a fluctuation pattern designation command (a first special figure game A transmission setting for sequentially transmitting execution and a command in which a numerical value according to the current variation pattern is set as EXT data is performed.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation special figure designation buffer value is “2”, the display result specification command (the specification command indicating the variable display result this time) and the background specification command ( A command according to the current game state, a second special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command, a variation pattern designation command (a command in which a numerical value according to the execution of the second special figure game and the current variation pattern is set as EXT data) ) Are sequentially set.

  Each of the above commands is sequentially transmitted by one timer interrupt in the subsequent command control processing.

  After executing the process of step S271, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2” (step S272), and the variation pattern setting process ends.

  The special symbol variation process of step S112 in FIG. 4 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”.

  In the special symbol change process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the special figure change time set in step S111 has elapsed (whether or not it is time to derive a special figure display result). For example, by subtracting 1 from the timer value of the game control process timer whose initial value has been set in step S111 and determining whether or not the subtracted timer value has become “0”, whether the special figure fluctuation time has elapsed is determined. What is necessary is just to determine.

  When the timer value of the game control process timer (timer value after subtracting 1) is not 0, the special figure variation time has not elapsed, and thus control for executing variable display of the special figure in the special figure game (for example, The display of the first special figure or the second special figure is updated (including the update for maintaining the display of the special symbol for a predetermined time as appropriate. The same applies hereinafter). A process for changing the special symbol is performed on the display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B, and the special symbol change process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the timer value of the game control process timer becomes 0 and the elapsed time from the start of the change of the special symbol reaches the special symbol change time, the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display is performed. The control of stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol is performed by the device 4B, and the fixed special symbol (determined special symbol set in step S110) which is the variable display result of the special symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). It is preferable to control the display so that the display is continued for a predetermined time.), The transmission setting of the symbol determination designation command is performed, and the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “3”.

  By repeatedly executing step S112 every time a timer interrupt occurs, variable display of a special symbol, derivation display of a fixed special symbol, and the like are realized.

  The special symbol stop processing in step S113 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “3”.

  In the special symbol stop processing, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the big hit flag is turned on.

  If the big hit flag is in the ON state, the time saving flag and the probability change flag are reset (turned off), and the remaining number of variable displays executed in the time saving state and the probability change state provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 are determined. A process of resetting the count value of the remaining number counter to be counted to “0” is performed. Then, a timer value corresponding to the fanfare waiting time (a waiting time from the start to the end of the fanfare in the big hit game state, which is a predetermined time) is set as an initial value in the game control process timer. Thereafter, a hit start designation command (“XX” in the command includes a numerical value corresponding to the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer setting value (for example, “00” for “probable”, “01” for “probable”) ) Is set.), And the special symbol stop processing is ended by updating the special figure process flag to “4” or the like.

  If the big hit flag is off (if the variable display result is "losing"), it is determined whether the time saving flag and the probable change flag are on, and if it is on, the remaining number counter counts. Subtract the value by "1". Thereafter, it is determined whether the count value after subtracting “1” is “0”. If the count value is “0”, the termination condition for ending the time-saving state and the probable change state is satisfied (that is, Since the variable display has been executed a predetermined number of times that can be executed in the time-saving state and the probable change state), the time-saving flag and the probable change flag are turned off in order to end the time-saving state and the probable change state. If the time-saving flag and the probable change flag are off, if the count value after subtracting “1” is not “0”, or if the time-saving flag and the probable change flag are off, the value of the special figure process flag Is updated to "0", and the special symbol stop processing ends.

  The big hit opening pre-processing of step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”.

  In the big hit opening pre-processing, for example, the timer value of the game control process timer is decremented by one.

  If the timer value after the subtraction is not “0”, it means that the fanfare waiting time has not yet elapsed, and the big hit opening pre-processing ends.

  If the timer value after the subtraction is “0”, it means that the fanfare waiting time has elapsed and it is time to start the round game. In this case, the process of starting the round game in the big hit gaming state to open the big winning opening (for example, transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door), the big winning opening The initial value of the timer corresponding to the upper limit of the period during which is set to the open state (29 seconds when the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer set value is “probable” and 0.5 seconds when the jackpot type is “probable”) is Processing to set the game control process timer, processing to set “1” indicating the first round as an initial value to the round number counter provided in the RAM 102 for counting round games, and the count value of the round number counter (round The transmission setting of the special winning opening opening command in which a numerical value (here, “00”) corresponding to “1” is set as the EXT data. Such as is executed. When processing such as opening the special winning opening is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”.

  By repeatedly performing step S114 every time a timer interrupt occurs, standby until the round game start timing (standby until the end of the fanfare), opening of the special winning opening, and the like are realized.

  The big hit opening processing in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”.

  The processing during opening of the big hit includes processing for subtracting one from the timer value of the game control process timer, the timer value after subtracting one, and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23 in one round game (switches). In the process, the determination result that the count switch 23 has been turned on is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and may be counted by a counter (provided in the RAM 102) that counts 1 each time. The processing includes determining whether it is time to return the special winning opening from the open state to the closed state (or a partially open state).

  When it is determined that the timer value after subtracting 1 has become 0 or that the number of detected game balls (count value of the counter) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 9), the special winning opening is closed. At the timing of the opening of the special winning opening to the closed state (for example, a process of stopping transmission of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door and turning off the solenoid 82), A process of setting a timer value corresponding to a closing period of a winning opening (a round game interval period, which is a preset period) to a game control process timer, and a process corresponding to a count value (round number) of a round number counter. A command after opening the special winning opening that sets a numerical value (such as "00" if the count value is "1", "01" if "2", and "02" if "3") as EXT data Such as the transmission setting is performed. When the special winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”, and the big hit opening processing ends.

  If the timer value after decrementing by 1 does not become 0 and the number of detected game balls does not reach the predetermined number, the process of maintaining the large winning opening in the open state (for example, the solenoid drive signal (Processing to continue the supply), and the like, and the processing during opening of the big hit is completed.

  By repeatedly performing step S115 each time a timer interrupt occurs, the open state of the special winning opening is maintained until the timing of returning the special winning opening from the open state to the closed state, and finally the special winning opening is closed.

  The post-big hit release processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6".

  In the post-jackpot opening process, the count value of the round number counter is set to the upper limit value according to the jackpot type (if the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer set value is “probable”, “15”, In such a case, a process of determining whether or not “2”) has been performed, and a process of reducing the timer value of the game control process timer by 1 when the upper limit has not been reached, are performed.

  When it is determined that the count value of the round number counter has reached the upper limit value, it means that the round game has reached the upper limit number, and the ending waiting time (from the start of the ending in the big hit game state) is set in the game control process timer. The timer value corresponding to the waiting time until the end is a predetermined time is set in the game control process timer. The hit end designation command (“XX” in the command includes a numerical value corresponding to the big hit type specified based on the big hit type buffer setting value (for example, “00” for “probable”, “01” for “probable”) ) Is set.), And processing for updating the special figure process flag to “7” is also performed.

  When the process of reducing the timer value of the game control process timer by 1 is performed, it is determined whether the timer value after the reduction is 1 is 0. When the timer value is not 0, it is not the start timing of the round game. Is maintained, and the post-jackpot opening process ends. If it is 0, it is time to start the round game, so the processing for opening the special winning opening to the open state, and the timer value corresponding to the upper limit of the period for opening the special winning opening (here, 29 seconds) In the game control process timer, the process of adding 1 to the count value of the round number counter, and the numerical value corresponding to the count value (round number) after the addition (if the count value is “2”, “01”, “3”) Then, for example, the transmission setting of the special winning opening opening designation command in which “02” is set as the EXT data is executed. When processing such as opening the special winning opening is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”.

  Each round game is realized by repeatedly executing S115 and S116 each time a timer interrupt occurs after the winning opening in step S114 is opened.

  The big hit end processing in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In the big hit end process, a process of decrementing the timer value of the game control process timer by 1 is performed.

  If the timer value reduced by 1 is not 0, the ending has not been completed, and the big hit ending process is ended as it is.

  When the timer value reduced by 1 becomes 0, the ending is finished, and the state of the time saving flag, the probability change flag, the remaining number counter, and the like are set. In this embodiment, since the subsequent gaming state and the end condition are not changed even if the "big hit" or "big hit", the positive change flag and the time saving flag are turned on regardless of the big hit type, and the remaining number of times is set. "100" is set in the counter as a count initial value (see FIG. 10). As a result, the game state after the big hit game state becomes the high-accuracy high base state regardless of the big hit type. In addition, the upper limit number of times of the variable display executed in the one high accuracy and high base state is set to 100 times. After setting the status of the time reduction flag, the remaining number counter, the probability change flag, and the like, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  In the above series of processing, when the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”, one variable display or the like is completed, so the game control process timer, the jackpot type buffer set value, Various data such as the count value of the remaining number counter and the state of various flags (those not to be carried over to the next variable display) may be appropriately reset.

  Next, main operations of the effect control board 12 will be described.

  In the effect control board 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated to execute, for example, a predetermined effect control main process. When the effect control main process is started, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process to clear the RAM 122 and set various initial values, and to execute the CTC (counter / timer) mounted on the effect control board 12. Circuit) register setting.

  Thereafter, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a timer interrupt flag provided in a predetermined area of RAM 122 is on. The timer interrupt flag is set to a predetermined time (for example, 33 ms corresponding to the image display cycle of the image display device 5) based on, for example, a CTC register setting in a timer interrupt process executed separately from the effect control main process. Is set to the ON state each time. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off, the process waits. For this reason, a command analysis process and an effect control process process, which will be described later, are executed every time a timer interrupt occurs (every 33 ms).

  Further, on the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving an effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from the timer interrupt generated every time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is, for example, an interrupt generated when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on.

  When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets interrupt inhibition. However, if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt inhibit state is used, an interrupt is generated. It is desirable to issue a prohibition command (DI command).

  The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt processing, a control signal serving as an effect control command is sent from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 among input ports included in the I / O 125. Take in. The effect control command captured at this time is stored in an effect control command receiving buffer provided in the RAM 122, for example.

  After that, the effect control CPU 120 sets the interrupt permission, and then ends the command reception interrupt processing.

  When the timer interrupt flag is on, the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off, and a command analysis process is executed. In the command analysis process, for example, the effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command receiving buffer are read and analyzed, and settings and controls corresponding to the analysis results are performed. Do.

  After executing the command analysis process, the effect control process process is executed. In the effect control process, determination, determination, and setting of the control contents of the effect operation using various effect devices according to the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 (the command analyzed in the command analysis process) and the like. And so on. Subsequent to the effect control process, an effect random number update process is executed. In the effect random number updating process, numerical data indicating the effect random number counted by the random counter of the RAM 122 is updated by software as various random numbers used for effect control. Thereafter, the determination as to whether or not the timer interrupt flag is ON is performed again.

  Next, the command analysis processing will be described. In the command analysis processing, the received command (the effect control command received by the effect control board 12) stored in the effect control command receiving buffer is analyzed (for example, MODE data is confirmed), and the effect control is performed by the received command. A command is specified, and processing according to the specified effect control command is performed. When a plurality of received commands are stored in the effect control command receiving buffer, in a single command analysis process, all received commands are analyzed in the order in which they are received, and processing according to the analysis result is performed.

  FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the effect control command (effect control command name) specified by the analysis by the command analysis process and the processing content performed in the command analysis process corresponding to the effect control command. Note that each command reception flag, each command storage area, and the command buffer in FIG. 15 are provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. “Set” for each command reception flag means that the flag is turned on. Note that the status of each command reception flag and the command stored in each command storage area may be reset or erased at an appropriate timing (the reset or the reset is performed at a timing when it is not necessary to confirm the flag status or the command). It only needs to be erased).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the command analysis processing, an effect mode value setting processing is performed when a background designation command is received (details will be described later).

  As shown in FIG. 16A, a hold display number (first hold display number) serving as a buffer number is set in the first start winning command buffer. One set of commands including a first start winning designation command, a first special figure reserved storage number addition designation command, and a prize-time determination result designation command (the first start winning sent from the main board 11 at the time of the first start winning). Hour command) are stored in order from the beginning of the empty area in the storage areas corresponding to the first hold display numbers “1” to “4”.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, a hold display number (second hold display number) serving as a buffer number is set in the second start winning command buffer. A set of commands including a second start winning designation command, a second special figure reserved storage number addition designation command, and a prize-time determination result designation command (the second start winning sent from the main board 11 at the time of the second start winning). Hour command) are stored in order from the head of the free area in the storage area corresponding to the second hold display numbers “1” to “4”.

  The prize-winning-result designation command is stored in the first-start prize-time command buffer when transmitted together with the first start-prize-designation command and the first special-drawing-reservation-number-of-storage addition command, and the second start prize-designation command And when the command is transmitted together with the second special figure reserved storage number addition designation command, it is stored in the second start winning prize command buffer. For example, the prize-winning-result designation command is stored in the storage area corresponding to the hold display number in which the start winning prize-designating command and the special figure reserved storage number addition designation command are stored, but the prize-winning decision result designation command is not stored. It only has to be stored. Alternatively, information that can specify the storage location (holding display number) of the newly stored start winning designation command is stored in the RAM 122, and when analyzing the winning determination result specifying command, the information is set to the holding display number specified by the information. The corresponding prize-time determination result designation command may be stored. Also, a first prize determination result designation command is prepared as a prize determination result command when a first start prize occurs, and a second prize determination result designation command is defined as a prize determination result command when a second start prize occurs. May be prepared, the first prize determination result designation command may be stored in the first start prize command buffer, and the second prize determination result designation command may be stored in the second start prize command buffer.

  When the prize-winning-time determination result designation command is stored in the first start winning prize-time command buffer, the first prize-winning time determination result designation command reception flag is set (turned on). When the winning determination result designation command is stored in the second start winning command buffer, the second winning determination result designation command reception flag is set (turned on). Among the one set of start prize time commands, the prize time determination result designation command is transmitted last, so that depending on the state of the flag, the reception of one set of start prize time commands and the start prize time command which command is You can know whether the data is stored in the buffer.

  Since the first start winning command is transmitted from the main board 11 in response to the occurrence of the hold of the first special figure game, when the first special figure game is held (at the time of the first start winning). Means that the set of received commands (first start winning command) stored in the first start winning command buffer is increased by one. Since the second start winning command is transmitted from the main board 11 in response to the occurrence of the hold of the second special figure game, the second start winning command is transmitted in response to the occurrence of the hold of the second special figure game. One set of received commands (second start winning command) stored in the command buffer is increased by one.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, when the first special figure game is executed, the first start winning command stored in correspondence with the first hold display numbers “2” to “4” is the first number of the higher number. The number is shifted to one hold display number “1” to “3” (see step S322A described later). Similarly, when the second special figure game is executed, the second start winning command stored in correspondence with the second hold display numbers “2” to “4” is the second hold display number of the higher number. Shift to "1" to "3" (see step S322A described later).

  As described above, the first start winning command and the hold data are stored in correspondence with the same number in the hold display number of the first start winning command buffer and the hold number in the first special figure holding storage unit. (And the first special drawing game corresponding to the hold data), and the number of the first start winning command stored in the first start winning command buffer is equal to the number of the first special game game. It is the same as the number of one special figure reservation storage. Further, the second start winning command and the hold data (and the hold data) stored in correspondence with the same number of the hold display number of the second start winning command buffer and the hold number of the second special figure hold storage unit. And the number of the second start winning command stored in the second start winning command buffer is the second special figure holding storage of the second special figure game. Will be the same as the number.

  Further, the respective hold display numbers in the first start winning command buffer and the second start winning command buffer also correspond to respective display positions of the hold display image. Specifically, each hold display number of the first start winning command buffer corresponds to each display position of the first hold display image provided in the area 5Ha of the display area 5H, and the hold display number “1” is displayed. The hold display number “2” corresponds to the second display position from the right in the area 5Ha, and the hold display number “3” corresponds to the third display position from the right in the area 5Ha in the area 5Ha. , The hold display number “4” corresponds to the fourth (rightmost) display position from the right in the area 5Ha. Specifically, each hold display number of the second start winning command buffer corresponds to each display position of the second hold display image provided in the area 5Hb of the display area 5H, and the hold display number “1” is displayed. The hold display number “2” corresponds to the second display position from the left in the area 5Hb, and the hold display number “3” corresponds to the third display position from the left in the area 5Hb. , The reserved display number “4” corresponds to the fourth (rightmost) display position from the left in the area 5Hb.

  Further, the first start winning command buffer and the second starting winning command buffer each store an execution pattern of a prefetch change effect (see FIGS. 22 to 25, which will be described in detail later) in correspondence with each hold display number. Storage area is provided. The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect indicates a change pattern of the display color of the hold display image or the active display image. When the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the start winning command buffer, a special figure game (such as a variable display of a decorative pattern or a hold display image) corresponding to the hold display number corresponding to the execution pattern is targeted. This indicates that the look-ahead change effect is executed in the execution pattern. The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is shifted to a higher-order hold display number together with the start winning command at the start of the variable display (see step S322A described later). As will be described later in detail, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is checked at the start of the execution of the variable display, and the setting of the execution of the look-ahead change effect in the variable display is performed.

  In the command buffer at the time of the start winning in FIG. 16, “0000 (H)” indicates that no command is stored, and “−” in the column of the prefetch change effect execution pattern indicates that the execution pattern of the lookahead change effect is not executed. It is not stored (that the look-ahead change effect targeting the special figure game corresponding to the hold display number corresponding to the execution pattern is not executed).

  Here, an effect mode value setting process executed when a background designation command is received in the command analysis process will be described. The effect mode value is a value that specifies the effect mode prepared in this embodiment, and is a value stored in the RAM 122 and managed and updated (the initial value is “00”).

  Here, the effect mode will be described with reference to FIG. 17 (see also FIGS. 30 to 34 as necessary). In this embodiment, a normal mode, a first transition mode, a first battle mode, a second battle mode, and a second transition mode are prepared as basic effect modes. Note that the first battle mode and the second battle mode may be collectively referred to as a battle mode. Alternatively, the first transition mode and the second transition mode may be collectively referred to as a transition mode.

  The normal mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is “00”. The normal mode is an effect mode when the gaming state is the normal state. However, after the probable change state (and the time saving state) ends and shifts to the normal state (100 variable display (variable display of special figure games and decorative symbols) in the probable state after the jackpot game state is executed and ends) The effect mode when the variable display of the first time (the 101st time after the big hit gaming state) to the 15th time (the 115th time after the big hit gaming state) is executed is performed even if the gaming state is the normal state. The mode is not the normal mode but the first transition mode (return to the normal mode from the 16th time).

  The first transition mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is “01”. As described above, the first transition mode is an effect mode in which the first to fifteenth variable display is executed after transition to the normal state. The first transition mode may be a mode for displaying a background that allows the player to recognize that the probable change state has ended or the like.

  The first battle mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is “02”. The second battle mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is “03”. The first battle mode and the second battle mode include an effect mode in which a predetermined ally character and an enemy character fight (for example, the background and the enemy character are different between the first battle mode and the second battle mode). Basically, this is an effect mode when the gaming state is in the probable change state. The player can select whether to control the effect mode between the first battle mode and the second battle mode during a jackpot game state or the like. In the variable display executed in the normal state, the "big hit" is derived and displayed (the "big hit" occurs) and the first to fifteenth decoration symbols are changed after being controlled to the big hit gaming state. The effect mode when the display is executed (that is, the effect mode for a predetermined period immediately after shifting to the probable change state) is not the first battle mode or the second battle mode but the second battle mode even if the game state is the probable change state. The transition mode is set (the first battle mode or the second battle mode starts from the 16th time).

  The second transition mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is “04”. As described above, the second transition mode is an effect mode in which the first to fifteenth variable display is executed after the transition from the normal state before the occurrence of the big hit to the certain change state. The second transition mode may be a mode for displaying a background that allows the player to recognize that the probable change state has started or the like.

  In this embodiment, in the normal mode and the second battle mode, the player can change the effect setting (here, change the appearing character (ally character)) (cannot be changed in other effect modes). Here, either character A or character B can be selected. For this reason, each of the normal mode and the second battle mode has a plurality of effect modes corresponding to the characters appearing, and becomes one of the plurality of effect modes. That is, the normal mode includes the normal mode of character A (the normal mode in which character A is selected and appears) and the normal mode of character B (the normal mode in which character B is selected and appears). There is a second battle mode for character A (a second battle mode in which character A is selected and appears) and a second battle mode for character B (a second battle mode in which character B is selected and appears). The selection of one of the characters A and B (change of the effect setting) is performed by the player operating the stick controller 31A or the like (see step S553 described later). When the operation is performed, if the effect mode is one of the normal mode and the second battle mode, the appearance character is changed to character A or character B (the change of the effect setting is reflected) and changed. Is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. When the operation is performed, when the effect mode is neither the normal mode nor the second battle mode, the operation is not reflected, that is, the change of the effect setting is not reflected, and the information about the change is not reflected. It is not displayed on the screen of the image display device 5.

  FIG. 18A is a flowchart of an example of the effect mode value setting process. In the process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the background designation command received this time designates the normal state (the EXT data may be confirmed by a numerical value indicating the normal state) (step S901). If the normal state has been designated (step S901; Yes), it is determined whether or not the staging-side probable change flag provided in the RAM 122 is on (step S902). The production-side probable change flag is a flag that is switched on and off in accordance with the game state specified by the background specification command, and when the game state is in the probable change state (time saving state) (when a background specification command that specifies the probable change state is received). Is turned on. However, during the big hit game state when a big hit occurs in the probable change state, the gaming state is the normal state, but the production side probable change flag remains on (the background designation command is used when the big hit game state starts. It is not transmitted from the main substrate 11 and is transmitted from the main substrate 11 only at the start of the fluctuation.)

  When the production-side probable change flag is in the ON state (Step S902; Yes), it means that the main board 11 has shifted from the probable change state to the normal state. The effect mode value is updated to "01" to shift to the shift mode (step S903). After that, in order to count the number of times of variable display controlled in the first transition mode, "15" is set as an initial count value in the first transition mode fluctuation number counter (provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122) (step S904). Then, the effect-side probable change flag is turned off (step S905).

  When the production-side probability change flag is in the off state (step S902; No), since the gaming state is already in the normal state, it is first determined whether the production mode value is "01" (step S906A), and "01". (Step S906A; Yes), since the current effect mode is the first transition mode, the first transition mode change number counter is used to count the number of variable displays executed in the first transition mode. The value is decremented by one (step S906B), and thereafter, it is determined whether the count value after decrementing by one is “0” (step S907), and if it is “0” (step S907; Yes), the first transition has already been made. Since the variable display is executed 15 times in the mode, the first transition mode is ended, and the effect mode is returned to the normal mode. To update the over de value to "00" (step S908).

  When the effect mode value is not “01” (step S906A; No), and when the count value is not “0” (step S907; No), the process ends after steps S905 and S908.

  If the background designation command does not specify the normal state (when the probable change state is specified) (step S901; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the effect side probable change flag is off (step S901). S911).

  When the stochastic change flag on the production side is in the off state (step S911; Yes), it means that the transition from the normal state to the certainty change state via the big hit game state has occurred, so the staging mode is changed to the first battle mode or the second battle. Before shifting to the mode, the effect mode value is updated to "04" to shift to the second shift mode (step S912). After that, in order to count the number of times of variable display controlled to the second transition mode, "15" is set as an initial count value in a second transition mode fluctuation number counter (provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122) (step S913). Then, the effect-side probable change flag is turned on (step S914).

  When the production-side probable change flag is on (step S911; No), since the gaming state is already in the probable change state, it is first determined whether the production mode value is "04" (step S915), and "04". (Step S915; Yes), the current effect mode is the second transition mode, so that the second transition mode change number counter is counted in order to count the number of variable displays executed in the second transition mode. The value is decremented by one (step S916), and thereafter, it is determined whether the count value after decrementing by one is “0” (step S917). If the count value is “0” (step S917; Yes), the second shift has already been performed. Since the variable display is performed 15 times in the mode, the second transition mode is ended, and the effect mode is changed to the first battle mode or the second battle mode. To transition into the soil, it is updated to a value in accordance with the performance mode value in battle mode value ( "02" or "03") (step S918). As shown in FIG. 18 (B), the battle mode value is a value that can specify which one of the effect mode is to be shifted to the first battle mode and the second battle mode (first battle mode (effect mode value = "02") or "01" corresponding to the second battle mode (effect mode value = "03"), and is stored and managed in the RAM 122. The battle mode value may be updated by a selection operation of the battle mode by the player in the big hit game state (the initial value is “00”) (see step S953 in FIG. 28). Therefore, the transition to the battle mode selected by the player is realized by step S918. When the effect mode value is updated in step S918, the battle mode value may be reset to “00”.

  When the effect mode value is not “04” (Step S915; No), and when the count value is not “0” (Step S917; No), this processing ends after Step S914 and Step S918.

  Next, the effect control process will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process process shown in FIG. 19, the effect control CPU 120 first executes the look-ahead change effect setting process (step S161), and then sets the value of the effect process flag (initially, “ 0 "). One of the following processes of steps S170 to S175 is selected and executed.

  First, the pre-reading change effect setting processing will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the prefetch change effect setting process.

  In the look-ahead change effect setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not a new start winning command has been received this time (step S671). For example, when the first prize-time determination result designation command reception flag or the second prize-time determination result designation command reception flag is on, a new start-time prize-time command buffer or a second start-time prize-time command buffer is newly added. Since a set of start winning command is stored, it is determined that a new start winning command has been received (step S671; Yes).

  Here, when both the first prize-time determination result designation command reception flag and the second prize-time determination result designation command reception flag are in the ON state, the data stored in the second start-time prize time command buffer is stored here. For the new start winning command, that is, when it is determined that the second start winning command has been newly received, the following processing is performed.

  When a plurality of sets of start winning commands are stored in the start winning command buffer, the following processing may be performed on each set of start winning commands. For example, it is determined which of the newly received commands this time is the start winning command stored in the first start winning command buffer and the second start winning command buffer, and the receiving order of the start winning command. Identifiable information is held in the RAM 122 at the time of the command analysis process, and in the pre-reading change effect setting process, the start winning prize commands of each set (each hold) are given in a predetermined order (the second special figure game has priority and hold). The following processing may be performed in accordance with the display number order or the order of receiving the start winning command.

  When both the first prize-time determination result designation command reception flag and the second prize-time determination result designation command reception flag are off, and no new start prize-time command is received (step S671; No), Since the prefetch change effect is not executed, the process ends.

  If a new start winning command has been received (step S671; Yes), it is determined whether a condition for restricting (in this case, prohibiting) execution of the prefetching change effect is satisfied (step S672A). For example, it is determined whether an execution prohibition condition of the prefetch change effect is satisfied. The execution prohibition condition is a condition for prohibiting the execution of the look-ahead change effect. In this case, the prize-winning determination result designation command included in the newly received start prize-winning command specifies "no determination" as the determination result. , When there is a winning determination result of “super reach big hit” in the variable display executed before the target (the special figure game corresponding to the new starting winning command) (the content of the starting winning command buffer is Checked, each prize judgment result designation command of the hold display number preceding the hold display number corresponding to the newly received start prize command, or the newly received start prize command at the time of the first start prize. At the time of the command, the prize at the time of the prize judgment stored in the command buffer for the second start prize at the time of the prize is "super reach big hit" The condition is satisfied, etc.) when a command specifying the determination result. In addition, the prize-winning determination result designation command included in the newly received start prize-winning command does not specify "No determination" as the determination result, and each variance display for all variable displays executed before the target is performed. The pre-reading change effect may be executable only when the determination result is “non-reach loss”.

  When the execution prohibition condition of the look-ahead change effect is not satisfied (step S672A; No), it is determined whether or not the look-ahead change effect is executed (step S672B).

  In step S672B, for example, when the effect mode values are “00” and “03” and the prefetch determination value is “00”, the determination ratio indicated by the first execution determination example in FIG. To determine whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect (determine “executed” (executed) at a determination ratio of 90/100).

  For example, when the effect mode values are “00” and “03” and the prefetch determination designation value is “01”, the prefetch change effect is performed at the determination ratio indicated by the second execution determination example in FIG. Is determined ("executed" is determined at a determination ratio of 10/100).

  For example, when the effect mode values are “01”, “02”, and “04”, the presence / absence of the prefetch change effect is determined according to the determination ratio indicated by the second execution determination example of FIG. 21C (70/100). Is determined to be "executed" at the determined ratio).

  The prefetch determination designation value is a value that is updated at the end of the variable display based on a change in the effect setting (change to the character A or the character B) by the player during the variable display (see step S575). This is a value that specifies the determination ratio for the change effect. The prefetch determination designation value is a value stored in the RAM 122 and managed and updated (the initial value is “00”).

  For example, in step S672B, the effect control CPU 120 first extracts numerical data indicating the random number value SR1 for determining the execution of the look-ahead change effect updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter. Subsequently, based on the random number value SR1, the presence / absence of execution of the prefetch change effect is determined with reference to an execution determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121. For example, as the above-described execution determination tables, a first execution determination table to a third execution determination table used for determination in each of the first execution determination example to the third execution determination example are prepared. In each execution determination table, for example, a numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number value SR1 is within a predetermined range (a range for realizing each determination ratio in FIG. 21), and the determination result is “with execution”, “without execution”. ". The effect control CPU 120 determines that there is no execution of the look-ahead change effect if the determination result assigned to the determined value matching the random number value SR1 extracted this time is “no execution” in the table to be referred to, and “executes”. If so, it is determined that the prefetch change effect has been executed.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the determination ratio for executing the look-ahead change effect differs depending on the effect mode value, that is, the effect mode. In addition, when the effect mode is the normal mode or the second battle mode in which character A is selected (basically, when the prefetch determination designation value is “00”), character B is selected. In the normal mode or the second battle mode, which is performed (basically, when the prefetch determination designation value is "01"), the execution determination ratio is different. Note that, as described above, the timing of character selection (change of the effect setting) and the timing of updating the prefetching determination designated value are different from each other. During a predetermined period (between the change to the character A and the end of the variable display), it is determined in the second execution determination example of FIG. 21B whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect, and the character B is selected. Even during the effect mode, the execution of the look-ahead change effect is determined at the determined ratio of FIG. 21A during a predetermined period (from the time when the character is changed to the character B to the time when the variable display ends). (See FIG. 31, etc.). As shown in FIG. 21, basically, when the character A is selected, the prefetch change effect is easily executed.

  After step S672B, it is determined whether it is determined in step S672B that the pre-reading change effect has been executed (step S673). If it is determined that execution has been performed (step S673; Yes), the first start winning command is determined. The stored contents of the buffer or the second start winning command buffer are checked to identify the hold display number corresponding to the new start win command (command to be processed), and according to the specified hold display number, and The execution pattern of the pre-reading change effect is determined (selected) according to the prize-winning determination result specified by the prize-winning determination result designation command included in the new start winning prize command (step S674).

  In this embodiment, in the pre-reading change effect, a predetermined character image or the like acts on the hold display image or the active display image as a target (such as hitting or touching a beam), and the display mode of the target image (here, Then, the display color is changed (see FIG. 33, FIGS. 37 to 38, and the like). In the pre-reading change effect, the display mode may not be changed even when a predetermined character image or the like acts (for example, refer to the execution pattern HP1-1 of the pre-reading change effect). An effect performed in the look-ahead change effect in which a predetermined character image or the like acts on the hold display image or the active display image may be referred to as an action effect regardless of whether or not the display mode has changed. Note that an action effect in which the display mode does not change may be referred to as a gaseous effect effect.

  The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the first start prize command buffer or the second start prize command buffer, and the corresponding start prize command (for the special figure game that is the target (target) of the look-ahead change effect) When the variable display is executed, the command is shifted to the higher rank of the hold display number (see step S322A described later). When the target special figure game is executed, the execution pattern is deleted from the first start winning command buffer or the second start winning command buffer together with the corresponding start winning command (see step S322A described later). Each of the execution patterns of the look-ahead change effect shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 is determined by which variable display (here, indicated by the hold display number of the shift destination, the execution pattern deletion timing, etc.) and the effect is performed. By designating an effect mode or the like, the look-ahead change effect mode (change pattern of display color) is indicated.

  In step S674, for example, the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is “1”, the effect mode values are “00” and “03”, and the prefetching is determined. When the designated value is “01”, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the first determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP1-1 to HP1-4 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to a new start winning command (command to be processed) is “1”, the effect mode value and the prefetch determination designation value are values other than the values of the first determination example. At this time, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the second determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP1-1 to HP1-3 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is “2”, the effect mode values are “00” and “03”, and the prefetch determination specification value is “2”. When “01” is set, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the third determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP2-1 to HP2-6 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is “2”, the effect mode value and the prefetch determination designation value are values other than the values in the third determination example. At this time, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the fourth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP2-1 to HP2-5 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to a new start winning command (command to be processed) is “3”, the effect mode values are “00” and “03”, and the prefetch determination designation value is “3”. When “01” is set, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the fifth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP3-1 to HP3-9 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to a new start winning command (command to be processed) is “3”, the effect mode value and the prefetch determination designation value are values other than the values of the fifth determination example. At this time, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the sixth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP3-1 to HP3-8 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to a new start winning command (command to be processed) is “4”, the effect mode values are “00” and “03”, and the prefetch determination specification value is “4”. When “01” is set, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the seventh determination example of FIG. HP4-1 to HP4-9 are prepared as the execution patterns determined here, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is “4”, the effect mode value and the prefetch determination designation value are values other than the values in the seventh determination example. At this time, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination ratio shown in the eighth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP4-1 to HP4-8 are prepared, and one of these is determined as the current execution pattern.

  “-” In FIGS. 22 to 25 indicates that the action effect is not executed or cannot be executed during the execution of the variable display. Further, the column in which the color is described indicates that it is determined to execute the action effect (including no change) in the color. The display colors of the suspended display image and the active display image (including the display color after being changed by the effect effect) are maintained until they are changed by another effect effect or until the display of the active display image ends. .

  For example, the execution pattern HP1-1 (FIG. 22) of the look-ahead change effect is a variable display (special figure game) executed when the pattern is deleted from the first start winning command buffer or the second starting winning command buffer. (Ie, during the execution of the variable display of the target), that is, during the execution of the variable display of the target, in which the suspended display image of the target moves to the area 5Hc and is displayed and executed as the active display image. Is performed on the target active display image.

  For example, the execution pattern HP2-5 of the look-ahead change effect is performed during execution of the variable display executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “1” (that is, the target hold display image is displayed in the display area 5H). The effect of changing the display color from white to green during the variable display executed by moving to the position (rightmost or leftmost position) corresponding to the reserved display number “1” in the area 5Ha or 5Hb. Is executed on the hold display image of the target (the hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern), and the pattern is deleted from the first start winning command buffer or the second start winning command buffer. An active display image that targets the effect of changing the display color from green to red during the execution of the variable display executed when Specify that you want to run against.

  For example, the execution pattern HP3-8 of the look-ahead change effect is performed during execution of the variable display executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “2” (that is, the hold display image of the target is displayed in the display area 5H). The display color is changed from white to green when the variable display is executed by moving to the position (the second position from the right or the second position from the left) corresponding to the reserved display number “2” of the region 5Ha or 5Hb. Is to be executed on the hold display image of the target (the hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern), and is executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “1”. During the execution of the variable display, the action effect of changing the display color from green to red is displayed on the target hold display image (the hold corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern). Specifies that performed for Display Image) (acting effect at the time of variable display execution of the target is not executed.).

  For example, the execution pattern HP4-9 of the look-ahead change effect is performed during execution of the variable display executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “3” (that is, the hold display image of the target is displayed in the display area 5H). The display color is changed from white to green when the variable display is executed by moving to the position (the third position from the right or the third position from the left) corresponding to the reserved display number “3” of the region 5Ha or 5Hb. Is designated to sequentially execute the action effect of changing the display color from green to red and the effect effect of changing the display color from green to red on the hold display image of the target (the hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern) ( At the subsequent execution of the variable display, the action effect is not executed.)

  For example, in step S674, the effect control CPU 120 first extracts numerical data indicating the random number value SR2 for determining the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter or the like. Subsequently, based on the random number value SR2, the execution pattern of the prefetch change effect is determined with reference to an execution pattern determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121. For example, as the above-described execution pattern determination tables, first to eighth determination tables used for determination in each of the first to eighth determination examples are prepared. In each determination table, for example, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random number value SR2 varies according to the prize-winning determination result specified by the prize-winning determination result designation command (the determination ratios in FIGS. (A range to be realized) as long as they are allocated to various execution patterns that are the determination results. In the table to be referred to, the effect control CPU 120 sets the random number value SR2 extracted this time to a determined value that matches the winning time determination result specified by the winning time determination result designation command included in the new start winning time command. The execution pattern of the assigned look-ahead change effect is determined as the current use pattern.

  As can be seen from the determination ratios of FIGS. 22 to 25, when the final display color of the display image displayed as the active display image after being displayed as the hold display image remains white and green, When it becomes red, the execution pattern determination ratio (when there are a plurality of execution patterns having the same final display color, the total of the execution pattern determination ratios) is determined in the first to eighth determination examples. Are the same. For example, in each of the first to eighth determination examples, the determination ratio of the execution pattern that finally becomes red is 60/100 (when the winning determination result is a super reach large hit), and 10/100 (when the winning determination result is obtained). At the time of super reach loss), and 5/100 (when the winning determination result is at the time of non-reach loss). The determination ratio of the execution pattern that finally turns red is more likely to be selected at the time of a big hit than the execution pattern that finally turns green or white, and is hard to be selected at the time of loss (at the time of super reach loss, at the time of non-reach loss). The decision ratio of the execution pattern that finally turns green is more likely to be selected at the time of the big hit than the execution pattern that finally turns white, and is less likely to be selected at the time of the loss. Further, the determination ratio of the execution of the look-ahead change effect does not depend on the prize-winning determination result. According to the above, when the display color (substantially the display color of the active display image) finally becomes red, the big hit expectation is high, green is second highest, and white is the lowest. The big hit expectation degree does not change depending on the effect mode (only the execution ratio of the look-ahead change effect changes according to the effect mode).

  Further, in this embodiment, a look-ahead change effect that allows a plurality of action effects (a plurality of changes in display color) to be performed in one variable display can be executed. Is only "01", and when the character A is selected and the prefetch determination value is "00", the prefetch change effect cannot be executed (HP1-4, HP2-6). , HP3-9, HP4-9).

  Returning to FIG. 20, after the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined in step S674, the determined execution pattern is associated with the new start winning command (command to be processed), and the first starting winning command is executed. The data is stored in the buffer or the second start winning command buffer (step S675). After that, by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, the first display position corresponding to the suspension display number of the new start winning command in the area 5Ha of the display area 5H is displayed. Whether the hold display image is additionally displayed (when the first start winning command is received), or the second hold display is displayed at the display position corresponding to the hold display number of the new start winning command in the area 5Hb of the display area 5H. An image is additionally displayed (at the time of receiving the second start winning command) (step S676). It should be noted that this process may be performed for all commands when a plurality of start winning commands are received. The addition of the reserved display image may be performed in the command analysis processing when the special figure reserved storage number addition designation command is received.

  If there is a restriction on the execution of the look-ahead change effect (step S672A; Yes), and if there is no execution of the look-ahead change effect (step S673; No), the process ends after step S676.

  Next, the processing of steps S170 to S175 will be described.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”.

  In this variable display start waiting process, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a fluctuation pattern designation command from main board 11 has been received. The determination may be made based on, for example, whether or not the command is stored in the variation pattern designation command storage area.

  If the variation pattern designation command has been received, the display process flag is updated to “1” in order to start the variable display of the decorative symbol in synchronization with the start of the special figure game, and then the variable display start waiting process is performed. Ends. If the variation pattern designation command has not been received, the variable display start waiting process ends. A variable pattern designation command reception flag is provided. When the variation pattern designation command is received, the flag is set in the command analysis process. In the variable display start waiting process, the variation pattern designation command is set based on the state of the flag. May be determined.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variable display start setting process.

  In the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines the current fluctuation pattern (specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command stored in the fluctuation pattern specification command storage area. The same applies hereinafter) and the current variable display result ( A final stop symbol (fixed decorative symbol) is determined (step S321) with the display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area. For example, if the fluctuation pattern is PC1-1, the non-reach chance is determined as the final stop symbol, and if the variation pattern is PC3-2, the reach opportunity is determined as the final stop symbol. In the case of a loss, the final stop symbol is determined according to the reach or non-reach. Each final stop symbol may be randomly selected from a plurality of combinations using a random number value and a table.

  The stored contents of the first start winning command buffer or the second start winning command buffer are shifted (step S322A), and the presence / absence of a prefetch change effect execution pattern is checked (step S322B).

  In the shift of the stored contents, if the current variation pattern designation command designates the start of the first special figure game, the first hold display number “2” to “4” of the first start winning command buffer is set. The first start winning command and the look-ahead change effect execution pattern stored correspondingly are shifted to the higher-numbered first hold display numbers "1" to "3" (first hold display numbers before the shift). The stored content corresponding to "1" is deleted from the first start winning command buffer and held in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 until the end of the current variable display). If the current variation pattern designation command designates the start of the second special figure game, the command is stored in correspondence with the second hold display numbers “2” to “4” of the second start winning command buffer. The second start winning command and the pre-reading change effect execution pattern are shifted to the higher-numbered second hold display numbers "1" to "3" (corresponding to the second hold display number "1" before the shift). The stored content is deleted from the command buffer at the time of the second start winning and is retained in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 until the end of the current variable display.)

  In checking whether or not there is an execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect, it is sufficient to check whether or not the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the command buffer at the time of the start prize in which the storage content is shifted or in the predetermined area.

  When the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the start winning command buffer or the predetermined area in which the storage content is shifted (step S322C; Yes), the content indicated by the stored execution pattern and the execution are performed. The execution setting of the prefetch change effect (specifically, the effect effect) is performed based on the storage location of the pattern (the hold display number (the hold display number after the shift) and the predetermined area) (step S322D). For example, if the execution pattern HP3-7 (that is, the execution pattern deleted from the start winning command buffer and the execution pattern corresponding to the target) is stored in the predetermined area, the display color changes from green to red. If the execution pattern HP4-7 is shifted to the hold display number “3”, the target first hold display image (the first hold display image moving third from the right) is set. And the second hold display image (the second hold display image that moves third from the left, and the storage contents of the second start winning command buffer). Is set to execute the action effect of changing the display color (when the image is shifted) from white to green. When the execution pattern HP3-8 is stored in the predetermined area, a setting is made to not execute the action effect. As described above, in step S322D, the execution setting of the action effect may not be performed depending on the storage location of the execution pattern. When a plurality of execution patterns are stored, the execution setting of the action effect is performed for each execution pattern.

  After step S322D, or when the execution pattern of the reading change effect is not stored (step S322C; No), the effect mode, the effect mode indicated by the present fluctuation pattern, the final stop symbol, the effect mode value, and the result of the execution setting described above. Use the effect control pattern to execute the effect (including the variable display of the decorative design and the effect effect set to be executed) with the character etc. specified by the specified value, for the variable display of the decorative design and the effect execution It is set as a pattern (step S324).

  After step S334, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, a timer value according to the special figure fluctuation time corresponding to the current fluctuation pattern in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 as an initial value. (Step S326).

  Then, setting (start setting of effect operation control) for starting the change of the decorative symbol in the image display device 5 is performed (step S327). At this time, for example, by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123 based on the display control data included in the effect control pattern set as the usage pattern, The variation of the decorative symbol is started in each of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left," "middle," and "right" provided in the display area.

  Thereafter, the update setting of the display of the hold display image is performed (step S328). For example, when the first special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command is received (when the first special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is on), a predetermined value is applied to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123. Is transferred to the area 5Hc of the left area 5Ha of the display area 5H (the moved first suspended display image is displayed as the active display image). ), And shifts each of the other first reserved display images to the right next display position (when there is only one first reserved display image, only the movement of the first reserved display image to the area 5c is performed). . For example, when the second special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command is received (when the second special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is on), a predetermined value is applied to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123. Is transferred to the area 5Hc in the right area 5Hb of the display area 5H (the moved second hold display image is displayed as the active display image). .), And shifts each of the other second reserved display images to the display position on the left (when there is only one second reserved display image, only the second reserved display image is erased). The suspended display image or active display image that has been moved (shifted) moves (shifts) while maintaining the display color before the movement.

  After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2" (step S329), and the variable display start setting process ends.

  The variable display process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. FIG. 23A is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing during variable display.

  In the variable display processing, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variable display time (special figure change time) corresponding to the current fluctuation pattern has elapsed, for example, based on the timer value of the effect control process timer. (Step S551). As an example, in the process of step S551, the timer value of the effect control process timer is decremented by one, and the data included in the effect control pattern associated with the process timer determination value that is the same as the reduced timer value is an end code. Then, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation time has elapsed.

  If it is not the end code, that is, if the special figure fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S551; No), it is determined whether the effect mode value is “00” or “03” (step S552). If it is “00” or “03” (Step S552; Yes), the effect mode is the normal mode or the second battle mode, and therefore, the reception period of the character changing operation by the player at present (for changing the effect setting) Is determined (step S553). The period may be defined by the effect control pattern. The change operation accepting period may be a part of the variable display period, or may be the entire period.

  If it is the change operation acceptance period (step S553; Yes), effect operation control for notifying that the operation is accepted is performed (step S554). For example, the effect control CPU 120 transmits, for example, a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123 based on the effect operation control (effect control pattern set as a use pattern) to generate a predetermined image. Is displayed, a sound or sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a predetermined control signal (effect sound signal) to the sound control board 13, and a predetermined control signal (lighting signal) to the lamp control board 14. The other effect operation control, such as controlling the game effect lamp 9 or the like to be turned on / off by the output of the output, is also the same. For example, an image notifying that an operation is to be received (a screen that highlights character A and character B according to the operation) is displayed as an image. You can display the location 5, to perform, etc.) or notified by voice.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether an operation to change (select) the character has been performed (step S555). If an operation has been performed (step S555; Yes), the character designation value is updated according to the operation (step S556). The character designation value is a value that designates the character A or the character B, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 and is updated every time a character selection operation is performed. As shown in FIG. 27B, “00” (also an initial value) specifies character A, and “01” specifies character B. The operation of selecting a character is performed by, for example, the stick controller 31A. For example, the character is changed each time the stick controller 31A is tilted in one of the left and right directions. Therefore, when the signal indicating the tilting operation is input to the effect control board 12, it is determined that the selecting operation has been performed. The character designation value is updated to “01” when a signal indicating the tilt operation is input when the current value is “00”, and the tilt operation is performed when the current value is “01”. Update to “00” when the indicated signal is input. Thus, here, the character designation value is alternately updated to “00” and “01” for each operation.

  After step S556, control is performed to change the current effect mode according to the updated character designation value (step S557A). Specifically, when there is a change to the character B, control is performed to change the character A appearing in the effect in the normal mode or the second battle mode to the character B (for example, the effect control pattern for the character A is changed). For example, display control is performed by rewriting the effect control pattern (see FIG. 33). At this time, in accordance with the change to the character B, control for changing the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image is also performed (the display color related to the big hit expectation is maintained). This control is performed by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123. Specifically, when there is a change to the character A, control is performed to change the character B appearing in the effect in the normal mode or the second battle mode to the character A (for example, the effect control pattern for the character B is changed). For example, display control is performed by rewriting the effect control pattern (see FIG. 33). At this time, in accordance with the change to the character A, control for changing the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image is also performed (the display color related to the big hit expectation is maintained). This control is performed by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123.

  Thereafter, effect operation control for notifying that the character has been changed (effect setting has been changed) is performed (step S557B). For example, the effect of changing the character, the description of the changed character, and the like are superimposed on the image display device 5 (FIG. 33, etc.). Further, the notification may be performed by audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  In this embodiment, the character designated value is only changed in the above operation, and the character selected at the timing when the operation acceptance period elapses is also a character appearing in a variable display thereafter. The character designation value may be reset to the initial value “00” at the time of the big hit game state or the like. The initial value may be reset when the demonstration is displayed.

  If the effect mode value is not “00” or “03” (Step S552; No), if it is not during the character change operation acceptance period (Step S553; No), or if there is no change operation (Step S555; No), the process proceeds to Step S555. After S557B, it is determined whether or not the current time is the execution period of the action effect (step S558). The period may be defined by the effect control pattern. In the case of this period (Step S558; Yes), effect operation control for executing the action effect is executed (Step S559). The effect operation control is repeated for each timer interrupt, thereby realizing the execution of the operation effect (FIG. 33, etc.). Due to this effect, the display color of the target hold display image or active display image may change. In this case, display control is performed so as to maintain the changed color even after this.

  If it is not the execution period of the action effect (step S558; No), after step S559, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the present time is the reach effect execution period (step S564). The execution period may be defined by an effect control pattern or the like. If it is the execution period (step S564; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 performs, for example, effect operation control for executing a reach effect (step S565). The execution of the reach effect is realized by repeatedly executing step S565 for each timer interrupt. The mode of the reach effect may be different depending on the effect mode.

After step S565, or when it is not the reach effect execution period (step S564; No), the effect control CPU 120 performs other effect operation control according to the currently set effect control pattern (for example, variable display of decorative symbols). And other effect operations for executing the effect) (step S566). After step S566, the variable display processing ends.

  If the data corresponding to the timer value reduced by 1 in step S551 is the end code, and the special figure change time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbol (also a special figure game) (step S551; Yes) ), It is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation designation command has been received (whether or not a corresponding reception flag is on) (step S571). At this time, if the command has not been received (step S571; No), the variable display process ends and the process stands by. If the predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the symbol confirmation designation command after the variable display time has elapsed, the predetermined error processing is performed in response to the failure to normally receive the symbol confirmation designation command. It may be executed.

  When the symbol designating command is received (step S571; Yes), a variable display result in the variable display of the decorative symbol, such as transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, for example. Control to derive and display the final stop symbol (step S572). The final stop symbol is the final stop symbol determined in step S171. The control content of the derivation display may be, for example, defined by the effect control pattern. For example, data of the final stop symbol is stored in the RAM 122, and the final stop symbol is derived and displayed based on the stored data. Is also good. After step S572, a timer value corresponding to the hit start designation command reception waiting time is set in an effect control process timer or the like (step S573).

  Then, it is determined whether the effect mode value is "00" or "03" (step S574). If the effect mode value is "00" or "03", the character may be changed by the operation of the player. Is updated according to (step S575). When the character designation value is "00", the prefetch determination value is set to "00", and when the character designation value is "01", the prefetch determination value is set to "01". The look-ahead determination designation value also specifies an execution determination example (execution determination ratio) of the look-ahead change effect according to the selected character (effect mode). By the process of step S575, even if the character is changed during the variable display, the determined ratio corresponding to the changed character (effect mode) is not immediately reflected, but is changed from the end of the variable display to the changed character. The determination ratio (execution ratio of the look-ahead change effect) corresponding to the character (effect mode) is reflected. Thus, the timing of the change of the effect mode (change of the character) and the timing of the start of the determination of whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect at the determined ratio of the effect mode after the change are different.

  After the step S575, if the effect mode value is not “00” or “03” (step S574; No), the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the wait process per special figure (step S574). S575), the variable display processing ends.

  By repeatedly executing step S172 for each timer interrupt, various effects such as variable display of decorative symbols, action effects, and reach effects are realized.

  The wait process per special figure in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”.

  In the special figure hit wait process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a hit start designation command has been received (for example, it can be determined based on whether the command is stored in the hit start designation command storage area). Then, when it is determined that the hit start designation command has been received, the execution setting of the big hit effect (effect performed during the big hit game state) is performed. The big hit middle effect is an effect from the start of the fanfare to the end of the end of the effect executed during the big hit game state. In the execution setting of the big hit middle production, for example, an effect control pattern for executing the above big hit middle production is set as a use pattern, and a timer initial value according to the execution time of the production control pattern set as the use pattern is set in the production control process. Set the timer. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “4”, and the waiting process per special figure ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the hit start designation command has not been received yet, it is determined whether the hit start designation command reception waiting time has elapsed. For example, the elapse of the waiting time is determined by subtracting 1 from the timer value of the effect control process timer and determining whether the timer value obtained by subtracting 1 is “0”. If the timer value after subtracting 1 is not “0”, it means that the hit start designation command reception waiting time has not elapsed, and thus this processing is ended as it is.

  If the timer value after subtracting 1 is “0”, it means that the hit start designation command reception waiting time has elapsed, so that it is determined that the special figure display result in the special figure game is “losing”, The value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value “0”, and the process ends.

  The hitting process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”.

  In the hit-and-hit process, the effect control CPU 120 performs an effect operation control for reducing the timer value of the effect control process timer by one and executing the big hit effect based on the effect control pattern set as the usage pattern. In the winning processing, a command for opening a special winning opening or a command after opening a special winning opening is transmitted from the main board 11. Here, a special winning opening opening designation command for designating the last round (15 rounds if the jackpot type specified by the hit start designation command stored in the hit start designation command storage area is “probable”, and 2 rounds if “big hit”) Is stored in the special winning opening opening designation command storage area, the processing of FIG. 28A is executed.

  In the process of FIG. 28 (A), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a special winning opening opening designated command for designating the final round has been received (whether the command has been stored in the special winning opening opening designated command storage area). It is sufficient to make a determination based on whether or not this is the case (step S951). If the command has been received (step S951; Yes), this processing is ended (this processing may not be performed thereafter). If the command has not been received (step S951; No), it is determined whether or not a battle mode selection operation has been performed (step S951). The operation of selecting the battle mode is performed by, for example, the stick controller 31A. For example, each time the stick controller 31A is tilted in any of the left and right directions, the battle mode to be selected is changed. Therefore, when the signal indicating the tilting operation is input to the effect control board 12, it is determined that the selecting operation has been performed.

  If a battle mode selection operation has been performed (step S952; Yes), the battle mode value corresponding to the operation is updated (step S953). When the current value is “00” (see FIG. 28B, corresponding to the first battle mode), the battle mode value is “01” when a signal indicating the tilting operation is input (FIG. 28). (Refer to (B), corresponding to the second battle mode.), And is updated to “00” when a signal indicating the tilting operation is input when the current value is “01”. Thus, here, the battle mode value is alternately updated to “00” and “01” for each operation. After step S953, or when there is no battle mode selection operation (step S952; No), an effect of executing an effect of the last round (such as notification of the type of the currently selected battle mode and acceptance of the operation). Operation control is performed (step S954). For example, in step S954, a screen display in which the battle mode corresponding to the battle mode value is to be selected (for example, a screen in which the first battle mode and the second battle mode are displayed and the battle mode to be selected is highlighted) Is performed. By performing such control every time the timer is interrupted, for example, a battle mode (a battle mode to be selected) that is highlighted is switched and displayed every time an operation is performed. The battle mode corresponding to the battle mode value at the end of the last round (the battle mode switched and highlighted each time an operation is performed) becomes the battle mode selected this time (if the first battle mode value is “00”). If there is no operation, the first battle mode is selected.)

  If the designation command has not been received after opening the special winning opening (step S951; No), the process ends after step S954. In the case of the "big hit", since the round game is extremely short, it is not necessary to execute an effect for accepting the selection of the battle mode. Also, in the case of "striking big hit", the battle mode value may be kept at the previous value (in this case, the battle mode selected at the time of the probability changing big hit is continued). The battle mode value may be reset to "00" when the big hitting game state of "probable big hit" is set in order to fix to the one battle mode (this embodiment will reset the battle mode).

  In the hit-in-progress processing, it is further determined whether a hit-end specifying command has been received (it may be determined based on whether or not the command has been stored in the hit-end specifying command storage area), and no hit-end specifying command has been received. In this case, since all round games have not been completed, the hit processing is terminated without updating the value of the effect process flag. When the hit end designation command is received, all round games have been completed, so that the execution of the ending effect is started, and the value of the effect process flag is set to “5” corresponding to step S175. "And the hit processing ends.

  At the time of updating, an effect control pattern for executing ending is set as a use pattern, and a timer initial value according to the execution time of the effect control pattern selected as the use pattern is set in the effect control process timer. The ending effect control pattern may be set in advance.

  By repeatedly executing step S174 (especially the above-described effect operation control) for each timer interrupt, the execution of the effect during the big hit set in step S173 is realized.

  The ending process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”.

  In the ending processing, effect control CPU 120 determines whether the ending execution period has elapsed. For example, the timer value of the effect control process timer is reduced by one, and it is determined whether or not the data included in the effect control pattern, which is associated with the process timer determination value that is the same as the reduced timer value, is an end code. By doing so, it is determined whether the ending period has elapsed.

  If the data included in the effect control pattern is not an end code and the ending execution period has not elapsed, the ending effect operation control is performed based on the effect control pattern set as the usage pattern, and the process ends. . If the data included in the effect control pattern is an end code and the ending execution period has elapsed, the processing in FIG. 29 is performed and the ending processing ends.

  In the process of FIG. 29, it is determined whether or not the production-side probable change flag is on (step S931). If it is on (step S931; Yes), there is no transition to the second transition mode. Set to a value corresponding to the battle mode value (when the battle mode value is “00”, the effect mode value is set to “02”, and when the battle mode value is “01”, the effect mode value is “03”. (Step S932). At this time, the battle mode value may be reset to “00”. After step S932, the value of the rendering process flag is updated to the initial value “0” (step S933), and the process ends. Further, when the production-side certainty change flag is in the off state, the process of step S933 is performed as it is in order to shift to the second shift mode in step S912 and the like, and this process ends.

  By repeatedly executing step S175 for each timer interrupt, the execution of the ending effect set to be executed in the hit-medium processing is realized.

  In the above series of processes, when the value of the effect process flag is updated to “0” which is the initial value, one variable display or the like has been completed. Various types of data (such as values not to be carried over to the next variable display), such as the value of the counter and the counter, may be appropriately reset.

(Transition of staging mode, etc.)
An example of transition of the effect mode will be described with reference to the drawings. The fluctuation in FIG. 30 and the like refers to a variable display of a special figure or a decorative pattern.

  First, with reference to FIG. 30 (A), an example of the transition of the effect mode when the probability variation big hit occurs in the normal state will be described. When the game state is the normal state (the effect mode is the normal mode (refer to FIG. 32 (A) for the effect screen)), when the “probable change big hit” occurs, the big hit game state is started. The gaming state of the big hit gaming state remains the normal state. In the last round in the big hit gaming state, the battle mode is selected by an operation by the player (such as an operation on the stick controller 31A). After the big hitting game state ends, the game state changes to the certain state, and the first to fifteenth variable display effect modes become the second transition mode (the effect screen is shown in FIG. 32B). After the big hitting game state, the effect mode of the variable display from the 16th time becomes the battle mode (either the first battle mode or the second battle mode) selected in the last round (the effect screen is shown in FIG. ) And (D)). The battle mode and the probable change state end when the 100th variable display is executed after the big hit game state ends. Thereafter, the gaming state shifts to the normal state. In addition, the effect mode shifts to the first shift mode (the effect screen is shown in FIG. 32 (E)). The first transition mode ends with the 115th variable display after the big hit game state ends. After the end of the first transition mode (after the 116th variable display), the effect mode becomes the normal mode. The transition of the effect mode at the time of the "big hit" may be the same, but the battle mode cannot be selected and the first battle mode is set.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 30B, a description will be given of an example of a transition of the effect mode when a probability variation big hit occurs in the probability variation state. When the game state is in the probability change state (the production mode is the first battle mode or the second battle mode), if a “probable change big hit” occurs, the big hit game state is started. The gaming state of the big hit gaming state is a normal state, but since the background designation command has not been transmitted until the next variable display starts, the staging-side variable flag remains in the ON state. In the last round in the big hit gaming state, the battle mode is selected by an operation by the player (such as an operation on the stick controller 31A). After the big hitting game state ends, the gaming state changes to the certainty state, but here, since it was in the certainty changing state before the big hit, there is no transition to the second transition mode, and the production mode after the big hitting game state ends in the final round. The selected battle mode (either the first battle mode or the second battle mode) is set. The battle mode and the probable change state continue during the execution period of the first to 100th variable display after the end of the big hit gaming state, and thereafter (in the 101st and subsequent variable display), the gaming state becomes the normal state. The effect mode is the first transition mode in the variable display of the 101st to 115th times. The first transition mode ends with the 115th variable display after the big hit game state ends. After the end of the first transition mode (after the 116th variable display), the effect mode becomes the normal mode. The transition of the effect mode at the time of the "big hit" may be the same, but the battle mode cannot be selected and the first battle mode is set.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a description will be given of an effect mode and the like when a change operation of an appearing character is performed in the normal mode or the second battle mode. For example, if the player changes the character A to the character B by an operation (such as an operation on the stick controller 31A) in the variable display executed in the normal mode or the second battle mode in which the character A appears, On the screen, the appearing character is changed to the character B, and the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image (the display colors related to the big hit expectation are maintained) are also changed for the character B effect mode ( See FIG. 33).

  In the effect mode, the determination ratio of the execution of the look-ahead change effect is basically different between the case of character A and the case of character B (see FIG. 21). This is because the prefetch determination value differs between the character A and the character B. Even if the character is changed, the prefetch determination value is executed when the character is changed. It is not updated until the variable display ends (until the symbol confirmation command is received, step S575 in FIG. 27). For this reason, the determination ratio of the execution of the look-ahead change effect is updated only at the end of the variable display in which the character is changed. This is the same when there is a change from character B to character A.

  Note that even if the character is changed a plurality of times in one variable display, the pre-reading determination designated value corresponding to the last changed character is set. In addition, the look-ahead change effect determined to be executed before the change from character A to character B is executed even if the change to character B is made. Further, the changed display color in the hold display image is also carried over to the active display image.

(Direction screen, etc.)
The effect screen will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a basic screen of each effect mode will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIGS. 32A to 32E, the background is different in the normal mode, the first transition mode, the first battle mode, the second battle mode, and the second transition mode. In the normal mode and the second battle mode, the character A and the character B are displayed as changeable appearance characters (when the character A is displayed (selected), the effect mode of the character A is set, and the character B is displayed). When (selected), it is the effect mode of character B). These characters may be displayed at all times, or may be displayed only when the action effect is executed. Characters appearing in other effect modes (always displayed or temporarily displayed as necessary) may be characters dedicated to each effect mode, and may be characters A and B. Either one may be used (however, it cannot be changed by operation). As shown in FIG. 32B, in the first transition mode, notification of the end of the probability change may be made. As shown in FIG. 32C, in the first battle mode, a target for defeating monster A for the mode may be notified. As shown in FIG. 32D, in the second battle mode, a target for defeating the monster B for the mode may be notified. As shown in FIG. 32 (E), in the second transition mode, notification of the start of the probable change may be performed.

  Next, an effect screen and the like when an appearance character is changed during variable display of the normal mode as a change of effect setting will be described with reference to FIGS. After the variable display is started with the character A selected in the normal mode (FIG. 33A), when the player performs an operation of changing the character A to the character B, the character B replaces the character A. The shape of the hold display image and the active display image is changed from a circle to a square (see step S557A). In this way, when there is a character change operation, the effect mode is immediately changed from the normal mode in which character A appears to the normal mode in which character B appears (note that the background and the like are displayed by character A and character B). (It may be changed.) (FIG. 33B).

  Also, by step S557B, the character name after the change (character B) and the explanation that the execution ratio of the prefetch change effect (“prefetch frequency” in the figure) for character B is small (less) are displayed (FIG. 33). (B)). Such an explanation is not displayed even if an operation is performed in the first transition mode, the second transition mode, or the first battle mode. The determination ratio of the execution of the look-ahead change effect is the same as that of the character A (the look-ahead determination designation value = 00) until the variable display being executed is completed even if the character B is changed (the look-ahead determination designation). The value is reflected for the first time in step S575 at the end of variable display).

  Here, it is assumed that the first start winning is generated, a new hold memory of the first special figure game is generated, and the execution of the look-ahead change effect targeting the hold memory is determined (the determination ratio is the character A's At this time (pre-reading determination designated value = 00), see the determination example in FIG. At this time, the target first hold display image T is newly displayed in the area 5Ha (FIG. 33C). Thereafter, when the variable display ends (FIG. 33 (D)), the prefetch determination value is updated to "01" corresponding to character B (step S575), and the determination ratio for character B thereafter (prefetch determination value) = 01), the execution of the look-ahead change effect is determined (see the determination example in FIG. 21B). Thereafter, when the next variable display is started, the first hold display image is shifted right by one, and the first hold display image corresponding to the variable display to be executed this time is moved to the area 5Hc and displayed. The look-ahead change effect (effect effect) determined before the display is started is executed (FIG. 33E). Here, the character B directs a beam to the first reserved display image T of the target and changes the display color of the image T to green. Thereafter, the variable display ends (FIG. 33 (F)), and when the next variable display (variable display of the target) is started, the suspended display image (green) of the target moves to the area 5Hc and becomes the active display image. It is displayed (the display color and the like remain unchanged) (FIG. 33 (G)).

  Thereafter, when there is a change operation from the character B to the character A, the character A is displayed, and the shape of the green active display image is changed from a circle to a square (FIG. 33 (H)) (step S557A). . At this time, the display color is not changed, and the jackpot expectation is maintained. In FIG. 33H, the changed character name and the like are displayed (step S557B).

(Such as volume control)
In this embodiment, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R can be adjusted. In this regard, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a volume specifying unit 50 including a volume knob, a volume button, and the like. The volume designating section 50 is operated by the player to adjust the volume, and transmits a signal corresponding to the operation content to the effect control board 12. The volume designating section 50 may be set at a position where the player can operate during the game.

  The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a sound volume adjustment process shown in FIG. This processing is executed after the command control processing for each timer interrupt. The effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not a volume adjustment operation has been performed based on an operation signal from the volume specifying unit 50 (step S971). If an operation has been performed, the volume up to that time is determined according to the operation content. Is performed (step S972), and it is determined whether or not the variable display of the decorative symbol is currently being executed (fluctuating) (for example, when the effect process flag is “2”, it is fluctuating). A determination is made (step S973). If it is not fluctuating (step S973; No), control to display the volume adjustment result (change result in step S972) is performed in the first mode (step S974), and if it is fluctuating (step S973). Yes), control is performed to display the volume adjustment result (the change result in step S972) in the second mode (step S975). For example, a predetermined display control command may be transmitted to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123 to display the adjustment result.

  The second aspect is an aspect having lower visibility than the first aspect. In the second mode, for example, the size of an image to be displayed may be smaller than that in the first mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 36A, when the volume is adjusted at the time of performing the variable display, the result of the volume adjustment (“volume + 1” or the like) is displayed (displayed small) in the second mode. As shown in FIG. 36B, when the volume is adjusted when the variable display is not performed, the result of the volume adjustment (“volume + 1” or the like) is displayed in the first mode (displayed larger than the first mode). .

(Other aspect of look-ahead change production)
The look-ahead change effect (especially the effect effect) may be executed, for example, in the manner shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. For example, in the action effect, the character A (or the character B) emits the beam BM1 toward the first reserved display image of the target, and the same color as the beam BM1 (here, Then, a green area is generated and gradually expanded (FIGS. 37 (B), (C), (D1)). If the action effect is a gaseous action effect, the first hold display image returns to its original state before the area fills all of the first hold display image. To change the color of the first suspension display image to the same color (green) as the beam BM1. Similarly, the red beam BM2 is applied to the first reserved display image of the target to change the color of the first reserved display image to red (FIGS. 37 (F1) and (G1)). A similar beam may be applied to the active display image to change the display color (FIG. 38).

(Display mode of hold display image and active display image)
The shape of the hold display image or the active display image is different between the character A and the character B. However, the shape may be changed to a common shape by the look-ahead change effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 39, in the round reserved display image X1 (the production mode of the character A), the display color changes as X2 (green) and X3 (red), and the rectangular reserved display image Y1 ( In the effect mode of the character B), the display color changes like Y2 (green) and Y3 (red), but in the final stage, the image Z (diamond-shaped image) of the same display mode does not depend on the effect mode. The display may be displayed as a suspended display image (the change in the display mode is the same for an active display image). Alternatively, it does not depend on the effect mode without passing through X2 or the like from the round hold display image X1 (the effect mode of the character A), or without passing Y2 or the like from the square hold display image Y1 (the effect mode of the character B). May be changed to an image Z (diamond-shaped image) having the same display mode (for example, it may be specified by an execution pattern of a prefetch change effect).

(Operation and effect of the above embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment and the like, in the normal mode or the second battle mode, depending on whether the appearing character is one of the character A and the character B (the effecting mode is the effecting mode of the character A or the effecting mode of the character B). ), The execution ratio (frequency) of the look-ahead change effect (especially, the look-ahead change effect that changes the display color of the hold display image or the active display image) differs. This is because the corresponding prefetching determination designated value differs between the character A and the character B, and the execution determination ratio (see FIG. 21) of the prefetching change effect differs depending on this value. Since the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined after determining whether or not the look-ahead change effect is to be executed (see FIG. 20), the look-ahead change effect of changing the display color of the hold display image or the active display image is eventually determined. The execution ratio also differs depending on whether the effect mode is the effect mode of character A or the effect mode of character B. Here, when the appearance character (character A or character B) is changed during execution of the variable display in the normal mode or the second battle mode (when the effect mode is switched), the effect screen immediately after the change is displayed. Although the screen is changed to a screen (a screen in which the shape of the appearance character or the hold display image is changed), the execution determination ratio of the look-ahead change effect (particularly, the look-ahead change effect that changes the display color of the hold display image or the active display image) is Are changed at the end of the variable display (see FIG. 31 and the like). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load related to the effect mode switching and the prefetch change effect. If the execution determination ratio is changed every time the effect mode is switched (change of the appearing character), or if the execution of the prefetching change effect is determined again, the processing becomes complicated. By changing the variable display at the end of the variable display, the processing can be simplified, and the processing load relating to the effect can be reduced. In particular, when the effect mode is switched (change of the appearing character) a plurality of times in one variable display (in this embodiment, the effect can be switched a plurality of times), processing such as switching of the execution determination ratio for each switch is performed. However, in this embodiment, even if there are a plurality of switching operations, the switching of the execution determination ratio is not performed, so that the processing load can be reduced. Also, according to the effect mode (appearing character) selected at the end of the variable display, the execution determination ratio of the look-ahead change effect after the end of the variable display is set. This eliminates the need for processing relating to the effects, etc., and reduces the processing load relating to effects.

  Also, when the execution of the look-ahead change effect is determined, even if the effect mode is switched afterward (switch to character A or switch to character B), the look-ahead change effect whose execution has already been determined is not changed to the execution pattern. (See FIG. 31, etc.), so that there is no need to redo the processing for executing the prefetching change effect by switching the effect mode, and the processing load can be reduced.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect mode can be switched (switching to character A or switching to character B) by the operation of the player, and a game that matches the player's preference can be performed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 36, the visibility of the result of displaying the volume adjustment is made lower during execution of the variable display than during the non-execution period of the variable display, thereby enabling variable display. Etc. can be made easier to see, and a decrease in the effect of presentation due to the display of the result of the volume adjustment can be suppressed. Further, in this embodiment, an effect mode (normal mode or second battle mode) in which the change operation of the appearing character is reflected, and an effect mode (normal mode or second battle mode) in which the change operation of the appearing character is not reflected. In the effect mode in which the change operation is reflected, the changed appearance character is notified (such as "change to character A!") (See FIGS. 33 and 34), and the effect mode in which the change operation is not reflected. In this case, the notification is not performed, so that the changed appearance character is appropriately notified.

  In addition, even if the effect mode is switched (switch to character A or switch to character B), the display color of the active display image is the display color of the active display image before the switch or the active display image is displayed on hold. The display color when displayed as an image is taken over (see FIGS. 31 and 34), and the big hit expectation degree does not change (because it is not necessary to determine again whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect. Since the big hit expectation of the display color does not change accordingly, the gaming machine may be configured so as to satisfy any one of them, and the big hit expectation may not be changed.) For example, switching of the effect mode (Switching to character A or switching to character B) and re-determining whether or not to perform a prefetching change effect and re-determining the active display image When the display color is displayed, the display color becomes completely different from the display color of the reserved display image when the reserved color is reserved (for example, the big hit expectation is lowered) and the player is confused. Inconvenience can be eliminated.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 39, by preparing an image having a common display mode for the hold display image and the active display image, the display modes of the hold display image and the active display image can be diversified. The effect mode of the character A and the effect mode of the character B have different backgrounds, and the background and the character may be changed when the effect mode is switched. In such a case, the effect mode can be changed even while the hold display image is being changed, and the frequency of the change can be improved. (If the hold display image is changed by switching the effect mode, Then, there is a possibility that the switching of the effect mode may be restricted while the hold display image is being changed in another effect, but this fear is eliminated in this configuration.)

  Further, in this embodiment, as the action effect for changing the display color of the hold display image or the active display image, an action effect using character A (hereinafter, also referred to as action effect A) and an action effect using character B are used. Effect (hereinafter, also referred to as action effect B). Further, when the action effect B (when the prefetch determination designation value is "01") is executed, it is possible to continuously change the display color of the hold display image in one variable display (execution pattern HP1- 4, HP2-6, etc.). Note that the execution patterns HP1-4, HP2-6, etc., which continuously change the display color of the hold display image in one variable display, are selected only when the prefetch determination designation value is "01" (FIG. 22 to 25), it is hard to be executed in the action effect A (it can be executed when the character is changed from the character B to the character A by an operation). By the action effect B, by continuously changing the display color of the hold display image in one variable display, it can be understood that the display color has changed stepwise, and the look-ahead change effect (particularly, the look-ahead change in the case of the character B) Attention can be directed to the effect, and the interest of the game can be improved. It should be noted that the display color of the active display image may be changed continuously in one variable display (an execution pattern of a look-ahead change effect designating such a thing may be prepared). Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, when the display color of the hold display image or the active display image is changed, the hold display image or the active display image is displayed in the current display color area, The candidate display color area after the change is displayed separately from the display color area, and the candidate display color area after the change becomes a predetermined size (the size does not have to cover the entire area of the display image). Then, the display color of the hold display image or the active display image is changed to the display color of the candidate. Thereby, the player pays attention to the change mode and the interest of the game is improved.

(A configuration in which at least a part of the above embodiment and the like is an example)
Next, a description will be given of a configuration or the like in which at least a part of the above-described embodiment is an example. However, the following configuration may be appropriately omitted, or only a part may be employed to configure the pachinko gaming machine 1. May be. Further, at least a part of each configuration may be combined. Further, the description of each configuration may be applied to other configurations.

(Configuration 1)
(1) A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that performs variable display (for example, variable display of decorative symbols, etc.)
Read-ahead determination means (for example, CPU 103 for performing the process of step S211) for performing a read-ahead determination on a variable display (for example, hold storage or the like) that has not yet been started;
Specific effect execution determining means for determining whether or not to execute a specific effect (for example, a prefetch change effect for changing a display color of a hold display image or an active display image to green or red) based on a result of the prefetch determination. (For example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S161), and
A specific effect execution unit that executes the specific effect when the specific effect execution determination unit determines to execute the specific effect (for example, an effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S172);
Effect mode control means capable of controlling to any one of a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal mode for character A, a normal mode for character B, etc.) having different determination ratios at which the specific effect execution determining means determines to execute the specific effect. (For example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the processing of steps S161 and S172).
The effect mode control means can switch the current effect mode to another effect mode during execution of the variable display (for example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S557A),
The specific effect execution determination means, when there is a switch to another effect mode by the effect mode control means during the execution of the variable display, until the timing related to the end of the variable display during the execution, It is determined whether or not to execute the specific effect at the determined ratio in the effect mode (see, for example, the processing of steps S575 and S161, FIG. 31 and the like).
A gaming machine characterized by that:

  Note that the "prefetch determination" may be a determination as to whether or not the variable display of the target is in a specific mode. The specific mode only needs to be “big hit”, establishment of super reach, or the like (at the time of prefetch determination, it may be determined whether a “big hit”, super reach is performed, or the like based on a random number value or the like). The "pre-reading determination" may be performed based on information for executing variable display (such as a random number value stored as the above-mentioned suspension data). The data of the random value used in the prefetch determination and the data of the random value used at the start of the target variable display may be stored in different storage areas.

  The “specific effect” includes an effect of changing the display mode of the hold display image (in addition to the display color, may be a shape, etc.), a pre-reading chance notice, a pre-reading notice by deriving a special symbol, a background change. Various pre-reading notices such as a zone effect to be performed may be used. The “specific effect” may be only an effect that changes the active display image. The “specific effect execution determining means” may also determine the type (effect mode) of the specific effect to be executed. That is, "determining whether or not to execute the specific effect based on the determination result of the pre-reading determination" includes determining whether or not the specific effect is to be executed and the type of the specific effect to be executed. (The "production mode" may be a mode in which the determination ratio of the type of the specific production is different.) The “specific effect” may include a look-ahead change effect that changes the display color and a look-ahead change effect that does not change the display color.

  The switching of the “production mode” may be performed when the player wins the lottery or when a predetermined time is reached, in addition to the operation of the player. The “plurality of effect modes” may be a mode with a different background, a mode with a different appearance character, a mode with a different reach effect mode, or the like. The difference in the “determination ratio” may mean that one is “0%” or “100%” (the same applies to the ratio in the present specification).

  The “timing related to the end of the variable display” is the timing that arrives at the end of the variable display, and is the timing at the start of the next variable display (the reception of the fluctuation pattern specifying command) in addition to the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command. Time). The timing at which any one of a plurality of conditions prepared in advance (such as the reception of a command) is satisfied in consideration of a command being missed or the like may be set as “timing related to the end of the variable display”.

  According to such a configuration, the processing load (in particular, the processing load for determining to execute the specific effect) can be reduced.

  When this configuration is adopted, for example, when the production mode is switched after the decision to execute the specific production is made, the execution of the specific production is stopped (for example, the first start winning command buffer or the second The effect after switching, such as deleting the look-ahead change effect execution pattern stored in the start winning command buffer, rewriting the effect control pattern that executes the specific effect (effect effect) to the effect control pattern that does not execute the specific effect, etc.) The presence / absence of the specific effect, the type of the specific effect, and the like may be determined again based on the mode determination ratio (only the type of the specific effect (such as the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect) may be determined again). . Further, the active display image may not take over the display mode of the hold display image. That is, the display mode of the hold display image and the display mode of the active display image may be separately managed, and the big hit expectation may be separately managed. Furthermore, when there is a switching of the rendering mode after changing the display mode by executing a look-ahead change rendering or the like, the display mode or the like is determined or determined again at the determination ratio of the rendering mode after the switching, and after the determination, The display mode of the hold display image or the active display image may be changed to the display mode.

(2) The gaming machine further includes a detecting means (for example, a stick controller 31A) for detecting an operation of the player,
The effect mode control means switches the current effect mode to another effect mode when the detection means detects the player's operation (for example, the processing of steps S555 and S557A).

  The “detection unit” may be an operation unit such as an operation button or a cross key, or may be a unit that detects an operation of a player such as an infrared sensor or a camera.

  According to this configuration, the effect mode can be set to suit the taste of the player.

(3) The gaming machine
Volume adjustment means (for example, volume designation unit 50, etc.) that can be adjusted by the player;
A sound volume adjustment result display means (for example, an effect control CPU 120 for performing sound volume adjustment processing) for displaying a result of the sound volume adjustment by the sound volume adjustment means,
The volume adjustment result display means displays a result of the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment means in a first display mode (for example, a first mode) when the variable display is not being executed, and displays the result of the volume adjustment while the variable display is being executed. The image is displayed in a second display mode (for example, the first mode) having lower visibility than the first display mode (for example, see FIG. 36).

  “Low visibility” includes, for example, a small display image size and a high transmittance of the display image.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately display the result of the volume adjustment while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the effect.

(4) The gaming machine
A setting changing means (for example, a stick controller 31A or the like) capable of changing a setting (for example, an appearance character or the like) relating to the effect by the player;
A first state (for example, a second battle mode or the like) in which the change in the setting related to the effect by the setting change unit is reflected, and a second state (for example, the first battle) in which the change in the setting related to the effect by the setting change unit is not reflected. Mode) that can be controlled by
A notification unit that can notify the setting related to the effect during execution of the variable display in the first state, but does not notify the setting related to the effect during execution of the variable display in the second state (for example, an effect that performs the process of step S172). A control CPU 120).
Is further provided.

  The “setting relating to the effect” may be a selected character, a set effect frequency, a luminance of the display screen / light emitter, a sound volume, an effect mode, and the like.

  The “first state” and “second state” may be a game state, a big hit game state, or the like, in addition to the effect mode.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to execute appropriate notification about the setting regarding the effect. In particular, the operation of changing the setting relating to the effect can be performed at any time, but when the change is reflected in the first state, and when the change is not reflected in the second state, the setting relating to the effect is changed only in the first state. By performing the notification, appropriate notification can be performed. (If the setting relating to the effect is notified in the second state, information that is not reflected is notified, and appropriate notification cannot be performed.) In particular, in the second state, an operation for changing the setting related to the effect can be performed. However, if the change is not reflected, the above-described effect is effective.

  Note that “can notify the setting related to the effect” may be, for example, notification that allows the player to recognize that the setting has been changed (for example, notification that the setting has been changed). When the “settings related to the effect” is an image of the selected character or the like, “can notify the setting related to the effecting” indicates a display other than the image (for example, the display of the description (name or the like) of the image or the image (Display of the contents of the display, a display indicating that there has been a change), and various effects such as a sound and a light emission mode of a lamp.

  The “setting change unit” may be configured so that the frequency at which the specific effect is executed can be changed. For example, the execution ratio of the specific effect is changed according to an operation on the stick controller 31A or the like. According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute the specific effect at a frequency suitable for the player, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

  In addition, a character selection unit (for example, a stick controller 31A or the like) that allows a player to select any one of a plurality of types of characters (for example, character A and character B) is provided, and the setting relating to the effect is selected by the character selection unit. The initial setting (for example, the initial setting of the volume, the initial setting of the effect execution frequency, and the like) may be different depending on the character. For example, the volume and the effect execution frequency can be changed by the setting changing means, but the initial setting is made different depending on the character. According to such a configuration, the rendering effect can be improved.

(5) The effect mode control means can switch the current effect mode to another effect mode (for example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S557A),
When the specific effect execution means is switched to another effect mode by the effect mode control means after the execution of the specific effect is determined by the specific effect execution determining means, the specific effect has been determined before the switch An effect is performed (for example, the processing of steps S161, S171, and S172, see FIG. 31, etc.).

  According to such a configuration, the processing load can be reduced. Note that the look-ahead change effect includes, after the effect effect, continuing to display the display color of the suspended display image or the like in a color different from white. For example, after changing the display color of the hold display image by executing the look-ahead change effect, if the display color is maintained even if the character is changed, the execution is determined before the switching. Executing the specific effect ". Further, the specific effect may be an effect effect of a prefetch change effect.

  When this configuration is adopted, the configuration (1) may not be necessary. For example, when the effect mode is switched, the determination ratio of whether or not the specific effect is executed may be immediately changed to the determined ratio of the effect mode after the switching (for example, steps S574 and S575 are executed). Instead, the prefetch determination value is updated in step S557A or the like, or the prefetch determination value is unnecessary, and the execution determination example in FIG. 21 is selected based on the character specification value. Further, the active display image may not take over the display mode of the hold display image. That is, the display mode of the hold display image and the display mode of the active display image may be separately managed, and the big hit expectation may be separately managed. Further, when there is a switching of the rendering mode after changing the display mode by executing a look-ahead change rendering or the like, the display mode or the like is determined or re-determined by the determination ratio of the rendering mode after switching, and after the determination, The display mode of the hold display image or the active display image may be changed to the display mode.

(Configuration 2)
(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that executes a variable display (for example, a variable display of a decoration pattern) and can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to the player. So,
Holding display means (for example, the image display device 5) for displaying a hold display (for example, a hold display image) corresponding to a variable display that has not yet been started;
A corresponding display unit (for example, the image display device 5 or the like) for displaying a corresponding display (for example, an active display image or the like) corresponding to the variable display when the variable display is being executed;
Effect mode control means (for example, processing in steps S161 and S172) that can be controlled to any of a plurality of effect modes (for example, the normal mode of character A, the normal mode of character B, etc.) in which the display modes of the hold display and the corresponding display are different. Effect control CPU 120 etc.)
And
When the display mode of the hold display is a first special mode indicating that the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state is a predetermined degree of expectation, after the effect mode is switched, the hold display is performed. And a second special mode that is at least partially common to the first special mode so that the display mode of the corresponding display corresponding to the first special mode maintains the predetermined degree of expectation suggested in the first special mode. (See, for example, FIG. 34)
A gaming machine characterized by that:

  In the "second special mode", the degree of expectation may be higher than the predetermined degree of expectation. The expression “common in display mode” may be a shape or the like. The “display mode” may be a shape, a lighting mode (whether or not blinking, a cycle of blinking, and the like), brightness, and the like, in addition to the display color.

  The above-mentioned "to maintain the predetermined degree of expectation suggested in the first special aspect" means, for example, that the degree of expectation of the second special aspect does not fall below the predetermined degree of expectation (the predetermined degree of expectation). It may be larger than the degree.). For example, if the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display is changed to the effect mode after switching when the effect mode is switched, the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display at a determined ratio according to the effect mode after the switch May be determined, and the hold display and the corresponding display may be displayed again in the determined display mode.However, the jackpot expectation degree of the display mode is set so as not to be less than the jackpot expectation degree of the display mode displayed before the switching. (The adjustment may be made based on the determination ratio of a table for determining the display mode (eg, the execution pattern of the prefetch change effect).)

  According to this configuration, puzzle of the player can be suppressed.

  When this configuration is adopted, for example, when the effect mode is switched, the determination ratio of whether or not the specific effect is executed may be immediately changed to the determined ratio of the effect mode after the switch ( For example, instead of executing steps S574 and S575, the prefetch determination value is updated in step S557A or the like, or the prefetch determination value is unnecessary, and the execution determination example in FIG. 21 is selected based on the character specification value. For example, if the effect mode is switched after the decision to execute the specific effect, the execution of the specific effect is stopped (for example, the look-ahead change stored in the first start winning command buffer or the second start winning command buffer). (For example, delete the effect execution pattern, rewrite the effect control pattern that executes the specific effect (effect effect) to the effect control pattern that does not execute the specific effect, etc.), and execute the specific effect at the determined ratio of the effect mode after switching May be determined again (for example, the type of the specific effect (such as the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect) may be determined again). Further, the active display image may not take over the display mode of the hold display image. That is, the display mode of the hold display image and the display mode of the active display image may be separately managed, and the big hit expectation may be separately managed.

(2) In the first special mode and the second special mode, the degree of expectation is the same (for example, see FIGS. 21 to 26). For example, the configuration is realized by preventing the determination of the presence or absence and the type (execution pattern) of the pre-reading change effect from being performed again and by inheriting the display mode such as the display color. In addition, the configuration can also be realized by determining the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect so as not to change the expectation degree of the display color according to the effect mode, and taking over the display mode such as the display color. .

  According to this configuration, the confusion of the player can be suppressed, and the processing load on the control of the display mode can be reduced (because it is not necessary to perform the re-lotting for determining the display mode of the corresponding display).

(3) The first special mode and the second special mode have at least the same color (for example, the same display color). Note that both the hold display and the corresponding display may be displayed in a light emission mode such as blinking, and the light emission mode (blinking cycle or the like) may be common to the first special mode and the second special mode.

  According to this configuration, the puzzle of the player can be effectively suppressed.

(4) The display mode of the hold display and the display mode of the corresponding display can be a common mode regardless of the effect mode (for example, see FIG. 39).

  According to this configuration, the display modes of the hold display and the corresponding display can be diversified.

(5) Note that the plurality of effect modes have at least different effect image backgrounds, and the effect mode control means switches the current effect mode to another effect mode by switching the background (for example, character A). And the normal mode of the character B may have a different background).

  According to this configuration, since the switching of the effect mode is the switching of the background, the effect mode can be switched even while the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display is being changed, and the frequency of switching the effect mode is improved. Can be.

(Configuration 3)
(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that performs variable display (for example, variable display of decorative symbols) and can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) advantageous to a player,
During execution of the variable display, a corresponding display (for example, an active display image) corresponding to the variable display is displayed in one of a plurality of display modes (for example, a plurality of display colors) corresponding to the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state. Corresponding display means (for example, effect control CPU 120 for changing the color of the active display image by a pre-reading change effect),
A change effect execution means (for example, a look-ahead change) capable of executing a special effect (for example, an effect effect of the character A) and a specific effect (for example, an effect effect of the character B) for notifying whether or not the display mode of the correspondence display changes. Effect control CPU 120 for effecting the effect).
In the specific effect, the display mode of the corresponding display changes in a plurality of stages higher than the special effect in a plurality of stages (for example, it is easier to perform the effect effect a plurality of times in one variable display when executing the effect effect of the character B). Or, it is realized by adjusting the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect so that the display style of the specific effect is more easily changed in a plurality of stages.)
In the specific effect, when the display mode of the corresponding display changes in a plurality of steps, the stepwise change of the display mode of the corresponding display can be continuously displayed (for example, the execution patterns HP1-4 and HP2-6). ).

  According to such a configuration, the player can recognize that the display mode of the corresponding display has changed in a plurality of stages by continuously displaying the stepwise change of the display mode of the corresponding mode. Enhance interest in change. In the special effect, the rate at which the display mode of the corresponding display changes in a plurality of stages may be 0% or greater than 0%.

(2) A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that performs variable display (for example, variable display of decorative symbols) and can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player,
A specific display (also referred to as a hold display) (for example, a hold display image) corresponding to a variable display that has not yet been started is displayed in a plurality of display modes (for example, a plurality of displays) corresponding to the degree of expectation to be controlled to the advantageous state. Specific display means (for example, effect control CPU 120 for changing the color of the hold display image by the pre-reading change effect),
A change effect executing means (for example, a look-ahead change) capable of executing a special effect (for example, an effect effect of the character A) and a specific effect (for example, an effect effect of the character B) for notifying whether or not the display mode of the specific display changes. Effect control CPU 120 for effecting the effect);
With
In the specific effect, the display mode of the specific display changes in a plurality of steps at a higher rate than in the special effect (for example, it is easier to execute the action effect a plurality of times in one variable display when the action effect of the character B is executed). Or, it is realized by adjusting the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect so that the display style of the specific effect is more easily changed in a plurality of stages.)
In the specific effect, when the display mode of the specific display changes in a plurality of stages, the stepwise change of the display mode of the specific display can be continuously displayed (for example, the execution patterns HP1-4 and HP2-6). ).

  According to such a configuration, by continuously displaying the stepwise change of the display mode of the specific display, the player can recognize that the display mode of the specific display has changed in a plurality of steps. Enhance interest in change. In the special effect, the rate at which the display mode of the specific display changes in a plurality of stages may be 0% or greater than 0%.

The first change effect executing means (for example, effect control for executing the process of step S343) for executing the first change effect (for example, change effect B) for changing the display mode of the specific display corresponding to the variable display that has not been started yet. CPU 120),
Second change effect execution means (for example, executing the process of step S343) that executes a second change effect (for example, an icon display change effect) that is displayed during execution of the variable display and changes the display mode of the corresponding display corresponding to the variable display. Effect control CPU 120).
The display mode of the specific display that is displayed after the first change effect is executed is a first special mode (for example, a display of “secret” that is not displayed as the display mode of the corresponding display after the second change effect is executed. ),
The display mode of the corresponding display displayed after the second change effect is executed is a second special mode (for example, “chance” or “NEXT”) which is not displayed as the specific display mode after the first change effect is executed. , And “intense heat” etc.).

  According to such a configuration, the first change effect and the second change effect can further enhance interest.

The change effect execution means, after the execution of the specific effect, reduce the rate of change of the display mode of the corresponding display or the specific display,
The change effect execution means may change the corresponding display or the specific display to a display mode having a high degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state after the execution of the specific effect.

  This configuration may be realized by adjusting the determination ratio of the execution pattern of the prefetch change effect. According to such a configuration, the player can be further noticed of a change in the mode of the corresponding display after the specific effect.

  The change effect execution means restricts the execution of the special effect before the execution of the specific effect when the execution of the specific effect is determined (including the inhibition and the reduction of the execution ratio. The same applies to the restriction). ).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to further emphasize the change in the mode of the corresponding display in the specific effect.

  In the specific effect, when notifying whether or not the display mode of the specific display or the corresponding display is changed, the display mode of the candidate after the change and the display mode before the change are displayed so as to be visually recognizable by dividing the region, Based on the fact that the area of the display mode of the candidate after the change is larger than the area of the display mode before the change, or that the area of the display mode of the candidate after the change reaches the entire area of the specific display or the corresponding display. The display mode of the specific display or the corresponding display may be changed (for example, see FIGS. 37 and 38).

  According to such a configuration, it is notified whether or not the mode changes due to the area change, so that an effect that can be easily recognized by the player can be realized.

  In this specification, one of the expressions for comparing various ratios such as the execution ratio of the effect (expressions such as “high”, “low”, and “differentiate”) is that one of the ratios is “0%”. May be included. For example, it may include that one is a ratio of “0%” and the other is a ratio of “100%” or a ratio of less than “100%”.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and the like, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not need to have all the technical features shown in the above-described embodiments and the like, and one of the pachinko gaming machines described in the above-described embodiments so as to solve at least one problem in the related art. It may have a configuration of a unit. Hereinafter, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. At least some of the following modifications may be combined.

(Modification 1)
The look-ahead change effect may be an effect that changes the display mode of the hold display image or the active display image without the action effect.

(Modification 2)
There may be three or more effect modes selectable by the player. Further, characters appearing in the normal mode or the like (character A or character B) may be selectable during the demonstration display.

(Modification 3)
In the fluctuation pattern determination table of FIG. 14, the determination ratio of the fluctuation pattern may be changed in accordance with the number of retained storages (for example, a larger number of retained storages facilitates selection of a fluctuation pattern with a shorter fluctuation time. ). At this time, the range of the determined value (the value compared with the random number value) assigned to a part of the fluctuation patterns (for example, the super reach with a high jackpot expectation) is the same as the range of the common determined value regardless of the number of storages held. It is preferable to configure the fluctuation pattern determination table so as to have it. Thereby, for example, it is possible to ensure the accuracy of the pre-read determination such as whether or not to become a super reach.

(Modification 4)
The variable display of the identification information (such as a special figure, a decorative pattern, or a general figure) (may be simply a variable display) includes blinking of the identification information. For example, in a special figure or a general figure, a pattern in which all segments are turned off and a pattern in which at least some of the segments are turned on (for example, a lost pattern) are alternately repeated, and are included in the variable display of identification information ( In this case, the one pattern (for example, a lost pattern) appears to blink.) In addition, the decorative design and the normal design may be variably displayed by blinking. Further, the identification information variably displayed in the variable display may be different from the identification information as a variable display result. For example, as a variable display of a special map or a normal map, a display of blinking a single horizontal bar ("-") is performed, and as a variable display result, the other display ("7" for "big hit", Deriving and displaying "1" if "losing") is also included in the variable display of identification information. For example, a decorative symbol other than the scroll-displayed decorative symbol may be the determined decorative symbol. In a single variable display, a mode in which the identification information not displayed during the initial predetermined period is displayed after the predetermined period has elapsed is also included in the variable display of the identification information (the special symbol is a temporary stop of the final stop symbol). It may be a decorative pattern that appears for the first time, etc.). The gaming machine may be one that performs variable display, for example.

(Modification 5)
The pre-reading determination may be performed on the effect control board 12 side. For example, a command indicating each random number value at the time of starting winning may be transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 at the time of starting winning, and the effect control board 12 may make a pre-read determination.

(Modification 6)
In the above embodiment, when the prize-winning-judgment-result designation command of "no judgment" is transmitted, the prize-winning-judgment-result designation command may not be transmitted. Even if there is no transmission of the prize-winning-judgment designation command at the time of the start prize, the effect control board 12 can identify the increase of the reservation by the start prize designation command or the special figure reservation storage number addition designation command. There is no.

(Modification 7)
In the above-described embodiment, the big hit type is determined at the start of the change to determine whether or not the game state after the big hit game state is set to the “probable change state”. Round game mode) is determined, and based on the fact that a game ball has passed through a specific area (for example, a specific area within a special winning opening) during the big hit game state, the game state after the big hit game state is changed to the “probable state”. You may make it.

(Modification 8)
In step S161, the target of the pre-reading notice (target) may be limited to one of the first special figure game and the second special figure game depending on the gaming state (the state of the high base flag). For example, during high base (when the high base flag is on), a pre-reading notice may be given targeting only the suspension of the second special figure game. In this case, for example, in step S161, whether or not to execute the prefetching advance notice may be determined based on the contents stored in the second start winning command buffer. Further, the target of the pre-reading notice may be to suspend the first special figure game during the low base, and to suspend the second special figure game during the high base. In this case, execute step S161 during the low base. At this time, if the second start winning command is stored in the second start winning command buffer, the execution of the pre-reading notice may be prohibited.

(Modification 9)
The hold display image is usually white, and changes from white to red or blue by the look-ahead change effect, but when it is determined to execute the look-ahead change effect, the display mode of the target hold display image or the active display image is usually changed. As a special mode (for example, blinking or the like) different from the above, the player may be notified of the fact that the display image is the target in an easily understandable manner.

(Modification 10)
In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control board 12 of a variation pattern indicating a variation mode such as a variation time, a type of reach effect, and the presence or absence of a pseudo-run, one variation pattern command is issued when the variation is started. Although the transmission example has been described, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control board 12 by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-run, whether or not there is a sliding effect, etc. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command is used to indicate the type of reach and the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode after 2 stops) may be transmitted. In this case, the effect control board 12 may perform the effect control in the variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands. Note that the game control microcomputer 100 notifies the fluctuating time by each of the two commands, and the effect control board 12 selects the specific fluctuating mode executed at each timing. Is also good. When two commands are sent, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is sent, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. As described above, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

(Modification 11)
In addition, the image display operation of the image display device, the sound output operation of the speaker, and the lighting operation of the game effect lamp and the decoration LED for executing the device configuration and data configuration of the gaming machine, the processing shown in the flowchart, and the like. Various effect operations including the above can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout-type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as a prize based on the occurrence of a prize, but is not limited to a payout type gaming machine, and is provided with a score based on the occurrence of a prize. Can also be applied to an enclosed game machine.

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided by a removable recording medium to a computer device included in the gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. Alternatively, the distribution may be performed by pre-installing in a storage device such as a computer device in advance. Furthermore, by providing a communication processing unit, programs and data for implementing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like. It does not matter.

  The game can be executed not only by installing a removable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. Alternatively, the program may be directly executed using hardware resources of another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko gaming machine 2 ... Game board 5 ... Image display apparatus 11 ... Main board 12 ... Effect control board 100 ... Game control microcomputer 120 ... Effect control CPU
123 ... display control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs a variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player,
Holding display means for displaying a holding display corresponding to a variable display that has not yet been started;
Corresponding display means for displaying a corresponding display corresponding to the variable display when the variable display is executed,
Effect mode control means that can be controlled to any of a plurality of effect modes in which the display mode of the hold display and the corresponding display are different,
As a suggestion effect that indicates whether the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display changes, a suggestion effect execution unit capable of executing an effect that suggests the display mode after the change,
With
When the display mode of the hold display is a first special mode indicating that the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state is a predetermined degree of expectation, after the effect mode is switched, the hold display is performed. At least a part of the display mode is common to the first special mode so that the display mode of the corresponding display corresponding to the first special mode maintains the predetermined expectation level suggested in the first special mode. The same as the second special mode,
As the types of the suggestive effects , there are a first suggestive effect and a second suggestive effect in which the effect mode differs from the first suggestive effect.
The display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display has a plurality of stages depending on the degree of expectation controlled in the advantageous state,
Depending on whether the suggestion effect of any kind is performed, the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display, Ri varying proportions in a plurality of stages is Do different,
The second suggestion effect is performed at a lower rate than the first suggestion effect,
When the second suggestion effect is executed, the number of times indicating that the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display changes during one variable display is greater than when the first suggestion effect is executed. High percentage,
A gaming machine characterized by that: