JP7084600B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.

A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board is known. In such a gaming machine, when a predetermined granting condition is satisfied, a privilege is granted to the player. For example, when a game ball enters the starting port provided in the game area, the identification information (for example, a special symbol) is variablely displayed, and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode (for example, a jackpot symbol), the identification information is displayed. There is a gaming machine that plays a specific game (for example, a big hit game) in which the variable entrance is in a state where the ball can be entered.

In such a gaming machine, it is common to perform various effects. For example, in the gaming machine that performs the above-mentioned specific game, an effect of displaying a character is performed in order to suggest that the identification information may be displayed in a specific mode during the variable display of the identification information (Patent Document 1). ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-178756

However, the above-mentioned conventional technique is a technique well known to general players, and has a problem that it cannot sufficiently enhance the game entertainment.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an effect that further enhances the interest of gaming.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is,
A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward the gaming area.
Special symbol display means for variable display of special symbols,
An identification symbol display means for varyingly displaying the identification symbol according to the special symbol,
Based on the display of the special symbol in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game in which the variable entrance is in a ball-entry state, and a specific game execution means.
A special effect executing means capable of executing a special effect suggesting the possibility that the special symbol may be displayed in a specific mode during the variable display of the special symbol.
Equipped with
As the special effect, it is possible to execute a plurality of types of effects that have different possibilities from each other.
Before the special effect is executed, a type suggestion image suggesting the type of the special effect can be displayed.
When the type suggestion image is displayed, if the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is executed, and if the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied. , The special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is not executed.
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, it is possible to execute a post-change image notice effect for notifying the changed type suggestion image prior to the change.
When the special effect suggested by the type suggestion image being displayed is started, the type suggestion image corresponds to the special effect in which the special symbol is likely to be displayed in a specific mode. When changing from the suggestion image to the kind suggestion image corresponding to the special effect having a low possibility, the change is made from the end of the special effect to the start of the next variation display of the special symbol. Do in the period
It is characterized by that .

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a production that further enhances the entertainment of the game.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board of this Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the segment display part of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the number of round games in the jackpot game of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the game state after the big hit game of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the display content of the staging display device 41 of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which is executed by the CPU of the main control board of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which conceptually shows the variation pattern selection table of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the kind of the variation pattern selection table of this Example. It is a flowchart which shows the staging control process which is executed by the CPU of the sub-control board of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process corresponding to the receive command of the CPU of the sub-control board of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state that the race production of this embodiment is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit expectation degree of the race production of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the "type suggestion image" of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state that the bar production of this embodiment is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state that the countdown effect of this embodiment is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the period in which the "type suggestion image" of this Example is changed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state that "the image notice effect after change" of this Example is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the race effect execution process which is executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which conceptually shows the state which determines the race production mode of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the "type suggestion image" of this Example.

In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (game machine) called a "seven machine" or a "digipachi" will be described. In the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the right side is expressed as "right" and the left side is expressed as "left" when facing the front of the pachinko machine.

Further, the following examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board composition:
A-3. Control circuit configuration:
B. Game content:
C. Game control processing:
D. Production control processing:
E. Race production:
F. Type suggestion image:
F-1. Outline of type suggestion image:
F-2. Change of type suggestion image:
F-3. Image notice after change Production:
G. Processing for race production:

A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (opened) to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame 3. The game board 20 is exposed. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-shaped members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

A window portion 4a is formed in a substantially central portion of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize the game area of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). Further, a small window portion 4c is formed in the lower right of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted in the small window portion 4c. The player can visually recognize the segment display portion of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the small window portion 4c (transparent plate 4d). As will be described in detail later, the segment display unit is a display unit that displays information related to the game by combining a plurality of LEDs.

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right side of the peripheral portion of the window portion 4a, and a left side is provided on the left portion of the peripheral portion of the window portion 4a. A lamp 5c is provided. Further, an upper speaker 6a is provided above the left and right of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a lower speaker 6b is provided on the front surface of the lower portion of the main body frame 2. These upper lamps 5a, right side lamps 5b, left side lamps 5c, upper speakers 6a, and lower speakers 6b are driven in order to enhance the effect of the game.

An upper dish portion 7 is provided below the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. The upper plate portion 7 stores game balls rented out via the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1. Further, a lower plate portion 8 is provided below the upper plate portion 7, and a game ball rented out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 or a game paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7. The sphere is stored.

A firing handle 9 is provided on the right side of the lower dish portion 8 in the front frame 4. The axis of rotation of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the back side of the launch handle 9. The game ball stored in the upper dish 7 is supplied to the launcher unit 261. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launcher unit 261 and the launch motor built in the launcher unit 261 rotates to launch the game ball with a strength according to the rotation angle. To.

Further, an effect button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided on the edge of the upper plate portion 7, and a push operation or rotation operation (rotation operation) by the player is provided on the left side of the lower plate portion 8. There is a jog shuttle 10b that can be used. Both the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b are effect operation units (operation units) operated by the player, and when the player operates the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a predetermined game effect is performed.

A-2. Game board composition:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 20. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming region 21 is formed in the center of the gaming board 20. The game ball launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) is discharged into the game area 21 through between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flows down from above the game area 21. Since the game area 21 is visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a of the front frame 4, naturally, the state of the game ball flowing down the game area 21 is also visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a.

A staging opening 40, which is an opening decorated at the peripheral portion, is provided in the substantially center of the game area 21, and a staging display configured by a liquid crystal display is provided behind the staging opening 40. The device 41 is provided. Various images for staging can be displayed on the display screen of the staging display device 41, and the player can visually recognize the display screen of the staging display device 41 through the staging opening 40.

Below the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41) in the game area 21, the size of the ball entry port is unchanged (constant), and the first starting port 24 is a starting port where the game ball can always enter. Is provided. The game ball that has entered the first starting port 24 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A first starting port sensor 24s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the first starting port 24, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the first starting port 24.

Further, below the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21, a second starting opening 25, which is an entry opening (starting opening) in which the possibility of entering the game ball changes, is provided. That is, the second starting port 25 is provided with an opening / closing door 26 that can rotate in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 1. It is possible to change between the state and the open state in which the opening / closing door 26 rotates toward the front side of the pachinko machine 1 so that the game ball can enter (or easily enter). FIG. 2 shows how the second starting port 25 is in the open state. The game ball that has entered the second starting port 25 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A second starting port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the second starting port 25, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the second starting port 25.

Further, in the game area 21, a normal symbol actuating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41), and the passage of a game ball is detected inside the normal symbol actuating gate 27. A gate sensor 27s (see FIG. 3) is provided.

Further, on the right side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21, a large winning opening 28 (variable ball entry opening) having a large opening in a substantially rectangular shape is provided. The large winning opening 28 is provided with an opening / closing door 29 that can rotate in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 1. The opening / closing door 29 is substantially upright and the game ball cannot enter the closed state, and the opening / closing door 29 is the pachinko machine. It is possible to change to an open state (a state in which a game ball can enter) in which a game ball can enter by rotating to the front side of 1. FIG. 2 shows that the large winning opening 28 is in an open state. The game ball that has entered the large winning opening 28 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A large winning opening sensor 28s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the large winning opening 28, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the large winning opening 28.

Further, around each of the above-mentioned game devices, a general entry port 30 through which the game ball can enter, a windmill type wheel 31 that affects the flow path of the game ball, and a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided. Has been done. Further, two out ports 33 are provided at the lowermost part of the game area 21 and at the lower left and lower right of the second starting port 25, and the first starting port 24 and the second starting port 25 described above are provided. The game balls that have not entered either the large winning opening 28 or the general entry opening 30 are discharged from the out opening 33 to the back side of the game board 20.

A game ball flowing down the left region of the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41) can enter the first starting port 24 described above. On the other hand, a game ball flowing down the right area of the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41) can enter the second starting port 25, the normal symbol operating gate 27, and the large winning opening 28 (the staging display device 41). Or passable). In the following, firing a game ball so as to flow down the left area of the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41) is also referred to as “left-handed”, and the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41). Launching a game ball so as to flow down the area to the right of is also referred to as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters any of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, and the general ball entry port 30, three game balls become the player. When the game balls are paid out and the game balls enter the large winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out to the player.

At the lower right of the game area 21 on the game board 20, a segment display unit 50 that displays information related to the game by combining LEDs is provided. The segment display unit 50 is visually recognized by the player through the small window unit 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. The detailed display contents of the segment display unit 50 will be described in the “B. Game contents” column described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. Specifically, for displaying images and outputting audio under the control of the main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, the sub control board 220 that controls the control related to the production of the game, and the sub control board 220. An image / audio control board 230 that controls the control, a lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of the lamp under the control of the sub control board 220, and a payout control board 240 that controls the rental and payout of the game ball. It is composed of a launch control board 260 and the like that control the launch of the game ball. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations (CPU 201, 221, 231 and the like in FIG. 3) and a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU (ROM 202, 222 in FIG. 3). , 232, etc.), RAM (203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, input / output circuits, and various other peripheral LSIs are connected to each other by a bus. Has been done.

The main control board 200 includes a first start port sensor 24s that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 24, and a second start port sensor 25s that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 25. A large winning opening sensor 28s for detecting a game ball entering the large winning opening 28, a gate sensor 27s for detecting a game ball passing through a normal symbol operating gate, and the like are connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives an input of a game ball detection signal from the first start port sensor 24s, the second start port sensor 25s, the grand prize opening sensor 28s, the gate sensor 27s, etc., the detection signal is input. The command corresponding to the sensor is transmitted to the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like.

Further, on the main control board 200, a starting port solenoid 26m for causing the opening / closing door 26 provided in the second starting port 25 to perform an opening / closing operation (for opening / closing the second starting port 25). Also, the opening / closing door 29 provided in the large winning opening 28 is connected to the large winning opening solenoid 29m (to open and close the large winning opening 28), the segment display unit 50, and the like. Has been done. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting a drive signal toward the starting port solenoid 26m, the winning opening solenoid 29m, and the segment display unit 50.

The image / audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the staging operation board 228 are connected to the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the commands and performs a game effect according to the contents. That is, an output image and a command for designating the output sound are transmitted to the image / sound control board 230, and the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter,) to the lamp control board 226. By transmitting a command for designating the light emission pattern of "various lamps 5a to 5c"), the game is produced. Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 detects the player's operation on the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b (effect operation units 10a and 10b) via the effect operation board 228, the CPU 221 performs a game effect corresponding to the operation. conduct.

The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 236, and an audio ROM 237 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. Further, an effect display device 41, an amplifier board 224 for amplifying sound, and the like are connected to the image / sound control board 230.

When the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (for example, sprite data, moving image data, etc.) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 236, generates an image, and outputs the image to the display screen of the effect display device 41. Further, when the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the audio data corresponding to the command is read from the audio ROM 237, and the audio based on the audio data is transmitted via the amplifier board 224. Output is performed from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter, also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b").

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper dish portion 7, a card unit 242 juxtaposed with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, this signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to rent out the game ball while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Also, when a payout command instructing payout of the game ball is received from the main control board 200, the payout motor 243 is driven to pay out the game ball.

Further, the launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and the launch control board 260 detects that the launch motor 262 for launching the game ball and the player are touching the launch handle 9. A launcher unit 261 having a touch switch 263 and the like is connected. When the launch control board 260 detects that the player is touching the launch handle 9 via the touch switch 263, the launch control board 260 drives the launch motor 262 to drive the game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. Fire.

B. Contents of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the launch handle 9 is rotated with the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7, the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied to the launcher unit 261 one by one, and FIG. 2 is used. It is fired in the game area 21 described above. Since the strength of launching the game ball corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, the player can change the rotation angle of the launch handle 9 to allow the player to flow the game ball down to a desired region. For example, a game ball may be fired (left-handed) so as to flow down the left area of the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41), or the right side of the staging opening 40 (staging display device 41). The game ball can be fired (right-handed) so as to flow down the area of the other side.

<Variable display of special symbols>
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a left-handed game ball can enter the first starting port 24. When a left-struck game ball enters the first start port 24 and the entered game ball is detected by the first start port sensor 24s, a predetermined determination random number (such as a jackpot determination random number described later) is acquired. Then, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss based on the determination random number. Then, based on the result of this jackpot determination, the first special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as "first special symbol") is variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed. Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25. When the right-handed game ball enters the second start opening 25 and the entered game ball is detected by the second start opening sensor 25s, a predetermined determination random number (such as a jackpot determination random number described later) is acquired. Then, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss based on the determination random number. Then, based on the result of this jackpot determination, the second special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as "second special symbol") is variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed. Here, the first special drawing and the second special drawing will be described.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the segment display unit 50. As described above, the segment display unit 50 is provided at the lower right of the game area 21 in the game board 20 (see FIG. 2), and the player can display the segment through the small window portion 4c (see FIG. 1) of the front frame 4. The unit 50 is visible. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 for displaying the first special figure and a second special figure display unit 52 for displaying the second special figure. Eight LEDs are arranged in each of these display units. The first special figure and the second special figure (hereinafter, when they are not particularly distinguished, collectively referred to as "special symbol") are obtained by switching the LED to be lit out of the eight LEDs in each display unit. It is displayed in a variable manner, and is stopped and displayed by setting a predetermined LED among the eight LEDs to be lit. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, 101 types of symbols of jackpot symbols 1 to 100 and missed symbols 101 can be stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, and jackpot symbols 201 to 300 and missed symbols can be displayed as the second special symbol. It is possible to stop and display 101 kinds of symbols of 301. Further, the types of these symbols can be identified by the difference in the combination of the LEDs to be lit. If the result of the big hit determination based on the game ball entering the first starting port 24 (hereinafter, also referred to as "big hit determination for the first special figure") is a big hit, the first special figure is the big hit symbol 1 to If it is stopped and displayed at any of 100 and the result of the jackpot determination for the first special figure is out of order, the first special figure is stopped and displayed by the out-of-order symbol 101. If the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the second starting port 25 (hereinafter, also referred to as “big hit determination for the second special figure”) is a jackpot, the second special figure is the jackpot symbol. The stop display is made by any of 201 to 300, and if the result of the jackpot determination for the second special figure is out of order, the second special figure is out of order and the stop display is made by the symbol 301. In this way, when the special symbol (1st special symbol or 2nd special symbol) is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol, the stopped display state of the symbol is stopped and displayed until a predetermined time elapses in order to confirm the stopped displayed symbol. Display to be maintained (hereinafter also referred to as "confirmed display"). In the following, a game from the start of the variable display of the special symbol to the end of the variable display after the lapse of a predetermined variable time and the confirmation display of the special symbol as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol, that is, one time. The game until the result of the variable display is obtained is also referred to as a "design variable game".

<Big hit game>
When the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed with any of the big hit symbols, the big hit game in which the round game in which the big winning opening 28 is opened is performed a plurality of times is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, since a right-handed game ball can enter the big winning opening 28, right-handed hitting is performed during the big hit game.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of round games in one big hit game differs depending on the type of the big hit symbol displayed as stopped. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 1 to 50 (when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, there is a 50% probability). When a 4-round jackpot game is performed in which 4 round games are performed and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 51 to 90 (40 when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol). When a 6-round jackpot game is played in which 6 rounds are played (with a probability of%) and the first special figure is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 91 to 94 (the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol). If it is played, there is a 4% chance that a 7-round jackpot game will be played, in which 7 rounds will be played, and if the first special figure is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 95-100 (the first special figure is). There is a 6% chance that the jackpot symbol will stop and display), and a 16-round jackpot game will be played, in which 16 rounds will be played. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 201 to 250 (when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, there is a 50% probability). If a 4-round jackpot game is played and the 2nd special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 251 to 290 (with a probability of 40% if the 2nd special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol), the 6-round jackpot game Is performed, and if the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 291 to 294 (with a probability of 4% if the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol), a 7-round jackpot game is performed. When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 295 to 300 (when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, there is a 6% probability), a 16-round jackpot game is performed.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, one round game ends when nine game balls enter (9 counts) or when 30 seconds have passed, so that one round is almost always performed. In the game, 117 game balls (9 counts x 13 payouts) are paid out. Therefore, as a matter of course, the big hit game with a large number of round games pays out more game balls to the player than the big hit game with a small number of round games. Therefore, it is possible to expect the player to perform a big hit game with a larger number of round games. It should be noted that this can be regarded as being able to execute a plurality of big hit games (specific games) having different degrees of advantage for the player.

During the execution of the above-mentioned jackpot game, the type (number of round games) of the jackpot game being executed is displayed on the round display unit 55 of the segment display unit 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs are arranged in the round display unit 55, and in this round display unit 55, the left LED of the three LEDs is turned on to perform a four-round jackpot game. By turning on the LED inside, it indicates that the 6-round jackpot game is being executed, and by turning on the LED on the right, it indicates that the 7-round jackpot game is being executed. By turning on all three LEDs, it is shown that the 16-round jackpot game is being executed.

<Holding special symbols>
When the game ball enters the first starting port 24, the jackpot determination and the variation display for the first special figure are performed as described above, but in these jackpot determination and the variation display, the game ball is the first starting port 24. It is not performed immediately after entering the ball, but the acquired determination random number is temporarily stored as the first special figure hold. Then, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the jackpot determination and the variation display of the first special figure are performed based on the stored first special figure hold. Such first special figure reservation is stored up to four. The stored number of the first special figure hold (the number of the first special figure hold) is displayed on the first special figure hold display unit 53 of the segment display unit 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the first special figure holding display unit 53, and in the first special figure holding display unit 53, one LED out of the two LEDs is arranged. By turning on, it indicates that the number of 1st special figure hold is 1, and by turning on 2 LEDs, it indicates that the number of 1st special figure hold is 2, and 1 LED blinks. This indicates that the number of 1st special figure reservations is 3, and blinking the 2 LEDs indicates that the number of 1st special figure reservations is 4.

Further, when the game ball enters the second starting port 25, the jackpot determination and the variation display for the second special figure are performed as described above, but the game ball also starts the second in these jackpot determinations and the variation display. It is not performed immediately after entering the mouth 25, but the acquired determination random number is temporarily stored as the second special figure hold. Then, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the jackpot determination and the variation display of the second special figure are performed based on the stored second special figure hold. Such a second special figure hold is also stored up to four. The stored number of the second special figure hold (the number of the second special figure hold) is displayed on the second special figure hold display unit 54 of the segment display unit 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are also arranged in the second special figure holding display unit 54, and in the second special figure holding display unit 54, one LED out of the two LEDs is arranged. By turning on, it indicates that the number of 2nd special figure hold is 1, and by turning on 2 LEDs, it indicates that the number of 2nd special figure hold is 2, and 1 LED blinks. By doing so, it is shown that the number of 2nd special figure holdings is 3, and by blinking the 2 LEDs, it is shown that the number of 2nd special figure holdings is 4.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold and the second special symbol hold are stored during the variable display of any special symbol, the final display of any special symbol, and the big hit game. Even if it is done, the jackpot judgment and fluctuation display related to these holds will not be performed. In addition, when only the first special figure hold is stored among the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold, the jackpot determination and the first special figure related to the first special figure hold stored first are stored. A variable display is performed, but if the second special figure hold is memorized, the jackpot judgment and the jackpot determination related to the second special figure hold memorized first are performed regardless of whether the first special figure hold is memorized. The variable display of the second special figure is performed. That is, the second special figure is displayed in a variable manner in preference to the first special figure (it has a so-called priority variable function of the second special figure).

<Variable display of normal symbols, games per ordinary symbols>
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the right-handed game ball can pass through the normal symbol actuating gate 27. When the right-handed game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27 and the game ball is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (a judgment random number for hitting a normal figure described later) is acquired and used as the judgment random number. Based on this, the normal figure hit determination is performed to determine whether the normal figure hits or misses. Then, based on the result of this normal symbol hit determination, the normal symbol is variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal map display unit 56 for displaying a normal symbol, and the general map display unit 56 is provided with two LEDs. The normal symbol is variablely displayed by switching the LED that is lit among the two LEDs in the normal map display unit 56, and is stopped and displayed by setting a predetermined LED among the two LEDs to be lit. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, two types of normal symbols, a normal symbol with the left LED turned on and a non-normal symbol with the right LED turned on, are stopped. It can be displayed. If the result of the normal symbol hit judgment is a normal symbol hit, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal symbol hit symbol, and if the normal symbol hit judgment result is out of the normal symbol, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal symbol. Will be done. In this way, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a hit symbol or a missed symbol, a display (confirmation display) is performed in which the stopped display state of the symbol is maintained until a predetermined time elapses in order to confirm the stopped display symbol. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the normal symbol, the normal symbol hit game is performed in which the second start port 25 is closed after the second start opening 25 is opened.

<Holding ordinary symbols>
When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, the normal symbol hit determination and the fluctuation display of the normal symbol are performed, but these normal symbol hit determination and the variation display are performed immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. Instead of being performed, the acquired judgment random number is temporarily stored as a hold on the map. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the normal figure hit determination and the variation display of the normal symbol are performed based on the stored normal figure hold. Such a normal figure hold is also stored up to a maximum of four. The stored number of the normal figure hold (the number of the normal figure hold) is displayed on the normal figure hold display unit 57 of the segment display unit 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the normal figure hold display unit 57, and one of the two LEDs is turned on in the normal figure hold display unit 57. Indicates that the number of reserved figures is one, lighting two LEDs indicates that the number of pending figures is two, and blinking one LED indicates that the number of pending figures is two. It indicates that there are three, and blinking the two LEDs indicates that the number of reserved figures is four. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the holding of the normal symbol is stored, if it is not in the variable display of the normal symbol, the definite display of the normal symbol, or the game per normal symbol, it is the first. Judgment of hitting a normal figure related to the stored normal figure hold and variable display of a normal symbol are performed.

<Game state>
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a gaming state related to the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination and a gaming state related to the frequency of entering the gaming ball into the second starting port 25 are appropriately set. .. Of these, the gaming state related to the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination is "a low probability state in which the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination is low (probability of 1 / 99.9)" or "big hit determination". It is set to a high probability state (which is a probability of 1 / 11.9) with a high probability of being determined as a big hit. Further, the gaming state related to the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port 25 is "a non-electric support state in which the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port 25 is low" or "to the second starting port 25". It is set to "electric support state where the frequency of entering the game ball is high".

The setting mode of the game state described above will be described with reference to FIG. Since these game states are set after the big hit game is completed, FIG. 6 also reprints the number of round games described above with reference to FIG. Further, in FIG. 6, the "high probability number" is the number of symbol variation games (variation display of special symbols) that can be executed in a state where a high probability state is set, and the "electric support count" is an electric support. It is the number of symbol variation games (special symbol variation display) that can be executed with the support state set.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, regardless of which big hit game is played, the high probability state and the electric support state are set together after the big hit game is completed, but the number of electric support is the big hit game. It depends on the type of jackpot symbol that triggered the start. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the high accuracy number is set to 6 times regardless of which jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, regarding the number of electric support, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the first special figure is stopped and displayed by the big hit symbols 1 to 45 (the first special figure is stopped and displayed by the big hit symbol). In that case, it is set to 25 times (with a probability of 45%), and if the first special figure is stopped and displayed at the jackpot symbols 46-50, 51-90, 91-94 (the first special symbol stops at the jackpot symbol). If it is displayed, it is set to 50 times (with a probability of 5% + 40% + 4% = 49%), and if the first special figure is stopped and displayed at the jackpot symbol 95-100 (the first special symbol is the jackpot symbol). If it is stopped and displayed, it is set to 100 times (with a probability of 6%). Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbols 201 to 245 (when the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, there is a 45% probability). If it is set to 25 times and the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbols 246 to 250, 251 to 290, and 291 to 294 (5% + 40% if the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol). It is set to 50 times (with a probability of + 4% = 49%), and when the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol 295 to 300 (when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, it is 6%. (Probability) is set to 100 times.

If the symbol variation game (special symbol variation display) is performed 6 times after the high probability number is set to 6, the high probability state ends and the electric support state is set and the low probability state is set. Is set. In addition, if the same number of symbol variation games (variation display of special symbols) is performed after the number of electric support 25 times, 50 times, and 100 times is set, the electric support state ends. The non-electric support state is set. Since the electric support state is more advantageous than the non-electric support state for the player, it is possible to expect the player to set a larger number of electric support times.

Here, the segment display unit 50 is provided with an electric support display unit 58 indicating that the above-mentioned electric support state is being set. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs are arranged in the electric support display unit 58, and the electric support state is set by turning on these three LEDs while the electric support state is being set. Indicates that it is inside. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-handed display unit 59 indicating that right-handed operation is performed. During the setting of the electric support state, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port 25 is high, and the right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25, so that the electric support state is set. It is beneficial for the player to hit right inside. Further, since the game ball hit right can also enter the big winning opening 28, it is beneficial for the player to hit right during the big hit game. Therefore, during the setting of the electric support state and the big hit game, it is shown that the right-handed hitting is performed by turning on the two LEDs arranged on the right-handed hitting display unit 59.

<Display contents of the staging display device 41>
The progress of the game as described above is mainly performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, various images are displayed on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the progress of the game as described above. Such an effect is mainly performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220.

For example, in the effect display device 41, an effect (hereinafter, also referred to as “design variation effect”) is performed according to the variation display (symbol variation game) of the first special figure or the second special figure. That is, in synchronization with the start timing of the variation display (symbol variation game) of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), the effect display device 41 starts the variation display of the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c. do. After that, the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is performed in various modes until the variation time of the special symbol elapses. Then, the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is terminated in synchronization with the end timing of the variation display of the special symbol (stop display of the special symbol). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to display a symbol in which nine numbers from "1" to "9" are designed as an identification symbol.

FIG. 7A conceptually shows how the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed in a variable manner all at once. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display, for example, the left identification symbol 41a is first stopped and displayed, then the right identification symbol 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the middle identification symbol 41b is stopped and displayed. The combination of the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 41 is a special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 51 or the second special symbol display unit 52 described above (the first). It is configured to correspond to 1 special figure or 2 special figure). For example, when the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, a symbol combination in which the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c of the effect display device 41 are the same symbol (hereinafter also referred to as “doublet”). It is stopped and displayed. In addition, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as an out-of-order symbol, the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped at a symbol combination (hereinafter, also referred to as "separate stitch") that does not have the same symbol. Is displayed. The stop-displayed identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are in a stopped-displayed state (confirmed display) until the final display time of the special symbol has elapsed.

As described above, the display contents of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 51 or the second special symbol display unit 52 and the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c displayed on the staging display device 41 are displayed. They correspond to each other, and when the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are also stopped and displayed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 41 is provided at a position more easily visible than the first special figure display unit 51 or the second special figure display unit 52 (segment display unit 50), and displays the effect display device 41. Since the screen is large and the display contents are easy to understand, the player usually plays the game while looking at the screen of the effect display device 41. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the left identification symbol 41a that is first stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 and the right identification symbol 41c that is subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbols. In that case, the middle identification symbol 41b, which is stopped and displayed at the end, also stops at the same symbol, and the player displays a variation of the identification symbol (symbol variation effect), saying, "I think the big hit game will start." You will be watching. In this way, the two identification symbols (identification symbols excluding one of the plurality of identification symbols) are stopped at the same symbol (a mode that can be doublet), and the final identification symbol (one identification symbol) is used. The effect performed in a variable display state is called "reach effect", and it is possible to enhance the game entertainment by generating this reach effect.

Further, in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a first hold display area 41d for showing the first special figure hold number and a second hold display area 41e for showing the second special figure hold number. Is set. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of the first special figure hold (the number of the first special figure hold (small circular symbol in the figure)) is displayed in the first hold display area 41d by displaying the same number of "hold symbols (small circular symbols in the figure)" as the number of the first special figure hold. The upper limit number is 4), and the second special figure hold number is shown by displaying the same number of "holding symbols" as the second special figure hold number (upper limit number is 4) in the second hold display area 41e. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, it is shown that the number of reserved first special figures is four and the number of reserved second special figures is four. As a matter of course, the number of holds indicated by the hold symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41, and the first special figure hold display unit 53 and the second special figure hold display unit 54 of the segment display unit 50. Matches the number of holds shown.

C. Game control processing:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as a control related to the progress of the game. The game control process is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 based on a timer interrupt generated at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 ms). Hereinafter, the game progress control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart. In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process is omitted.

<Output processing>
As shown in FIG. 8, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S100). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, in various processes described later, various commands to be transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220 are stored in the output buffer secured in the RAM 203. In the output process (S100), the various commands stored in the output buffer are transmitted to the various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 drives the payout motor 243 to pay out the game ball. Will be.

<Input processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently performs an input process (S200). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, when a game ball enters any of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, and the general ball entry port 30, three game balls are paid out. Then, when a game ball enters the large winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the processing of the input process (S200), the game ball was detected for the sensors (first start port sensor 24s, second start port sensor 25s, big winning port sensor 28s, etc.) for detecting these balls. Judge whether or not. As a result, when the game ball is detected, the payout command indicating the number of game balls to be paid out is stored in the above-mentioned output buffer. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S100).

<Random number update process>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently performs a random number update process (S300). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the big hit determination and the normal figure hit determination are performed based on a predetermined determination random number. Specifically, the big hit determination is performed based on the "big hit determination random number", and the normal figure hit determination is performed based on the "normal figure hit determination random number". Further, the variation display of the special symbol in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is performed based on the variation pattern described later, and this variation pattern is selected based on the “variation pattern selection random number”. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the big hit determination result is a big hit, one of 100 kinds of big hit symbols (big hit symbols 1 to 100 or big hit symbols 201 to 300) is stopped and displayed. However, the type of this jackpot symbol is selected based on the "symbol selection random number". In the random number update process (S300), these random numbers are updated. It should be noted that these random numbers are updated not only in the random number update process (S300) but also in the period from the end of the game control process to the start of the next game control process (next timer interrupt). May be good. Further, a dedicated circuit for updating random numbers may be provided, and the random numbers may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

<Sensor detection process for starting port, etc.>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently performs a sensor detection process (S400) such as a start port. In this start port sensor detection process (S400), a process of storing a normal figure hold, a first special figure hold, and a second special figure hold is performed. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operating gate 27 based on the detection result of the gate sensor 27s. As a result, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved symbols has reached the upper limit of four. Then, if the number of holdings of the normal figure has not reached 4, the random number determined to be hit by the normal figure is acquired and the random number determined to be hit by the normal figure is stored as the holding of the normal figure. The normal figure hold is stored in the normal figure hold storage area reserved in the RAM 203 so that the stored order can be identified. If the game ball has not passed through the normal symbol operating gate 27, or if the number of reserved figures has already reached four, the new reserved symbols are not stored.

After performing the processing related to the storage of the normal drawing hold in this way, it is subsequently determined whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 24 based on the detection result of the first starting port sensor 24s. As a result, when the game ball enters the first starting port 24, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved first special figures has reached the upper limit of four. Then, if the number of the first special figure hold has not reached four, the jackpot determination random number, the fluctuation pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number are acquired and these random numbers are stored as the first special figure hold. The first special figure hold is stored in the first special figure hold storage area reserved in the RAM 203 so that the stored order can be identified.

Here, the variation display (symbol variation game) of the first special figure is performed based on the jackpot determination random number, the variation pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number acquired as the first special figure hold. Further, the effect (symbol variation effect) performed according to the variation display of the first special figure is also performed based on the jackpot determination random number, the variation pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number acquired as the first special symbol hold. Therefore, when the first special figure hold is stored, even if the fluctuation display based on the first special figure hold has not been started (even if the change start condition is not satisfied), the first special figure hold is performed. It is possible to determine the mode of the variation display and the effect (the symbol variation game and the symbol variation effect based on the first special figure hold) based on the above. For example, whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed when the variable display based on the first special figure hold is performed even before the variable display based on the first special figure hold is performed, and the reach effect. It is possible to determine whether or not the above is performed. Such a determination is called a preliminary determination, and in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first special figure hold is stored, a preliminary determination is made for the first special figure hold, and the preliminary determination result is obtained. Is stored in association with the first special figure hold. In this way, when the first special figure hold and the pre-determination result for the first special figure hold are stored, the pre-determination result command indicating the pre-determination result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The pre-determination result command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). By doing so, the sub-control board 220 can execute various effects based on the preliminary determination result of the first special figure reservation. If the game ball has not entered the first starting port 24, or if the number of first special figure reservations has already reached four, the new first special figure reservation is not memorized and is advanced in advance. No judgment is made.

After performing the process related to the storage of the first special figure hold in this way, it is subsequently determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second start opening 25 based on the detection result of the second start opening sensor 25s. As a result, when the game ball enters the second starting port 25, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved second special figures has reached the upper limit of four. Then, if the number of the second special figure hold has not reached four, the jackpot determination random number, the fluctuation pattern selection random number, and the symbol selection random number are acquired and these random numbers are stored as the second special figure hold. The second special figure hold is stored in the second special figure hold storage area reserved in the RAM 203 so that the stored order can be identified. After storing the second special figure hold in this way, the same preliminary determination as described above is performed for the second special figure hold, and the preliminary determination result is stored in association with the second special figure hold. In this way, when the second special figure hold and the pre-determination result for the second special figure hold are stored, the pre-determination result command indicating the pre-determination result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The pre-determination result command stored in the output buffer in this way is also transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). By doing so, the sub-control board 220 can execute various effects based on the preliminary determination result of the second special figure reservation. If the game ball has not entered the second starting port 25, or if the number of second special figure reservations has already reached four, the new second special figure reservation is not memorized and is advanced in advance. No judgment is made.

<Normal operation processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently performs a normal operation process (S500). In this normal operation process (S500), a process of variablely displaying a normal symbol or executing a game per normal figure is performed. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not it is during a game per normal symbol, during a variable display of a normal symbol, or during a definite display of a normal symbol. As a result, if it is not during the game per normal figure, the variable display of the normal symbol, or the definite display of the normal symbol, it is determined whether or not the normal figure hold is stored in the above-mentioned normal figure hold storage area. .. As a result, when the fuzu hold is stored in the fuzu hold storage area, the earliest stored fuzu hold is read out. Then, the read normal map hold, that is, the normal map hit determination random number is used to perform the normal map hit determination.

After the normal figure hit determination is performed, it is determined whether or not the result of the normal figure hit determination is a normal figure hit. As a result, when the result of the normal symbol hit determination is the normal symbol hit, the normal symbol hit symbol is stored as the symbol (stop symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the variation display of the normal symbol this time. That is, it is stored that the LED (see FIG. 4) on the left side of the normal figure display unit 56 is turned on as a result of the variable display of the normal symbol this time. On the other hand, when the result of the normal symbol hit determination is out of the ordinary symbol, the out-of-normal symbol is stored as the symbol (stop symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the variation display of the normal symbol this time. That is, it is stored that the LED (see FIG. 4) on the right side of the normal figure display unit 56 is turned on as a result of the variable display of the normal symbol this time.

In this way, if it is memorized that the LED on the left of the normal symbol display unit 56 is turned on or the LED on the right side of the normal symbol display unit 56 is turned on as a result of the variation display of the normal symbol this time, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is memorized. Is set to start the variable display of normal symbols. Then, the normal map hold, which is the target of the normal map hit determination this time, is deleted from the normal map hold storage area.

The above has described the processing when the game is not per game, the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, or the normal symbol is being displayed in a definite manner. On the other hand, when the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is in progress, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the fluctuation display has elapsed. As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol being displayed in the fluctuation display is stopped and displayed in a stored manner in advance. That is, if the result of the normal figure hit determination is the normal figure hit, the LED on the left of the normal figure display unit 56 is turned on (the normal figure hit symbol is stopped and displayed), and the result of the normal figure hit judgment is off. If this is the case, the LED on the right side of the normal figure display unit 56 is turned on (the off-designed symbol is stopped and displayed). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in this way, the confirmation display of the normal symbol is started, so the final display time of the normal symbol is set.

The above has described the processing when the variable display of the normal symbol is in progress. On the other hand, when the confirmation display of the normal symbol is in progress, it is determined whether or not the confirmation display time has elapsed. As a result, when the confirmed display time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol that has been stopped and displayed (confirmed display) this time is the normal symbol per symbol (the LED on the left of the normal map display unit 56 is lit). As a result, if the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed is a normal symbol, after setting the opening pattern (opening number, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the second starting port 25 in the normal symbol game, the normal symbol is used. Start the game per figure.

The above has described the processing when the confirmation display of the normal symbol is in progress. On the other hand, when the game is being played per game, the opening / closing door 26 is operated by controlling the starting opening solenoid 26m so that the second starting opening 25 is in the open / closed state in the above-mentioned opening pattern. .. Then, when the control according to this opening pattern is completed, the game per hit is ended.

Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state related to the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port 25 is “the game ball to the second starting port 25”. It is set to "a non-electric support state in which the frequency of ball entry is low" or "an electric support state in which the frequency of ball entry into the second starting port 25 is high". Such setting of the non-electric support state and the electric support state is realized as follows.

That is, the electric support state has a higher probability that the result of the normal figure hit judgment will be a normal figure hit (probability of normal figure hit) and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (normal figure fluctuation time) is shorter than that of the non-electric support state. , The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal figure is set to be long. Therefore, in the electric support state, the second starting port 25 is opened more frequently and the period in which the second starting port 25 is in the open state becomes longer as compared with the non-electric support state. The frequency of ball entry increases (high frequency state). For example, when the non-electric support state is set, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 1/100 (a random number of 1/100 of the random numbers determined to hit a normal figure that can be acquired as a normal figure hold). (As per a normal figure), the normal figure fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, and the opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal figure is set to 0.3 seconds (0.1 seconds × 3 times opening). On the other hand, when the electric support state is set, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 99/100 (99/100 of the random numbers for determining a normal figure that can be acquired as a hold of a normal figure). Random numbers are set as per normal figure), the normal figure fluctuation time is set to 1 second, and the opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal figure is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 times open). ..

<Special operation processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently performs a special operation process (S600). In this special operation process (S600), a process of variablely displaying a special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) or executing a big hit game is performed. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is first during the big hit game, during the variable display of the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure), and during the definite display of the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure). Judge whether it is one of the above. As a result, if it is not in the jackpot game, the variable display of the special symbol, or the final display of the special symbol, it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold is stored in the second special symbol hold storage area. .. As a result, when the second special figure hold is stored in the second special figure hold storage area, the second special figure hold (big hit determination random number) stored first among the stored second special figure hold is stored. , Fluctuating pattern selection random number, symbol selection random number) is read. Then, the jackpot determination is performed based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read second special figure hold.

On the other hand, if the second special figure hold is not stored in the second special figure hold storage area, this time, it is determined whether or not the first special figure hold is stored in the first special figure hold storage area. to decide. As a result, when the first special figure hold is stored in the first special figure hold storage area, the first special figure hold (big hit determination random number) stored first among the stored first special figure hold is stored. , Symbol selection random number, fluctuation pattern selection random number). Then, the jackpot determination is performed based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read first special figure hold.

Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state related to the probability of being determined as a big hit in the big hit determination is "the probability of being determined as a big hit in the big hit determination is low (99). It is set to "a low probability state (with a probability of 1/9)" or "a high probability state with a high probability of being determined as a big hit in the big hit determination (with a probability of 1/11.9)". The setting of such a low-probability state or a high-probability state is realized as follows. That is, when the low probability state is set, the random number of 1 / 99.9 of the big hit determination random numbers that can be acquired as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is set as the big hit, and the high probability state is set. If this is the case, a random number of 1/11.9 of the jackpot determination random numbers that can be acquired as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is set as the jackpot.

When the big hit determination is made for the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold in this way, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit determination is a big hit. As a result, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the variation display of this special symbol (symbol variation game) is based on the symbol selection random number included in the first special symbol hold or the second special symbol hold read this time. Select the type of jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed with. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the jackpot symbols 1 to 100 can be stopped and displayed as the first special figure, and the jackpot symbols 201 to 300 are displayed as the second special figure. Can be stopped and displayed. Therefore, when the first special symbol hold is read, the symbol selection random number read as the first special symbol hold is used with reference to the symbol selection table (not shown) in which the symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the jackpot symbols 1 to 100. Select the corresponding jackpot symbol as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. When the second special symbol hold is read, the jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol selection random number read as the second special symbol hold is referred to by referring to the symbol selection table in which the symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the jackpot symbols 201 to 300. Is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. The symbol selection table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

On the other hand, when the result of the big hit determination is out of order, the out-of-order symbol 101 is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed when the first special figure hold is read, and the out-of-symbol symbol 301 is selected when the second special figure hold is read out. Select as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. The jackpot symbol and the off symbol selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed are stored in the stopped symbol storage area secured in the RAM 203.

After selecting the symbol to be stopped and displayed in this way, the variation pattern of the variation display (symbol variation game) of the special symbol is selected. The fluctuation pattern is the time (variation time) from the start of the fluctuation display to the stop display of the special symbol (first special figure or the second special figure), and each fluctuation pattern is distinguished from other fluctuation patterns. Information (variation pattern ID) is attached. In the process of selecting the fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation pattern selection table is referred to. As shown in FIG. 9, the variation pattern selection table is a table in which variation pattern selection random numbers are assigned to a plurality of variation patterns (variation pattern ID, variation time). In the process of selecting a variation pattern, in such a variation pattern selection table, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern selection random number read out as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold this time is determined as the current variation pattern. .. Therefore, the probability that each variation pattern is selected is determined by the ratio of the random numbers assigned to each variation pattern among the available variation pattern selection random numbers.

The variation pattern selected in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 as a variation pattern designation command described later. Upon receiving the variation pattern designation command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 recognizes the variation pattern of the current symbol variation game based on the variation pattern designation command, and executes the symbol variation effect with the effect pattern based on the variation pattern. ..

In the process of selecting the fluctuation pattern described above, the type of special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) and the current setting are set as shown in FIG. 10 instead of always referring to the same fluctuation pattern selection table. Refer to the variation pattern selection table corresponding to various game progress states such as the game state, the result of the jackpot determination, and the number of stored first special figure hold and second special figure hold. By doing so, it becomes possible to select a variation pattern corresponding to various game progress states, and by extension, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can execute the symbol variation effect with the effect pattern corresponding to various game progress states. For example, when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executes a symbol variation effect of stopping and displaying the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c with doublet after the reach effect, and the result of the jackpot determination. If is out of alignment, the symbol variation effect of stopping and displaying the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c with doublets is executed. Further, when the result of the jackpot determination is wrong and a predetermined fluctuation pattern is selected, the reach effect is performed. Each variation pattern selection table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

In this way, when the symbol to be stopped and displayed in the variation display of the special symbol is selected and the variation pattern of the variation display of the special symbol is selected, the variation display of the special symbol is started. Then, the variation pattern designation command indicating the variation pattern selected this time is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The variation pattern specification command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In addition, the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, which is the target of the jackpot determination this time, is deleted from the first special figure hold storage area or the second special figure hold storage area.

The above has described the processing when neither of the big hit game, the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or the second special symbol), or the definite display of the special symbol is displayed. On the other hand, when the variable display of the special symbol is being displayed, it is determined whether or not the variable time of the special symbol being displayed in the variable display has elapsed. As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol being displayed in the fluctuation is stopped and displayed at the symbol stored in the stop symbol storage area in advance (the confirmation display is started). When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in this way, the final display of the special symbol is started, so the final display time of the special symbol is set. Then, a variable stop command indicating that the special symbol has been stopped and displayed is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The fluctuation stop command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

When the confirmation display of the special symbol is in progress, it is determined whether or not the confirmation display time has elapsed. As a result, when the confirmed display time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed (confirmed display) this time is a jackpot symbol. As a result, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is an out-of-order symbol, it is determined whether or not the high probability state is set, and if the high probability state is set, the high probability number is subtracted once. do. As a result, when the number of high probabilities becomes 0, the low probability state is set instead of the high probability state. It is also determined whether or not the electric support state is set, and if the electric support state is set, the number of electric support is subtracted once. As a result, when the number of times of electric support becomes 0, the non-electric support state is set instead of the electric support state. When the game state is set in this way, the game state specification command indicating the set game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

On the other hand, when the special symbol displayed as stopped is a jackpot symbol, the opening pattern (opening number of times, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the jackpot 28 in the jackpot game is set. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of round games during the big hit game differs depending on the type of the big hit symbol displayed as stopped. Therefore, the opening pattern of the big winning opening 28 is set according to the type of the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed. After setting the opening pattern of the big winning opening 28 in this way, the big hit game is started. Then, the jackpot game start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This jackpot game start command also includes information indicating the number of round games in the jackpot game to be started this time. The jackpot game start command stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

On the other hand, when the big hit game is in progress, the opening / closing door 29 is operated by controlling the big winning opening solenoid 29m so that the big winning opening 28 is in the open / closed state in the above-mentioned opening pattern. Then, at the start of the round game, the round game start command indicating the start of the round game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and at the end of the round game, the round game end command indicating the end of the round game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. Will be done. The round game start command and the round game end command stored in the output buffer in this way are transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

Further, when the control (operation of the opening / closing door 29) of the large winning opening solenoid 29m according to the above-mentioned opening pattern is completed, the big hit game is ended. Then, the jackpot game end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The jackpot game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S100). After finishing the jackpot game, the game state is set to the high probability state and the electric support state as described above with reference to FIG. At this time, the high probability number is set to 6 times regardless of which jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, but the number of electric support is 25 times, 50 times, depending on the type of the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed. It is set to any of 100 times. When the game state is set in this way, the game state specification command indicating the set game state (including the number of high accuracy times and the number of electric support times) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

The first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can be regarded as "acquired information", and the RAM 203 for storing the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can be regarded as "acquisition information storage means". can. Further, the special symbol can be regarded as "identification information", the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 for variablely displaying the special symbol can be regarded as "identification information display means", and the jackpot symbol can be regarded as "specific mode". You can also. In addition, the big winning opening 28 can be regarded as a "variable entry opening", the big hit game can be regarded as a "specific game", and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol (when a predetermined grant condition is satisfied). The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that executes the jackpot game (giving a privilege to the player) can also be regarded as a "specific game execution means" or a "privilege granting means". Further, the "electric support state" and the "high probability state" can be regarded as the "advantageous state", and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 capable of setting the "electric support state" and the "high probability state" as the gaming state is " It can also be regarded as an "advantageous state setting means".

<Holding number processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently performs the hold number processing (S700). In this hold number processing (S700), the number of the first special figure hold stored in the first special figure hold storage area and the number of the second special figure hold stored in the second special figure hold storage area. Is read and the hold number transfer command indicating these numbers is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The hold number transmission command stored in the output buffer in this way is also transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). By doing so, the sub-control board 220 displays various effects such as displaying the reserved symbols corresponding to the number of the first special figure hold and the number of the second special figure hold on the effect display device 41, and various effects based on these numbers. Can be executed.

D. Direction control processing:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of the staging control process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 as the control related to the staging. The staging control process is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 based on a timer interrupt generated at predetermined intervals (for example, every 10 ms). Hereinafter, the staging control process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 will be described with reference to the flowchart. In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process is omitted.

When the effect control process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 first performs a command analysis process (S800). Here, each time the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives a command from the main control board 200, this command is stored in the reception command storage area of the RAM 223 as an external interrupt process. In the command analysis process (S800), the command stored in the received command storage area, that is, the effect corresponding to the command received from the main control board 200 is determined, and the image / sound control board 230 or the lamp is used to perform this effect. The command to be transmitted to the control board 226 or the like is stored in the output buffer secured in the RAM 223.

The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 subsequently performs an output process (S900). In this process, the command stored in the output buffer of the RAM 223 is transmitted to the image / audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the like. When a command is received from the sub control board 220, the image / sound control board 230 displays the image corresponding to the received command on the effect display device 41, and outputs the sound corresponding to the received command from various speakers 6a, 6b and the like. do. Further, the lamp control board 226 causes various lamps 5a to 5c and the like to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the received command.

As described above, the sub control board 220 performs various effects in cooperation with the image / sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc., but for convenience of explanation in the present specification, the sub control board 220 controls the image / sound. Performing various effects in cooperation with the board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the like is also simply expressed as "the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executes various effects".

FIG. 12 shows the processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 in response to the command received from the main control board 200. As shown in FIG. 12, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the pre-determination result command, it performs a pre-effect which is an effect based on the pre-determination result. For example, an image of a character or the like corresponding to the pre-determination result may be displayed on the effect display device 41, or the mode of the hold symbol to be displayed in the first hold display area 41d or the second hold display area 41f of the effect display device 41 may be pre-determined. The mode corresponds to the result. It should be noted that the pre-determination effect does not have to be performed all the time when the pre-determination result command is received, and may be performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a predetermined execution lottery is won).

Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the hold number transmission command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 displays the same number of hold symbols as the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold number indicated by this command in the first effect display device 41. It is displayed in the hold display area 41d or the second hold display area 41f. It is not necessary to always display both the number of reserved 1st special figures and the number of reserved 2nd special figures. In, the number of 1st special figure hold is displayed, and the 2nd special figure hold number is displayed in the non-electric support state where right-handed hitting is performed, that is, in the state where the game of the 2nd special figure is performed. May be good.

Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command, the symbol corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command is matched with the variation display of the special symbol (first special diagram or second special diagram). The variation effect (including the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) is started. Since the symbol variation effect is performed corresponding to the variation pattern, the reach effect (see FIG. 7B) performed as a part of the symbol variation effect is also performed when the corresponding variation pattern is selected. Specifically, when the variation pattern corresponding to the reach effect is selected when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed with doublets after the reach effect is performed. The production is done. Further, if the variation pattern corresponding to the reach effect is selected when the result of the jackpot determination is wrong, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed at random after the reach effect is performed. Is done. Then, when the fluctuation stop command is received during the execution of the symbol variation effect, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 stops and displays the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in doublet or doublet.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the jackpot game start command, the jackpot game effect indicating that the jackpot game is in progress is started. For example, at the timing when the big hit game is started, a fanfare effect indicating the start of the big hit game is executed, and a moving image (so-called movie) indicating that the big hit game is in progress is started. In addition, a staging that suggests the number of round games of the started big hit game (any of 4 round big hit game, 6 round big hit game, 7 round big hit game, 16 round big hit game) and set after the started big hit game is completed. An effect that suggests the game state, the number of times of high accuracy (6 times), and the number of times of electric support (any of 25 times, 50 times, and 100 times) is executed.

Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the round game start command during the big hit game, the CPU 221 starts the round game effect (for example, superimposed on the big hit game effect) indicating that the round game is in progress. For example, an effect indicating the number of round games in the big hit game being executed (for example, an effect of displaying 1R, 2R, 3R ...) is started. Then, when the round game end command is received, the round game effect is ended, and when the big hit game end command is received, the big hit game effect is ended.

Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the game state designation command, the CPU 221 starts the effect corresponding to the set game state. For example, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c and their background images are displayed in a mode corresponding to the game state (color, shape, etc.), or when a high probability state is set, the remaining high probability number is displayed. The effect to be performed is started, and when the electric support state is set, the effect of displaying the remaining number of electric support is started.

E. Race production:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the "race effect" is executed as a part of the above-mentioned symbol variation effect (when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c). I have something to do. The race production is a production in which the state of a race (race) in which a plurality of racehorses run is displayed on the display screen of the production display device 41. In this production, the racehorse that has reached the goal (final line) first. Depending on the type of, it is suggested whether or not the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed at the zor eyes (whether or not the big hit game is performed).

Specifically, when the race effect is started, first, as shown in FIG. 13A, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in the variable display are reduced and moved to the upper right part of the display screen of the effect display device 41. Then, a specific racehorse that the player should pay attention to is displayed in the center of the display screen. That is, a racehorse (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “attention horse”) in which the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed in doublets when the goal is reached first is displayed. After displaying the horses of interest in this way, as shown in FIG. 13B, the state in which the horses of interest are running is displayed. The state of such a race may be displayed by playing a video stored in advance, or the state of the race may be displayed in real time (sequentially) by using a sprite image, three-dimensional data, or the like. It may be done by generating and displaying it.

When the attention horse reached the goal first in the race production, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c were stopped and displayed with doublets (the special symbol was a big hit symbol), and the attention horse did not reach the goal first. In this case, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed as doublet (the special symbol is out of order) and stopped.

Here, when the attention horse is displayed at the start of the race effect, the “name (horse name)” and the “big hit expectation” of the attention horse are also displayed as shown in FIG. 13 (a). In the example shown in FIG. 13A, "Red C" is displayed as the name of the horse of interest, and "High" is displayed as the expected degree of jackpot. The "big hit expectation" is the possibility that the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed with doublets (the possibility that a big hit game is performed), and the big hit expectation depends on the type of the horse of interest displayed in the race production. The degree is different.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the horse of interest is any of the "Red A", "White A", and "Black A" race horses, that is, any of these race horses runs. The highest expectation for a big hit is when the race is produced, and the horse of interest is a race horse of "Red B", "White B", or "Black B", that is, any of these. The next highest expectation for a big hit is when the race horse in the race is produced, and the horse of interest is one of the "Red C", "White C", and "Black C" race horses, that is, The expectation of a big hit is the lowest when a race production in which any of these race horses runs is performed.

In the following, among the above-mentioned jackpot expectations, the highest jackpot expectation is also expressed as “high”, and the next highest jackpot expectation is expected. It is also expressed that the degree is "medium", and that the lowest expectation of big hit is "low".

As described above, in the race production of this embodiment, the jackpot expectation differs depending on the type of the attention horse displayed in the race production. Therefore, the race horse having a higher jackpot expectation is regarded as the attention horse for the player. It is possible to expect that a race horse having a higher expectation of a big hit will be displayed, that is, a race production in which a race horse with a higher expectation of a big hit will run as a horse of interest will be performed, and it will be possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

F. Type suggestion image:
F-1. Outline of type suggestion image:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a "type suggestion image" may be displayed when the above-mentioned race effect is not performed. The "type suggestion image" is an image suggesting the type of race effect (an image suggesting a horse of interest displayed in the race effect). That is, when the race effect is started when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, the race horse suggested by the displayed "type suggestion image" is displayed (runs) as a horse of interest. Will be. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), when the race effect is started when "Red C" is displayed as the "type suggestion image", as shown in FIG. 15 (b), as a horse of interest. A race production in which "Red C" is displayed (runs) is performed. In addition, when the race production is started when "white C" is displayed as the "type suggestion image", the race production is performed in which "white C" is displayed (runs) as the horse of interest, and the "type" is performed. When the race effect is started when the "black C" is displayed as the "suggestion image", the race effect is performed in which the "black C" is displayed (runs) as the horse of interest. The same applies to other racehorses (Red B, White B, Black B, Red A, White A, Black A). On the other hand, even if the "type suggestion image" is displayed, none of the race effects may be performed. For example, even if "Red C" is displayed as the "type suggestion image", none of the race effects may be performed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to display the "type suggestion image", so that the "type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a higher expectation of a big hit to the player. Can be expected to be displayed (a racehorse with a higher expectation of a big hit is displayed as a "type suggestion image"), and it is possible to enhance the game interest. In addition, even if the "type suggestion image" is displayed, none of the race effects may be performed. Therefore, especially when the "type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a high expectation of a big hit is displayed, the big hit When a "type suggestion image (red A, white A, black A)" suggesting a race effect with a "high" expectation is displayed, the player can expect the race effect to start. It is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

F-2. Change of type suggestion image:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the "type suggestion image" can be displayed as described above, but if the race effect has not been started yet (before the start of the race effect), the once displayed "type suggestion image" is displayed. May be changed and displayed as a "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a higher expectation of a big hit. For example, when a "type suggestion image (red C, white C, black C)" suggesting a race effect in which the jackpot expectation is "low" is displayed, the jackpot expectation is the "type suggestion image". "Type suggestion image (Red B, White B, Black B)" suggesting a "medium" race effect and "Type suggestion image (Red A, White A)" suggesting a race effect with a "high" jackpot expectation. , Black A) ”may be changed and displayed. Further, when a "type suggestion image (red B, white B, black B)" suggesting a race effect in which the jackpot expectation is "medium" is displayed, the jackpot expectation is the "type suggestion image". It may be changed to a "type suggestion image (red A, white A, black A)" that suggests a race effect that is "high" and displayed.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the race effect is started when the "type suggestion image" is changed and displayed, the race horse suggested by the changed "type suggestion image" is displayed as a horse of interest. A race will be produced. Therefore, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, the "type suggestion image" suggests to the player that the race production has a higher expectation of a big hit (a higher expectation of a big hit). It is possible to expect it to be changed to a racehorse), and it will be possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned "type suggestion image" is displayed, it is possible to execute the "time lapse effect" indicating the passage of time (time during the symbol variation effect). As this "time lapse effect", as shown in FIG. 16, a "bar effect" is executed in which a rectangular bar image is displayed and the color of the bar image is gradually changed with the passage of time. It is possible. This "bar effect" ends when all the colors of the bar image have changed. In addition to this, as the "time lapse effect", as shown in FIG. 17, a numerical image showing a number is displayed, and the number shown by the numerical image is gradually subtracted with the passage of time. "Countdown effect" can be executed. This "countdown effect" ends when the number indicated by the number image becomes "0".

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned time-lapse effect (bar effect, countdown effect) is started, the race effect is started with the end of the time-lapse effect (at the timing when the time-lapse effect ends). do. Here, since the displayed "type suggestion image" can be changed before the start of the race effect, the displayed "type suggestion image" may be changed when the time lapse effect is started. A certain period is a period until the time-lapse effect ends (until the race effect starts). That is, when the time lapse effect is started, the displayed "type suggestion image" may be changed during the period when the time lapse effect is being executed (only during the execution of the time lapse effect). For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, when the bar effect is started as the time lapse effect, the "type suggestion image" displayed may be changed during the execution of the bar effect, and FIG. 18A. As shown in (b), when the countdown effect is started as the time lapse effect, the displayed "type suggestion image" is changed during the period when the countdown effect is being executed (only during the execution of the countdown effect). May be done.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the type suggestion image being displayed is changed during the period during which the time lapse effect (bar effect, countdown effect) is being executed (during the time lapse effect). there is a possibility. Therefore, when the time lapse effect is started, the type suggestion image being displayed is "a type suggestion image suggesting a race effect with a higher expectation of big hit" to the player by the time the time lapse effect is completed. It is possible to expect that it will be changed to "", and it will be possible to enhance the entertainment of the game. The "type suggestion image" being displayed may be changeable only during the period (during execution) during which the time-lapse effect is being executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the time-lapse effect is not executed. The displayed "type suggestion image" may be changed with a higher probability in the period (execution) in which the time lapse effect is executed than in the period (non-execution). Even in such a case, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the race effect is started at the end of the time lapse effect. Therefore, when the time lapse effect is started, it is recognized that the race effect is performed for the player. Can be made to. Then, in the situation where the race production is recognized in this way (by the end of the time-lapse production), it can be expected that the "type suggestion image" will be changed. It will be possible to increase. It should be noted that the race effect may always be performed when the time lapse effect is performed, but the race is not limited to this, and the probability is higher when the time lapse effect is performed than when the time lapse effect is not performed. It may be possible to perform a race production at. Even in such a case, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained.

F-3. Image notice after change:
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the "type suggestion image" being displayed can be changed, but prior to the change, the changed "type suggestion image" is announced (suggested). "Image preview effect after change" can be executed. That is, the "type suggestion image" is performed while the "type suggestion image" is displayed, and then the "type suggestion image" being displayed is announced by the "type suggestion image". Change to "" and display.

As the "changed image notice effect", for example, as shown in FIG. 19A, the notice display area image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the front of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in the variable display. This notice display area image is an image that defines an area in the display area of the display screen of the effect display device 41 for variable display of the image for notifying the changed "type suggestion image". That is, in the display area defined by the notice display area image (overlaid on the front of the notice display area image), the "high" character image, the "medium" character image, and the "small" character image are variablely displayed. After that, any one of these character images is stopped and displayed. Then, the character image stopped and displayed at this time gives a notice of the changed "type suggestion image". For example, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the character image of "high" is stopped and displayed, the "type suggestion image (red A, white A) suggesting a race effect in which the jackpot expectation is" high "" is suggested. , Black A) ”will be announced. In addition, when the character image of "medium" is stopped and displayed, it is changed to "type suggestion image (either red B, white B, or black B)" that suggests a race effect in which the jackpot expectation is "medium". It is foretold that it will be done. In addition, when the character image of "low" is stopped and displayed, it is changed to "type suggestion image (any of red C, white C, black C)" suggesting a race effect in which the jackpot expectation is "low". It is foretold that it will be done.

When the above-mentioned "changed image notice effect" is performed, the displayed "type suggestion image" is changed to the "type suggestion image" announced in the "changed image notice effect" and displayed. After that, when the race production is started, the race horse suggested by the changed "type suggestion image" is displayed (runs) as a horse of interest, and the race production is performed. Therefore, for the player, "the displayed" type suggestion image "is changed to a" type suggestion image "(a racehorse with a higher expectation of a big hit) that suggests a race production with a higher expectation of a big hit." It is possible to expect that the "changed image notice effect" will be performed, and it will be possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

In addition, in the "post-change image notice effect", the character image ("high" character image, "medium" character image, "small" character image) is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and displayed. Notice (suggestion) of "type suggestion image". For this reason, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the "changed image notice effect", and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game. Further, since the variable display of the character image is performed in the display area defined by the notice display area image, the player is confused with the variable display of the character image with the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c. It is possible to make it easier to recognize the "image preview effect after change".

Further, the "changed image notice effect" may be performed during the period (during the execution of the time lapse effect) during the time lapse effect (bar effect, countdown effect) described above. By doing this, once the time-lapse effect is started, the player can be expected to perform the "changed image notice effect" by the time the time-lapse effect is completed, which can enhance the interest of the game. It will be possible. Further, the "changed image preview effect" may be executed only during the period (during execution) during which the time-lapse effect is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the period during which the time-lapse effect is not executed is not limited. The "changed image preview effect" may be performed with a higher probability during the period (execution) during which the time-lapse effect is being executed (during execution) than during (non-execution). Even in such a case, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained.

Here, as described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to change the "type suggestion image" being displayed and to perform the "changed image notice effect". Change from "type suggestion image suggesting a low degree of race production" to "type suggestion image suggesting a special production with a high possibility of giving benefits" (hereinafter also referred to as "promotion of type suggestion image") and "type suggestion image" The player expects that the notice of "promotion of" (post-change image notice production) will be given. For this reason, the opposite change from "type suggestion image suggesting a race production with high jackpot expectation" to "type suggestion image suggesting race production with low jackpot expectation" (hereinafter also referred to as "demotion of type suggestion image"). If a notice of "demotion of the type suggestion image" (image notice effect after the change) is given, the game interest will be reduced. However, as a matter of course, it is impossible to perform only "promotion of the type suggestion image", and it is necessary to perform "demotion of the type suggestion image" at some timing. For example, if a "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a "high" jackpot expectation is displayed as a "type suggestion image", it is impossible to "promote the kind suggestion image". be. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the "demotion of the type suggestion image" and its notice (changed image notice effect) are during the period when the player is not paying attention to the effect, that is, "the race effect is completed". The period from to the start of the next variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c ”. For example, when the display screen is switched (the background image is switched or the display screen is blacked out) after the race effect is finished, and the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed larger than before. "Demotion of type suggestion image" will be performed. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize the "demotion of the type suggestion image" and the notice (changed image notice effect), so that it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest. In addition, when "demotion of the type suggestion image" is performed, the notice (the image notice effect after change) may not be performed.

G. Processing for race production:
As described above with reference to FIG. 12, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command, the variation pattern designation command is matched with the variation display of the special symbol (first special diagram or second special diagram). The symbol variation effect (including the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c) corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by is started. Since the symbol variation effect is performed corresponding to the variation pattern, naturally, the above-mentioned race effect performed as a part of the symbol variation effect is also performed when the variation pattern corresponding to the race effect is selected.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a race effect execution process for performing the above-mentioned race effect. This process is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 as part of the staging control process described above with reference to FIG. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command (S1000: yes), the CPU 221 detects the variation pattern specified by the received variation pattern specification command. Then, the effect mode related to the race effect (hereinafter, also referred to as “race effect mode”) is determined based on the detected variation pattern (S1002).

Here, the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220 stores in advance an effect pattern table in which an effect mode (so-called effect pattern) is associated with each variation pattern. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects a variation pattern from the variation pattern designation command, the CPU 221 refers to the effect pattern table and determines an effect mode (so-called effect pattern) corresponding to the variation pattern. Therefore, also in the process of S1002, the race effect mode corresponding to the variation pattern detected this time is determined with reference to the effect pattern table.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state of determining a race effect mode corresponding to the detected fluctuation pattern (state of processing of S1002). As shown in FIG. 21, the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 secures a "race effect mode storage area" in which a race effect mode (race effect mode corresponding to the variation pattern detected this time) is stored. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the race effect mode corresponding to the variation pattern detected this time with reference to the "effect pattern table", the determined race effect mode is stored in the "race effect mode storage area".

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, as a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is set to perform the time lapse effect in association with the variation pattern detected this time, the time lapse corresponding to the variation pattern is set. The execution timing and contents of the effect are read out and stored in the "race effect mode storage area" of the RAM 223. In the example shown in FIG. 21, it is memorized that the execution timing of the time lapse effect is 12 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect, and that the bar effect is performed as the content of the time lapse effect. As a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is not set to perform the time-lapse effect in association with the variation pattern detected this time, neither the execution timing nor the content of the time-lapse effect is stored.

Further, as a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is set to perform the "changed image notice effect" in association with the variation pattern detected this time, the "changed image advance notice effect" corresponding to the variation pattern is set. The execution timing and contents of the above are read out and stored in the "race effect mode storage area" of the RAM 223. In the example shown in FIG. 21, it is memorized that the execution timing of the "changed image notice effect" is 14 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect, and the content of the "changed image notice effect" is "big hit expectation". Is "high", which suggests a race effect, "a notice that the image will be changed to a" type suggestion image (either red A, white A, or black A) "" is remembered. As a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is not set to perform the "changed image notice effect" in association with the fluctuation pattern detected this time, the execution timing of the "changed image notice effect" is also included. I don't even remember.

Further, as a result of referring to the "staging pattern table", if it is set to change the "type suggestion image" in association with the fluctuation pattern detected this time, the "type suggestion image" corresponding to the fluctuation pattern is displayed. The change timing and the type of the "type suggestion image" after the change are read out and stored in the "race effect mode storage area" of the RAM 223. In the example shown in FIG. 21, it is memorized that the "type suggestion image" is changed twice, and the change timing of the first "type suggestion image" is changed 2 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect. Remember that, as the type of "type suggestion image" after the first change, "type suggestion image (red B, white B, black B) suggesting a race production with a big hit expectation of" medium " ) ”I remember. Also, as the change timing of the second "type suggestion image", it is memorized that the change is made 15 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect, and as the type of the "type suggestion image" after the second change, the jackpot expectation degree is It remembers a "type suggestion image (any of red A, white A, and black A)" that suggests a "high" race effect. As a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is not set to change the "type suggestion image" in association with the fluctuation pattern detected this time, the change timing of the "type suggestion image" is also changed. The type of "type suggestion image" is also not memorized.

Further, as a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is set to perform the race effect in association with the variation pattern detected this time, the execution timing and contents of the race effect corresponding to the variation pattern are read out. It is stored in the "race effect mode storage area" of the RAM 223. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the execution timing of the race effect is memorized to be executed 17 seconds after the start of the symbol variation effect, and the content of the race effect is "a race effect with a" high "big hit expectation" is performed. , The content that the attention horse reaches the goal first ”is remembered. As a result of referring to the "effect pattern table", if it is not set to perform the race effect in association with the fluctuation pattern detected this time, neither the execution timing nor the content of the race effect is stored.

In this way, after the race effect mode is determined and stored in the "race effect mode storage area" of the RAM 223 (S1002 in FIG. 20), the race effect mode is referred to (the storage content of the race effect mode storage area). Perform various productions related to. That is, with reference to the storage content of the "race effect mode storage area", it is determined whether or not it is the execution timing of the time-lapse effect (whether or not the execution timing has arrived) (S1004). As a result, when it is the execution timing of the time lapse effect (S1004: yes), the time lapse effect is executed with the contents stored in the "race effect mode storage area" (S1006). Of course, if the execution timing and contents of the time lapse effect are not stored in the "race effect mode storage area", the time lapse effect is not executed.

Subsequently, with reference to the storage content of the "race effect mode storage area", it is determined whether or not it is the execution timing of the "changed image notice effect" (S1008). As a result, when it is the execution timing of the "changed image notice effect" (S1008: yes), the "changed image notice effect" is executed with the contents stored in the "race effect mode storage area" (S1010). .. Of course, if the execution timing and contents of the "changed image notice effect" are not stored in the "race effect mode storage area", the "changed image advance notice effect" is not executed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is the change timing of the "type suggestion image" by referring to the stored contents of the "race effect mode storage area" (S1012). As a result, when it is the change timing of the "type suggestion image" (S1012: yes), it is changed to the "changed image notice effect" of the type stored in the "race effect mode storage area" (S1014). Of course, if the change timing of the "type suggestion image" and the changed "type suggestion image" are not stored, the "type suggestion image" is not changed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is the execution timing of the "race effect" by referring to the stored contents of the "race effect mode storage area" (S1016). As a result, when it is the execution timing of the "race effect" (S1016: yes), the "race effect" is executed with the contents stored in the "race effect mode storage area" (S1018). Of course, if the execution timing and contents of the "race effect" are not stored in the "race effect mode storage area", the "race effect" is not executed. It should be noted that the selection of the variation pattern for performing the race effect can be regarded as a "predetermined execution condition".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, various effects related to the race effect (time lapse effect, image notice effect after change, effect of changing the type suggestion image, race effect) have a variation pattern corresponding to each. Since it is executed when it is selected, the above-mentioned jackpot expectation can be realized by appropriately setting the probability that such a fluctuation pattern is selected. For example, when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the probability (execution probability) that the fluctuation pattern for performing the race effect in which the jackpot expectation is "high" is selected is the highest, and the jackpot expectation is "medium". The probability that the variation pattern for performing the race effect is selected (execution probability) is the next highest, and the probability that the race effect for which the jackpot expectation is "low" is selected (execution probability) is set to be the lowest. On the other hand, when the result of the big hit judgment is wrong, the probability (execution probability) that the fluctuation pattern for performing the race production in which the big hit expectation is "low" is selected is the highest, and the big hit expectation is "medium". The probability (execution probability) that the fluctuation pattern that performs the race effect is selected is the next highest, and the probability (execution probability) that the race effect that has the jackpot expectation "low" is selected is set to be the highest. do.

If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the probability (change probability) that the variation pattern to be changed to "a" type suggestion image "that suggests a race effect with a" high "big hit expectation" is selected is the highest. The probability (change probability) that the fluctuation pattern to be changed to "type suggestion image" that suggests a race production with a high jackpot expectation is "medium" is the next highest, and the jackpot expectation is "low". Set so that the probability (change probability) of selecting the fluctuation pattern to be changed to "type suggestion image" that suggests the race effect is the lowest. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot judgment is wrong, the probability that the variation pattern to be changed to "a" type suggestion image "that suggests a race production with a jackpot expectation of" low "" is selected (change probability). ) Is the highest, and the probability (change probability) that the fluctuation pattern to be changed to "type suggestion image" suggesting a race production with a big hit expectation of "medium" is selected is the next highest, and "big hit expectation is high". Set so that the probability (change probability) of selecting the fluctuation pattern to be changed to "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect that is "high" is the lowest.

Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the race effect corresponding to the variation pattern detected this time is performed, the jackpot expectation is "high" in correspondence with the variation pattern (in the effect pattern table). It is only set whether to execute the race production, the race production where the jackpot expectation is "medium", or the race production where the jackpot expectation is "low", and which race horse is "attention horse". Is not set. For example, just by referring to the production pattern table, it is decided to perform a race production with a "high" jackpot expectation as a race production corresponding to the fluctuation pattern detected this time, but red A, white A, and black. It is not decided which of A's racehorses will be the "attention horse".

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect of changing to the type of "type suggestion image" corresponding to the variation pattern detected this time is performed, but the effect is changed in correspondence with the variation pattern (in the effect pattern table). The later "type suggestion image" is "type suggestion image" that suggests a race production with a big hit expectation of "high", and "type suggestion image" that suggests a race production with a jackpot expectation of "medium". ], "Which of the" type suggestion image "which suggests the race production where the jackpot expectation is" low "" is only set, and which race horse is the changed "type suggestion image". It is not set whether it is a "type suggestion image" indicating. For example, just by referring to the production pattern table, the changed "type suggestion image" corresponding to the fluctuation pattern detected this time is "type suggestion image" that suggests a race production with a "high" jackpot expectation. Although it is determined that there is, it is not determined which of the red A, white A, and black A racehorses the changed "type suggestion image" is the "kind suggestion image".

These are due to the following reasons. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a "type suggestion image" showing nine types of racehorses can be displayed as the "type suggestion image". That is, a "type suggestion image" indicating "red A", a "type suggestion image" indicating "white A", and a "type suggestion image" indicating a "type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a "high" jackpot expectation. "Type suggestion image" showing "Black A" and "Type suggestion image" and "White B" showing "Red B" which is "Type suggestion image" suggesting a race production with a big hit expectation of "Medium". "Type suggestion image" indicating "type suggestion image", "type suggestion image" indicating "black B", and "red C" which is "type suggestion image" suggesting race production with "low" jackpot expectation. It is possible to display a "type suggestion image" indicating "type suggestion image", a "type suggestion image" indicating "white C", and a "type suggestion image" indicating "black C".

These "type suggestion images" are displayed by combining a horse image showing the shape of the racehorse and a character image showing the name of the racehorse in characters. Specifically, the image ROM 236 of the image / sound control board 230 stores three types of horse images, a red horse image, a white horse image, and a black horse image, which are different in color and shape from each other. As the character image, nine types of character images indicating the name of each race horse in characters are stored. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when displaying the "type suggestion image" indicating "Red A", "Red B", and "Red C", the character image indicating the name of each racehorse is displayed. The same red horse images are combined and displayed. In addition, when displaying a "type suggestion image" indicating "white A", "white B", and "white C", the same white horse image is displayed on the character image indicating the name of each racehorse. Display in combination. In addition, when displaying a "type suggestion image" indicating "black A", "black B", and "black C", the same black horse image is displayed on the character image indicating the name of each racehorse. Display in combination.

The race effect can be regarded as a "special effect", the racehorse can be regarded as a "predetermined object", the horse image can be regarded as a "shape image", and the image ROM 236 of the image / sound control board 230 can be regarded. Can also be regarded as a "memory means".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if the horse images are the same, different "type suggestion images" can be displayed by differently displaying the character images combined with the horse images. .. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the number of types of horse images (horse images whose data size tends to be larger than that of character images) (less than the number of types of displayable type suggestion images), and by extension, "type suggestion". It is possible to keep the storage capacity for displaying "images" small.

However, when changing the "type suggestion image", if the horse image is the same as the "type suggestion image" before the change but only the character image is different (type suggestion having the same horse image). (When changed to an image), the color and shape of the "type suggestion image" are not changed, so it is difficult for the player to recognize that the "type suggestion image" has been changed. For example, when changing from "a type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a "low" jackpot expectation, to "a type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a "medium" jackpot expectation. When changing from the "type suggestion image" indicating "red C" to the "type suggestion image" indicating "red B", the horse image remains a red horse image, so the player is asked to "type". It is difficult to recognize that the "suggestion image" has been changed.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the "type suggestion image" is changed (in the process of S1014 described above with reference to FIG. 20), the horse image (displayed) of the displayed "type suggestion image". It is decided to change to a "type suggestion image" having a horse image of a different kind from the horse image) constituting the kind suggestion image. For example, when changing the "type suggestion image" indicating "red C" to the "type suggestion image" suggesting a race production in which the jackpot expectation is "medium", the "type suggestion" indicating "red C" is used. The image is changed to a "type suggestion image (white B, black B)" having a different type of horse image (white horse image or black horse image) from the red horse image possessed by the "image". Which of the "type suggestion images" having different types of horse images is changed is determined by, for example, a lottery. By doing so, when the "type suggestion image" is changed, the color and shape of the "type suggestion image" are also changed, so that it is easy for the player to recognize that the "type suggestion image" has been changed. It becomes possible to enhance the game entertainment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge usually possessed by those skilled in the art can be appropriately added to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the "changed image notice effect" is performed, a predetermined image moves from the area where the "changed image notice effect" is performed toward the "type suggestion image". It may be that. For example, the effect image may be displayed while being moved from the notice display area image to the “type suggestion image”. By doing so, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize that the "changed image notice effect" suggests the changed "type suggestion image", and it is possible to enhance the game interest.

Further, the race effect may be performed with a higher probability when the "type suggestion image" suggesting the race effect with a higher expectation of big hit is displayed. For example, a "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a "high" jackpot probability is displayed rather than a "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a "low" jackpot probability. If this is the case, the race effect may be performed with a higher probability. By doing so, it is possible to expect the player to display a "type suggestion image" suggesting a race production with a higher expectation of a big hit, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

In addition, the race effect may be performed with a higher probability when the image is changed to a "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a higher expectation of a big hit. For example, than when the "type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a "low" jackpot probability is changed to a "type suggestion image" suggesting a race effect with a "medium" jackpot probability. , It is better to change from "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a "low" jackpot probability to "type suggestion image" that suggests a race effect with a "high" jackpot probability. , The race production may be performed with a high probability. By doing so, it is possible to expect the player to change to a "type suggestion image" that suggests a race production with a higher expectation of a big hit, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game ball supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. An example was explained. Not limited to this, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that imparts a game benefit in a form different from that of “paining a gaming ball”. For example, when a game ball enters various entrances, data indicating the amount of profit corresponding to the entry (magnitude of the game value) is stored to store a game profit (game). The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that imparts a value) to a player, and in this case as well, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. As a type of pachinko machine that converts game benefits (game value) into data and gives it to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return a game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various entrances or out ports and launch it again.

<Game machines A1 to A12 that can be extracted from the above-mentioned examples>
The pachinko machines of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A12.

<Game machine A1>
A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward the gaming area.
A privilege granting means for granting a privilege to a player when a predetermined grant condition is satisfied,
A special effect execution means capable of executing a special effect suggesting the possibility of the privilege being granted, and a special effect execution means.
Equipped with
As the special effect, it is possible to execute a plurality of types of effects that have different possibilities from each other.
Before the special effect is executed, a type suggestion image suggesting the type of the special effect can be displayed.
When the type suggestion image is displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that the special effect suggested by the displayed kind suggestion image can be executed.

In such a gaming machine, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, a special effect suggested by the "type suggestion image" may be performed. For this reason, the player is expected to display a "type suggestion image" that suggests the type of special effect that is more likely to be given a specific effect (hereinafter, also referred to as "specific grant possibility"). It is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game. In the following, "a" type suggestion image "that suggests a type of special effect with a higher possibility of giving a privilege" is also simply referred to as "a" kind suggestion image "that has a high degree of expectation."

<Game machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1
If the type suggestion image is displayed,
If a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is executed.
A gaming machine characterized in that the special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is not executed unless the predetermined execution condition is satisfied.

In such a gaming machine, even if the "type suggestion image" is displayed, the special effect suggested by the "type suggestion image" is not executed unless a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. For this reason, when the "type suggestion image" with a high degree of expectation is displayed, the player is expected to satisfy the predetermined execution condition, that is, to execute the special effect. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

<Game machine A3>
In the gaming machine A2
A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to change the type suggestion image being displayed before the special effect is executed.

In such a gaming machine, the displayed "type suggestion image" may be changed, that is, the type of the special effect suggested by the "type suggestion image" may be changed before the special effect is executed. be. Therefore, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, it is possible to expect the player to change the displayed "type suggestion image" to the "type suggestion image" having a higher expectation. It is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

<Game machine A4>
In the gaming machine A3
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to execute a post-change image notice effect for notifying the changed type suggestion image prior to the change.

In such a gaming machine, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, the image preview effect after the change may be performed. In this case, the "type suggestion image" being displayed is changed to the "type suggestion image" suggested by the image preview effect after the change. For this reason, it is possible to expect the player to perform a post-change image preview effect that announces that "the image will be changed to a" type suggestion image "with a higher degree of expectation", thereby enhancing the interest of the game. Is possible.

<Game machine A5>
In the gaming machine A4
As the post-change image preview effect, it is possible to execute an effect of varyingly displaying a predetermined image and then stopping and displaying the predetermined image.
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that the change is changed to the kind suggestion image suggested by the image stopped and displayed in the image preview effect after the change.

In such a post-change image notice effect of the gaming machine, the changed type suggestion image is announced (suggested) by displaying the predetermined image in a variable manner and then stopping the display. Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the image preview effect after the change, and it is possible to enhance the game interest.

<Game machine A6>
In the gaming machine A4 or the gaming machine A5
It is possible to execute a time-lapse effect that shows the passage of time.
The game machine characterized in that the post-change image notice effect can be executed during the execution of the time lapse effect.

In such a gaming machine, the post-change image preview effect is performed during the time-lapse effect. For this reason, when the time lapse effect is started, it is possible to expect the player to perform the changed image notice effect by the end of the time lapse effect, and it is possible to enhance the game interest. Become.

<Game machine A7>
In any one of the gaming machines A3 to the gaming machine A6,
It is possible to execute a time-lapse effect that shows the passage of time.
The displayed type suggestion image is a gaming machine characterized in that it can be changed during the execution of the time lapse effect.

In such a gaming machine, the type suggestion image being displayed is changed during the execution of the time lapse effect. For this reason, when the time lapse effect is started, the player can be expected to change the type suggestion image being displayed by the time the time lapse effect is completed, which enhances the interest of the game. Is possible.

<Game machine A8>
In the gaming machine A6 or the gaming machine A7
The time-lapse effect is a gaming machine characterized in that it is an effect showing the passage of time until the special effect is performed.

In such a gaming machine, when the time lapse effect is started, the player can be made to recognize that the special effect is performed. Then, under the situation that the special effect is recognized in this way (by the end of the time-lapse effect), the image preview effect after the change is performed, or the "type suggestion image" is changed. Since it is possible to expect that, it is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

<Game machine A9>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 to the gaming machine A8,
The type suggestion image is an image showing a predetermined object, and is an image showing a predetermined object.
The special effect is a game machine that displays the predetermined object indicated by the displayed type suggestion image.

In such a game machine, when an image (type suggestion image) showing a predetermined object is displayed, an effect (special effect) for displaying the predetermined object is performed. It is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize the correspondence between the two, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

<Game machine A10>
In the gaming machine A9
A storage means for storing a plurality of types of a shape image showing the shape of the predetermined object and a character image showing the name of the predetermined object in characters is provided.
The plurality of types of shape images stored in the storage means are at least different in color from each other.
The type suggestion image is the shape image of one of the plurality of types of the shape images stored in the storage means, and the character image of one of the plurality of types of the character images stored in the storage means. It is displayed in combination with
A gaming machine characterized in that even if the shape images are the same, if the character images to be displayed in combination with the shape images are different, the type suggestion images different from each other can be displayed.

In such a game machine, a "type suggestion image" is displayed by combining a shape image and a character image, but even if the shape image is the same, the character image displayed in combination with the shape image is different. Separate "type suggestion images" can be displayed. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the number of types of shape images (shape images whose data size tends to be larger than that of character images) (less than the number of types of displayable type suggestion images), and by extension, "type suggestion". It is possible to keep the storage capacity for displaying "images" small.

<Game machine A11>
In the gaming machine A10
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that it is changed to the type suggestion image having the shape image of a different type from the shape image possessed by the type suggestion image being displayed.

In such a gaming machine, even if the shape images are the same, different "type suggestion images" can be displayed by differently displaying the character images in combination with the shape images. Problems may occur. That is, when changing the "type suggestion image", if the shape image is the same as the "type suggestion image" before the change but only the character image is different (type suggestion having the same shape image). (When changed to an image), the color of the "type suggestion image" is not changed, so it is difficult for the player to recognize that the "type suggestion image" has been changed. Therefore, in this gaming machine, when changing the "type suggestion image", a shape image of a type different from the shape image (the shape image constituting the type suggestion image being displayed) of the displayed "type suggestion image" is used. It was decided to change to a "type suggestion image" that has. By doing so, when the "type suggestion image" is changed, the color of the "type suggestion image" is changed, so that it becomes easier for the player to recognize that the "type suggestion image" has been changed. It is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

<Game machine A12>
In any one of the gaming machines A3 to the gaming machine A11,
Equipped with identification information display means to display identification information in a variable manner
The privilege granting means is a means for executing a specific game in which the variable entrance is in a ball-entry state as the privilege based on the identification information being displayed in a specific mode.
The special effect is an effect performed during the variable display of the identification information, and is an effect suggesting the possibility that the identification information is displayed in a specific mode.
When the special effect suggested by the type suggestion image being displayed is started, the type suggestion image corresponds to the special effect in which the identification information is likely to be displayed in a specific mode. When changing from the suggestion image to the kind suggestion image corresponding to the special effect having a low possibility, the change is made from the end of the special effect to the start of the next variable display of the identification information. A game machine characterized by performing during the period.

In such a gaming machine, during the variable display of the identification information, the "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a low possibility of giving a privilege" is changed to the "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a high possibility of giving a privilege". The player expects the change (promotion of the type suggestion image) to be made. For this reason, the opposite change (demotion of the type suggestion image) from "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a high possibility of giving a privilege" to "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a low possibility of giving a privilege" is made. If it is done, it will reduce the interest in the game. However, as a matter of course, it is impossible to perform only "promotion of the type suggestion image", and it is necessary to perform "demotion of the type suggestion image" at some timing. For example, when a "type suggestion image" suggesting a special effect with the highest possibility of granting a privilege is displayed, it is impossible to "promote the kind suggestion image". Therefore, in this gaming machine, the type suggestion image is demoted during the period when the player is not paying attention to the effect, that is, the period from the end of the special effect to the start of the next variable display of the identification information. I decided to do. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize the "demotion of the type suggestion image", and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest.

<Game machines B1 to B12 that can be extracted from the above-mentioned examples>
The pachinko machines of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines B1 to B12.

<Game machine B1>
A gaming machine provided with identification information display means for variablely displaying identification information, and based on the identification information being displayed in a specific manner, a gaming machine that executes a specific game in which a variable entry port is in a state where the ball can enter.
A special effect executing means capable of executing a special effect suggesting that the identification information may be displayed in a specific mode is provided.
As the special effect, it is possible to execute a plurality of types of effects that have different possibilities from each other.
Before the special effect is executed, a type suggestion image suggesting the type of the special effect can be displayed.
When the type suggestion image is displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that the special effect suggested by the displayed kind suggestion image can be executed.

In such a gaming machine, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, a special effect suggested by the "type suggestion image" may be performed. For this reason, a "type suggestion image" is displayed to the player, which suggests a type of special effect having a higher possibility that the identification information is displayed in a specific mode (hereinafter, also referred to as "specific mode display possibility"). It is possible to expect that, and it will be possible to enhance the entertainment of the game. In the following, "a" type suggestion image "that suggests a type of special effect that is more likely to be displayed in a specific mode" is also simply referred to as "a" kind suggestion image "that has a high degree of expectation."

<Game machine B2>
In the gaming machine B1
If the type suggestion image is displayed,
If a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is executed.
A gaming machine characterized in that the special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is not executed unless the predetermined execution condition is satisfied.

In such a gaming machine, even if the "type suggestion image" is displayed, the special effect suggested by the "type suggestion image" is not executed unless a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. For this reason, when the "type suggestion image" with a high degree of expectation is displayed, the player is expected to satisfy the predetermined execution condition, that is, to execute the special effect. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

<Game machine B3>
In the gaming machine B2
A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to change the type suggestion image being displayed before the special effect is executed.

In such a gaming machine, the displayed "type suggestion image" may be changed, that is, the type of the special effect suggested by the "type suggestion image" may be changed before the special effect is executed. be. Therefore, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, it is possible to expect the player to change the displayed "type suggestion image" to the "type suggestion image" having a higher expectation. It is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

<Game machine B4>
In the gaming machine B3
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to execute a post-change image notice effect for notifying the changed type suggestion image prior to the change.

In such a gaming machine, when the "type suggestion image" is displayed, the image preview effect after the change may be performed. In this case, the "type suggestion image" being displayed is changed to the "type suggestion image" suggested by the image preview effect after the change. For this reason, it is possible to expect the player to perform a post-change image preview effect that announces that "the image will be changed to a" type suggestion image "with a higher degree of expectation", thereby enhancing the interest of the game. Is possible.

<Game machine B5>
In the gaming machine B4
As the post-change image preview effect, it is possible to execute an effect of varyingly displaying a predetermined image and then stopping and displaying the predetermined image.
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that the change is changed to the kind suggestion image suggested by the image stopped and displayed in the image preview effect after the change.

In such a post-change image notice effect of the gaming machine, the changed type suggestion image is announced (suggested) by displaying the predetermined image in a variable manner and then stopping the display. Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the image preview effect after the change, and it is possible to enhance the game interest.

<Game machine B6>
In the gaming machine B4 or the gaming machine B5
It is possible to execute a time-lapse effect that shows the passage of time.
The game machine characterized in that the post-change image notice effect can be executed during the execution of the time lapse effect.

In such a gaming machine, the post-change image preview effect is performed during the time-lapse effect. For this reason, when the time lapse effect is started, it is possible to expect the player to perform the changed image notice effect by the end of the time lapse effect, and it is possible to enhance the game interest. Become.

<Game machine B7>
In any one of the gaming machines B3 to the gaming machine B6,
It is possible to execute a time-lapse effect that shows the passage of time.
The displayed type suggestion image is a gaming machine characterized in that it can be changed during the execution of the time lapse effect.

In such a gaming machine, the type suggestion image being displayed is changed during the execution of the time lapse effect. For this reason, when the time lapse effect is started, the player can be expected to change the type suggestion image being displayed by the time the time lapse effect is completed, which enhances the interest of the game. Is possible.

<Game machine B8>
In the gaming machine B6 or the gaming machine B7
The time-lapse effect is a gaming machine characterized in that it is an effect showing the passage of time until the special effect is performed.

In such a gaming machine, when the time lapse effect is started, the player can be made to recognize that the special effect is performed. Then, under the situation that the special effect is recognized in this way (by the end of the time-lapse effect), the image preview effect after the change is performed, or the "type suggestion image" is changed. Since it is possible to expect that, it is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

<Game machine B9>
In any one of the gaming machines B1 to the gaming machine B8,
The type suggestion image is an image showing a predetermined object, and is an image showing a predetermined object.
The special effect is a game machine that displays the predetermined object indicated by the displayed type suggestion image.

In such a game machine, when an image (type suggestion image) showing a predetermined object is displayed, an effect (special effect) for displaying the predetermined object is performed. It is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize the correspondence between the two, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

<Game machine B10>
In the gaming machine B9
A storage means for storing a plurality of types of a shape image showing the shape of the predetermined object and a character image showing the name of the predetermined object in characters is provided.
The plurality of types of shape images stored in the storage means are at least different in color from each other.
The type suggestion image is the shape image of one of the plurality of types of the shape images stored in the storage means, and the character image of one of the plurality of types of the character images stored in the storage means. It is displayed in combination with
A gaming machine characterized in that even if the shape images are the same, if the character images to be displayed in combination with the shape images are different, the type suggestion images different from each other can be displayed.

In such a game machine, a "type suggestion image" is displayed by combining a shape image and a character image, but even if the shape image is the same, the character image displayed in combination with the shape image is different. Separate "type suggestion images" can be displayed. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the number of types of shape images (shape images whose data size tends to be larger than that of character images) (less than the number of types of displayable type suggestion images), and by extension, "type suggestion". It is possible to keep the storage capacity for displaying "images" small.

<Game machine B11>
In the gaming machine B10
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, the gaming machine is characterized in that it is changed to the type suggestion image having the shape image of a different type from the shape image possessed by the type suggestion image being displayed.

In such a gaming machine, even if the shape images are the same, different "type suggestion images" can be displayed by differently displaying the character images in combination with the shape images. Problems may occur. That is, when changing the "type suggestion image", if the shape image is the same as the "type suggestion image" before the change but only the character image is different (type suggestion having the same shape image). (When changed to an image), the color of the "type suggestion image" is not changed, so it is difficult for the player to recognize that the "type suggestion image" has been changed. Therefore, in this gaming machine, when changing the "type suggestion image", a shape image of a type different from the shape image (the shape image constituting the type suggestion image being displayed) of the displayed "type suggestion image" is used. It was decided to change to a "type suggestion image" that has. By doing so, when the "type suggestion image" is changed, the color of the "type suggestion image" is changed, so that it becomes easier for the player to recognize that the "type suggestion image" has been changed. It is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game.

<Game machine B12>
In any one of the gaming machines B3 to the gaming machine B11,
When the special effect suggested by the type suggestion image being displayed is started, the type suggestion image corresponds to the special effect in which the identification information is likely to be displayed in a specific mode. When changing from the suggestion image to the kind suggestion image corresponding to the special effect having a low possibility, the change is made from the end of the special effect to the start of the next variable display of the identification information. A game machine characterized by performing during the period.

In such a gaming machine, during the variable display of the identification information, the "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a low possibility of displaying a specific mode" to the "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a high possibility of displaying a specific mode". The player expects that the change to (promotion of the type suggestion image) will be made. For this reason, the opposite change from "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a high possibility of displaying a specific mode" to "type suggestion image suggesting a special effect with a low possibility of displaying a specific mode" (demotion of the type suggestion image). ) Will be performed, which will reduce the interest in the game. However, as a matter of course, it is impossible to perform only "promotion of the type suggestion image", and it is necessary to perform "demotion of the type suggestion image" at some timing. For example, when a "type suggestion image" suggesting a special effect with the highest possibility of displaying a specific mode is displayed, it is impossible to "promote the kind suggestion image". Therefore, in this gaming machine, the type suggestion image is demoted during the period when the player is not paying attention to the effect, that is, the period from the end of the special effect to the start of the next variable display of the identification information. I decided to do. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize the "demotion of the type suggestion image", and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest.

The present invention can be used for a gaming machine used in a gaming hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 20 ... Game board, 28 ... Large winning opening (variable ball entrance), 40 ... Direction opening, 41 ... Production display device, 200 ... Main control board, 201 ... CPU (privilege) (Giving means, identification information display means, specific game executing means), 220 ... sub control board, 221 ... CPU (special effect executing means), 230 ... image / voice control board, 236 ... image ROM (storage means).

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward the gaming area.
Special symbol display means for variable display of special symbols,
An identification symbol display means for varyingly displaying the identification symbol according to the special symbol,
Based on the display of the special symbol in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game in which the variable entrance is in a ball-entry state, and a specific game execution means.
A special effect executing means capable of executing a special effect suggesting the possibility that the special symbol may be displayed in a specific mode during the variable display of the special symbol.
Equipped with
As the special effect, it is possible to execute a plurality of types of effects that have different possibilities from each other.
Before the special effect is executed, a type suggestion image suggesting the type of the special effect can be displayed.
When the type suggestion image is displayed, if the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is executed, and if the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied. , The special effect suggested by the displayed type suggestion image is not executed.
When changing the type suggestion image being displayed, it is possible to execute a post-change image notice effect for notifying the changed type suggestion image prior to the change.
When the special effect suggested by the type suggestion image being displayed is started, the type suggestion image corresponds to the special effect in which the special symbol is likely to be displayed in a specific mode. When changing from the suggestion image to the kind suggestion image corresponding to the special effect having a low possibility, the change is made from the end of the special effect to the start of the next variation display of the special symbol. Do in the period
A gaming machine characterized by that .

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