JP7222553B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine provided with effect execution means for controlling execution of effects.

For example, in a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, when a game ball wins in a starting hole, it is determined whether or not to execute a special game that is advantageous to the player. The pattern is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if the right to make the determination is reserved, a reserved icon indicating that is displayed. Some gaming machines of this type display a hold icon in a color different from that of a normal hold icon in order to make the player expect that a special game will be played (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-39398

By the way, it cannot be said that the effects performed by the conventional game machines are sufficiently interesting, and there is a demand for further improvement of the interestingness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing highly entertaining presentations.

The gaming machine of the first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems,
a game board forming a game area in which game media flow down;
a first winning area provided in the game area and through which game media can pass;
a second winning area provided in the game area, through which a game medium can pass, and different from the first winning area;
Acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when a game medium passes through the first winning area;
determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means;
a pattern display control means for causing a predetermined pattern display means to variably display a pattern when the determination is made, and then stop-displaying a pattern indicating the result of the determination;
a special game executing means for executing the special game when a symbol indicating that the special game is determined to be executed by the determining means is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means;
a holding means capable of holding the judgment right up to a predetermined number;
Prior determination means for performing a preliminary determination as to whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right reserved by the reservation means;
A production control means for controlling the execution of production,
The production control means is
Based on the result of the determination, during the execution of the first variation, which is the variation display of the symbols performed according to the determination, a winning notification effect for notifying that the special game will be performed can be executed,
Displaying a suspension suggestion image suggesting that the judgment right corresponding to the first variation is suspended before the start of the first variation, and a variation suggestion suggesting that the first variation is being executed. an image can be displayed during the execution of the first variation;
The player expects that the first change effect of changing the suspension suggestion image and the hit notification effect are executed based on the result of the prior determination of the right of determination corresponding to the first variation. and a second change effect for changing the variation suggestive image,
The expected performance includes a first expected performance, a second expected performance, and a third expected performance,
The production control means is
Triggered by the passage of the game medium through the second winning area, the first expected effect different from the first change effect is executed,
In the variation display of the symbols performed before the first variation, the second expected performance different from the first expected performance is executed in the second variation performed after the start of the first expected performance. ,
The third expected effect different from the second changed effect is executed in the first variation.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute the expected effect that makes the player expect that the special game will be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and the expected effect is the second winning area different from the first winning area. Sometimes it is triggered by the game medium passing through the area. Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel unexpectedness, and obtain a high performance effect.

According to this invention, it is possible to execute a highly entertaining presentation.

Front view of gaming machine 1 Front view of game board 2 Enlarged view of main display 40 in FIG. Block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device provided in the game machine 1 Explanatory diagram for explaining jackpot random numbers, pattern random numbers, and reach random numbers Explanatory diagram exemplifying the flow of reach production Explanatory diagram for explaining the variation pattern selection table used in the process of selecting the variation pattern of the special symbols in the normal game state Screen diagram exemplifying the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state (Part 1) Screen diagram exemplifying the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state (Part 2) Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of composite production Explanatory diagram for explaining the effect mode and the jackpot reliability of each compound effect Time chart exemplifying the flow of composite production A screen diagram showing a specific example of composite effects Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the general winning effect Screen diagram showing a specific example of combined effects (Part 1) A screen diagram showing a specific example of combined effect (Part 2) Explanatory diagram for explaining storage areas of the main RAM 83 and information stored in each storage area. Flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in the main control board 80 Detailed flowchart of sensor detection processing in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of pre-determination processing in steps S211 and 219 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of big hit determination processing in step S308 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of variation pattern selection processing in step S309 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special figure stop time processing in step S317 of FIG. A flowchart illustrating a game state setting process executed at the end of the jackpot game in the main control board 80 Flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in the sub-control board 90 Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of pending command reception processing in step S13 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of fluctuation start command reception processing in step S16 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of general winning command reception processing in step S24 of FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in the image sound control board 100; Detailed flowchart of image display control processing in step S71 of FIG. Partial front view of gaming machine 1 for explaining peripheral lamp 39 Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of effects related to lamp/speaker effects Explanatory diagram for explaining the features of the lamp/speaker presentation Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of production related to the special production mode

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Configuration example of gaming machine 1]
First, a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the game machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 30 and a gaming board 2 mounted inside the gaming machine frame 30 . The game machine frame 30 includes a front frame 31 having a decorative surface, a main body frame for mounting the game board 2 and the like, and an outer frame for fixing the game machine 1 to island facilities of the hall. there is The front frame 31 supports a glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval, and the glass plate and the game board 2 form a game area 3 in which game balls can flow down. ing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 includes a shooting handle 32 for shooting game balls, an upper tray 33 for storing game balls to be supplied to a shooting device (not shown), and an upper tray. A lower tray 34 for storing game balls which cannot be stored in 33 is provided. When the player grasps the shooting handle 32 and rotates it clockwise, the game ball stored in the upper tray 33 is guided to the shooting device, and the shooting device rotates the shooting handle 32 to the rotation angle of the game ball. Fires at the appropriate firing intensity. The shot game ball moves along the rail member 4 located on the left side of the game area 3, is guided to the upper position of the game area 3, and comes into contact with the game nails, windmills, etc. provided in the game area 3. As a result, it flows down the game area 3 along the game board 2 while changing its moving direction.

A ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the end of the rail member 4, and the ball return prevention piece 6 prevents the game ball that has once entered the game area 3 from returning to the launching device side. A stop button is provided at a position close to the shooting handle 32, and the player can temporarily shoot the game ball by operating this stop button without returning the shooting handle 32 to its initial posture. It is possible to stop.

When the player makes a "left shot" by rotating the shooting handle 32 by a small rotation angle, the game ball is shot with a relatively weak shooting strength, and the game ball flows down the left game area 3L. On the other hand, when the player hits to the right by rotating the shooting handle 32 by a large rotation angle, the game ball is shot with a relatively strong shooting intensity, and the game ball is positioned on the upper right side of the center decoration 10. After moving along the rail member 4, it flows down the right game area 3R.

A first starting port 21, a second starting port 22, an opening/closing member 23, and three general winning ports 24 are provided in the passage path of the game ball in the left game area 3L ( See Figure 2). In addition, on the passage path of the game ball in the right game area 3R, there are the second starting port 22, the opening and closing member 23, one general winning port 24, the gate 25, and the first big winning port as accessories related to winning and judgment. 26, an opening/closing member 27, a second prize winning opening 28, and an opening/closing member 29 are provided (see FIG. 2).

In the process of flowing down the game area 3 along the game board 2, the game ball shot from the shooting device passes through the first starting hole 21, the second starting hole 22, the general winning hole 24, the first big winning hole 26, and the There is a case where one of the second big prize openings 28 is won. In this case, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 33 or the lower tray 34 according to the place where the prize was won. For example, three prize balls are paid out each time one game ball wins in the first start port 21, and three prize balls each time one game ball wins in the second start port 22. Five prize balls are paid out each time one game ball wins in the general prize winning port 24.例文帳に追加Also, ten prize balls are paid out each time one game ball wins in the first big prize winning port 26, and ten prizes every time one game ball wins in the second big prize winning port 28. A ball is paid out. Game balls that do not win any prizes are ejected from the game area 3 through an ejection port formed at the lower end of the game board 2 .

A center decoration 10 is provided in an opening formed in the center of the game board 2 . The center decorative body 10 includes a stage portion 11 having a game ball rolling surface on which game balls can roll, and a warp portion 12 having a warp entrance and a warp exit at both ends. A game ball flowing down the left game area 3L may enter the warp portion 12 from the warp entrance, and this game ball is discharged from the warp exit and guided to the stage portion 11. - 特許庁A guide groove is formed at the center of the stage portion 11 in the left-right direction so that the game ball rolling on the stage portion 11 falls toward the first starting port 21 . Therefore, the game ball guided to the stage portion 11 via the warp portion 12 enters the first start port 21 more than the game ball flowing down the left game area 3L without passing through the warp portion 12. easy.

The first starting port 21 (an example of a starting area and a first winning area) is a starting area that is always open and through which game balls can easily pass. The second starting port 22 is a starting area that is closed when the opening/closing member 23 as a normal electric accessory is not operating, and is opened when the opening/closing member 23 is operated. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins the first starting hole 21 (or the second starting hole 22), it is determined whether or not to execute a special game (jackpot game) advantageous to the player. Then, on the first special symbol display device 41 (or the second special symbol display device 42), which will be described later, the symbols are variably displayed, and the symbols (jackpot symbols or losing symbols) indicating the result of the determination are stopped and displayed. Here, when the big winning pattern is stopped and displayed, the big winning game for opening the first big winning hole 26 or the second big winning hole 28 is executed, and when the losing pattern is stopped and displayed, the big winning game is not executed.

In the following description, the judgment executed according to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 is called "first special symbol judgment", and is executed according to the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22. This determination is called "second special symbol determination", and these are collectively referred to as "special symbol determination".

The first big winning opening 26 is a special winning area opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. An opening/closing member 27 , which is a plate for opening and closing the first big winning hole 26 , is provided at the opening of the first big winning hole 26 . The first big prize winning opening 26 is normally closed by the opening/closing member 27 . On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is stop-displayed on the first special symbol display device 41 (or the second special symbol display device 42), the opening/closing member 27 is operated to open the first big winning hole 26.例文帳に追加A jackpot game is executed. During this jackpot game, there are a plurality of long open round games in which the opening/closing member 27 maintains the open posture (see FIG. 2) in which the first big prize winning port 26 is opened, and then returns to the closed posture in which the first big prize winning port 26 is closed. times. In addition, in each long open round game that opens the first big winning hole 26, in this embodiment, 10 game balls win the first big winning hole 26, or the first big winning hole 26 is opened It continues until 25 seconds have passed since it was done.

The second big winning opening 28 is a special winning area opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. An opening/closing member 29 , which is a blade member for opening and closing the second big winning hole 28 , is provided at the opening of the second big winning hole 28 . The second big winning opening 28 is normally closed by the opening/closing member 29 . On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 41 (or the second special symbol display device 42), the opening/closing member 29 is operated to open the second big winning port 28.例文帳に追加A jackpot game is executed. During this jackpot game, there are a plurality of long open round games in which the opening/closing member 29 maintains the open posture (see FIG. 2) in which the second big winning port 28 is opened, and then returns to the closed posture in which the second big winning port 28 is closed. times. In addition, in each long open round game that opens the second big winning hole 28, in this embodiment, 10 game balls win the second big winning hole 28, or the second big winning hole 28 is opened. It continues until 25 seconds have passed since it was done.

In this way, during the jackpot game, a plurality of long opening round games are performed in which the first jackpot 26 (or the second jackpot 28) is opened for a long time, so the player can hit right during the jackpot game. By doing so, more prize balls can be obtained than when the jackpot game is not performed.

For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2 shows that the opening/closing members 27 and 29 are in an open posture to open the big prize openings 26 and 28 when the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the display screen 70 of the image display device 7. Although a state in which the opening and closing members 27 and 29 are open is shown in the figure, actually, the opening and closing members 27 and 29 are not in the open posture during the variable display of the performance symbols. Further, in the long opening round game, either one of the first big winning opening 26 and the second big winning opening 28 is used, so in practice, these big winning openings are opened at the same time as shown in FIG. never Further, which of the first big winning hole 26 and the second big winning hole 28 is used for the big winning game is set in advance according to the type of big winning (Fig. 5(B) and ( C)).

An opening/closing member 23 (see FIG. 2) is arranged close to the second starting port 22 . The opening/closing member 23 can change its posture between a closed posture in which the opening/closing member 23 closes the second starting port 22 and an open posture in which the second starting port 22 is opened (see FIG. 2).

The second starting port 22 is normally closed by an opening/closing member 23 . On the other hand, when the game ball hit right by the player passes through the gate 25, no prize ball is paid out, but it is determined whether or not to open the second start port 22.例文帳に追加Here, when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is to be opened, the opening/closing member 23 maintains the open posture for a predetermined time and then returns to the closed posture for a specified number of times. In this way, the second starting port 22 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the opening/closing member 23 is not operating, whereas it is in a state in which the game ball can easily pass by operating the opening/closing member 23. Become.

In addition, in the following description, the determination executed on the condition that the game ball passes through the gate 25 is referred to as "normal symbol determination".

The general winning opening 24 (an example of the second winning area) is always open like the first starting opening 21, and a predetermined number (for example, 5) of winning balls are paid out by winning (passing) of the game balls. is the mouth. However, unlike the first starting port 21, the second starting port 22, and the gate 25, even if the game ball wins the general winning port 24, determination such as special symbol determination or normal symbol determination is not performed.

[Configuration example of main display 40]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the main display 40 in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the main display device 40 includes a first special symbol display device 41, a second special symbol display device 42, a normal symbol display device 43, a first special symbol reservation display device 44, and a second special symbol. It is composed of a holding display 45, a normal drawing holding display 46, a round display 47, a game state display 48, a shooting direction display 49, and the like.

The first special symbol display device 41 is configured to have eight LEDs indicated by "ip", and when the first special symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variably displayed and then the first special symbol is displayed. The determination result of the first special symbol determination is notified by stop-displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the determination. Specifically, for example, by sequentially lighting the eight LEDs, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5) in combination according to the determination result of the first special symbol determination. (seconds) to stop and display the pattern.

The second special symbol display device 42 is configured to have eight LEDs indicated by "a to h", and when the second special symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variably displayed and then the second special symbol is displayed. The determination result of the second special symbol determination is notified by stop-displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the determination. Specifically, for example, by sequentially lighting the eight LEDs, the symbols are displayed with variation, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5) in combination according to the determination result of the second special symbol determination (seconds) to stop and display the pattern.

The first special symbol display device 41 (or the second special symbol display device 42) is a symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination), and notifies that it is a big hit. "symbol" or "losing pattern" for notifying that the game is a loss is stopped and displayed. In addition, in the gaming machine 1, a plurality of different jackpot patterns are prepared according to the type of jackpot. A big winning game is performed to open the second big winning hole 28 .

The normal symbol display device 43 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "s to t", and when the normal symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variably displayed and then the determination result of the normal symbol determination is displayed. The determination result of the normal symbol determination is reported by stop-displaying the symbol. Specifically, for example, the above two LEDs are alternately lit to perform a variable display of the pattern, and each LED is lit for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a lighting mode according to the determination result of the normal pattern determination. The pattern is stopped and displayed by lighting it. Here, when the winning symbols are stopped and displayed, an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 22 is opened by operating the opening/closing member 23 in an opening pattern according to the current game state.

In the following description, the symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 42 are called "special symbols", and the symbols displayed on the normal symbol display 43 are "normal symbols". shall be called Also, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 is called "first special symbol", and the special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 42 is called "second special symbol". may be distinguished.

The first special symbol reservation display 44 is configured with two LEDs indicated by "u to v", and displays the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination according to the lighting mode of these LEDs. The second special symbol reservation indicator 45 is configured with two LEDs indicated by "w~x", and displays the number of reservations for the second special symbol determination according to the lighting mode of these LEDs. In addition, in this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of reservations is set to "4". The normal pattern holding display 46 is configured with two LEDs indicated by "q to r", and displays the number of normal pattern judgment holdings according to the lighting mode of these LEDs.

The round display device 47 is used in a jackpot game executed in response to a jackpot corresponding to the jackpot pattern that is stopped when the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 41 or the second special pattern display device 42. Displays the number of rounds of the long open round game. The round indicator 47 includes a 4R LED, a 6R LED, an 8R LED, and a 10R LED. The number of game rounds is reported.

The game state display device 48 is composed of three LEDs indicated by “a1 to a3”, and displays the game state of the game machine 1 according to lighting modes of these LEDs. The shooting direction indicator 49 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "y to z", and displays the shooting direction of the game ball by lighting modes of these LEDs. That is, it displays whether the player should hit left or right.

[Configuration example of effect means provided in gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game board 2 and the front frame 31 are provided with a decorative member 13, a movable decorative member 14, a frame lamp 37, a speaker 38, a performance indicator 125, and various effects. A production 1st special figure suspension display 126, a production 2nd special figure suspension display 127 and the like are provided. An image display device 7 is provided behind the game board 2 .

The decorative member 13 incorporates a board surface lamp 5 (see FIG. 4) configured with a plurality of LEDs, and can change the lighting or blinking pattern of each LED or change the emission color of each LED. By doing so, various productions are performed with light.

The movable decorative member 14 is arranged in front of the image display device 7 and behind the decorative member 13 . A plurality of LEDs are built in the movable decorative member 14, and the movable decorative member 14 performs a predetermined effect by movement of the movable decorative member 14 itself and/or light. In this embodiment, a predetermined space is provided between the game board 2 and the display screen 70 of the image display device 7 so that the movable decorative member 14 can move. It is constructed so that it can move up and down. The movable decorative member 14 is usually placed in an initial position (see FIG. 2) where most of it is hidden behind the decorative member 13 and only the lower end of the movable decorative member 14 is visible. On the other hand, the movable decorative member 14 emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern and the display screen 70 when a notice effect with a relatively high jackpot reliability is executed using the image display device 7 or the speaker 38. Drops into operating position covering most of it.

The frame lamp 37 includes a plurality of LEDs built in various parts of the front frame 31, and the pattern of lighting and blinking of each LED can be changed, and the emission color of each LED can be changed. Various effects are performed with light.

The image display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device that displays an effect image on its display screen 70 , and the player can view the display screen 70 through an opening formed in the center of the game board 2 . On this display screen 70, the same number of reserved images (holding (icon), and a variation suggestive image (the icon) that suggests that the special symbol is being variably displayed. The image display device 7 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device as long as it can display an effect image, and may be another image display device such as an EL display device.

The speaker 38 outputs sound effects such as music, voice, and sound effects in synchronization with or asynchronously with the display effects performed on the display screen 70 to perform sound effects.

The performance display device 125 is configured with two LEDs, and variably displays the symbols according to the variable display of the special symbols and the performance symbols, and determines the special symbols according to the stop display of the special symbols and the performance symbols. The symbol that informs the determination result of is stopped and displayed. This performance display 125 notifies the determination result of the special symbol determination by the combination of lighting/lighting out of each LED and the lighting color.

The production first special figure suspension display 126 is configured with two LEDs, and the combination of lighting and extinguishing of each LED is the same as that displayed on the first special figure suspension display 44. 1 Display the pending number of special symbol determination. The effect second special figure suspension display 127 is configured with two LEDs, and the combination of lighting and extinguishing of each LED is the same as that displayed on the second special figure suspension display 45. 2 Display the pending number of special symbol determination.

[Configuration Example of Input Means Provided in Gaming Machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 is provided with a first effect button 35 and a second effect button 36 as input means for inputting by the player. The first effect button 35 is a push button for inputting operation information when pressed by the player. The second effect button 36 is a push button for inputting operation information when the player grips the grip portion of the second effect button 36 and presses the second effect button 36 . In the gaming machine 1, an effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 may be performed.

Note that the configuration of the input means is not limited to that illustrated in this embodiment, and other configurations may be used. That is, for example, in the present embodiment, the game machine 1 has two input means, but the number of input means may be one or three or more. Further, the input means is not limited to push buttons, but a touch panel capable of detecting the player's touch operation, for example, an optical sensor capable of detecting the player's hand held over the display screen 70. Other input means such as a joystick for designating a direction, or an operation means that can be held by the player to change the posture may be used.

[Configuration of control device provided in game machine 1]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG.
A control device for controlling the operation of the game machine 1 is provided on the back side of the game board 2 . As exemplified in FIG. 4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80 that controls the progress of a game using game balls, and a sub-control board that comprehensively controls effects based on information from the main control board 80. It is composed of a control board 90, an image sound control board 100 that controls effects by images and sounds, and a lamp control board 120 that controls effects by various lamps and movable members. In this embodiment, the main control board 80 functions as a game control section that controls the progress of the game, and the sub control board 90, the image sound control board 100, and the lamp control board 120 function as an effect control section that controls effects. . The configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the sub-control board 90, the image sound control board 100, and the lamp control board 120 may be configured by one board.

<Configuration Example of Main Control Board 80>
The main control board 80 has a main CPU 81 , a main ROM 82 and a main RAM 83 . The main CPU 81 performs various arithmetic processes related to determination and the number of awarded balls to be paid out, based on programs stored in the main ROM 82 . The main RAM 83 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 81 executes the above programs and as a work area for data processing.

The main control board 80 includes a first starting sensor 211, a second starting sensor 221, a gate sensor 251, a first big winning sensor 261, a second big winning sensor 281, a general winning sensor 241, and a second starting sensor. The opening solenoid 222, the first big winning opening solenoid 262, and the second big winning opening solenoid 282 are connected. Although the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes four general winning hole sensors 241 corresponding to the four general winning holes 24, only one general winning hole sensor 241 is shown in FIG. It is written.

The first starting hole sensor 211 detects that a game ball has entered the first starting hole 21 (passage of the game ball to the first starting hole 21), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The second starting hole sensor 221 detects that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 22 (passage of the game ball to the second starting hole 22), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The gate sensor 251 detects passage of a game ball through the gate 25 and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80 . The first big winning hole sensor 261 detects that a game ball has entered the first big winning hole 26 (passage of the game ball to the first big winning hole 26), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. do. The second big winning hole sensor 281 detects that the game ball has entered the second big winning hole 28 (passage of the game ball to the second big winning hole 28), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. do. The general winning hole sensor 241 detects that a game ball has entered the general winning hole 24 (passage of the game ball to the general winning hole 24), and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80.

The second starting solenoid 222 is an electric solenoid connected to the opening/closing member 23 so as to transmit driving force, and operates the opening/closing member 23 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to perform the second starting. Opening and closing the mouth 22. The first big winning opening solenoid 262 is an electric solenoid connected to the opening/closing member 27 so as to be able to transmit driving force, and operates the opening/closing member 27 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to The big prize opening 26 is opened and closed. The second prize winning opening solenoid 282 is an electric solenoid connected to the opening/closing member 29 so as to transmit driving force, and operates the opening/closing member 29 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to The big prize opening 28 is opened and closed.

Although not shown in the figure, the game machine 1 supplies game balls to the upper tray 33 or the lower tray 34 by controlling a drive motor that feeds out game balls from a ball tank provided on the back side of the game board 2. It has a payout control board. When the main CPU 81 receives a detection signal from the first starting opening sensor 211, the second starting opening sensor 221, the first big winning opening sensor 261, the second big winning opening sensor 281, or the general winning opening sensor 241, A payout control board is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is managed based on information from the payout control board.

Also, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers as acquired information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start sensor 211 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Also, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers as acquired information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start sensor 221 is input, and executes the second special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Here, the various random numbers are specifically jackpot random numbers, pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers.

A jackpot random number is a random number for determining a jackpot or a loss. The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (the number of rounds of the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game ends, etc.) when it is determined to be a jackpot. The ready-to-reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform the ready-to-win effect or the non-reachable effect when it is determined that the game is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbols when the special symbols are variably displayed.

The main CPU 81 acquires these random numbers at the timing when the game ball enters the first start port 21 (or the second start port 22). It is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game based on whether or not it matches the numerical value (winning value). Here, when it is determined to execute a jackpot game based on the fact that the jackpot random number matches the winning value, the symbol random number obtained together with the jackpot random number is stored in the main ROM 82 (compared with the symbol random number). ) Determine the type of jackpot based on which random value of the predetermined random values matches.

Here, as the type of jackpot, as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the game is controlled in a variable probability game state after executing a jackpot game including four long open round games. "4R probability variable jackpot", after executing a jackpot game including 6 long open round games, "6R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in a variable probability game state, after executing a jackpot game including 8 long open round games Examples include "8R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variable game state, and "10R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variable game state after executing the jackpot game including ten long open round games.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines not to execute the jackpot game based on the fact that the obtained jackpot random number does not match the winning value, the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number is stored in the main ROM 82. Based on whether it matches with a predetermined random number (random number corresponding to the presence of reach: see FIG. 5 (D)) (compared with the random number of reach), whether to perform a reach presence production or a reach no production decide whether to do In addition, the main CPU 81 determines the variation pattern of the special symbols when the special symbols are variably displayed, based on the variation pattern random number obtained together with the jackpot random number, regardless of the result of determination based on the jackpot random number. Thereby, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is determined.

When the main CPU 81 determines that a jackpot game is to be executed and determines the type of jackpot, the main CPU 81 connects the first jackpot 26 (or the second jackpot) via the first jackpot solenoid 262 (or the second jackpot solenoid 282). By controlling the opening and closing of the second prize winning port 28), a jackpot game corresponding to the type of jackpot is executed.

Also, the main CPU 81 acquires a random number (normal symbol random number) at the timing when the detection signal from the gate sensor 251 is input, and executes normal symbol determination using the acquired normal symbol random number. Then, when it is determined to open the second starting port 22 as a result of the normal design determination, by controlling the opening and closing of the second starting port 22 via the second starting port solenoid 222, the second starting port 22 is opened. Execute the auxiliary game to play.

In addition, the main control board 80 includes a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol reservation display 44, a second special symbol reservation display 45, a general A figure hold indicator 46, a round indicator 47, a game state indicator 48, and a shooting direction indicator 49 are connected.

The main CPU 81 controls these displays 41 to 49 constituting the main display 40 to execute the display processing described above with reference to FIG.

<Configuration example of sub-control board 90>
The sub-control board 90 includes a sub-CPU 91 , sub-ROM 92 , sub-RAM 93 , and RTC (real time clock) 94 . The sub CPU 91 performs arithmetic processing when controlling effects based on programs stored in the sub ROM 92 . The sub-RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub-CPU 91 executes the above programs and as a work area for data processing. The RTC 94 measures the current date and time (date and time).

A first effect button detection sensor 96 and a second effect button detection sensor 97 are connected to the sub-control board 90 . When the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 1) is operated, the first effect button detection sensor 96 outputs operation information (operation signal) indicating that effect to the sub-control board 90 . The second effect button detection sensor 97 outputs operation information (operation signal) indicating that the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 1) is operated to the sub-control board 90 .

The sub CPU 91 sets the effect contents based on the game information regarding the special symbol determination, the normal symbol determination, the jackpot game, etc. transmitted from the main control board 80 . At that time, the input of operation information from the first effect button 35 and the second effect button 36 may be received, and the effect content corresponding to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 91 transmits to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 a command for instructing the execution of the set effect content.

<Configuration Example of Image Sound Control Board 100>
The image sound control board 100 controls the image display by the image display device 7 and the output of the effect sound by the speaker 38 . In this embodiment, the image sound control board 100 includes an image sound control CPU 101, a control ROM 102, a control RAM 103, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 104, a CGROM 105, a VRAM 106, an audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 107, an audio ROM 108, an SDRAM 109, and an amplifier 110 .

The control ROM 102 is composed of a mask ROM, and contains various tables such as a control program for the image sound control CPU 101, a display list generation program for generating a display list, and a display list generation table used for processing to generate a display list. is stored. Here, the display list consists of a group of commands for instructing the execution of drawing in units of frames. It includes various parameters such as angle and transmittance. The control RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the image sound control CPU 101 executes the control program and as a work area for data processing.

The image sound control CPU 101 transmits the image data stored in the CGROM 105 to the VDP 104 based on the control program, various tables such as the display list creation table, commands received from the sub-control board 90, and the like. to be displayed on the This instruction is mainly performed by outputting a display list. The image sound control CPU 101 also instructs the sound DSP 107 to output the sound data stored in the sound ROM 108 from the speaker 38 .

The CGROM 105 stores performance data necessary for executing a variable performance associated with variable display of special symbols, a performance associated with a big win game, and the like. The CGROM 105 is composed of flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, mask ROM, etc., and includes sprite data (single image data) consisting of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32×32 pixels), and a plurality of image data. Compressed movie data or the like consisting of a collection of . The pixel information is composed of color number information specifying a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image. Further, the CGROM 105 stores, without compression, palette data in which color number information specifying a color number and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other.

Note that only part of the image data stored in the CGROM 105 may be compressed. As a method for compressing movie data, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

The VRAM 106 is composed of an SRAM capable of writing and reading image data at high speed, and includes a display list storage area, a development storage area, a frame buffer, etc., although not shown in the figure. ing.

The display list storage area temporarily stores the display list output from the image sound control CPU 101 . The development storage area stores image data that has been decompressed after being read from the CGROM 105 . The frame buffer is a frame buffer that is also used for drawing and displaying image data displayed on the display screen 70 .

The VDP 104 decompresses the image data stored in the compressed state in the CGROM 105 and stores the decompressed image data in the expansion storage area. Also, the VDP 104 performs drawing processing on the frame buffer using the image data stored in the development storage area based on the display list stored in the display list storage area. The VDP 104 also generates RGB signals as video signals indicating the colors of the image from the image data stored in the frame buffer, and outputs the generated RGB signals to the image display device 7 .

Acoustic ROM 108 , SDRAM 109 , and amplifier 110 are connected to acoustic DSP 107 . The sound ROM 108 stores various sound data related to music, voice, sound effects, warning sounds, and the like. The SDRAM 109 is used as a working area for data processing by the audio DSP 107 and the like. The audio DSP 107 reads audio data corresponding to instructions from the image audio control CPU 101 from the audio ROM 108 to the SDRAM 109, executes data processing, and outputs the processed audio data to the speaker 38 (via the amplifier 110). The amplifier 110 adjusts the sound volume in accordance with the sound volume instruction obtained from the image sound control CPU 101 via the sound DSP 107 and causes the speaker 38 to output the sound data.

In this embodiment, a case where the VDP is in charge of drawing management and the audio DSP is in charge of sound management will be described. You may In this case, there is no need to provide an acoustic DSP separately.

<Configuration Example of Lamp Control Board 120>
The lamp control board 120 includes a lamp CPU 121, a lamp ROM 122, and a lamp RAM 123, and includes a frame lamp 37, a board lamp 5, a movable decorative member 14, an effect indicator 125, a first special figure reservation indicator 126, and a second effect. A special figure reservation indicator 127 is connected. The lamp ROM 122 stores programs executed by the lamp CPU 121, light emission pattern data, operation pattern data, and the like. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating the light emission pattern of each of the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the LED built in the movable decorative member 14, and the like. The motion pattern data is data indicating the motion pattern of the movable decorative member 14 and the like.

The lamp CPU 121, based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 122, the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, the production indicator 125, the production 1st special figure reservation indicator 126, the production 2nd special figure reservation Arithmetic processing is performed when controlling the operation of the display device 127 and the like.

The lamp CPU 121 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 90 from among the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and controls the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, and the movable decorative member. It controls light emission of the LED built in 14 . The lamp CPU 121 also reads the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 90 from among the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and controls the motor for operating the movable decorative member 14. control the drive.

The lamp CPU 121 also controls the variable display and stop display of the symbols on the effect display 125 based on commands from the sub-control board 90 . In addition, based on the command from the sub-control board 90, the lamp CPU 121 displays the number of reservations related to the first special symbol determination by the production first special figure reservation display 126, and the production second special figure reservation display 127. 2 Control the display of the number of reservations related to special symbol determination.

[About game status]
Next, the game state of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 controls a game in one of two gaming states, a "normal gaming state" and a "variable probability gaming state".

In the "normal game state", special symbol determination is performed in a low probability state in which the probability of being determined to execute a jackpot game is relatively low, and a support function (so-called It is a game state in which a function called "electric sapo" etc.) is not given. In the normal game state, the probability that the special symbol determination will determine that the jackpot game will be executed is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/200) (see FIG. 5(A)). In addition, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal design determination is set to a relatively low probability (eg 1/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal design is relatively long (eg 20 seconds). and the opening time of the second starting port 22 when it is determined to open the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively short time (for example, 0.1 seconds×1 time).

The "probability variation gaming state" is a gaming state in which the special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state with a relatively high probability of being determined to execute a jackpot game, and the above support function is provided. That is, in the variable probability gaming state, the probability that the special symbol determination determines that the big winning game is executed is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 1/80) (see FIG. 5(A)). In addition, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (eg 11/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is relatively short (eg 1.5 seconds), and the opening time of the second starting port 22 when it is determined to open the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.5 seconds×3 times).

When comparing these game states with respect to the fluctuation time of the special design, the fluctuation time of the special design in the "variable game state" is set to a relatively short time compared to the fluctuation time of the special design in the "normal game state". easy to be In addition, the probability of being determined to execute a special game (jackpot probability), the probability of being determined to open the second start port 22 (winning probability of normal symbol determination), and the variation of normal symbols The time and the opening time of the second starting port 22 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that other probabilities and times may be used. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the game is controlled in the "probability variation gaming state" after the end of the jackpot game will be described as an example. is performed and the game may be controlled in a "time-saving game state" in which the support function is provided.

In the following description, the state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 due to the provision of the support function will be referred to as a "high base state". A state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port 22 is called a "low base state".

[Game flow]
A game ball hit right by the player does not enter the first starting hole 21, but enters the second starting hole 22. - 特許庁However, in the low base state, it is difficult to open the second starting port 22, and even if it is opened, the opening time is short. Therefore, when the game is controlled in the low base state (corresponding to the "normal game state" in the present embodiment), the player will play the game by hitting the first starting port 21 to the left. Become.

When the game ball struck left in the normal game state wins the first starting port 21, the first special symbol determination is executed, and after the first special symbol is variably displayed, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is displayed. As the first special symbol to be shown, a jackpot symbol or a losing symbol is stopped and displayed.

Here, when the losing symbol is stopped and displayed, the big win game is not performed, and the game state does not change. On the other hand, when the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed as the first special pattern, a jackpot game is executed in which a long open round game is performed a predetermined number of times according to the jackpot pattern, and after the jackpot game ends, the game is controlled in a variable probability game state. will be In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a type 1 pachinko gaming machine called a so-called ST machine. can.

In addition, when the game state shifts to the variable probability game state triggered by the end of the jackpot game, that is, when the state shifts from the low base state to the high base state, the above-mentioned that facilitates the winning of the game ball to the second start port 22 The support function makes it easier for a game ball to win a prize at the second starting port 22 than at the first starting port 21.例文帳に追加Therefore, when the game is controlled in the high base state (corresponding to the "probability variable game state" in the present embodiment), the player plays the game by hitting the right hand aiming at the second start port 22. Become. Therefore, when the game is controlled in the variable probability game state, basically, the second special symbol determination is performed.

When the jackpot symbol is stop-displayed as the second special symbol in the probability variation game state, the game is controlled again in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when the determination results of the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) of 80 times are all lost, the game state is returned from the probability variable game state to the normal game state.

In another embodiment, for example, after the end of the jackpot game, the game is controlled in a time-saving game state (a game state in which special symbol determination is performed in a low probability state and a support function is provided). A new configuration may be adopted in which the game can be controlled in the variable probability game state or the time saving game state after the end of the jackpot game.

[Regarding special symbol judgment using random numbers]
Next, referring to FIG. 5, the determination process using the jackpot random number, the pattern random number, and the reach random number will be described. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, and the reach random number. It should be noted that in the explanatory diagrams for each random number shown in FIG. 5 and subsequent figures, the possible range of the random numbers is set to be smaller than the actual range in order to facilitate the explanation.

<Processing based on jackpot random numbers>
The jackpot random numbers exemplified in FIG. 5A are random numbers used in the jackpot determination process (step S308 in FIG. 21) as to whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and the probability of being determined to execute the jackpot game is A relatively low low-probability state and a high-probability state with a relatively high probability of being determined to execute a jackpot game are individually set.

In this embodiment, two winning values are stored in the main ROM 82 for the low probability state, and the main CPU 81 controls the game in the low probability state (corresponding to the "normal game state" in this embodiment). If the obtained jackpot random number coincides with one of these two winning values while the game is running, it is determined that the jackpot game is to be executed. In addition, with respect to the high probability state (corresponding to the "probability variable gaming state" in this embodiment), five winning values are stored in the main ROM 82, and when the game is controlled in the high probability state, It is determined that a big winning game is to be executed when the big winning random number coincides with one of these five winning values.

Incidentally, the possible range of the jackpot random number is "0" to "399" in this embodiment in both the low probability state and the high probability state. Therefore, the jackpot probability in the low probability state is 1/200 (=2/400), and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is 1/80 (=5/400).

<Processing based on pattern random numbers>
When the main CPU 81 determines that a jackpot game is to be executed, the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used for the determination matches which random number among the random numbers set in advance for each type of jackpot. to determine the type of jackpot. In other words, the first special symbol (second special symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 41 (or the second special symbol display device 42) is selected as the jackpot symbol.

(Types of jackpots related to the first special symbol determination)
As illustrated in FIG. 5 (B), in this embodiment, as the types of jackpots by the first starting gate winning, "4R probability variable jackpot", "6R probability variable jackpot", "8R probability variable jackpot", and "10R probability variable jackpot" There are 4 types of jackpots available. Here, "4R probability variable jackpot" (4R probability variable) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in a probability variable gaming state after a jackpot game that performs a long open round game four times to open the first big winning hole 26 is executed. , and "6R probability variable jackpot" (6R probability variable) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in a probability variable gaming state after a jackpot game that performs a long open round game six times to open the first big winning hole 26 is executed. is. In addition, "8R variable probability jackpot" (8R variable probability) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in a variable probability game state after a jackpot game that performs eight long open round games that open the first big winning hole 26 is executed. There is, "10R probability variable jackpot" (10R probability variable) is a jackpot in which the game is controlled in a variable probability game state after the jackpot game that performs 10 long open round games that open the second big winning hole 28 is executed. be.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in the present embodiment, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a big win, a random number value for determining the type of the big win is stored in the main ROM 82. ing. Specifically, 20 random numbers are stored for the 4R probability variation, 50 random numbers are stored for the 6R probability variation, 20 random values are stored for the 8R probability variation, and 10R probability variation are stored. 10 random values are stored.

In this embodiment, the possible range of the symbol random number is set to "0" to "99", and the jackpot is determined based on the jackpot random number obtained in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21. If it is determined, as the type of jackpot related to the first special symbol determination, 4R probability variation is selected at a rate of 20% (= 20/100 × 100), 6R probability variation is 50% (= 50/100 × 100) selected at a rate, 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 20% (= 20/100 x 100), and 10R probability variation is selected at a rate of 10% (= 10/100 x 100) (see FIG. 5 (B) ).

Therefore, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a big hit, the big winning symbol X1 indicating the 4R probability variation is selected at a rate of 20% as the big winning symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 41. A jackpot pattern X2 indicating 6R probability variation is selected at a rate of 50%, a jackpot pattern X3 indicating 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 20%, and a jackpot pattern X4 indicating 10R probability variation is selected at a rate of 10%.

(Types of jackpots related to second special symbol determination)
As illustrated in FIG. 5(C), in this embodiment, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is a jackpot, a random value for determining the type of jackpot is stored in the main ROM 82. ing. Specifically, 10 random numbers are stored for the 4R probability variation, 15 random numbers are stored for the 6R probability variation, 25 random numbers are stored for the 8R probability variation, and 10R probability variation is stored. 50 random values are stored.

In the present embodiment, the possible range of the symbol random numbers related to the second special symbol determination is the same as the possible range of the symbol random numbers related to the first special symbol determination, and the game ball has entered the second starting port 22. If it is determined to be a jackpot based on the jackpot random number acquired according to, as the type of jackpot related to the second special symbol determination, 4R probability variation is selected at a rate of 10% (= 10/100 × 100), 6R The probability variation is selected at a rate of 15% (= 15/100 x 100), the 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 25% (= 25/100 x 100), and the 10R probability variation is 50% (= 50/100 x 100). is selected in a ratio of

Therefore, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is a big hit, the big winning symbol Y1 indicating the 4R probability variation is selected at a rate of 10% as the big winning symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 42, A jackpot pattern Y2 indicating 6R probability variation is selected at a rate of 15%, a jackpot pattern Y3 indicating 8R probability variation is selected at a rate of 25%, and a jackpot pattern Y4 indicating 10R probability variation is selected at a rate of 50%.

<Processing based on reach random numbers>
When the main CPU 81 determines not to execute the jackpot game, the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number used for the determination is either a random number value corresponding to a reach effect or a random value corresponding to a non-reach effect. , it is determined whether to perform a ready-to-win performance or to perform a non-reachable performance.

In this embodiment, the main ROM 82 stores 10 random numbers for the ready-to-win effect, as illustrated in FIG. If it coincides with any one of the random numbers, it is determined to carry out a ready-to-win effect. Further, 90 random numbers are stored for the no-reach effect, and the main CPU 81 performs the no-reach effect when the acquired random number matches one of these 90 random numbers. decide. In this embodiment, the range of possible reach random numbers is set to "0" to "99", and when it is determined that the jackpot game is not executed, the reach effect is performed at a rate of 10% (=10/ 100×100), and the ratio of no ready-to-win effect (percentage of non-reach effect to be performed) is 90% (=90/100×100).

A main CPU 81 selects a variation pattern in which a sub-control board 90 selects a variable performance pattern of a performance pattern accompanied by a ready-to-win performance as a variation pattern of a special symbol when it decides to perform a performance with ready-to-win performance. Conversely, when it is decided to carry out the non-reach performance, a variation pattern in which a variable performance pattern of performance symbols not accompanied by the reach performance is selected by a sub-control board 90 is selected as the variation pattern of the special symbols.

[About variable production]
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, various effects are performed on the display screen 70 as the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed. A description will be given of the variation effect performed on the display screen 70 in accordance with the variation display of the first special symbol.

In the gaming machine 1, when the game ball wins the first starting port 21 and the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 41, and then the first special symbol is displayed. A first special symbol indicating the determination result of the symbol determination is stopped and displayed. The display screen 70 is provided with a performance symbol display area 73 (see FIG. 2) in which a performance symbol for notifying the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is displayed. Then, along with the variable display of the first special symbol, a variable effect including the variable display of the effect symbol is performed (see FIG. 2). Then, when the first special symbol is variably displayed for the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected when the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, The effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination.

A so-called ready-to-win effect may be performed during the variable display of such effect symbols. Specifically, in the performance symbol display area 73 of the display screen 70, for example, a part of the symbol row of the performance symbols in which the numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top is displayed in the horizontal direction. Three rows are displayed, and when the variable display of the first special symbol is started, these symbol rows are variably displayed (scroll display) so as to scroll from top to bottom. On the other hand, when the ready-to-win production is performed, first, for example, the left row production pattern (left pattern) and the right row production pattern (right pattern) before all the production patterns are stopped and displayed. sequentially, or simultaneously, pseudo-stop so as not to stop completely. FIG. 2 exemplifies a state in which three left symbols are pseudo-stopped, three right symbols are pseudo-stopped, and the middle row of symbols continues to be scrolled. In addition, the pseudo-stop is a production that causes the production pattern to sway on the spot without moving it, and in the following explanation, a real stop that completely stops the production pattern (sometimes simply referred to as "stop display") ), it may be called a pseudo-stop.

When the same performance pattern as the left pattern and the right pattern stops on the effective line in a simulated manner, the ready-to-win state is established, and a ready-to-win performance is performed to make the player expect three identical performance patterns to be aligned. In this ready-to-win effect, while the ready-to-win patterns (left and right patterns) are pseudo-stopped, the effect patterns (medium patterns) constituting the middle pattern row are scrolled at a low speed so that the player can identify them, and finally , a medium pattern common to the ready-to-win pattern, or a medium pattern different from the ready-to-win pattern is stopped on the effective line to notify the winning or losing.

Although detailed description is omitted, other display objects such as characters and items are used for such a ready-to-win effect in addition to the effect pattern. Further, in the following description, in the variable effect in which the ready-to-win effect is performed, the effect performed before the ready-to-win is established may be referred to as "pre-reach effect".

The type of reach effect will be described in detail later, but if the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing", the three performance symbols indicating the reach losing eyes (for example, "323") are pseudo-stopped to notify the loss. Then, these three performance symbols are actually stopped as the losing symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. On the other hand, when the ready-to-win effect is not performed, the three effect symbols indicating a loose pattern (for example, "629") are stopped in a simulated manner in order to notify a loss, and the loss symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. Along with this, these three performance symbols are finally stopped. In this way, when it is determined that the big winning game is not to be executed, the three performance symbols are stopped in a simulated manner with the reach losing or the loose number indicating the losing, and then the real stop is made to notify the losing (that the big winning game is not executed). A loss notification effect is executed.

When this loss notification effect is executed, the jackpot game is not executed, and if the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, the first special symbol and the performance symbol are set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds). is stopped and displayed, the first special symbol determination is performed, and the next variable display of the first special symbol is started.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", the ready-to-win effect is usually executed during the variable display of the first special symbol, and doubles (for example, "333") are displayed to notify the big hit. These three performance symbols are actually stopped along with the pseudo-stop of the three performance symbols and the stop display of the jackpot symbol as the first special symbol. In this way, when it is determined that a big win game is to be executed, there is a winning notification effect in which the three performance symbols are stopped in a simulated manner in a manner indicating a big win, and then actually stopped to notify a big win (execution of the big win game). executed. When this winning notification effect is executed, a big winning game is executed.

[Screen Configuration of Display Screen 70]
FIG. 2 illustrates the screen configuration of the display screen 70 in the normal game state. When the game is controlled in the normal game state, a suspended icon display area 71, the icon display area 72, and the effect symbol display area 73 are formed on the display screen 70 as illustrated in FIG. As described above, the effect symbol display area 73 displays the left symbols constituting the left symbol row, the middle symbols constituting the middle symbol row, and the right symbols constituting the right symbol row. display area.

<Holding icon display area 71>
The pending icon display area 71 is a display area where a pending icon indicating that the first special symbol determination is pending is displayed. In the gaming machine 1, when the game ball wins the first start port 21 in a situation such as during the variable display of the special symbols or during the jackpot game, when the special symbol determination and the variable display of the special symbols cannot be started immediately, the first special The right to determine the symbol is reserved up to a predetermined number (four in this embodiment).

Thus, when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved, the reserved icon display area 71 displays the same number of reserved icons as the number of reserved first special symbol determination indicated by the first special symbol reservation display 44. be done. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which two pending icons are displayed in the pending icon display area 71 in order to suggest that the pending number of the first special symbol determination is "2".

If a pending icon is displayed in the pending icon display area 71 when a highly reliable ready-to-win effect such as an SPSP reach to be described later is being performed, not only is the display area used for the ready-to-win effect limited, but also the pending icon is displayed. There is a possibility that the display of the icon will reduce the interest of the ready-to-win production. For this reason, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, while displaying the display object (in this embodiment, the pedestal of the pending icon) and the pending icon constituting the pending icon display area 71 during normal reach and SP reach, normal reach and SP As the ready-to-win performance develops from ready-to-win to SPSP-ready, the display objects and reserved icons constituting the reserved icon display area 71 are erased from the display screen 70, and the reserved icon display area 71 is formed after the SPSP-ready to finish. A configuration is adopted in which the displayed object and the pending icon are displayed again.

Further, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, basically no game balls enter the second starting port 22.例文帳に追加Therefore, in the normal game state, basically, the right of the second special symbol determination is not reserved, and a pending icon relating to the second special symbol determination is displayed on the display screen 70, or this pending icon is displayed. A display area for displaying is not formed.

<Applicable icon display area 72>
The icon display area 72 is a display area for displaying the icon as a variation suggestive image suggesting that the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The icon is displayed in the icon display area 72 with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, and is erased from the icon display area 72 at the timing when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, for example. However, the erasing timing of the icon is not limited to this, and the icon may be erased during the variable display of the first special symbol. The icon may be erased.

By the way, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 in a state where the special symbol is not variably displayed and the right to judge the special symbol is not reserved, the variable display of the 1st special symbol is started. Accordingly, the icon is displayed in the icon display area 72 . On the other hand, in a state where the pending icon is displayed in the pending icon display area 71, when the changing display of the pattern corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 ends, the suspended icon display area 71 displays The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest pending icon (the pending icon displayed at the position closest to the icon display area 72) is executed. Then, as the variable display of the first special symbol is started in accordance with the execution of the first special symbol determination, the first pending icon shifts from the pending icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72, It will be displayed as a new icon. In this way, the suspended icon (here, the icon) shifted to the icon display area 72 is displayed larger than when displayed in the suspended icon display area 71 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay more attention to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 than to the suspended icon displayed in the suspended icon display area 71 .

In addition, when another pending icon different from the first pending icon is displayed in the pending icon display area 71, the pending icon display area 71 , the other pending icons shift toward the icon display area 72 . As is clear from the description so far, in the gaming machine 1, the icon corresponding to the suspended icon displayed in the suspended icon display area 71 may be displayed in the icon display area 72. Therefore, the following description will be given. In this case, when the pending icon and the icon are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to simply as "icon".

(About icon change effect)
By the way, the pending icon is usually displayed as a white pending icon (the default pending icon). On the other hand, when a suspended icon is displayed in the suspended icon display area 71, an icon change effect may be performed in which the color of the suspended icon changes. When this icon change effect is performed, the white pending icon changes to a pending icon in colors such as blue, green, and red that suggest the reliability of the big win. The colors suggesting the jackpot reliability illustrated here are arranged in order from low jackpot reliability to high jackpot reliability. Red indicates that the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment corresponding to the red pending icon is "big hit", or that the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time even though it is "losing". easy to be selected. Green is likely to be selected when a "big hit" or "losing" is set to a medium variation time of the special symbol. Blue color is likely to be selected when it is "losing" or when it is "losing" and the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively short time. In this embodiment, the white pending icon jackpot reliability is set to about 1%, the blue pending icon jackpot reliability is set to about 3%, and the green pending icon jackpot reliability is set to about 15%. , and the jackpot reliability of the red pending icon is set to about 45%.

Here, the case where the icon change effect in which the display color of the suspended icon is changed only once while the suspended icon is displayed in the suspended icon display area 71 is performed has been described as an example, but the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment Then, other icon change effects may be performed. That is, for example, when a white pending icon is displayed in the pending icon display area 71, it changes to a blue pending icon and then to a green pending icon. An icon change effect may be performed in which the display color of the pending icon changes multiple times. Also, when a white suspended icon shifted from the suspended icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72 is displayed as the icon, an icon change effect may be performed in which the display color changes.

Further, the display color of the pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 changes, and then, when the pending icon is shifted to the icon display area 72 and displayed as the icon, the display color changes. In some cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of the icon changes in both the reserved icon display area 71 and the icon display area 72 . In addition, an icon change effect may be performed in which the suspended icon is initially displayed in a display color other than white (for example, blue), or an icon change effect in which the display color of the suspended icon whose initial color is other than white is changed. .

As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment displays on the display screen 70 the reservation information indicating that the right to determine the special symbol is reserved, and it is possible to change the display mode of the reservation information. . In the following description, a pending icon or icon whose display color is white will be referred to as a "normal icon," while a pending icon or icon whose display color is a color other than white will be referred to as a "special icon." A distinction may be made between the two.

[Modified example of display control of pending information]
Note that the display control of the pending information is not limited to that exemplified in this embodiment, and may be as follows. That is, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a case where the display colors of the icons (the pending icon and the corresponding icon) are four colors of white, blue, green, and red will be described as an example, but in other embodiments, Other colors such as gold, which suggests that the reliability of the big win is higher than red, and rainbow colors, which are selected only when a "big win" is made, may be prepared.

In addition, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which an icon change effect is performed to change the display color of an icon (a pending icon or the icon in question). The effects are not limited to those exemplified in the present embodiment, and may be an icon change effect that changes the shape or size of an icon, an icon change effect that changes a display color in addition to the shape or size of an icon, or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the icon change effect for the pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71, the icon change effect for the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 can be executed. However, in other embodiments, a configuration in which only the former icon change effect can be executed may be adopted without providing the icon display area 72 (without displaying the icon).

Also, in this embodiment, a case where a pending icon as pending information is displayed on the display screen 70 and the display color of the pending icon is changed will be described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, four color LEDs that can change the emission color are provided, and the same number of LEDs as the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination are lit, and the emission color of one of the LEDs is turned on. You may make it change the display mode of pending|holding information by changing.

[Flow of production accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the ready-to-win effect. When the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is variably displayed, and then the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination. On the other hand, on the display screen 70, along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the scroll display of the three symbol rows in the effect symbol display area 73 is started (see FIG. 6A). .

Here, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing", for example, different effect symbols as the left symbol and the right symbol are pseudo-stopped on the activated line, and the middle symbol row in this non-reach mode. There is a case where a no-reach effect (see FIG. 6(B)) that scrolls and displays only is performed. When this no-reach performance is performed, the three performance symbols showing loose stitches are pseudo-stopped at the end of the variable display of the first special symbols, and these symbols are stop-displayed as the first special symbols as the losing symbols. A loss notification effect (see FIG. 6(C)) for permanently stopping the three effect symbols is performed.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", or when it is decided to perform a reach effect even though it is "losing", during the variable display of the first special symbol, for example, A pre-reach performance (see FIG. 6(D)) in which a predetermined left pattern is pseudo-stopped on the effective line of the performance pattern display area 73, and then the right pattern, which is the same performance pattern as the left pattern, is shifted to the effective line. is done. Then, when the same left symbol and right symbol stop on the activated line in a simulated manner, reach is established (see FIG. 6(E)). When ready-to-win is established in this way, a predetermined ready-to-win that makes the player expect that the medium pattern, which is the same effect pattern as the ready-to-win pattern (left and right patterns), stops on the effective line and the patterns are aligned. A performance is held.

In this embodiment, three types of ready-to-win effects of normal ready-to-win, SP ready-to-win, and SPSP ready-to-win are prepared as ready-to-win effects that can be executed with the variable display of the first special symbol (see FIG. 6).

Normal reach (see FIG. 6(F)) is a reach effect with relatively low jackpot reliability (for example, jackpot reliability: about 2%). When reach is established, normal reach is performed first, and during normal reach, the scroll speed of the middle pattern row, which was scrolled at high speed between two reach symbols (left and right symbols), gradually decreases. go.

Here, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing", and for example, the variation pattern E (see FIG. 7(B)) having a variation time of 30 seconds at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is selected. If it is, the production pattern of the reach losing eye (for example, "434") is displayed by pseudo-stopping the middle pattern that is different from the reach pattern on the effective line, and these production patterns are stopped. 6 (G)) is performed.

On the other hand, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "jackpot", and for example, the variation pattern A (see FIG. 7A) having a variation time of 30 seconds at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is selected. If it is, the same medium pattern as the ready-to-win pattern is pseudo-stopped on the effective line to display the production pattern of double eyes (for example, "444"), and the hit notification production (Fig. 6 ( G)) is performed.

In addition, when a variation pattern in which the variation time of the first special symbol is relatively long is selected, the middle symbol, which is the same effect symbol as the ready-to-win symbol, is effective without performing the winning notification effect or the losing notification effect in normal reach. After passing on the line, the scroll speed of the middle pattern row increases and develops into SP reach (see FIG. 6 (H)) or SP reach (see FIG. 6 (I)). Here, SP reach is a reach production with higher jackpot reliability than normal reach (for example, jackpot reliability: 10%), and SPSP reach is a reach production with higher jackpot reliability than SP reach (for example, jackpot reliability degree: 30%).

In addition, when developing into a highly reliable ready-to-win effect such as SP reach or SPSP reach, the pseudo-stopped left pattern shrinks and moves to the upper left position on the display screen 70, and the pseudo-stopped right pattern moves to the upper right position on the display screen 70 while shrinking, these left and right symbols stop at the position after the movement, and the middle row of symbols continues until the end of the highly reliable ready-to-win production. It is hidden (for example, see FIGS. 9A to 9H). Then, the display objects and the pending icon forming the pending icon display area 71 are also hidden. As a result, the highly reliable ready-to-win effect can be performed in a display area wider than the effect symbol display area 73, and the interest of the highly reliable ready-to-win effect can be improved.

SP Reach and SPSP Reach, for example, are configured as a battle production in which your character fights an enemy character. Then, the enemy character to fight is common. That is, for example, if a battle production of fighting enemy character A is performed in SP reach in the first half of the battle, and then develops into SPSP reach in the second half of the battle, a battle production of fighting enemy character A will be performed in SP reach. .

When comparing these SP reach and SPSP reach, SPSP reach is more reliable than SP reach, and compared to the case where it develops only to SP reach, it is more successful when it develops to SPSP reach. There is a feature that the notification effect is easily executed.

In the game machine 1, the normal reach (see FIG. 6(F)) develops into the SP reach (see FIG. 6(H)) in the first half of the battle, and in this SP reach, the hit notification effect or loss is shown in FIG. 6(G). Information production may be performed. In addition, there are cases where normal reach develops into SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (I)) via SP reach, and cases where normal reach develops directly into SPSP reach without going through SP reach. In this case, the winning notification effect or the losing notification effect shown in FIG. 6(G) is performed in this SPSP reach.

The type of ready-to-win effect and the way of developing the ready-to-win effect illustrated in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and other types of ready-to-win effect and the way of developing the ready-to-win effect may be used.

[Variation pattern selection table used in normal game state]
Next, referring to FIG. 7, the process of selecting the variation pattern of the special symbols in the normal game state will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the variation pattern selection table used in the process of selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in the normal game state.

In the main ROM 82, a variation pattern selection table for a big hit (see FIG. 7A) is stored as a variation pattern selection table to be referred to when selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (here, the first special symbol) in the normal gaming state. ), a fluctuation pattern selection table for reach loss (see FIG. 7(B)), and a fluctuation pattern selection table for reach loss without reach (see FIG. 7(C)) are stored. The big hit variation pattern selection table is a table referred to for selecting the first special symbol variation pattern when the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal game state is "big hit". In the reach-losing variation pattern selection table, the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal game state is "losing", and when it is determined (based on the reach random number) to perform the reach-present production, the first special symbol is selected. It is a table referred to for selecting the variation pattern of . The change pattern selection table for no-reach loss is the first special pattern selection table when the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal game state is "losing" and it is determined to perform the no-reach effect (based on the reach random number). It is a table referred to in order to select the variation pattern of the special design.

(Variation pattern selection table for jackpot)
In the big hit variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A), the variation pattern of the first special symbol is associated with the random number value to be compared with the variation pattern random number. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, in addition to the variation pattern and the number of random numbers associated with each variation pattern, the variation time of the first special symbol is selected by the sub CPU 91 for each variation pattern. Types of fluctuation production patterns, specific production contents of the fluctuation production patterns, possible ranges of fluctuation pattern random numbers, and ratios of selection of each fluctuation pattern are also shown.

When the main CPU 81 determines to execute a jackpot game based on the jackpot random number obtained in response to the winning of the game ball in the first start port 21 in the normal game state, the main CPU 81 changes the jackpot random number and the jackpot random number. The variation pattern of the first special symbol is selected by reading the variation pattern associated with the same random number as the pattern random number from the big hit variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A).

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 (A) and (B), the possible range of variation pattern random numbers for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol is, in this embodiment, from "0" to "99". is set. In the jackpot variation pattern selection table, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, two random numbers are associated with variation pattern A, and 18 random numbers are associated with variation pattern B. 35 random numbers are associated with the variation pattern C, and 45 random numbers are associated with the variation pattern D.

Therefore, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", the variation pattern A is selected at a rate of 2% (= 2/100 x 100), and 18% (= 18/100 x 100). Variation pattern B is selected at a rate, variation pattern C is selected at a rate of 35% (=35/100x100), and variation pattern D is selected at a rate of 45% (=45/100x100). Then, for example, when the variation pattern A is selected, the sub-CPU 91 selects the variation performance pattern A, and the variation performance of performing the hit notification performance in the normal reach is performed. Further, for example, when the variation pattern D is selected, the variation performance pattern D is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation performance is performed in which the winning notification performance is performed in the SPSP reach developed from the normal reach through the SP reach. become.

(Variation pattern selection table for reach loss)
When the main CPU 81 determines in the first special symbol determination that the jackpot game is not to be executed, the main CPU 81 decides whether or not to perform a reach effect based on the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number, the pattern random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number. to decide. Specifically, one of the variation patterns is selected from the variation pattern group (see FIG. 7B) in which the ready-to-win effect is performed, or the ready-to-win effect is not performed (no reach effect is performed) variation It is determined whether to select any variation pattern from the pattern group (see FIG. 7(C)). Here, when it is decided to carry out a ready-to-win effect, the variable pattern of the first special symbol is selected with reference to the ready-to-miss change pattern selection table.

In the reach-losing variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7B), the variation pattern of the first special symbol is associated with the random number value to be compared with the variation pattern random number. In the normal game state, the main CPU 81 determines not to execute the jackpot game based on the jackpot random number obtained in response to the winning of the game ball in the first start port 21, and obtains the reach random number together with the jackpot random number. If it is decided to perform a reach effect based on, the variation pattern that is associated with the same random number as the variation pattern random number acquired together with these random numbers is selected in the reach loss variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7 (B) ) to select the variation pattern of the first special symbol.

In the reach-losing variation pattern selection table, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, 40 random numbers are associated with the variation pattern E, and 30 random numbers are associated with the variation pattern F. 20 random numbers are associated with the variation pattern G, and 10 random numbers are associated with the variation pattern H.

Therefore, when it is determined that the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment is "losing" and it is decided to perform the reach presence production, the variation pattern E is selected at a rate of 40% (= 40/100 x 100), and 30 % (= 30/100 x 100) of the variation pattern F is selected, 20% (= 20/100 x 100) of the variation pattern G is selected, 10% (= 10/100 x 100) of Variation pattern H is selected in proportion. Then, for example, when the variation pattern F is selected, the variation performance pattern F is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation performance of the loss notification performance is performed in the SP reach developed from the normal reach. Further, for example, when the variation pattern H is selected, the variation performance pattern H is selected by the sub CPU 91, and the variation performance is performed in which the failure notification performance is performed in the SPSP reach developed from the normal reach through the SP reach. become.

(Variation pattern selection table for loss without reach)
When the main CPU 81 determines not to execute the jackpot game based on the jackpot random number, and determines to perform the no-reach effect based on the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number, the main CPU 81 creates a fluctuation pattern selection table for the no-reach loss. Refer to it and select the variation pattern of the first special symbol.

In the fluctuation pattern selection table for reach without loss (see FIG. 7 (C)), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the number of pending first special symbol judgment when the fluctuation display of the first special symbol of this time is started are mapped.

The main CPU 81 determines that the first special symbol variation time is 13 seconds when the pending number of the first special symbol determination becomes "0" or "1" with the start of the current variation display of the first special symbol. A certain variation pattern J is selected, and when the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination is "2", the variation pattern K in which the variation time of the first special symbol is 8 seconds is selected. In addition, the main CPU 81 determines that the number of pending first special symbol determination becomes the upper limit "4" during the variable display of the first special symbol, and the first special symbol determination is performed along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol this time. When the number of reservations is "3", the variation pattern L in which the variation time of the first special symbol is 4 seconds is selected.

Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not executed and it is determined that the reach-less effect is performed, the number of rights of the reserved first special symbol determination is If the number of reserved numbers is relatively large, the first special symbol whose fluctuation time is relatively short so that the reservation of the first special symbol determination can be newly accumulated according to the new winning of the game ball to the first start port 21. A variation pattern is selected. On the other hand, if the number of reserved numbers is relatively small, the variation pattern of the first special symbol having a relatively long variation time is used to suppress the stoppage of the progress of the game because the first special symbol and the performance symbol do not change. is selected.

From the description of the two variation pattern selection tables illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the following can be said. That is, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", there is a tendency that a variation pattern with a long variation time is likely to be selected, and a variation pattern with a short variation time is difficult to be selected (Fig. 7). (A)). In addition, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing" and the ready-to-win effect is performed, it is difficult to select a variation pattern with a long variation time, and conversely, a variation pattern with a short variation time is likely to be selected. There is a tendency (see FIG. 7(B)).

From these facts, it can be said that the longer the variation time of the first special symbol is, the easier it is to execute the winning notification effect, and conversely, the shorter the variation time of the first special symbol is, the easier it is to execute the losing notification effect. In other words, when the reach effect is performed over a relatively long time, such as developing from the normal reach to the SP reach via the SP reach, the hit notification effect is likely to be executed, and the reach that only the normal reach is performed. When the time required for the effect is relatively short, it can be said that the failure notification effect is likely to be executed. In other words, instead of being notified of the win or loss in the normal reach production, it develops from normal reach to SP reach or SPSP reach, or from normal reach to SP reach via SP reach (or directly without SP reach) SPSP reach It can be said that the reliability of the jackpot is higher if it develops to.

[Regarding pre-judgment processing]
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, whether or not to execute the jackpot game is determined prior to performing the first special symbol determination for the right. Pre-determination processing for determination may be performed. Specifically, the main CPU 81 acquires a jackpot random number in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21, and based on the acquired jackpot random number, the first special symbol is displayed at the start of the variable display. Prior to the big hit determination process (see step S308 in FIG. 21) in the 1 special symbol determination, the same big hit determination process is performed, and whether or not it is determined as "big hit" when the first special symbol determination is performed determine in advance whether Also, based on the variation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number, the same processing as the variation pattern selection processing (see step S309 in FIG. 21) described above based on FIGS. It is determined in advance which variation pattern will be selected when 1 special symbol determination is executed.

In this way, when the main CPU 81 performs the pre-determination process in response to the reservation of the first special symbol determination right, the main CPU 81 sends a pending command including the pre-determination information indicating the result of the pre-determination to the sub-control board 90. Send. In response to this, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the above-described icon change effect based on the advance determination information included in the hold command. Then, when it is decided to execute the icon change effect, it decides in what kind of change pattern the display mode (in this embodiment, the color of the icon) of the icon (the pending icon or the icon in question) is to be changed, and the result of the decision The image sound control board 100 is made to execute the icon change effect based on.

[Concrete example of effect accompanied by variable display of first special symbol in normal game state]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a specific example of the effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are screen diagrams illustrating an effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state. Here, as the variation pattern of the first special symbol in the normal game state, SPSP reach developed from normal reach A description will be given of the effect that is executed when the variation pattern C (see FIG. 7A) in which the hit notification effect is performed in is selected.

In FIG. 8A, in the display screen 70, one pending icon (for example, a red pending icon) is displayed in the pending icon display area 71, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is In order to notify that the determination result of the corresponding first special symbol determination is "losing", along with the stopping display of the losing symbol as the first special symbol, the production symbol showing the loose eyes of "526" is displayed. A stopped display state is exemplified. In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) elapses after the losing symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, the earliest pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 is displayed. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon (here, red pending icon) is executed. Then, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big win" and the variation pattern C is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the following effects are performed.

That is, as the first special symbol determination corresponding to the first reserved icon is executed, the first special symbol displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 is displayed in the first is shifted to the icon display area 72, scroll display of three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). When a predetermined period of time elapses after the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started, the first notice (see FIG. 12(A)) may be executed (see FIG. 8(C)). For example, as the first notice, the display mode of the effect image (first notice effect image) related to the step-up notice displayed in the central area of the display screen 70 is changed in stages, and the effect sound related to the step-up notice is played. A step-up notice output from the speaker 38 is executed.

Following the above first notice, the pseudo-continuous effect may be executed. Here, the pseudo-continuous effect is such that the effect symbol displayed in the effect symbol display area 73 is variably displayed a plurality of times during the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol) once. It is a performance to show off. As for the pseudo continuous effect, the following effect display is performed.

That is, the scrolling speed of the left symbol row slows down and the left symbols (for example, 6 symbols) are pseudo-stopped. The right symbol (for example, 4 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, after that, the scroll speed of the middle row of symbols is reduced, and 7 symbols are pseudo-stopped as the medium symbols that inform the execution of the pseudo continuous effect (Fig. 8 (D)).

In this way, after the left and right symbols, which are different from each other, are pseudo-stopped, and then seven symbols are pseudo-stopped in the middle row, the pseudo-second row variation performance following the pseudo-first row variation performance is started. . Specifically, after the characters “×2” suggesting the start of the pseudo second streak of variable effect are displayed in a large size in the central area of the display screen 70, the characters “×2” are displayed on the upper left of the display screen 70. A smaller display is made in the one area, and along with this, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is resumed in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIGS. 8(D) and (E)).

When this pseudo-second streak variable effect is being performed, for example, a dialogue announcement is executed as the second announcement described above based on FIG. 12(A) and the like. Specifically, as exemplified in FIG. 8(F), an effect image (second notice effect image) showing a state in which a predetermined character utters a line is displayed in the central area of the display screen 70, and the line is displayed. An effect sound (for example, a character's voice) relating to the notice is output from the speaker 38 .

As described above, when the dialogue notice is executed as the second notice during the second pseudo-continuous variation effect, the second pseudo-continuous effect is executed during the variable display of the first special symbol this time (Fig. 8 (G)). Specifically, as exemplified in FIG. 8(G), the scroll speed of the left symbol row is reduced and the left symbol (for example, 2 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, followed by the right symbol row. The scrolling speed is lowered and the right symbols (for example, 5 symbols) are pseudo-stopped. After that, the scroll speed of the middle row of symbols is lowered and the 7 symbols are pseudo-stopped as middle symbols.

When the second pseudo continuous effect is executed during the variable display of the first special symbol, the pseudo third variable effect following the second pseudo variable effect is started. Specifically, after the characters “×3” suggesting the start of the pseudo-three variable effects are displayed in a large size in the central area of the display screen 70, the characters “×3” are displayed on the upper left of the display screen 70. The three symbol rows are displayed in smaller size in the one area, and along with this, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is resumed in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIGS. 8(G) and (H)).

Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the pseudo third row of variable effects, the scrolling speed of the left symbol row is reduced and the left symbol (for example, 3 symbols) is pseudo-stopped. , the scrolling speed of the right symbol row decreases (same as the left symbol), and the right symbol (here, 3 symbols) stops in a pseudo manner, establishing a ready-to-win state (see FIG. 8(I)).

It should be noted that, here, the case where the "pseudo run before reach" that restarts the scroll display of each symbol row before the establishment of the reach is explained as an example, but after the establishment of the reach, the "reach" that restarts the scroll display of each symbol row is explained as an example. A post-pseudo-run" may also be executed.

As described above, when the same effect symbols as the left symbol and the right symbol are pseudo-stopped and reach is established, normal reach is executed (see FIG. 9(A)). Specifically, the scroll speed of the middle pattern row gradually decreases after the reach is established, and the middle pattern (here, the middle 3 patterns) is the same as the reach pattern (here, left 3 patterns and right 3 patterns). An effect display is performed to show that the game is approaching the effective line defined by the symbols.

Here, when developing from normal reach to SPSP reach, the following effect display is performed. That is, when the scroll display of the middle pattern row is being performed, the middle symbols (three symbols in this case) which are the same as the ready-to-win symbols pass over the effective line, and along with this, the scroll speed of the middle row of symbols is increased. rises to make it difficult to identify medium symbols, and a development effect is performed to suggest that the game will develop into SPSP reach (see FIG. 9B). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the left three patterns are reduced and moved to the upper left region of the display screen 70, and in the process, the scroll direction is the axial direction, and the scroll direction is rotated once clockwise. Then, it moves to the upper left area, and simultaneously moves to the upper right area of the display screen 70 while reducing the right three patterns. move to the other area. After that, until the end of the variable display of the first special symbol this time, the left 3 symbols are pseudo-stop-displayed in the upper left area, and the right 3 symbols are pseudo-stop-displayed in the upper right area (Fig. 9 (C) - (H)).

Next, when the development effect (see FIG. 9(B)) suggesting the development to the SPSP ready-to-win is performed as described above, the player is notified that the above-described third notice (see FIG. 12(A)) will occur. A dark transition effect expected to be performed (see FIG. 9(C)). Specifically, until a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the development effect is performed, as illustrated in FIG. Then, the three symbols on the left and the symbol on the right) and the corresponding icon are displayed superimposed, and the other performance symbols are hidden.

Following this dark effect, for example, a group notice may be performed as the third notice (see FIG. 9(D)). Specifically, as exemplified in FIG. 9(D), an effect display is performed in which a large number of characters move on the display screen 70 from right to left.

It should be noted that such a third notice is not necessarily executed when the dark change effect is performed, but when the SPSP ready-to-win is started after the third notice is executed following the dark change effect, or following the dark change effect. SPSP reach may be started without executing the third notice.

Thus, when the SPSP ready-to-win is started, an SPSP ready-to-win effect image, which is an effect image related to the SPSP ready-to-win, is displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 9(E)). As a result, for example, an effect display showing how the self character and the enemy character fight off and defend is performed. Then, when the end of the SPSP reach is approached, a first effect button operation promotion effect is performed to prompt the player to operate the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 9(F)). Specifically, a first effect button image imitating the first effect button 35 and a validity period gauge indicating the remaining time of the validity period during which the operation of the first effect button 35 is valid are displayed.

In this first effect button operation promotion effect, the fourth notice is given at the timing when the first effect button 35 is operated during the effective period or at the timing when the effective period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated. As such, for example, a cut-in is performed in which a predetermined cut-in image is superimposed on the effect image (other than the ready-to-win pattern) displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 9(G)). This cut-in is a production that suggests how much the reliability of the jackpot is, and a green cut-in that superimposes a green cut-in image and a red cut-in that superimposes a red cut-in image. In some cases, a cut-in is performed, and in other cases, a gold cut-in that superimposes a gold cut-in image is performed. Red cut-in, gold cut-in order.

When the cut-in occurs in this way and the SPSP reach ends, a second effect button operation promotion effect is performed to prompt the player to operate the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 9(H)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9H, during the effective period of the second effect button operation promotion effect, a second effect button image imitating the second effect button 36 and "Press!" , and a valid period gauge indicating the remaining time of the valid period are displayed.

When the second performance button 36 is operated during the validity period of the second performance button operation promotion performance, as the operation corresponding performance corresponding to the operation, the three performance patterns showing doubles are stopped in a simulated manner, and then the real stop is performed. A winning notification effect is performed (see FIG. 9(I)).

In addition, here, since the variation pattern C (see FIG. 7A) is selected at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol this time, a hit notification effect is performed as an effect corresponding to the operation. When the variation pattern G or the variation pattern H illustrated in FIG. 7B is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the three performance symbols indicating the reach-losing are pseudo-stopped as the operation corresponding performance. After that, a loss notification effect is performed to make the main stop.

[About composite production]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, composite effects that can be executed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of composite effect. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effect mode and the reliability of the big win of each compound effect. FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating the flow of composite effects. FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing a concrete example of the composite effect.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when the game ball wins the first start hole 21 during the execution of the variable effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, this winning becomes a trigger, There is a case where a composite effect that is performed in a form that is combined with the variable effect that is being executed is executed. This composite effect is an effect executed based on the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol performed when the game ball wins the first start port 21. In that respect, it is common to the variable performance being executed. On the other hand, the start timing of the variable effect is fixed at substantially the same timing as the timing at which the variable display of the first special symbol is started, whereas the combined effect, during execution of the variable effect, Both are different in that the start timing is variable because the effect is started at the timing when the game ball newly enters the first start hole 21 .

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of effect patterns of such a compound effect are prepared, and there is a possibility that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the variable effect being executed when the compound effect is started. In some cases, a composite effect is executed that suggests that there is And, since the execution timing of such a composite effect is variable, it is possible to dramatically improve the variation of the effect by the variable effect and the composite effect.

This composite performance is not always executed when a game ball enters the first starting port 21 during execution of the variable performance, but the conditions for executing the composite performance are satisfied and the complex performance is executed. Since it is executed when the performance lottery for determining whether or not to play is won, when the game ball wins in the first start port 21 during execution of the variable performance, the compound performance is executed and executed. There are cases where it is not. In addition, the game ball enters the first start port 21 in a state where the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination has reached the upper limit "4" (that is, the state in which the right for the first special symbol determination cannot be further retained). In the case of winning, although the prize balls are paid out in accordance with the winning of the game balls to the first start port 21, even if the composite performance can be executed, the composite performance will be triggered by this winning. never executed.

The flow of such composite production is generally as follows. First, with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, the variable effect including the variable display of the effect symbol is started (see FIG. 10(A)). Then, in this way, when the variable effect is being executed and the game ball wins the first start port 21 under the situation that the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination is "3" or less (Fig. 10 (B )), three prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 33 (or the lower tray 34) by the payout control board based on the instruction from the main CPU 81 (see FIG. 10(C)).

In addition, when the game ball wins in the first start port 21 in a situation where the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination is "3" or less during the execution of the variable performance, the right for the first special symbol determination is reserved. , A suspended icon (related to the first special symbol determination) is displayed in the suspended icon display area 71, but based on the result of the preliminary determination for the suspended right, the normal icon (white suspended icon) is displayed as the suspended icon. (see FIG. 10(D)), and there is a case where a special icon (a suspended icon in a display color other than white) is displayed as the suspended icon (see FIG. 10(E)).

By the way, if the combination effect and the display of the special icon as the pending icon are simultaneously performed in response to the game ball entering the first start hole 21 during the execution of the variable effect, the player will not be able to receive the compound effect. To execute a compound performance because the user is confused as to whether to focus on the currently performed variable performance to be executed or to focus on the variable performance corresponding to the reserved special icon. However, there is a possibility that the production effect will be reduced.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game ball wins the first start port 21 in a situation where the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination is "3" or less during execution of the variable effect, according to the winning While performing a combined effect for some of the cases where the normal icon is displayed as the pending icon, when the special icon is displayed as the pending icon according to the winning, the combined effect is not executed (that is, the combined effect is execution is restricted) (see FIGS. 10(D) to 10(F)).

When executing the composite effect with the display of the normal icon as the reserved icon, the ball appearance effect is first executed as the effect constituting the composite effect (see FIG. 10(F)). As described above, the composite effect is a effect that is executed when a game ball has entered the first start hole 21 during execution of the variable effect. In order to generate the composite effect, it is necessary for the player to continue to hit left even during the execution of the variable effect, so the composite effect is applied to the first start port 21 during the execution of the variable effect related to the first special symbol determination. It is preferable to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner that the effect is executed with the winning of the game ball (additional winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21) as a trigger. For this reason, in order to suggest that the composite effect has started when the game ball passes through the first start port 21, an additional prize that suggests that an additional prize of the game ball for the first start port 21 has occurred. As a suggestive effect, a ball appearance effect is executed.

In this ball appearance effect, as shown in FIG. 13C, a ball imitating a game ball is generated from the normal icon displayed in the reserved icon display area 71, and this ball is the reserved icon. It is configured as an effect display that moves upward from the display area 71 to the center of the display screen 70, and along with this effect display, characters such as "additional prize winning!" Thus, in the ball appearance effect, the effect display is performed using the pending icon displayed when the game ball has won the first start hole 21 during execution of the variable effect. It is possible to easily recognize that the composite effect has occurred based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 21 by hitting left.

In addition, as long as it can suggest that the composite effect has started when the game ball passes through the first starting port 21, the composite effect may be another effect, and the ball appearance effect may be, for example, , an effect of outputting a voice such as "A ball has entered the navel!" etc.

Returning to the description of FIG. 10, there is a case where, following the ball appearance effect (FIG. 10(F)), a non-fire effect (see FIG. 10(G)) as a fake effect is executed.

By the way, if there is a high possibility that the hit notification effect will be executed as a result of the variable effect that the compound effect is compounded, that is, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable effect is "jackpot" Or, even if it is "losing", if a variation pattern with a relatively long variation time is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, it is a so-called chance-up production that suggests the possibility of a big hit. By executing the composite effect, it is possible to effectively improve the player's sense of expectation for the big win.

However, if the configuration of executing the combined effect only when there is a high possibility that the hit notification effect will be executed as a result of the variable effect as described above is easily applied, the appearance rate of the combined effect will be low. There is a concern that the appearance rate of the composite effect will be remarkably reduced by the player who thinks that the left-hand stroke will not cause the composite effect to occur and stops the left-hand stroke.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to suppress the occurrence of such a problem, when there is a low possibility that the winning notification effect will be executed as a result of the variable effect, that is, at the start of the variable effect When the determination result of the determined first special symbol determination is "losing" and a variation pattern with a relatively short variation time is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, a misfire follows the ball appearance performance. It is assumed that a composite production is executed in which a production (fake production) is performed.

Originally, this unexploded effect is an explosion effect display (single burst effect or continuous burst effect described later) that shows how a ball imitating a game ball explodes, followed by an effect that makes you expect a big hit. It is configured as a performance display showing how a ball imitating a game ball deflates and disappears without exploding.

By adopting a configuration capable of executing a composite effect including such a non-appearance effect, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the appearance rate of the composite effect. In addition, the player can easily recognize the possibility that a combined effect will occur if he/she continues to hit the left ball even during the variable effect, based on the ball appearance effect preceding the unfired effect. It is possible to effectively prompt the player to continue.

Up to this point, the explanation has been given of the composite effect in which the ball appearance effect is followed by the unexploded effect. H)). Although not shown in the figure, this single-shot burst effect is configured as a effect display showing how a ball imitating a game ball explodes only once.

In this way, when the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10(F)) is followed by the single-shot burst effect (see FIG. 10(H)), the character display effect (see FIG. 10(I)) or An SU effect (see FIG. 10(J)) is executed.

Here, in the character display effect (see FIG. 10(I)), characters are displayed on the display screen 70 to make the player expect a big win after the ball imitating the game ball bursts due to a single burst effect and disappears from the display screen 70. As shown in FIG. 11, it is composed of effects to be displayed, such as when white characters are displayed (first effect pattern) and when red characters are displayed (second effect pattern). , There are cases where red characters are displayed large (third effect pattern), the jackpot reliability of the first effect pattern is set to about 2%, and the jackpot reliability of the second effect pattern is set to about 9%. , and the jackpot reliability of the third effect pattern is set to about 18%.

On the other hand, the SU effect (see FIG. 10(J)) changes stepwise with the second stage (step 2) as the upper limit after the ball imitating the game ball bursts due to the single burst effect and disappears from the display screen 70. It is structured as a step-by-step production. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, four types of effect patterns, ie, first effect pattern to fourth effect pattern, are prepared as effect patterns of this SU effect, as illustrated in FIG. Here, the first production pattern is a production pattern in which the production display of step 1 (first stage) representing the appearance of one bird taking flight is performed, and the production ends in step 1. The second production pattern is a production pattern in which the production display of step 1 representing three birds taking flight is performed and the production ends in step 1. - 特許庁The third production pattern is a production pattern in which the production display of step 1 representing five birds taking flight is performed and the production ends in step 1. - 特許庁In the fourth production pattern, following the production display in step 1, which represents a state in which one to five birds (1, 3, or 5) take off, a large flock of birds takes off in step 2. This is an effect pattern in which an effect display is performed and the effect ends in this step 2. - 特許庁

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the reliability of the SU effect of the first effect pattern is set to about 1%, and the reliability of the SU effect of the second effect pattern is set to about 3%. The reliability of the SU effect of the third effect pattern is set to about 5%, and the reliability of the SU effect of the fourth effect pattern is set to about 45%.

Comparing the character display effect and the SU effect explained so far, since the SU effect jackpot reliability of the fourth effect pattern is set to about 45%, the effect progressed from the single burst effect to the SU effect. In this case, the possibility that the SU effect develops into step 2 (the possibility that the SU effect of the fourth effect pattern is executed) is low. The SU effects of the first effect pattern to the third effect pattern ending in step 1 are all lower in the reliability of the big win than the character display effect of the third effect pattern (or the second effect pattern). Therefore, when the effect progresses from the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10(F)) to the single-shot burst effect (see FIG. 10(H)), the player can then proceed to the SU effect (see FIG. 10(J)). The player can enjoy the game while expecting that the character display effect (see FIG. 10(I)) will progress instead of the character display effect (see FIG. 10(I)).

However, even if the performance progresses to the SU performance, if the performance progresses to step 2, conversely, the reliability of the big hit will be higher than the character display performance (red characters, large) of the third performance pattern. Therefore, even if the performance progresses to the SU performance, the player can enjoy the SU performance without lowering the expectation for the big win.

It should be noted that the character display effect and SU effect pattern are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the contents and number of the effect patterns may be different from those exemplified in the present embodiment.

Up to this point, from the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)) to the single-shot explosion effect (see FIG. 10 (H)), the character display effect (see FIG. 10 (I)) or the SU effect (see FIG. 10 (J)) ), the ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10(F)) is followed by a continuous explosion effect (see FIG. 10(K)), and then a large character In some cases, a composite effect is executed in which the effect progresses to the appearance effect (see FIG. 10(L)).

The continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10(K)) is configured as a effect display showing how balls imitating game balls burst a plurality of times in succession (see FIG. 13(D)). In the single burst effect (see FIG. 10(H)), a performance display is performed in which a ball imitating a game ball explodes only once. It is different from the single-shot explosion production in that the number of bursts is greater than that of the single-shot explosion production, and it is executed over a longer period of time than the single-shot explosion production. As is clear from the notation in FIG. 10, when a single explosion effect occurs, the effect proceeds to a character display effect or SU effect, and when a continuous burst effect occurs, a large character appears after that. The performance progresses to the performance. For this reason, the player determines whether the effect proceeds to the character display effect (or the SU effect) or to the large character appearance effect, depending on the number of bursts of the ball imitating the game ball in the burst effect. Based on this, it is possible to easily recognize (determine).

In the present embodiment, the large character appearance effect (see FIG. 10L) following the continuous explosion effect is a full screen display of a effect image showing how a large character accumulates energy after being struck by lightning. (see FIG. 13(E)). For this large character appearance effect, four effect patterns, a first effect pattern to a fourth effect pattern shown in FIG. 11, are prepared. Here, the first effect pattern is a effect pattern in which a background image expressed using white as the background of the large characters is displayed, and the second effect pattern is expressed using green as the background of the large characters. This is an effect pattern in which a background image is displayed. The third production pattern is a production pattern in which a background image expressed using red as the background of the large character is displayed, and the fourth production pattern is a production pattern in which the background of the large character is expressed using rainbow colors. This is an effect pattern in which a background image is displayed.

In this embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 11, the reliability of the large-character appearance effect of the first effect pattern is set to about 10%, and the reliability of the big-win effect of the large character appearance effect of the second effect pattern is set to about 10%. is set to about 20%, the reliability of the big character appearance effect of the 3rd production pattern is set to about 35%, and the reliability of the big character appearance effect of the 4th production pattern is set to 100% (at the time of appearance It is set to jackpot rich).

Here, when comparing the production after proceeding to the continuous burst production (large character appearance production) and the production after progressing to the single burst production (character display production or SU production), the former production is generally better. However, the reliability of the big hit tends to be higher than the latter effect. For this reason, when a game ball imitation ball burst effect occurs, the player expects that the burst effect will be performed multiple times, that is, a continuous burst effect will be executed instead of a single burst effect. , you can enjoy a composite performance.

<Regarding the presence or absence of composite production>
FIG. 12(A) illustrates a case where the common effect is executed when the composite effect does not occur during execution of the variable effect. The common effect is a effect that has at least a part of the effect in common with the composite effect, and an example of the effect is the effect that has the same effect as the above-described large character appearance effect. By the way, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as will be described later based on FIG. 29, at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, the variable performance pattern setting process of step S163 causes the variable performance symbol to be displayed. is set by the sub CPU 91, and the sub CPU 91 sets the effect pattern of the notice effect to be executed during the change effect by the notice effect pattern setting process of step S164. Then, according to the process of step S165, the variable effect and the notice effect are executed based on these effect patterns. is set, and as illustrated in FIG. 12(A), the common effect may be executed while the variable effect is being executed.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball enters the first start hole 21 during execution of the variable effect (additional winning) as a trigger, the ball appearance effect, the continuous burst effect, and the large Composite production consisting of character appearance production may be executed in combination with variable production, but common production is production based on the notice production pattern set at the start of the variable production as described above. There is, and since it is not an effect triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 21 during execution of the variable effect, the common effect does not include the ball appearance effect and the continuous burst effect, and the large character appearance effect. A production that is common to is executed.

A plurality of performance execution timings are prepared in advance for the common performance common to the large character appearance performance, and the common performance is executed at one of the plurality of performance execution timings. Therefore, although the execution timing of the common effect is not fixed, it is limited to the timing prepared in advance.

On the other hand, the large character appearance effect is an effect that is executed (after the ball appearance effect and the continuous burst effect) when the game ball enters the first start hole 21 during the execution of the variable effect. It can be said that this is an effect that has an extremely large number of performance execution timings and has fewer restrictions on the performance execution timings than the common performance.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in relation to the common performance executed based on the notice performance pattern set at the start of the variable performance, the common performance and the large character appearance performance having the same performance contents are common. is executed with the winning of the game ball into the first starting port 21 during execution of the variable performance. Therefore, as a result, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as greatly increasing the execution timing of the common effect. In this embodiment, the common effect is a effect that is common to the large character appearance effect as a composite effect. It is possible to make the above effect greater.

Next, referring to FIG. 12(B), in a state in which a notice effect pattern instructing execution of a common effect (common with the large character appearance effect) is set at the start of the variable effect, this variable effect is being executed. , a case where the big character appearance effect triggered by the winning of the game ball into the first starting port 21 is executed before the execution of the common effect will be described.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 10, 11 and the like, the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 during the execution of the variable effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, and with this winning as an opportunity, A ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10(F)), a continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10(K)), and a large character appearance effect (see FIG. 10(L)) may be executed. As for the common effect, there are prepared four effect patterns, the first effect pattern to the fourth effect pattern, similar to the large character appearance effect illustrated in FIG. are the same, the reliability of the jackpot is also almost the same.

As described above, during the execution of the variable production, if the large character appearance production that constitutes the composite production is executed, within the same fluctuation, the common production based on the notice production pattern set at the start of the fluctuation production If it is executed after the appearance performance, two performances with the same meaning will be executed within the same variation, and although the intention is to improve the interest, the execution of the common performance will actually reduce the interest. can be considered. In addition, there is a concern that these effects may reduce the visibility of each other due to the start of the common effect during execution of the large character appearance effect.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to suppress the occurrence of such a problem, when the composite effect (large character appearance effect) is not executed during the execution of the variable effect, the variable effect While the common effect is allowed to be executed during execution (see FIG. 12A), when the composite effect (large character appearance effect) is executed first during the execution of the variable effect, that is, the large character appearance When the start timing of the production is earlier than the start timing of the common production, the execution of the common production is restricted during the execution of this variable production (see FIG. 12(B)). In FIG. 12(B), it is shown that the common effect is not executed after the composite effect consisting of the ball appearance effect, the continuous burst effect, and the large character appearance effect, and the dashed square containing the letters of the common effect has two crosses. represented by a mark.

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the sub CPU 91 sends a composite effect start command including information instructing not to execute the common effect (instructed at the start of the variable effect) to the image sound control board 100. By transmitting, the execution of both the large character appearance effect and the common effect within the same variation is restricted (prevented from being performed). When both the appearance effect and the common effect are to be executed, the effect lottery is executed as to whether or not the common effect is to be executed, and based on the result of the effect lottery, the large character appearance effect and the large character appearance effect within the same variation. A configuration may be employed in which the common presentation is not executed in some cases where both of the common presentations are executed. In addition, when the loss notification effect is executed as a result of the variable effect that the compound effect is compounded, it is prohibited to execute both the large character appearance effect and the common effect within the same change, while the compound effect is compounded. A configuration may be adopted in which both the large character appearance effect and the common effect are allowed to be executed within the same variation, regarding part of the case where the hit notification effect is executed as a result of the variable effect. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the effect in which the large character appearance effect and the common effect are combined within the same variation function as a definite notification effect for deterministically informing a big win.

<Specific example of composite production>
Next, while referring to FIG. 13, it consists of a ball appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (F)), a continuous burst effect (see FIG. 10 (K)), and a large character appearance effect (see FIG. 10 (L)). A specific example of the combined effect will be described. FIG. 13(A) shows a state in which one suspended icon (here, a normal icon) is displayed in the suspended icon display area 71 on the display screen 70, and the corresponding icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is displayed. In order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing", the production symbol indicating the loose eyes of "634" is stopped as the losing symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. The displayed state is exemplified.

In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) elapses after the losing symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, the earliest pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 is displayed. A first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon (normal icon here) is executed. Then, this first reserved icon is shifted to the icon display area 72 and displayed as the icon, and the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 13A and 13B).

Thus, when the game ball wins the first starting port 21 while the variable effect is being executed on the display screen 70, a new pending icon (normal icon here) is displayed in the pending icon display area 71. At the same time, the above-described ball appearance effect is executed based on FIG. 10(F) and the like (see FIG. 13(C)). Specifically, a ball resembling a game ball pops out from the normal icon newly displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 , and this ball moves from the reserved icon display area 71 to the center of the display screen 70 . An effect display is performed to show the appearance of moving upward. At that time, in addition to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 that triggered the variable performance being executed, the fact that the new winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 has occurred is more effectively detected. As a suggestion, the characters "Additional Winning Occurred!" are displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 13(C)).

Following such a ball appearance effect, the continuous burst effect described above may be executed based on FIG. 10(K) and the like (see FIG. 13(D)). As described above, this continuous bursting effect is configured as a performance display showing how a ball imitating a game ball bursts continuously a plurality of times. It should be noted that when this continuous burst effect is executed, the character display effect and SU effect are not executed following the continuous burst effect, and the large character appearance effect is executed. Based on the presentation, it is possible to recognize in advance that the large character appearance presentation will be executed.

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the continuous burst effect, the continuous burst effect ends and the large character appearance effect is executed (see FIG. 13(E)). As described above, this large character appearance effect is configured as an effect in which the effect image showing how a large character accumulates energy by being struck by lightning is displayed on the display screen 70 on the full screen. As mentioned above, the reliability of the big hit changes depending on the display color of the background of the big character. For example, when the large character appearance effect of the third effect pattern in which the background image expressed using red is displayed as the background of the large character is executed, the reliability of the big win is about 35% (see FIG. 11 See), after that, reach is always established, and some kind of reach effect is executed. FIG. 13(F) illustrates a state in which reach is established with 7 symbols after the large character appearance effect is completed.

In addition, even in the first production pattern with the lowest jackpot reliability, the large character appearance production has a jackpot reliability of about 10%. is executed, some kind of ready-to-win performance is always executed, and no ready-to-win performance (see FIG. 6(B)) is executed and the losing notification performance (see FIG. 6(C)) is not executed as it is. In addition, regarding the character display effects of the second effect pattern to the third effect pattern and the SU effect of the third effect pattern to the fourth effect pattern, which are illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, the character display effect of the first effect pattern (reliability of the jackpot: about 2%) and the SU effect of the first effect pattern to the second effect pattern (reliability of the jackpot: about 1%, about 3% ), the reliability of the big win is extremely low, and there are cases in which a ready-to-win effect is executed and a non-reachable effect to be executed.

So far, a specific example of a composite effect including a large character appearance effect has been described based on FIG. Only the character's face and right hand may be displayed large on the display screen 70 or only the character's face and right hand may be large.

(Action and effect by combined production)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, triggered by the game ball passing through the first starting port 21 during execution of the variable production, the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the variable production being executed There are cases where a composite rendition based on is executed together with a variable rendition. Since this composite performance is a performance in which the performance execution timing changes depending on the timing at which the game ball passes through the first starting port 21, the synergistic effect of the variable performance and the composite performance improves the interest while improving the complex performance. It is possible to easily and effectively suppress the problem that the performance becomes monotonous due to the execution timing of is fixed, resulting in the deterioration of the performance effect.

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the compound effect (ball appearance effect: see FIG. 10(F)) suggests that the compound effect has started when the game ball passes through the first starting hole 21. be done. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that there is a possibility that the composite effect will be executed if the game ball is passed through the first start hole 21, and the player who wants to generate the composite effect can Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to continue the handle operation for shooting the game balls to the game area 3 even after the variable performance is started, and to improve the possibility of executing the compound performance. .

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the composite effect is not being executed while the variable effect is being executed, the common effect is permitted to be executed during the variable effect (see FIG. 12A). ), conversely, when the composite effect is executed first during the execution of the variable effect, execution of the common effect during the execution of the variable effect is restricted (see FIG. 12(B)). For this reason, it is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the performance effect is rather reduced by executing both the composite performance and the common performance in which at least a part of the performance content is common to each other within the same variation. is.

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible that the hit notification effect may be executed in the variable effect, because the composite effect includes the character display effect, the SU effect, or the large character appearance effect. It is a suggestive performance. As a result, it is possible to effectively improve the sense of anticipation for execution of the composite performance for the player who expects the execution of the winning notification performance, and to launch the game ball during the execution of the variable performance. It is possible to effectively encourage the continuation of (left-handed), and to obtain a high performance effect when a composite performance is executed.

(Modified example of composite production)
Note that the following configuration may be adopted for the composite effect.
That is, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the variable effect, when the game ball wins the first start port 21 in a state where the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination has reached the upper limit "4", the compound effect is not executed, but in another embodiment, during the execution of the variable effect, the number of pending first special symbol determination reaches the upper limit "4" to the first start port 21 It is also possible to employ a configuration in which a composite effect can be executed even when a game ball wins. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve the appearance rate of the composite effect.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the game ball wins the first start port 21 in a situation where the number of reservations for the first special symbol determination is "3" or less during the execution of the variable effect, the reservation icon according to the winning When the special icon is displayed as an example, the case where the composite effect is not executed will be described, but in other embodiments, a special Regarding the case where the icon is displayed, the composite effect may be executed with a relatively low probability (for example, 5%).

Further, in another embodiment, when the game ball wins the first start port 21 in a situation where the number of reservations of the first special symbol determination is "3" or less during the execution of the variable production, it is reserved according to the winning. Regardless of whether or not a special icon is displayed as an icon (regardless of whether the displayed pending icon is a normal icon or a special icon), the conditions for executing the composite effect are satisfied, and the composite effect is executed. A configuration may be adopted in which a combined performance is executed if a lottery is won.

In addition, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the common effect is a effect in which at least a part of the effect content is common to the combined effect by having the same effect as the large character appearance effect that constitutes the combined effect. However, in other embodiments, the common effect may be the same effect as the composite effect. For example, as common effects, a ball appearance effect, a continuous burst effect, and a large character appearance effect may be executed. When such a configuration is adopted, almost the same effect as the composite effect is executed as the common effect, so even if the game ball does not easily enter the general winning hole 24, the game is played in the general winning hole 24.例文帳に追加It is possible to give the player the impression that the ball has won a prize, and contribute to promoting the launch of the game ball during execution of the variable presentation.

Further, in another embodiment, the composite effect is defined as a notice effect based on the notice effect pattern set at the start of the variable effect. It is good as a production of. That is, as in the present embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the common effect common to the large character appearance effect does not appear. By adopting such a configuration, if the player does not allow the game ball to enter the first start hole 21 by continuing the left-handed stroke during the execution of the variable production, the composite production (for example, large character appearance production) is performed. Since it cannot be generated, it is possible to give a strong motivation to the player who wants to generate a composite effect with respect to continuing left-handed hitting during the execution of the variable effect.

[General prize-winning performance]
Hereinafter, the general winning effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. Here, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the general winning effect, and FIGS. 15 and 16 are screen diagrams showing specific examples of the combined effect.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball wins the first start hole 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, the right of the first special symbol determination performed in response to this winning is It is reserved, and as described above, before the first special symbol determination is performed for this right, the preliminary determination process for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is performed. Then, based on the result of this preliminary determination, there is a case where an expectation effect is executed that makes the player expect that the big winning game will be executed (execution of the winning notification effect).

The expected effects include an icon change effect in which the pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 is displayed as a special icon from the beginning, an icon change effect in which the display color of the pending icon changes with the start of the variable effect, and a pending effect. An icon change effect that changes the display color of the icon as the icon shifts to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as the icon, and an icon that changes the display color of the icon displayed in the icon display area 72. An example is a change performance.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, as an expected effect based on the preliminary determination result related to the reserved first special symbol determination right, "general winning An expected performance called "performance" may be executed. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the left game area 3L through which game balls flow down is provided with three general winning openings 24, and in the "general winning effect", the game is controlled in the normal game state. It is executed when the game ball hit left by the player wins any of these three general winning holes 24.例文帳に追加

It should be noted that this general winning effect is not necessarily executed if a game ball wins in any of the above three general winning openings 24 in a situation where the right to judge the first special symbol is reserved in the normal game state. , there are cases where the general winning effects are executed and cases where they are not executed. The flow of this general winning presentation is roughly as follows.

First, when the game ball enters one of the three general winning holes 24 (see FIG. 14(A)) by the player hitting left in the normal game state, the upper tray 33 (or the lower tray 34) Five prize balls are paid out (see FIG. 14(B)). Here, when the general winning effect is executed, first, the warp portion light emitting effect is executed (see FIG. 14(C)). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the warp portion 12 (see FIG. 2) is made of a translucent resin member. The warp portion light emitting effect for causing the warp portion 12 to emit light is realized by emitting light in a predetermined light emitting pattern from the LEDs provided behind.

This warp part light-emitting effect is executed when a game ball wins a prize in one of the three general prize-winning ports 24 provided in the left game area 3L when the general prize-winning effect is executed. It is started almost at the same time and continues until the general winning effect is completed.

Next, regarding the general winning effect based on the result of the pre-judgment process, when the fluctuation display of the first special pattern (and effect pattern) corresponding to the right for which this pre-judgment process is performed is regarded as "prefetch target fluctuation" In addition, if the "pre-target variation", which is the variation display of the first special symbol (and effect symbol) performed before this "pre-reading target variation", is executed, in this "pre-target variation", the following A performance like this is performed. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) that was performed at the timing when the warp part light emitting effect was started is completed, and the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing". When the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time (in this embodiment, 0.5 seconds), the variable display of the first special symbol (and effect symbol) as the target front variation is started (Fig. 14(D)). Along with the start of the target front variation, the door opening effect is executed (see FIG. 14(E)).

In this door opening effect, a door image, which is an effect image representing a door, is displayed in the display area on the left side of the icon display area 72 on the display screen 70, and the player expects that the door represented by this door image will open. Therefore, the door image is used to perform an effect display showing that the door rattles and shakes (see, for example, FIG. 15(D)). FIG. 15D exemplifies a state in which an animation showing the door indicated by the door image rattling is played back and the characters "rattling" are displayed. The display of the door image may be started with the start of the door opening effect, or may be started with the start of the warp portion light emission effect. In addition, although not shown in the figure, in the door opening effect, the sound generated when the actual door rattles while such an effect display is being performed is produced according to the door opening effect. It is output from the speaker 38 as sound. In this way, the door opening effect is performed at the start of the change before the target, and when the change before the target ends (notifying the failure), the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time. A door stationary effect is performed to show that the rattling door has stopped (see FIGS. 14(F) and 15(E)).

Note that when the pre-target variation is performed multiple times before the look-ahead target variation, the above-described door opening effect (and door stationary effect) is executed for each pre-target variation. Further, it is not preferable to execute the door opening fanning effect by using the variable display of the first special symbol (and the effect symbol) in which the ready-to-win effect is performed, because it may hinder the ready-to-win effect. Therefore, the door opening fanning effect is executed using the variable display of the first special symbol (and effect symbol) in which the effect with reach is not performed and the effect without reach is performed. For this reason, when the target variation is the variation display of the first special pattern (and the effect pattern) in which the reach effect is executed, it is composed of the effect of the target change and the effect of the look-ahead target change. The general prize-winning effect will not be executed.

By the way, when the game ball wins in one of the general winning openings 24 (out of the three general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L) during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, It is conceivable to employ a configuration in which the warp part light emitting effect and the door opening effect are executed during the variable display of the first special symbol. However, if the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved and the number of reservations is relatively large, the variation pattern with the relatively short variation time of the first special symbol (for example, illustrated in FIG. 7 (C) Variation patterns K to L) are selected, and, for example, at the end of the variable display of the first special symbol, game balls may win in the general winning opening 24, so if the above configuration is easily adopted, the general winning opening The door opening fanning performance is not completed until the variable display of the first special pattern executed at the timing when the game ball wins at 24 is completed, and the start timing of the door stationary performance is delayed due to this. There is a possibility that a problem such as (cannot start the door stationary effect at the timing when the stop display of the first special symbol is started) occurs.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball wins in any of the general winning openings 24 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, during the variable display of the first special symbol Although the warp part light emitting performance is started, the door opening fanning performance is not executed, and the door opening fanning performance is started with the start of the variable display next to the variable display of the first special symbol. For this reason, there is a problem that the door opening effect is executed when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time, and the door stationary effect is performed even after the next first special symbol is displayed. is not completed.

So far, the warp part lighting effect, the door opening effect, and the door stationary effect that are executed before the target change starts, but the same number of door open effect and door stop effects are performed as the number of times before the target change. After being performed, the following effects are performed in the look-ahead target change. That is, when the variable display of the first special symbol (and effect symbol) as the prefetch target variation is started (see FIG. 14(G)), the door opening effect is performed (see FIG. 14(H)). This door opening effect is a effect display showing how the door shown by the door image opens, using the door image that was displayed even before the target change (see, for example, FIGS. 15(G) to (H)).

When this door opening effect is performed, subsequently, a character A appearance effect (see FIG. 14 (I)) showing character A (character A) appearing from the other side of the door, and character B (character B) appearing from the other side of the door. A character B appearance effect (see FIG. 14(K)) representing the appearance of character B), and a character C appearance effect representing the appearance of character C (character C) appearing from the other side of the door (see FIG. 14(M)). ), and a swan appearing effect (see FIG. 14(O)) showing a swan appearing from the other side of the door.

<Game explanation performance>
When the character A appearance effect (see FIG. 14(I)) is executed following the door opening effect (see FIG. 14(H)), the game explanation effect by character A is performed (see FIG. 14(J)). . In this game explanation effect, Character A, who appears from the back of the door, explains the game related to the effect performed on the gaming machine 1, and character A utters a line such as "The 7-pattern tenpai is a great chance!" An example of the game explanation effect is the effect display that represents the character. The game explanation effect in the present embodiment is not an effect that suggests that the hit notification effect may be executed in the look-ahead target change, but the possibility that the hit notification effect will be finally executed in the look-ahead target change is relative. A game explanation effect of a production pattern suggesting that the value is relatively high, or a game explanation effect of a production pattern that definitely notifies that the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target variation may be executed.

<Muttering production>
When the character B appearance effect (see FIG. 14(K)) is executed following the door opening effect (see FIG. 14(H)), a tweet effect by character B is performed (see FIG. 14(L)). This murmuring production is a production display showing that character B who appears from the back of the door murmurs to himself, and an example of this production display shows that character B murmurs to himself "I want to go out to play."

Although not shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a set value related to the probability of a big win is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83, and the hall clerk performs a predetermined operation to set the set value. can be changed. Taking the jackpot probability in the low probability state as an example, when the setting value is “1” (minimum setting), the jackpot probability is set to 1/200 (see FIG. 5A), and the setting value is “2 , the jackpot probability is set to 1/190 when the set value is ``3'', and the jackpot probability is set to 1/180 when the set value is ``4''. is set to 1/170, the set value is "5", the jackpot probability is set to 1/160, and the set value is "6" (highest setting), the jackpot probability is set to 1/150 is set to

A large number of production patterns are prepared for the tweet production executed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, and most of them are irrelevant to the set value of the jackpot probability. On the other hand, some production patterns of the tweet production imply the set value of the big win probability. For example, when the set value of the jackpot probability is set to one of "4", "5", and "6", a muttering effect showing character B muttering to herself, "Today is a little different!" may be executed. Such a tweet effect that implies the set value of the jackpot probability does not directly suggest that there is a possibility that the hit notification effect will be finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation, but the setting of the jackpot probability is high. By implying that there is a certain possibility, it is possible to effectively improve the player's sense of expectation for the execution of the jackpot game.

In addition, the tweet effect that suggests the set value of the jackpot probability can be realized by the following processing. That is, specifically, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 acquires the setting value of the jackpot probability stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83 of the main control board 80 at the timing when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. Then, information indicating the acquired setting value is held in a predetermined area of the sub-RAM 93 . Then, when the sub CPU 91 decides to execute a general winning effect including a character B appearance effect and a tweet effect, and further determines to suggest a set value of the jackpot probability based on the effect lottery, The set value of the jackpot probability is specified based on the information held in the sub-RAM 93, and the set value of the current jackpot probability is selected from the table (stored in the sub-ROM 92) for selecting the effect pattern of the tweet effect. By reading one corresponding effect pattern, the effect pattern of the tweet effect for suggesting the set value of the big win probability is set. Then, by transmitting a command instructing the execution of the tweeting performance in the set performance pattern to the image sound control board 100, the tweeting performance of suggesting the set value of the jackpot probability is realized.

<Setting hint/confirmed notification effect>
When the character C appearance effect (see FIG. 14(M)) is executed following the door opening effect (see FIG. 14(H)), the setting suggestion/confirmation notification effect by character C is performed (see FIG. 14(N). )reference). This setting hint/determined notification performance is a performance that suggests the current set value of the big win probability and definitely notifies that the winning notification performance will be finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation. For this reason, the setting indication/confirmation notification effect is executed only when the result of the preliminary determination corresponding to the change in the look-ahead target indicates that the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a "jackpot". It can be said that it is a performance. In some cases where the set value of the jackpot probability is "2" or more and the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target variation, for example, the character C that appears from behind the open door is silver. A setting suggestion/confirmation notification effect that shows how to draw a picture of a premier character is executed. Also, regarding a part of the case where the set value of the jackpot probability is one of "4" to "6" and the hit notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target fluctuation, for example, from the back of the open door A setting suggestion/confirmation notification effect is executed showing how the character C that has appeared draws a picture of a gold-colored premier character. In some cases where the set value of the jackpot probability is "6" and the win notification effect is finally executed in the look-ahead target variation, for example, the character C who appears from behind the open door appears as a rainbow. A setting suggestion/confirmation notification effect is executed to show how the color premier character is drawn.

<Relevant icon change effect>
When the door opening effect (see FIG. 14(H)) is followed by the swan appearance effect (see FIG. 14(O)), a swan jumping out from behind the opened door is displayed in the icon display area 72. An attack is added to the icon that is being attacked, the display color of the icon is changed, and then the icon change effect is performed to show that the icon is flying away (see FIG. 14(P)).

As described above, in the general prize-winning effect executed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, different effects are executed according to the type of characters appearing in the appearance effect following the door opening effect.

(Specific example of general prize-winning production)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a specific example of the general winning effect will be described, taking as an example the case where the character B appearance effect is followed by the murmuring effect. In FIG. 15 (A), with four pending icons displayed in the pending icon display area 71, with the variable display of the first special symbol corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72, A state in which the variable display of the production pattern is being performed is exemplified. Here, it is assumed that a special icon (for example, a green pending icon) is displayed as the third pending icon corresponding to the prefetch target change.

FIG. 15(A) illustrates a state in which the left six symbols are simulated to stop, but when a predetermined time elapses after the left six symbols are simulated to stop, there is a case where the right one symbol is simulated to stop (see FIG. 15A). 15(B)). In FIG. 15(B), at the timing when the left 6 symbols and then the right 1 symbol are pseudo-stopped, the general winning opening 24 (one of the 3 general winning openings 24 provided in the left game area 3L) is displayed. Triggered by the fact that a game ball has won a prize at 10:00 a.m., the above-described warp part light-emitting effect (see FIG. 14(C)) is executed. Note that the warp part lighting effect continues until the general winning effect ends. The warp section 12 is illustrated, and the illustration of the warp section 12 is omitted in the other screen drawings.

FIG. 15(B) illustrates a state immediately after the display of the door image in the display area on the left side of the icon display area 72 on the display screen 70 is started along with the start of the warp part light effect. As is clear from the notation of FIG. 15B and the notation of FIG. 2, the warp portion 12 is positioned close to the three general winning openings 24 in the left game area 3L and also close to the door image display area. is provided. Therefore, by lighting the warp part 12 at the timing when the game ball enters the general winning hole 24, the eyes of the player watching the game ball entering the general winning hole 24 are guided to the warp part 12.例文帳に追加As a result, the player can be notified in an easy-to-understand manner that the display of the door image has started, that is, that the general winning effect has started.

In the present embodiment, the light emission of the warp portion 12 is started at approximately the same timing as the start of display of the door image. A different effect may be executed, for example, a light emission effect may be performed in which one or a plurality of LEDs adjacent to the three general prize winning openings 24 among the many LEDs constituting the board lamp 5 emit light. . In addition, the light emission effect is not limited to the use of the board lamp 5. For example, the display screen 70 can be used by reproducing an animation showing how the door image displayed on the display screen 70 emits light. It is also conceivable to use a luminous production that In addition, an effect sound that notifies that the general winning effect has started is output from the speaker 38, or the output of this effect sound is a light-emitting effect using the board lamp 5 (or a light-emitting effect using the display screen 70). ) may be combined with

In FIG. 15 (C), in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon is "losing", along with the stop display of the first special symbol that informs "losing", " 651" is finally stopped, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is erased. In this way, when the predetermined fixed time (in this embodiment, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the start of the stop display of the first special symbol that informs "losing", it is displayed in the pending icon display area 71 The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest pending icon (see FIG. 15(C)) is executed. Then, when the first special symbol determination is executed, along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, shift processing is executed for each pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71, In addition, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 15(C)-(D)).

In this way, the variable display of the first special symbol (and effect symbol) that is started after the warp part light emitting effect is started is the above-mentioned pre-target variation (see FIG. 14 (D)), and this pre-target variation Along with the start, the above-described door opening effect is executed based on FIG. 14(E) and the like (see FIG. 15(D)). This door opening effect is as described above. In addition, in FIGS. 15C and 15D, shift processing is performed on the pending icon corresponding to the prefetch target change displayed as the third pending icon, and this pending icon becomes the second pending icon. A state of being displayed as an icon is exemplified.

In this way, when the target front variation started with the execution of the door opening fan effect ends, the stop display of the first special symbol (and the main stop of the effect symbol) that informs "losing" is performed. Based on (F), etc., the above-described door stationary effect is executed (see FIG. 15(E)). In this FIG. 15 (E), in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon is "losing", along with the stop display of the first special symbol that informs "losing", The three performance symbols representing the "382" loose pattern are finally stopped, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is erased. In this way, when the predetermined fixed time (in this embodiment, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the start of the stop display of the first special symbol that informs "losing", it is displayed in the pending icon display area 71 The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest pending icon (see FIG. 15(E)) is executed. Then, when the first special symbol determination is executed, along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, shift processing is executed for each pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71, In addition, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 15(E) to (F)). That is, the second pre-target variation is started.

FIG. 15(F) illustrates a state in which the door opening effect is executed with the start of the second target front variation. The door opening effect performed at the start of the second before-target variation is the same effect as the door open effect performed at the start of the first before-target variation (see FIG. 15(D)). In addition, in FIGS. 15E and 15F, shift processing is performed on the pending icon corresponding to the prefetch target change displayed as the second pending icon, and this pending icon is the first pending icon. is displayed as an example.

In this way, when the second target front variation that started with the execution of the door opening fan effect is completed, the first special symbol that informs "losing" is stopped and displayed (and the production symbol is stopped). , the door stationary effect is executed (see FIG. 15(G)). In this FIG. 15 (G), in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon is "losing", along with the stop display of the first special symbol that informs "losing", The three performance symbols representing the "463" loose pattern are finally stopped, and the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is erased. In this way, when the predetermined fixed time (in this embodiment, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the start of the stop display of the first special symbol that informs "losing", it is displayed in the pending icon display area 71 The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest pending icon (see FIG. 15(G)), that is, the pending icon corresponding to the prefetch target variation is executed. Then, when the first special symbol determination is executed, along with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, shift processing is executed for each pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71, In addition, the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started (see FIGS. 15(G) to (H)). That is, the look-ahead target variation is started.

When the look-ahead target change is started, the door opening effect is executed as described above with reference to FIG. 14(H) and the like (see FIG. 15(H)). Here, the door opening effect is followed by the character B appearance effect. Therefore, along with the start of the character B appearance effect, the small pattern variable display of the effect symbols is started in which the variable display of the effect symbols is performed in the upper right display area of the display screen 70 (Fig. 15 (H) to ( I)). This is the same when other appearance effects such as character A appearance effect and character C appearance effect are performed.

In FIG. 16(A), character B, who appeared from the back of the door, pushes up a sword with an item marked with the letter "V" that definitely announces a big hit, and says "good stuff". I picked it up!” is illustrated as being executed. In the above description based on FIG. 14(L), the explanation was given as an example of the tweet effect of the effect content that is unrelated to the set value of the jackpot probability and the tweet effect of the effect content that implies the set value of the jackpot probability. However, as exemplified in FIG. 16(A), there is a case where a murmuring effect of effect content is executed to definitely notify that the hit notification effect will be finally executed in the look-ahead target change.

As described above, when the tweet effect functioning as the fixed notification effect is executed at the start of the prefetch target change, the following effect display is executed thereafter, for example. That is, when the murmuring effect ends, the above-described warp part light emitting effect also ends, along with this, the small design fluctuation display of the production pattern ends, and the fluctuation display of the production pattern in the production pattern display area 73 is resumed ( (See FIGS. 16A and 16B). Then, when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the look-ahead target fluctuation, after the left symbol is pseudo-stopped (same as the left symbol), the right symbol is pseudo-stopped and ready-to-win is established (see FIGS. 16A to 16C). . In addition, FIG. 16(C) exemplifies a state in which reach is established with 7 symbols, but there are cases where reach is established with other performance symbols (for example, 2 symbols). In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the reliability of the big hit differs depending on the type of the production pattern displayed as the ready-to-win pattern. degree: 70%), the reliability of the jackpot is the second highest even when the reach is established with 3 patterns (for example, the reliability of the jackpot is 25%), and the reliability of the jackpot is low when the reach is established with other production patterns. set to a value.

In the example shown in FIG. 16(C), the reliability of the big hit is extremely high because the reach is established with 7 symbols, and the hit notification effect may be executed in the normal reach started after the establishment of the reach (FIG. 16). (D)-(F)). In addition, here, the case where the hit notification effect is executed in the normal reach (see FIG. 6 (F)) was explained as an example, but the hit notification effect is executed in the SP reach (see FIG. 6 (H)) developed from the normal reach. In some cases, the hit notification effect is executed in the SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (I)) directly developed from the normal reach (or developed via the SP reach).

Also, here, since the tweet effect that functions as a fixed notification effect is executed at the start of the look-ahead target fluctuation, the hit notification effect is always executed in any reach effect, but it does not function as a fixed notification effect. When the tweet effect is executed, when the hit notification effect (or loss notification effect) is executed in any of the reach effects, and when the reach effect is not executed (Fig. 6 (B) and (C) There is a time when the no-reach effect and the loss notification effect are executed.

So far, specific examples of the general winning effects including the character B appearance effect and the tweet effect have been described with reference to FIGS. When the effect and game explanation effect are executed, when the character C appearance effect and setting implication/confirmation notification effect are executed, and when the swan appearance effect and the icon change effect are executed, the flow is generally the same. A winning performance is executed.

While referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the case where the pre-target variation is executed twice has been described as an example, but the case where the number of pre-target variations is one or the number of pre-target variations is three. be. On the other hand, if the warp portion light emitting effect is executed while the pending icon corresponding to the prefetch target variation is displayed as the earliest pending icon, the symbol variation that is executed first after the start of the warp portion light emitting effect is It becomes a look-ahead target change. In such a case, the pre-target change illustrated in FIG. Along with the start of the target variation, the effects after the door opening effect shown in FIG. 14(H) are executed.

(Action and effect of general winning effects)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute an expectation effect that makes the player expect that a jackpot game will be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination process by the main CPU 81. The winning effect is sometimes executed when a game ball passes through one of the general winning openings 24 (more precisely, the general winning opening sensor 241) provided in the left game area 3L. Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel unexpectedness, and obtain a high performance effect.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the general winning hole 24 (when the game ball passes through the general winning hole 24), the prize balls are paid out, while special symbol determination and normal symbol determination are performed. Although judgment such as judgment is not performed, there are cases where a general winning effect is executed. For this reason, the general prize winning port 24 can have a meaning other than the payout of the game balls, and it is possible to execute a highly entertaining performance using the general prize winning port 24.例文帳に追加

In addition, since the start timing of the warp part light emitting effect which is executed first as the general winning effect changes depending on the timing when the game ball enters the general winning hole 24, for example, the start timing is expected to be fixed at the start of fluctuation. Compared with the case where the performance is executed, the performance start timing becomes abundant, and it is possible to obtain a higher performance effect.

(Modified example of general winning effect)
Note that the following configuration may be adopted for the general winning effect.
That is, in the present embodiment, in the target change, the door opening effect is performed in order to improve the player's expectation, and the effect after the door opening effect (FIG. 14 (H) to ( The case of executing P)) has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, the door opening effect (see FIG. 14 (H)) is performed in the first before-target change, and four types of four types illustrated in FIG. 14 are performed in the second before-target change. One of the appearance effects is performed, and only the effect after the appearance effect is performed in the look-ahead target change. may In addition, all effects to be performed in the prefetch target variation in the present embodiment may be performed before the prefetch target variation is started.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when a game ball wins in one of the three general winning holes 24 provided in the left side game area 3L, there is a possibility that the general winning effect is executed. , the case where the general winning effect is not executed when the game ball wins the general winning hole 24 provided in the right game area 3R has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, even if a game ball wins in any of the four general winning openings 24, the general winning effect may be executed. However, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, it is necessary for the player to hit left-handed, so it is not preferable to adopt such a configuration of another embodiment. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt the configuration illustrated in this embodiment.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as an expected effect based on the result of prior determination, the general winning effect using the door image and the character has been described as an example. It is not limited to the general winning effect exemplified in the present embodiment as long as it can make the player expect, and in other embodiments, the general winning effect illustrated in FIG. A partly or wholly different general winning effect may be executed as an expected effect.

Hereinafter, the RAM configuration of each control board and the processing performed by each control board for realizing the effects described based on the drawings up to FIG. 16 will be described.

[Configuration example of main RAM 83]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining storage areas of the main RAM 83 and information stored in each storage area. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the main RAM 83 includes a determination storage area 830 as a storage area for storing acquisition information acquired when a game ball wins the first start hole 21, and a special FIG. 1-first reservation storage area 831, special figure 1-second reservation storage area 832, special figure 1-third reservation storage area 833, and special figure 1-fourth reservation storage area 834 are provided. In addition, in the main RAM 83, as a storage area for storing the acquisition information acquired when the game ball wins the second start port 22, the above-mentioned determination storage area 830, special figure 2 / first reservation storage area 835 , Special figure 2/second reserved storage area 836, Special figure 2/third reserved storage area 837, and Special figure 2/fourth reserved storage area 838 are provided.

The determination storage area 830 is a storage area for storing various information used for the special symbol determination when the special symbol determination is actually executed. Special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 to special figure 1/fourth reservation storage area 834 is a storage area in which various information related to the first special design determination is stored, special figure 2/first reservation storage area 835 ~ special figure 2/fourth reserved storage area 838 is a storage area in which various information related to the second special symbol determination is stored. When both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are suspended, the second special symbol determination is prioritized over the first special symbol determination. Therefore, in the determination storage area 830, when the second special symbol determination is suspended in the execution of the suspended special symbol determination, it is stored in the special figure 2 first suspension storage area 835 Various information is shifted, and when only the first special symbol determination is reserved, various information stored in the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 is shifted.

As exemplified in FIG. 17B, the reservation storage areas 831 to 838 are areas for storing information for withholding the right to determine the special symbol, and are obtained by the main CPU 81, respectively. , an area for storing pattern random numbers, an area for storing reach random numbers, an area for storing variation pattern random numbers, an area for storing pre-determination information that is information indicating the result of pre-determination, and the like.

Here, the jackpot random numbers, pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers are as described above with reference to FIGS. The pre-determination information is information obtained by a pre-determination process (see FIG. 20), which will be described later, based on the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number. Preliminary judgment information is specifically, winning start information, information indicating whether the judgment result of special symbol judgment is a jackpot, information indicating what kind of jackpot if it is a jackpot, Information indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol, information indicating the game state of the gaming machine 1, and the like are included. Here, the winning starting gate information is acquired when the game ball wins the first starting gate 21 with the jackpot random number, the pattern random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number stored in the same reserved storage area. It is information indicating whether it was acquired with the opportunity of winning the game ball at the second start port 22 or whether it was acquired. Pre-determination information including these information is stored in the same reservation storage area as the jackpot random numbers, pattern random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers used in the pre-determination process.

In the gaming machine 1, every time the game ball wins the first start hole 21, the five pieces of information described with reference to FIG. · Stored in one of the first reserved storage area 831 to special figure 1/fourth reserved storage area 834. In addition, each time the game ball wins the second starting port 22, the above five information is, in order from special figure 2 first reservation storage area 835, special figure 2 first reservation storage area 835 to special figure 2 Stored in any of the fourth reserved storage areas 838 .

For example, information is stored in the determination storage area 830 and information is not stored in any of the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 to special figure 1/fourth reservation storage area 834, the first When the game ball wins in the starting port 21, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired according to the win are stored in the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831. Also, for example, in the first start port 21 in a state in which five pieces of information are stored in each of the judgment storage area 830, the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831, and the special figure 1/second reservation storage area 832 When the game ball wins, five pieces of information related to the newly acquired first special symbol determination are stored in the special figure 1/3rd reservation storage area 833 according to the win.

Also, when the information stored in the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 is shifted to the determination storage area 830 when executing the first special symbol determination, the special figure 1/second reservation storage area 832 and later The information stored in the reserved storage area related to the first special symbol determination is shifted to the special figure 1/first reserved storage area 831 side. For example, the information stored in the special figure 1/first reserved storage area 831 with the information stored in each of the special figure 1/first reserved storage area 831 to special figure 1/third reserved storage area 833 When it is shifted to the judgment storage area 830, the information stored in the special figure 1/second reservation storage area 832 is shifted to the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831, Special figure 1/third reservation storage The information stored in the area 833 is shifted to the special figure 1/second reserved storage area 832 .

Such shift processing of information is performed in the same manner in the special figure 2/first reservation storage area 835 to special figure 2/fourth reservation storage area 838 in which the information related to the second special symbol determination is stored. In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are reserved, that is, the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 and the special figure 2/first reservation If information is stored in both of the storage areas 835, prior to the shift process targeting the special figure 1/first reserved storage area 831 to special figure 1/fourth reserved storage area 834, the special figure 2/second 1 reserved storage area 835 to special figure 2 · 4th reserved storage area 838 for the shift processing is performed preferentially.

By the way, even if a game ball enters the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22 during the variable display of the special symbols or during the jackpot game and various random numbers are obtained, the special symbol determination and the variable display of the special symbols are not performed. cannot be done immediately. Therefore, when various random numbers are acquired under such circumstances, the main CPU 81 stores the acquired random numbers, etc. to 838. On the other hand, when the special symbols are not variably displayed, the determination of the special symbols is not suspended, and the jackpot game is not in progress, the main CPU 81 receives various random numbers and the like as a result of winning the starting game. It stores directly in the judgment storage area 830 .

[Interrupt processing by main control board 80]
Next, interrupt processing executed in the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in the main control board 80. FIG. The main control board 80 repeats the series of processes illustrated in FIG. 18 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the main control board 80, which will be described based on the flowcharts of FIG.

First, the main CPU 81 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers including jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and normal symbol random numbers (step S1). A jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, a fluctuation pattern random number, and a normal symbol random number are incremented by "1" each time the process of step S1 is performed. A loop counter is used as a counter for performing the processing of step S1, and each random number is reset to "0" and updated after reaching a preset maximum value.

Following the process of step S1, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers in response to input of detection signals from the first starter sensor 211, the second starter sensor 221, and the gate sensor 251. A sensor detection process including processing is executed (step S2). This sensor detection processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S2, the main CPU 81 executes special symbol determination, causes the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 to variably display the special symbol, and then determines the result of the special symbol determination. A special design process including a process of stopping and displaying a special design showing is executed (step S3). This special symbol processing will be described in detail later based on FIG.

Following the process of step S3, the main CPU 81 executes normal symbol determination, causes the normal symbol display 43 to variably display the normal symbol, and then stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. A normal design process is executed (step S4).

Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 81 controls the second starting port solenoid 222 for operating the opening/closing member 23 when it is determined to open the second starting port 22 as a result of the normal symbol determination. A second starting port opening/closing control process for opening and closing the second starting port 22 is executed (step S5).

Subsequent to the process of step S5, the main CPU 81 determines that it is a "jackpot" in the big win determination process executed in the special symbol process of step S3. A large winning opening opening/closing control process is executed to open and close the first large winning opening 26 (or the second large winning opening 28) by controlling the opening solenoid 282 (step S6).

Following the processing of step S6, the main CPU 81 executes prize ball processing for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the winning of game balls (step S7).

Following the processing of step S7, the main CPU 81 transmits to the sub-control board 90 various commands set (stored) in the main RAM 83 in the processing steps before step S7 and information necessary for determining the effect content. Processing is executed (step S8).

[Sensor detection processing by main control board 80]
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of sensor detection processing in step S2 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 19, following the random number update process in step S1, the main CPU 81 causes the gate sensor 251 to detect the passage of the game ball through the gate 25 based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the gate sensor 251. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (step S201). Here, when it is determined that the gate sensor 251 has detected the passage of the game ball through the gate 25 (step S201: YES), the number F of pending normal symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is the preset normal It is determined whether or not it is less than the maximum pending number Fmax ("4" in this embodiment) of symbol determination (step S202).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the number of reservations F is less than "4" (step S202: YES), it updates the number of reservations F to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S203), and the random number update process of step S1 is performed. With respect to the normal symbol random number updated each time, the value of the timing when the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 is detected is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83 (step S204).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S204, when it determines that the gate sensor 251 has not detected passage of the game ball through the gate 25 (step S201: NO), the number of reservations F is less than "4". If it is determined that it is not (step S202: NO), the second starting hole sensor 221 detects the winning of the game ball to the second starting hole 22 based on the presence or absence of the input of the detection signal from the second starting hole sensor 221. It is determined whether or not (step S206). Here, when it is determined that the second starting opening sensor 221 has detected the winning of the game ball to the second starting opening 22 (step S206: YES), the second special symbol determination pending number T2 stored in the main RAM83 is less than the preset maximum number of reservations T2max ("4" in this embodiment) for second special symbol determination (step S207).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the number of reservations T2 is less than "4" (step S207: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the number of reservations T2 by adding "1" (step S208), and the random number update process of step S1 is performed. With regard to the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number updated each time, the value of the timing at which the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 is detected is obtained (step S209).

In this way, according to the establishment of the acquisition condition that the winning of the game ball to the second start port 22 is detected in a state where the number of reservations T2 is less than the maximum number of reservations T2max, various random numbers related to the second special symbol determination are generated. is obtained. In addition, when various random numbers are acquired in a situation where the second special symbol determination and the variable display of the second special symbol can be immediately executed, these random numbers are directly stored in the judgment storage area 830 and cannot be executed immediately. When various random numbers are obtained in the situation, these random numbers are stored in any area of special figure 2/first reservation storage area 835 to special figure 2/4th reservation storage area 838.

After executing the process of step S209, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state (step S210). A time saving game flag is stored in the main RAM 83 . This time-saving game flag is set to "OFF" when controlling the operation of the opening/closing member 23 so that the second start port 22 is in a low base state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter, and the game ball is set to the second start port 22. is a flag that is set to "ON" when controlling the operation of the opening/closing member 23 so as to achieve a high base state in which is easy to win. In step S210, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state based on whether or not the time saving game flag is set to "ON".

When the main CPU 81 determines that the current state is the high-base state (step S210: YES), that is, when the time-saving game flag is set to "ON", the pre-determination regarding suspension of the second special symbol determination is performed. Processing is executed (step S211). Specifically, based on various random numbers obtained in response to the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 22, the later-described jackpot determination processing (see FIG. 22) and variation pattern selection processing (see FIG. 23) are executed. Prior to being performed, based on various random numbers acquired in the process of step S209, it is determined in advance whether or not it will be a big hit, and when the second special symbol determination is executed, the variation of the second special symbol. A pre-determination process for pre-determining which variation pattern is to be selected as a pattern is executed. The pre-determination information, which is the result of this pre-determination process, is stored in the same reserved storage area as the jackpot random numbers used in the pre-determination process.

It should be noted that when the game ball wins the second starting port 22 in a state where the number of reservations T2 for the second special symbol determination is "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbols, The acquired random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830, and the second special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, since the second special symbol determination is not suspended, the prior determination process relating to the second special symbol determination is not performed. Such pre-determination processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 20 .

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S211 or determines that it is not in the high base state (step S210: NO), the main CPU 81 sets a hold command relating to the second special symbol determination to the main RAM 83 (step S212). This pending command is a command for notifying that the second special symbol determination has been suspended, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmitting process of step S8. It should be noted that if the processing of step S212 is performed without performing the prior determination processing of step S211, a pending command that does not include the prior determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. FIG. On the other hand, when the process of step S212 is performed after the preliminary determination process of step S211 is performed, a pending command including the preliminary determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. FIG.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S212 and determines that the second starting hole sensor 221 has not detected the winning of the game ball to the second starting hole 22 (step S206: NO), the second starting hole sensor 221 When it is determined that the number of reservations T2 for special symbol determination is not less than "4" (step S207: NO), the first starting opening sensor 211 detects whether or not a detection signal is input from the first starting opening sensor 211. It is determined whether or not winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 is detected (step S214). Here, when it is determined that the first starting opening sensor 211 has detected the winning of the game ball for the first starting opening 21 (step S214: YES), the number T1 of pending first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM83 is less than the preset maximum number of reservations T1max ("4" in this embodiment) for the first special symbol determination (step S215).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the number of reservations T1 is less than "4" (step S215: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the number of reservations T1 by adding "1" (step S216), and the random number update process of step S1 is performed. With regard to the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number updated each time, the value of the timing at which the winning of the game ball to the first start port 21 is detected is obtained (step S217).

In this way, according to the establishment of the acquisition condition that the winning of the game ball to the first start port 21 is detected in a state where the number of reservations T1 is less than the maximum number of reservations T1max, various random numbers related to the first special symbol determination are generated. is obtained. In addition, when various random numbers are acquired in a situation where the first special symbol determination and the variable display of the first special symbol can be immediately executed, these random numbers are directly stored in the judgment storage area 830 and cannot be executed immediately. When various random numbers are obtained in the situation, these random numbers are stored in any one of special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 to special figure 1/4th reservation storage area 834.

After executing the process of step S217, the main CPU 81 determines whether the current state is the high base state (step S218), similarly to the process of step S210. Here, if it is determined that the current state is not the high base state (step S218: NO), that is, if the time saving game flag is set to "OFF", prior determination processing related to the suspension of the first special symbol determination is executed (step S219). Specifically, based on various random numbers obtained in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21, the later-described jackpot determination processing (see FIG. 22) and variation pattern selection processing (see FIG. 23) are executed. Prior to being performed, based on various random numbers acquired in the process of step S217, it is determined in advance whether or not it will be a big hit, and when the first special symbol determination is executed, the variation of the first special symbol. A pre-determination process for pre-determining which variation pattern is to be selected as a pattern is executed. The pre-determination information, which is the result of this pre-determination process, is stored in the same reserved storage area as the jackpot random numbers used in the pre-determination process.

It should be noted that when the game ball wins the first start port 21 in a state where the holding number T1 of the first special symbol determination is "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol, The acquired random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830, and the first special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, since the first special symbol determination is not suspended, the preliminary determination process relating to the first special symbol determination is not performed. Such pre-determination processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 20 .

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S219 or determines that the high base state is established (step S218: YES), the main CPU 81 sets a hold command relating to the first special symbol determination to the main RAM 83 (step S220). This pending command is a command for notifying that the first special symbol determination has been suspended, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmitting process of step S8. If the process of step S220 is performed without performing the prior determination process of step S219, a pending command that does not include the prior determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. FIG. On the other hand, when the process of step S220 is performed after the preliminary determination process of step S219 is performed, a pending command including the preliminary determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. FIG.

In addition, when the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S220, when it determines that the first starting hole sensor 211 has not detected the winning of the game ball to the first starting hole 21 (step S214: NO), or When it is determined that the number of reservations T1 is not less than "4" (step S215: NO), the general winning opening sensor 241 determines whether the general winning opening sensor 241 has received a detection signal input or not. It is determined whether or not winning (passing) of the ball has been detected (step S221).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the general winning hole sensor 241 has detected that the game ball has won the general winning hole 24 (step S221: YES), it sets a general winning command to the main RAM 83 (step S222). This general winning command is a command for notifying that the game ball has won the general winning prize 24, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process of step S8. execution is controlled.

In addition, when the game ball wins the general winning hole 24 provided in the right game area 3R, the general winning effects described above based on FIGS. It is necessary to perform directing control to For this reason, the main CPU 81 determines which of the general winning slot sensors 241 individually provided for each of the four general winning slots 24 receives the detection signal from the left side sensor 241 . Identification indicating whether a game ball has won a prize in a general prize winning port 24 provided in the game region 3L or whether a game ball has won a prize in a general prize winning port 24 provided in the right side game region 3R, and indicating the result of the identification. A general winning command including information is set in the main RAM83.

[Preliminary determination processing by main control board 80]
The preliminary determination processing executed by the main control board 80 will be described below with reference to FIG. 20 . Here, FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart of the preliminary determination processing in steps S211 and S219 of FIG. In addition, here, the prior determination processing performed when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved will be described as an example, except that the random numbers and tables used are different, the right of the second special symbol determination Similar pre-determination processing is also performed when is suspended.

If the main CPU 81 determines in the processing of step S210 in FIG. NO), big hit determination processing is executed (step S2191). Specifically, in the case of a low probability state (corresponding to "normal game state" in this embodiment), the low probability jackpot random number table (see FIG. 5A) is read from the main ROM 82. It is set in the main RAM 83. On the other hand, in the case of a high probability state (corresponding to the "probability variable gaming state" in this embodiment), the high probability jackpot random number table (see FIG. 5A) is read from the main ROM 82 and stored in the main RAM 83. set. 19 (or step S217 in FIG. 19) matches any of the winning values stored in the jackpot random number table set in the main RAM 83. Based on this, it is determined whether or not it will be determined as a big hit at the start of the fluctuation.

Next, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not it is determined to be a big win at the start of the variation based on the determination result of step S2191 (step S2192). Here, if it is determined that it is a big hit at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192: YES), the big hit fluctuation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (Step S2193).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big win at the start of the variation (step S2192: NO), it determines whether or not the ready-to-win effect is performed during the variation (step S2194). Specifically, the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S2191 is the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82 (in the reach effect of FIG. 5(D) corresponding random number), it is determined whether or not the ready-to-win effect is performed during the variation.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the ready-to-win effect is performed (step S2194: YES), it reads the change pattern selection table for ready-to-win losing (see FIG. 7B) from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S2195).

By the way, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing" and the reach effect is not performed during the variation, the first special symbol is based on the number of reservations of the first special symbol determination at the start of the variation. is determined. This is as described above with reference to FIG. 7(C). And, before and after the reserved first special symbol determination is digested, the number of pending first special symbol determination may differ. For this reason, the special symbol variation pattern acquired before the first special symbol determination is digested may differ from the special symbol variation pattern selected when the first special symbol determination is actually digested. be. In other words, for the right of the first special symbol determination in which the ready-to-win effect is not performed during the variation, it may not be possible to obtain an accurate variation pattern of the first special symbol prior to the first special symbol determination.

Therefore, when the main CPU 81 determines that the ready-to-win effect is not performed (step S2194: NO), a fluctuation pattern random number determination process in step S2196 and a process of storing preliminary determination information in step S2197, which will be described later, are performed. The process proceeds to step S212 (or step S220) in FIG. Therefore, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is "losing" and the non-reach effect is to be performed, a pending command that does not include the prior determination information is set.

When the main CPU 81 sets the big hit variation pattern selection table or the reach-losing variation pattern selection table, the main CPU 81 executes variation pattern random number determination processing (step S2196). Specifically, the variation pattern random number acquired at the time of starting entrance winning together with the jackpot random number used in the processing of step S2191 is among the random values specified in the variation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83 Based on which random number value matches, the variation pattern of the special symbol to be selected in the special symbol determination performed at the start of the variation is specified.

When executing the process of step S2196, the main CPU 81 generates advance determination information and stores it in the main RAM 83 (step S2197). The area in which this advance determination information is stored is as described above with reference to FIG.

In this way, the main CPU 81, based on the acquired information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins the first start hole 21 (or the second start hole 22), Prior to performing the determination process and the variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern (that is, variation time) of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) is acquired.

[Special symbol processing by main control board 80]
Next, details of the special symbol processing executed by the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 21 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the big win game is in progress based on whether or not the big win game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" ( step S301). This jackpot game flag is a flag indicating whether or not a jackpot game is being executed, and is set to "ON" at the start of the jackpot game, and set to "OFF" at the end of the jackpot game. Here, when it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not being performed (step S301: NO), the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the special symbols are being variably displayed (step S302). Here, if it is determined that the special symbols are not displayed in a variable display (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the pending number T2 of the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or more. (step S303). Here, when it is determined that the number of reservations T2 is equal to or greater than "1" (step S303: YES), the number of reservations T2 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S304).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the number of reservations T2 is not "1" or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the number of reservations T1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or more. (step S305). Here, when it is determined that the number of reservations T1 is equal to or greater than "1" (step S305: YES), the number of reservations T1 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S306).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 81 executes the shift process for the reserved storage area of the main RAM 83 (step S307). Specifically, when the process of step S307 is executed following the process of step S304, the information stored in the special figure 2/first reservation storage area 835 is shifted to the determination storage area 830. Execute the shift process do. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved storage area after the special figure 2 second reserved storage area 836, shift processing to shift these information to the special figure 2 first reserved storage area 835 side are also executed. On the other hand, when executing the shift processing following the processing of step S306, the shift processing for shifting the information stored in the special figure 1/first reservation storage area 831 to the determination storage area 830 is executed. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved storage area after the special figure 1 second reserved storage area 832, shift processing to shift these information to the special figure 1 first reserved storage area 831 side are also executed.

When the main CPU 81 stores information necessary for second special symbol determination (or first special symbol determination), such as jackpot random numbers and symbol random numbers, in the determination storage area 830 by the shift processing in step S307, based on these information, , the big hit determination process of step S308 and the variation pattern selection process of step S309 are executed.

It should be noted that the first start of the game ball is not during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbols, and both the number of reservations T1 for the first special symbol determination and the number of reservations T2 for the second special symbol determination are "0". When winning the opening 21 (or the second starting opening 22 ), information such as the jackpot random number and the symbol random number obtained in accordance with the winning is directly stored in the determination storage area 830 . In such a case, the big hit determination process and the variation pattern selection process are executed without executing the shift process of step S307.

The main CPU 81 executes a jackpot determination process based on the random numbers stored in the determination storage area 830 (step S308). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not a jackpot has occurred, and when it is determined that a jackpot has occurred, the type of jackpot (jackpot pattern) is determined. Then, setting information of special symbols indicating the results of these processes is set in the main RAM 83 . This jackpot determination process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the jackpot determination process of step S308, the main CPU 81 executes a variation pattern selection process of selecting a variation pattern of special symbols (step S309). This variation pattern selection process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S309, the main CPU 81 determines whether the special symbol setting information set in the process of step S308, whether this special symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or to the second special symbol determination. A change start command including information indicating whether the change is relevant, setting information of the change pattern selected in the process of step S309, information regarding the game state of the gaming machine 1, etc. is set in the main RAM 83 (step S310). This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of the effect associated with the variation display of the special symbols, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission processing of step S8. As a result, the variable effect including the variable display of the effect symbols on the display screen 70 is started.

Following the processing of step S310, the main CPU 81 starts variable display of special symbols based on the setting information of the variation pattern included in the variation start command set in the processing of step S310 (step S311). At that time, when the processing of steps S308 to S310 is performed in a state in which the information related to the first special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area 830, the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 41 start to change display. On the other hand, when the processing of steps S308 to S310 is performed in a state in which the information relating to the second special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area 830, the second special symbol in the second special symbol display 42 Start variable display.

Next, the main CPU 81 starts measuring the elapsed time after starting the variable display of the special symbols in step S311 (step S312). When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S312, or determines that the special symbols are being changed and displayed (step S302: YES), the elapsed time when measurement is started in the process of step S312 is changed to that of step S309. It is determined whether or not the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the pattern selection process has been reached (step S313). Here, when it is determined that the elapsed time has not reached the fluctuation time (step S313: NO), the process proceeds to the normal design process of step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the elapsed time has reached the fluctuation time (step S313: YES), it sets a fluctuation end command for notifying the end of the fluctuation display of the special symbol in the main RAM 83 (step S314). This fluctuation end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission processing in step S8. As a result, a process of stopping and displaying the performance symbols that have been variably displayed on the display screen 70 in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is performed.

Following the process of step S314, the main CPU 81 terminates the variable display of the special symbols started in the process of step S311 (step S315). Specifically, the special symbol (big win symbol or losing symbol) set in the process of step S308 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device which has been variably displaying the special symbol. It should be noted that the stop display of this special symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses.

In this way, the main CPU 81 variably displays the special symbols on the first special symbol display device 41 or the second special symbol display device 42, and then displays the special symbols (big winning symbols or losing symbols) indicating the judgment result of the big winning judging process. The first special symbol display device 41 or the second special symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed.

Following the process of step S315, the main CPU 81 resets the elapsed time that started to be measured in the process of step S312 (step S316), and when the special figure is stopped, including the process of starting the jackpot game in the case of a jackpot, etc. Processing is executed (step S317). This special figure stop processing will be described later in detail based on FIG.

[Big Win Determination Processing by Main Control Board 80]
FIG. 22 is a detailed flowchart of the big hit determination process in step S308 of FIG. The main CPU 81 first executes a jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 830 (step S3081). Specifically, whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 830 matches a preset winning value (see FIG. 5A) is used to determine whether or not the jackpot is a jackpot. judge. The winning value here is the winning value of the jackpot defined in the high-probability jackpot random number table or the low-probability jackpot random number table. When the jackpot determination is executed in a high probability state (corresponding to "probability variable gaming state" in this embodiment), the winning value stored in the jackpot random number table for high probability is used. On the other hand, when the jackpot determination is executed in the low-probability state (corresponding to the "normal game state" in this embodiment), the winning value stored in the jackpot random number table for the low-probability time is used. be.

In this way, the main CPU 81 stores in the determination storage area 830 the acquired information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 21 or the second start port 22. When the condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

Following the processing of step S3081, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result of the big win determination is "big win" (step S3082). Here, when it is determined that the determination result of the big win determination is not "big win" (step S3082: NO), that is, when the determination result of the big win determination is "losing", setting information of the losing pattern is set in the main RAM 83. (Step S3083). As a result, during the process of step S315, the lost symbol set here is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display . In this case, the jackpot game is not performed.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the determination result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot" (step S3082: YES), the jackpot symbols stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 41 or the second special symbol display device 42 are displayed. is executed (step S3084). Specifically, when the symbol random number stored in the determination storage area 830 together with the jackpot random number used for the jackpot determination in step S3081 relates to the first special symbol determination, the symbol random number is , one of the jackpot symbols is selected based on which jackpot pattern random value specified in the symbol determination table (see FIG. 5B) for the first start opening prize matches. In addition, when the symbol random number relates to the second special symbol determination, the symbol random number is any jackpot symbol defined in the symbol determination table for the second start winning prize (see FIG. 5(C)). Select one of the jackpot symbols based on whether it matches the random value of .

Then, the main CPU 81 sets the setting information of the selected jackpot symbol in the main RAM 83 (step S3085). As a result, at the time of the processing of step S315, the jackpot pattern set here is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display device 41 or the second special pattern display device 42, and then the jackpot game corresponding to the jackpot pattern is played. will take place.

[Variation pattern selection processing by main control board 80]
FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S309 of FIG. After executing the big win determination process in step S308 of FIG. 21, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3081 is a big win (step S3091). Here, if it is determined to be a big hit (step S3091: YES), the big hit variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 7A) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3092).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3091: NO), the reach random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM . corresponding random number), it is determined whether or not to perform a ready-to-win effect that makes the player expect a big win (step S3093). Here, if it is determined that the ready-to-win effect is to be performed (step S3093: YES), the change pattern selection table for reach-losing (see FIG. 7B) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3094). Conversely, if it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3093: NO), the fluctuation pattern selection table for no reach loss (see FIG. 7(C)) is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3095). .

The main CPU 81 refers to the variation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83 by the processing of step S3092, the processing of step S3094, or the processing of step S3095, and executes variation pattern random number determination processing (step S3096). Specifically, when the big hit variation pattern selection table or the reach loss variation pattern selection table is set in the main RAM 83, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the judgment storage area 830 is set. Select one variation pattern by reading from the variation pattern selection table. Also, when the reach-less loss variation pattern selection table is set in the main RAM 83, based on the number of reservations T1 for the first special symbol determination (or the number of reservations for the second special symbol determination T2) stored in the main RAM 83 One variation pattern is selected by specifying the number of reservations and reading the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of reservations from the fluctuation pattern selection table for reach-less loss. By selecting the special symbol variation pattern in this manner, the special symbol variation time is inevitably determined.

When the variation pattern is selected, the main CPU 81 sets the setting information of the selected variation pattern in the main RAM 83 (step S3097). The variation pattern setting information is included in the variation start command and sent to the sub-control board 90 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 83 by the big win determination process of step S308.

[Special figure stop processing by main control board 80]
FIG. 24 is a detailed flowchart of the special figure stop processing in step S317 of FIG. After resetting the elapsed time by the process of step S316, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not it is a jackpot (step S3171). Here, when it is determined that it is a jackpot (step S3171: YES), the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" (step S3172).

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the variable probability game flag stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3173), and similarly sets the time saving game flag stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3174). ). Here, the probability variation game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the special symbol determination is a relatively high high probability state.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state is controlled by setting the variable probability gaming flag and the time saving gaming flag. That is, when controlling the gaming state to the "variable probability gaming state", both the variable probability gaming flag and the time saving gaming flag are set to "ON". Moreover, when controlling the game state to the "normal game state", both the probability variation game flag and the time saving game flag are set to "OFF". In another embodiment, the variable probability game flag may be set to "OFF" and the time saving game flag may be set to "ON" so that the game is controlled in the "time saving game state".

Following the process of step S3174, the main CPU 81 sets an opening command for notifying that the jackpot game will start in the main RAM 83 (step S3175). This opening command includes information such as the type of jackpot and the opening pattern of the first jackpot 26 (or the second jackpot 28) during the jackpot game. sent to.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a jackpot (step S3171: NO), it determines whether or not the variable probability game flag is set to "ON" (step S3176). Here, when it is determined that the variable probability game flag is set to "ON" (step S3176: YES), that is, when the special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state, the high probability stored in the main RAM 83 The remaining number of games K is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S3177). This high-probability game remaining number K indicates the remaining number of times special symbol determination is executed in a high-probability state.

Following the process of step S3177, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the remaining number of high-probability games K is "0" (step S3178). Here, when it is determined that the high probability game remaining number K is "0" (step S3178: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "OFF" (step S3179). As a result, special symbol determination is performed in a low probability state.

If the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S3179, if it determines that the variable probability game flag is not set to "ON" (step S3176: NO), or if the high probability game remaining number K is not "0" When determined (step S3178: NO), it is determined whether or not the time saving game flag is set to "ON" (step S3180). Here, if it is determined that the time saving game flag is set to "ON" (step S3180: YES), the remaining time saving game count J stored in the main RAM 83 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S3181). This time-saving game remaining number J indicates the remaining number of times the special symbol determination is executed in the time-saving state (high base state).

Following the process of step S3181, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the remaining time saving game count J is "0" (step S3182). Here, if it is determined that the remaining number of time saving games J is "0" (step S3182: YES), the time saving game flag is set to "OFF" (step S3183). As a result, the support function for facilitating the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 22 is no longer provided.

[Game State Setting Processing by Main Control Board 80]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a game state setting process that is executed in the main control board 80 when the jackpot game ends. In the gaming machine 1, the big winning game is executed by the big winning opening opening/closing control process of step S6, but when the ending period of the big winning game ends, the game state setting for setting the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the big winning game ends. Processing is performed.

The main CPU 81 determines whether or not the ending period of the jackpot game has ended during the jackpot game (step S631). Here, if it is determined that the ending period has ended (step S631: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S632), and the high probability game remaining number K is set to, for example, "80" (step S633). By performing the processing of step S632 and the processing of step S633, the high probability state continues until special symbol determination is performed 80 times.

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the time saving game flag to "ON" (step S634), and sets the time saving game remaining number J to, for example, "80" (step S635). By performing the processing of step S634 and the processing of step S635, the high base state continues until special symbol determination is performed 80 times. And, by performing a series of processes from step S632 to step S635, the game is controlled in the variable probability game state from the end of the jackpot game to the execution of 80 times of special symbol determination.

[Interrupt processing by sub-control board 90]
When the game machine 1 is powered on, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 sets an interrupt period, which is a period for performing interrupt processing, which will be described later. Then, the sub CPU 91 repeats a random number update process for updating the effect random number or the like used for determining the contents of the effect at a predetermined cycle shorter than the interrupt cycle. That is, while the gaming machine 1 is running, the sub CPU 91 repeats the random number update process at predetermined intervals and repeats the interrupt process at the interrupt period.

The interrupt processing executed in the sub-control board 90 will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. The sub CPU 91 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 26 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in the same manner as the interrupt process performed by the main control board 80 (see FIG. 18). The processing performed by the sub-control board 90, which will be described based on the flowcharts of FIG.

When the sub CPU 91 receives a command from the main control board 80, the sub CPU 91 first executes command reception processing for performing processing according to the command (step S10). This command reception processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S10, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not operation information is input from the first effect button sensor 96 or the second effect button detection sensor 97 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 has been operated (step S30). Here, when it is determined that the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 has been operated (step S30: YES), an operation command for notifying that effect is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S31). By transmitting this operation command to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120, a process for realizing an effect in accordance with the operation of the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 is performed. .

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S31 or determines that neither the first effect button 35 nor the second effect button 36 is operated (step S30: NO), the sub CPU 91 executes the command transmission process. (Step S32). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 93 by the command reception process of step S10 and the process of step S31 is transmitted to the image sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120). By executing this command transmission process, the image sound control board 100 is instructed to execute effects such as image display and output of effects sounds, and lighting of various lamps and execution of effects by movable accessories and the like are executed by the lamps. Instructions are given to the control board 120 .

Following the processing of step S32, the sub CPU 91 executes data transfer processing (step S33). Specifically, since data relating to image sound control is transmitted from the image sound control board 100 , the data is transferred to the lamp control board 120 . As a result, the lamp control board 120 controls the rendering by the rendering means such as the frame lamp 37 , the board lamp 5 , the movable decorative member 14 and the like so as to synchronize with the rendering performed by the image display device 7 and the speaker 38 .

[Command Reception Processing by Sub Control Board 90]
FIG. 27 is a detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the sub CPU 91 first determines whether or not a command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S11). Here, if it is determined that the command has not been received (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S30 described above.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that it has received a command from the main control board 80 (step S11: YES), the command is sent from the main control board 80 in accordance with the processing of step S212 or step S220 of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is a reserved command (step S12). Here, if it is determined that the command is not a hold command (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S15, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes hold command reception processing (step S13). This pending command reception process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the pending command (step S12: NO), is the command the variation start command transmitted from the main control board 80 in accordance with the processing of step S310 of FIG. 21? It is determined whether or not (step S15). Here, if it is determined that the received command is not the variation start command (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S17, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is the variation start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes variation start command reception processing (step S16). This fluctuation start command reception process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the variation start command (step S15: NO), the command is the variation end command transmitted from the main control board 80 according to the process of step S314 of FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S17). When the sub CPU 91 determines that it is a variation end command (step S17: YES), it ends the variable display of the performance symbols and stops the performance symbols in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination executed at the start of the symbol variation. A change effect end command instructing execution of the process to be displayed is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S18).

By transmitting this fluctuation effect end command to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the process of step S32, the special symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is the second. Along with being stopped and displayed on the 1 special symbol display device 41 (or the second special symbol display device 42), the production symbol showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is displayed on the display screen 70. It will be stopped and displayed.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the fluctuation end command (step S17: NO), whether the command is the opening command transmitted from the main control board 80 according to the process of step S3175 in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S19). Here, when it is determined that the received command is an opening command (step S19: YES), an image is displayed to start an opening effect in which the type of jackpot is notified and the player is urged to hit right during the opening period of the jackpot game. An opening effect start command for instructing the sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120) is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S20).

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the opening command (step S19: NO), whether the command is the general winning command transmitted from the main control board 80 according to the process of step S222 in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S21). Here, when it is determined that the received command is a general winning command (step S21: YES), a general winning command reception process is executed (step S24). This general winning command reception process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. If it is determined that the received command is not the general winning command (step S21: NO), other processing is executed (step S22).

[Hold command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the pending command reception process in step S13 of FIG. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is a pending command (step S12: YES), as illustrated in FIG. is updated to the new value (step S131). Specifically, when the pending command related to the first special symbol determination is received, the number of pending of the first special symbol determination is updated to a value obtained by adding "1", and the pending command related to the second special symbol determination is When it is received, it is updated to a value obtained by adding "1" to the pending number of the second special symbol determination.

Following the processing of step S131, the sub CPU 91 performs the following processing in order to control the execution of the composite effect described above based on FIGS. 10-13. That is, for example, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, the sub CPU 91 receives the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination from the main control board 80, and then the variation end corresponding to the variation start command. Based on whether or not the state is before the command is received, it is determined whether or not the variable effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state is being executed (step S132). Here, when it is determined that the variable effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state is not being executed (step S132: NO), the process proceeds to step S139 which will be described later.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the variable effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state is being executed (step S132: YES), whether or not the remaining variable time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. is determined (step S133). Concretely, when the fluctuation start command related to the first special symbol determination is received, the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is specified based on this fluctuation start command. Then, the elapsed time after receiving this variation start command is measured, and the remaining variation time is calculated by subtracting the elapsed time from the specified variation time of the first special symbol. The sub ROM 92 stores a predetermined time to be compared with the remaining variation time calculated in this way, and the sub CPU 91 determines whether the calculated remaining variation time is larger or smaller than the prestored predetermined time. By comparing the relationships, the process of step S133 is executed.

By the way, the composite effect that can be executed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, as is clear from the notation in FIG. It consists of multiple performances. Then, such a composite effect indicates the degree of possibility that the winning notification effect will be finally executed in the variable effect executed in accordance with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state. It has a function as a production. Therefore, when executing the composite performance in a form combined with the variable performance, it is necessary to complete the composite performance before the running variable performance ends. This is to prevent a situation in which the composite effect is not yet finished even though the stop display of the first special symbol (and the actual stop of the effect symbol) is performed in response to the end of the variable effect. It is also important.

Therefore, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the remaining variation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S133: YES), it executes the processing of steps S134 to S138 for executing the composite effect, while the remaining When it is determined that the fluctuation time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S133: NO), the processes after step S139 are executed without executing the processes of steps S134 to S138 in order to limit the execution of the composite effect. and

Next, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the remaining variation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S133: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes based on the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination received from the main control board 80. It is determined whether or not the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the medium variation effect is a specific variation pattern in which the variation time is longer than or equal to a specific time (step S134).

As is clear from the notation in FIG. 11, the composite effect executed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a effect suggesting the reliability of the big hit regarding the variable effect performed at the start of the composite effect. . In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, for example, the composite effect is composed of a plurality of effects such as a ball appearance effect, a continuous burst effect, and a large character appearance effect. In order to execute the configured composite effect, the variation pattern of the first special symbol must be at least a variation pattern with a longer variation time than the time required for the composite effect.

Therefore, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation effect being executed is a specific variation pattern in which the variation time is greater than or equal to the specific time (step S134: YES), the complex While executing the processing of steps S135 to S138 necessary for executing the production, if it is determined that the fluctuation time is longer than the specific time and is not the specific fluctuation pattern (step S134: NO), the composite production is executed. The processing from step S139 onward is executed without executing the processing from step S135 to step S138 that is necessary to perform the processing.

The specific time that defines the specific variation pattern is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above requirements, but can be set to 30 seconds, for example. In this way, if the specific time is set to 30 seconds in advance, as is clear from the notation in FIG. Only when the time is 30 seconds or more), and since the reliability of the big hit is extremely low, the complex performance should not be compounded. When is variably displayed, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a composite effect does not occur.

Returning to the description of FIG. 28, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation pattern of the first special symbol corresponding to the variation effect being executed is a specific variation pattern in which the variation time is longer than or equal to a specific time (step S134: YES), a composite effect lottery is executed to determine whether or not to execute a composite effect (step S135). Specifically, the sub CPU 91 acquires the value at the time of receiving the variation start command from the main control board 80, for example, regarding the composite effect random number that is appropriately updated each time the random number update process is performed in the sub control board 90. and stores it in the sub-RAM 93. Then, in the processing of step S135, it is determined whether or not the composite effect random number obtained in this manner matches any of the random numbers (winning values) compared with the composite effect random number stored in the sub ROM 92. judge.

The sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute a combined effect based on the result of the lottery in step S135 (step S136). Here, if it is determined not to execute the composite effect (step S136: NO), that is, if the acquired composite effect random number does not match any of the winning values, the processes of steps S137 and S138 are not executed. , the process proceeds to step S139.

On the other hand, if the sub CPU 91 determines to execute the composite effect (step S136: YES), that is, if the acquired composite effect random number matches any winning value, the sub CPU 91 selects the effect pattern of the composite effect. is executed (step S138). Specifically, based on the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination corresponding to the variable effect being executed, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit". Here, if it is determined to be a ``big hit'', the composite effect pattern selection table for big win is read from the sub-ROM 92 and set in the sub-RAM 93, and if it is determined not to be a ``big win'', the composite effect pattern selection for reach-losing is selected. The table is read out from the sub ROM 92 and set in the sub RAM 93 .

Then, the sub CPU 91 refers to a compound effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93 and selects a compound effect pattern. Although not shown in the figure, in the composite effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92, the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the effect pattern type of the composite effect (Fig. 11) is associated with a random value to be compared with the composite effect random number. In the process of step S137, the sub CPU 91 determines the result of the first special symbol determination specified based on the variation start command related to the first special symbol determination corresponding to the variation effect during execution, and also based on the variation start command. Composite effect pattern type corresponding to the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by and the above-mentioned composite effect random number used when deciding whether to execute the composite effect is set in the sub RAM 93 One effect pattern of composite effect is selected by reading from the effect pattern selection table.

In addition, when comparing the combination effect pattern selection table for jackpot and the combination effect pattern selection table for reach loss, the former table is compared to the latter table. There is a feature that the production pattern of the production is easily selected.

Here, when selecting the effect pattern of the composite effect, the case of selecting the composite effect pattern using the same composite effect random number as used for the composite effect lottery in step S135 was explained as an example. A different effect random number may be used to select a compound effect effect pattern.

Also, here, the case where the composite effect lottery and the composite effect pattern selection process are executed as separate processes has been described as an example, but for example, regarding both the jackpot composite effect pattern selection table and the reach-losing composite effect pattern selection table , respectively, by including "no composite effect" as the effect pattern type of the composite effect, the process of determining whether or not to execute the composite effect and the process of selecting one effect pattern of the composite effect are performed. It is also possible to realize it by a single process.

When the sub CPU 91 selects one effect pattern of the compound effect in the process of step 137, it sets a compound effect start command including the setting information of the compound effect indicating this effect pattern in the sub RAM 93 (step S138). This composite effect start command is transmitted to the image sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120) by the command transmission process in step S32 of FIG. By executing the process based on, the composite effect is compounded during the execution of the variable effect.

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. In the case where execution is set, if the composite effect is executed before the common effect is executed, the common effect is not executed. Therefore, in order to realize such effect control, the sub CPU 91 holds in the sub RAM 93 information indicating the notice effect pattern set in the notice effect pattern setting process of step S164 in FIG. Based on, it is specified whether or not the common performance is executed during execution of the variable performance. Then, when it is specified that the common effect is executed during execution of the variable effect, based on the information indicating the notice effect pattern and the effect pattern of the composite effect selected by the composite effect pattern selection process of step S137. , specify which of the composite effect and the common effect is to be started first. Here, when it is specified that the composite performance is started first, a composite performance start command including information instructing not to execute the instructed common performance at the start of the variable performance being executed is set in a sub-RAM 93. - 特許庁

By executing such a series of processes, when a composite effect occurs during execution of a variable effect, a common effect having the same effect content as the composite effect (in this embodiment, a large character appearance effect) can be performed on the same day. It is intended to prevent execution within variation.

(Regarding restrictions on combined effects)
Although not shown in FIG. 28, the following restrictions apply to the execution of the composite effect. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when developing from normal reach to SP reach, when developing from normal reach to SPSP reach, and when developing from SP reach to SPSP reach, , respectively, a similar-losing effect and an advanced effect (see FIG. 9(B)) may be executed. Here, the similar-losing effect is a pseudo-stop display of three performance symbols indicating a reach-losing number such as "767" for a predetermined time in order to make it appear that the loss notification effect is being executed. In addition, the development effect resumes the scrolling display of the middle symbol row including the middle symbol among the three simulated stop-displayed symbols due to this similar-losing effect, and reaches to a higher reach effect. This is an effect display showing how the effect develops.

Among ready-to-win productions, these similar losing productions and advanced productions are important productions for players who expect big wins. It is not desirable to be

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball wins the first start hole 21 during the execution of the variable performance associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, and this winning triggers the compound performance. is started, the combined effect is not executed when the combined effect is executed in the form of temporally overlapping with both or one of the similar losing effect and the development effect.

In addition, at the end of the variable performance, for example, the three performance symbols indicating the reach-losing or the double are displayed in a pseudo-stop display for a predetermined time, and then the real stop is performed. Win-lose notification performance, in which three performance symbols are quasi-stop-displayed in a mode showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination and then the actual stop-display is also one of the extremely important performances for a player who expects a big win. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball wins the first start hole 21 during the execution of the variable performance associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, and this winning triggers the compound performance. is started, even if the composite performance is not completed before the winning/losing notification performance (pseudo stop display of three performance symbols) is started, the composite performance is not executed.

In addition, the composite effect is performed in parallel with the variable effect as an effect that suggests the reliability of the jackpot when the variable effect is executed with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state. It is a performance that is executed. For this reason, in a so-called customer waiting state in which the special symbols are not displayed in a variable display and the special symbol determination right is not reserved, even if the game ball is placed in the first start port 21, it is not during the jackpot game. A configuration is adopted in which, even if is won, the combined effect is not executed with this winning as a trigger. What is executed with this winning as a trigger is not a composite effect but a variable effect.

(Regarding processing related to icon change effects)
Next, returning to the description of FIG. 28, the processing for realizing the icon change effect will be described.
When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S138, when it determines that the variable effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state is not being executed (step S132: NO), the remaining variable time is predetermined. If it is determined that it is not longer than the time (step S133: NO), if it is determined that it is not a specific variation pattern (step S134: NO), or if it is determined that the composite effect is not executed (step S136: NO), It is determined whether or not the received pending command includes pre-determination information (step S139). Here, if it is determined that the received pending command does not contain the preliminary determination information (step S139: NO), a pending icon display command is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S140). This pending icon display command is a command that instructs display of a pending icon and does not include icon change effect setting information (icon change effect pattern information to be described later). and transmitted to the lamp control board 120 .

For example, when the image sound control CPU 101 of the image sound control board 100 receives the hold icon display command related to the first special symbol determination that does not include the setting information of the icon change effect, the drawing process by the VDP 104 is controlled to display the hold icon. A white pending icon is displayed in the display area 71 . Since no icon change effect is set for this white pending icon, the above-described icon change effect is not performed.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the received hold command contains the prior determination information (step S139: YES), the sub CPU 91 stores the prior determination information in the sub RAM 93 (step S141). Next, the sub CPU 91 executes an icon change effect lottery (step S142). Specifically, first, an icon change effect random number is acquired and stored in the sub-RAM 93 . This icon change effect random number is incremented by "1" each time the random number update process described above is performed, and the sub CPU 91 acquires the count value at the time of receiving the hold command as the icon change effect random number, and the change effect random number is Whether or not to execute the icon change effect is determined based on whether or not it matches with any of the random numbers relating to the icon change effect random numbers stored in advance in the sub ROM 92 .

Although not shown in the figure, in the sub ROM 92, the preliminary determination result related to the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the random number value related to the icon change effect random number are associated. table is stored. The sub CPU 91 refers to this table, and the acquired icon change effect random number is the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the first special symbol determination specified from the advance determination information stored in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S141. Whether or not to execute the icon change effect is determined based on whether or not it matches with any of the random numbers associated with the variation pattern. In addition, in this table, more random number values are associated with "big win" than with "losing" with respect to the preliminary determination result related to the first special symbol determination. Also, the longer the variation time of the first special symbol is, the more random numbers are associated with the variation pattern. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the higher the reliability of the big win, the easier it is to execute the icon change effect. Conversely, the lower the reliability of the big win, the more difficult it is to execute the icon change effect.

The sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the icon change effect based on the lottery result of step S142 (step S143). A performance lottery is carried out to select one performance pattern from a plurality of performance patterns of icon change performance, and information indicating the selected icon change performance pattern is set in a sub RAM 93 (step S144).

It should be noted that here, the case where the lottery for determining whether or not to execute the icon change effect and the lottery for selecting the effect pattern of the icon change effect are separate lotteries has been described as an example, but the icon change effect is executed. It may be determined by one lottery whether or not the icon change effect is to be executed and, if executed, in what effect pattern the icon change effect is to be executed.

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S144 or determines not to execute the icon change effect (step S143: NO), the sub CPU 91 sets a pending icon display command in the sub RAM 93 (step S145). Specifically, when the process of step S145 is executed following the process of step S144, the pending icon display command including the icon change effect pattern information set in the process of step S144 is set in the sub-RAM93. On the other hand, if the process of step S145 is to be executed without executing the process of step S144, a pending icon display command that does not include the icon change effect pattern information is set in the sub-RAM 93 as in the process of step S140.

If the set pending icon display command is a pending icon display command including icon change effect pattern information as setting information for icon change effect, the pending icon display command is transmitted by the command transmission process in step S32. An icon change effect in which the display color of the icon (the pending icon or the icon corresponding to the pending icon) changes in the change pattern selected in the process of step S144 by being transmitted to the substrate 100 (and the lamp control substrate 120). will take place.

[Variation start command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of the fluctuation start command reception process in step S16 of FIG. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command received from the main control board 80 is the variation start command (step S15: YES), it executes a series of variation start command reception processing illustrated in FIG.

That is, the sub CPU 91 acquires the value at the time when the variation start command is received from the main control board 80 and stores it in the sub RAM 93 with respect to the effect random number appropriately updated by the random number update processing in the sub control board 90 (step S161). . Then, the received variation start command is analyzed (step S162).

In this variation start command, as described above, the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of the big hit determination process, and whether the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination or the second special symbol determination Winning start opening information indicating whether or not it is a thing, setting information of the variation pattern of the special symbol, information indicating the game state of the gaming machine 1, and the like are included. Therefore, by analyzing the fluctuation start command, it is possible to specify the type and result of the special symbol determination. In other words, it is possible to specify whether it is a big win or a loss, and if it is a big win, what kind of big win it is. Further, by specifying whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern for losing based on the setting information of the variation pattern, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach. . Also, based on the setting information of the variation pattern, it is possible to specify the variation time of the special symbol. Also, the current game state of the gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the game state.

After analyzing the fluctuation start command, the sub CPU 91 executes a fluctuation production pattern setting process for setting a fluctuation production pattern of the fluctuation production accompanying the fluctuation display of the special symbols based on the analysis result (step S163). By executing this variable effect pattern setting process, the variation mode of the effect pattern, the presence or absence of the ready-to-win effect, the presence or absence of the pseudo-continuous effect, the type of the effect pattern constituting the ready-to-win pattern, the type and content of the ready-to-win effect, and the pseudo-continuous effect , the type of effect symbols to be stopped and displayed, etc. are determined. This variation effect pattern setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S163, the sub CPU 91 executes various advance notice effects (for example, step-up effect, dialogue notice, group notice , cut-in, etc.) is executed (step S164).

Next, the sub CPU 91 sub-submits a variable effect start command for instructing the start of the variable effect in the variable effect pattern set in the processing of step S163 and the execution of the notice effect in the notice effect pattern set in the process of step S164. It is set in the RAM 93 (step S165).

This variable effect start command includes information indicating the variable effect pattern set by the process of step S163 and information indicating the notice effect pattern set by the process of step S164, and command transmission process of step S32. is sent to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by. As a result, the variable effect and the advance notice effect whose effect patterns are determined in the sub-control board 90 are realized by the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 .

Following the process of step S165, the sub CPU 91 updates the number of reservations stored in the sub RAM 93 by subtracting "1" (step S166). Specifically, when the variation start command received from the main control board 80 notifies the start of the variation display of the first special symbol, the value obtained by subtracting "1" from the number of suspensions of the first special symbol determination update to On the other hand, when the received variation start command notifies the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, the number of suspensions of the second special symbol determination is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1".

[Variation production pattern setting processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Processing will be explained. Following the process of step S162, the sub CPU 91 sets an effect symbol to be finally confirmed and displayed (mainly stopped) on the display screen 70 following the stop display of the first special symbol (step S1631). Specifically, based on the symbol setting information included in the variation start command received from the main control board 80, at the end of the symbol variation, the special symbol (jackpot symbol) indicating the big win is stopped and displayed, or It is specified whether a special symbol (loss symbol) indicating a failure is stopped and displayed. Then, when it is specified that the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, a production pattern (for example, a production pattern showing double eyes) for notifying the big win is set as the production pattern to be actually stopped, and the losing pattern is stopped and displayed. When it is specified, a production pattern for notifying a loss is set. In addition, when setting the production pattern for notifying the loss, if the loss is notified after the reach production is performed, the reach loss eyes are set as the production pattern for notifying the loss, and the reach production is performed. When notifying that there is no loss, a loose pattern is set as a production pattern for notifying the loss.

Next, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform a ready-to-win effect accompanying the variable display of the special symbol this time, based on the setting information of the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the received variation start command. is determined (step S1632). Here, when it is determined that there is no need to perform the production with reach (step S1632: NO), a variable production pattern of production without reach is set (step S1633). For example, one of the production random numbers corresponding to the production random numbers obtained in the process of step S161 from the no-reach variable production pattern selection table in which a plurality of types of variable production patterns of the non-reach production are associated with each variation pattern of the special symbol. A variable performance pattern is read, and information indicating the variable performance pattern is set in a sub-RAM 93. - 特許庁

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that it is necessary to perform a ready-to-win effect (step S1632: YES), it sets a variable effect pattern for a ready-to-win effect (step S1634). For example, from the variable performance pattern selection table for with reach, in which a plurality of types of variable performance patterns of production with reach are associated with each combination of the determination result of the special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the special symbol, step S161 Any one variation performance pattern corresponding to the performance random number acquired in the process is read, and information indicating the variation performance pattern is set in the sub-RAM 93. - 特許庁

By performing the process of step S1633 or the process of step S1634, it is possible to determine in what kind of variation pattern the production pattern is variably displayed, which reach production is to be performed in the case of performing the ready-to-win production, and to develop the ready-to-win production. is determined in what kind of flow the reach production is to be developed.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the variable effect start command for instructing the start of the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S1633 (or the process of step S1634) is sent from the sub-control board 90 to the image sound control board 100 (and the lamp). By transmitting to the control board 120), a variable effect including variable display of the effect pattern is realized.

[General Winning Command Reception Processing by Sub Control Board 90]
FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart of general winning command reception processing in step S24 of FIG. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command received from the main control board 80 is a general winning command (step S21: YES), the sub CPU 91 controls execution of the general winning effect described above based on FIGS. A series of general winning command reception processes illustrated in 31 are executed.

The sub CPU 91 first determines whether or not the current game state is the normal game state, for example, based on the analysis result of the variation start command received from the main control board 80 (step S2401). Here, when it is determined that the current game state is not the normal game state (step S2401: NO), the process proceeds to step S30 in FIG.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the current gaming state is the normal gaming state (step S2401: YES), based on the information indicating the number of pending first special symbol determination held in the sub RAM 93, the second It is determined whether or not the pending number of 1 special symbol determination is "1" or more (step S2402). General winning effect executed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above based on FIG. It is not preferable to execute the general winning effect, which is the effect and makes the player expect that the jackpot game will be executed, in a situation where the right of the first special symbol determination is not reserved.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the number of pending first special symbol determination is not "1" or more (step S2402: NO), that is, the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved. If not, in order to limit the execution of the general winning effect triggered by the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 24, the general winning command reception processing is terminated without executing the processing after step S2403.

That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (here, the period in which the number of pending first special symbol determination in the normal game state is "1" or more) In this case, the processing after step S2403 is executed to enable execution of the general prize effect, and when the game ball passes through the general prize winning opening 24 within a specific period, the processing after step S2403 is not executed. Therefore, the execution of the general winning effect is restricted. It should be noted that, as the specific period here, during the period in which the first special symbol is variably displayed while the number of pending first special symbol determination is "0" in the normal game state, or during the period in which the first special symbol is displayed in the normal game state While the number of pending special symbol determination is "0", the first special symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment), the first special symbol determination (and the 2 special symbol determination) are both "0", the special symbols are stopped and displayed, and the jackpot game is not in progress, that is, the so-called customer waiting state.

Returning to the description of FIG. 31, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the number of pending first special symbol determination is "1" or more (step S2402: YES), it determines whether or not the general winning effect is being executed. (step S2403). The process of step S2403 is a process for preventing another general winning effect from being started while the general winning effect is being executed. YES), the general winning command reception process is terminated without executing the processes after step S2404. When the general winning effect is executed, the setting information of the general winning effect is set in the sub-RAM 93 by the processing of step S2411, which will be described later, and this setting information is held in the sub-RAM 93 until the general winning effect ends. be. In other words, the setting information for the general winning effect is discarded from the sub-RAM 93 upon completion of the general winning effect. Therefore, the sub CPU 91 can determine whether or not the general winning effect is being executed based on whether or not the setting information for the general winning effect is held in the sub RAM 93 .

In this way, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (here, when the general winning effect is not executed), the sub CPU 91 executes the processing after step S2404, While the winning effect can be executed, when the game ball passes through the general winning hole 24 within a specific period (here, during execution of the general winning effect), the further execution of the general winning effect is restricted. .

Next, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the general winning effect is not being executed (step S2403: NO), it determines whether or not the general winning effect can be executed (step S2404). Although not shown in the figure, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior determination processing is executed with respect to the right to determine the first special symbol held during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state. , based on the result of this pre-determination process, a pending icon (capsule icon) simulating a capsule is displayed, and when this capsule icon shifts to the icon display area 72 with the start of the prefetch target variation, the capsule is There is a case where an icon change effect is executed to show how a character appears from inside the crack. As described above with reference to FIG. 14, the general prize-winning effect in the present embodiment includes the appearance effect of one of the characters (the swan in some cases), and the content of the effect is similar to the icon change effect related to the capsule icon. It is a directing.

For this reason, the sub CPU 91 controls the execution of the general winning effect in a manner that is combined with the series of icon change effects related to the capsule icon. When the game ball has passed through the winning opening 24, the processing from step S2405 is executed to enable the execution of the general winning effect, while the capsule icon as the pending icon is displayed, and the general winning opening 24 is opened. If the game ball has passed through, it is determined that the general winning effect cannot be executed (step S2404: NO), and the series of general winning command reception processing ends without executing the processing after step S2405. Note that in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, not only when the icon change effect related to the capsule icon is executed, but also when the icon change effect is executed, The icon change effect pattern information obtained is held in the sub-RAM 93 until the corresponding icon change effect is completed. Therefore, in the process of step S2404, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the general winning effect can be executed based on whether the icon change effect pattern information of the icon change effect related to the capsule icon is held in the sub RAM 93. It is possible to determine whether

In this way, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (here, when the capsule icon is not displayed), the sub CPU 91 executes the processing from step S2405 onwards to perform the general winning. While the effect can be executed, if the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within a specific period (here, when the capsule icon is displayed), the processing after step S2405 is not executed. The execution of the prize-winning effect is restricted.

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the pre-determination process is executed for the right of the first special symbol determination that is reserved in the normal game state, and the pre-reading target is used as the pending icon based on the result of the pre-determination process. A first special icon that suggests that a predetermined ready-to-win effect (for example, SPSP ready-to-win) will be executed with a change, and a second special icon that suggests that a predetermined notice effect (for example, group notice) will be executed by a look-ahead target change. A special icon such as a special icon, such as a third special icon that suggests that the performance will be performed in a predetermined performance mode (for example, a high-reliability performance mode called a zone) with relatively high jackpot reliability in the look-ahead target fluctuation. may be displayed. All of these special icons suggest an effect to be executed in the look-ahead target variation, and are continuously displayed until the corresponding effect is started in the look-ahead target variation. Therefore, if the icon change effect described above based on FIG. 14(P) is executed for the special icon shifted to the icon display area 72, the function of the special icon may be impaired.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 outside the specific period (when the special icon is not displayed), the general winning effect can be executed, When the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 inside (when the special icon is displayed), the execution of the general winning effect is restricted.

Returning to the description of FIG. 31, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the general winning effect can be executed (step S2404: YES), the general winning effect is updated as appropriate each time the random number update process in the sub control board 90 is performed. Regarding the random number, the value at the time when the general winning command is received from the main control board 80 is obtained and stored in the sub-RAM 93 (step S2405). Then, based on whether or not the general winning effect random number obtained in this way matches any of the random values (winning values) compared with the general winning effect random numbers stored in the sub ROM 92, the general A general winning effect lottery is executed for determining whether or not to execute a winning effect (step S2406).

Although not shown in the figure, the sub ROM 92 stores the preliminary determination result (whether or not it is a "big hit") related to the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the above general winning effect A table is stored in which random numbers and random numbers (winning values) to be compared are associated with each other. The sub CPU 91 refers to this table, and associates the obtained general winning effect random number with the advance judgment information held in the sub RAM 93 and the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified from this advance judgment information. It is determined whether or not to execute the general winning effect based on whether or not the random number coincides with any of the stored random numbers. In addition, in this table, more random number values are associated with "big win" than with "losing" with respect to the preliminary determination result related to the first special symbol determination. Also, the longer the variation time of the first special symbol is, the more random numbers are associated with the variation pattern. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the higher the reliability of the big win, the easier the general winning effect is executed. Conversely, the lower the reliability of the big win, the less likely the general winning effect is executed.

Subsequently, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the general winning effect based on the lottery result of step S2406 (step S2407). Here, if the sub CPU 91 determines not to execute the general prize effect (step S2407: NO), the series of general prize command reception processing ends without executing the processing after step S2408.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines to execute the general winning effect (step S2407: YES), the determination result of the first special symbol determination indicated by the pre-determination information regarding the look-ahead target fluctuation stored in the sub RAM 93 is "jackpot". (step S2408). Here, if it is determined to be a "jackpot" (step S2408: YES), the general winning effect pattern selection table for the jackpot is read from the sub-ROM 92 and set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S2409), and it is determined that it is not a "jackpot". If so (step S2408: NO), the general winning effect pattern selection table for losing is read from the sub-ROM 92 and set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S2410).

Then, the sub CPU 91 refers to the general winning effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93 by the processing of step S2409 or step S2410, selects the effect pattern of the general winning effect, and selects the effect pattern of the selected general winning effect. is set in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for the general prize effect (step S2411).

Although not shown in the figure, in the general winning effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92, the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and when starting the general winning effect The pending number of the first special symbol determination, the effect pattern of the general winning effect, and the random number are associated with each other. Sub CPU91, in the process of step S2411, the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by the pre-determination information related to the pre-reading target variation stored in the sub RAM93, By reading out from the general winning effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93 an effect pattern corresponding to the number of reserved first special symbol determination stored and the general winning effect random number acquired in the process of step S2405. , 1 performance pattern of the general winning performance is selected.

It should be noted that when the general winning effect pattern selection table for big wins is referred to, the general winning effect with higher reliability of the big wins is more likely to be executed than when the general winning effect pattern selection table for losing is referred to. Characteristic. In addition, when the former table is referred to, compared with the case where the latter table is referred to, there is a feature that the general winning performance of the performance pattern implying the set value of the big win probability is more likely to be executed. In addition, the setting hint/determined notification effect (see FIG. 14(C)) implies a set value related to the probability of a big win, and is an effect that definitely notifies that the hit notification effect will be executed in the prefetch target fluctuation. Therefore, when the former table is referred to, the effect pattern of the general winning effect including this setting suggestion / confirmation notification effect may be selected, while when the latter table is referred to, this setting These tables are configured so as not to select the effect pattern of the general winning effect including the implied/determined notification effect.

Here, when selecting the effect pattern of the general winning effect, the case of using the same general winning effect random number as used in the general winning effect lottery of step S2406 was explained as an example, but the random number is different from the general winning effect random number. Random numbers may be used to select an effect pattern for a general winning effect.

Also, here, the case where the lottery for determining whether or not to execute the general winning effect and the lottery for selecting the effect pattern of the general winning effect are different has been explained as an example, but the general winning effect is executed. It may be determined by a single lottery whether or not and what pattern of performance is to be executed when the general winning performance is to be executed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 31, the sub CPU 91 sets in the sub RAM 93 the general winning effect start command including the setting information of the general winning effect set in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S2411 (step S2412). This general winning effect start command is executed by the processing of step S32 in FIG. It is sent to the lamp control board 120). On the other hand, the image sound control CPU 101 (and the lamp CPU 121) executes the effect control based on the general winning effect start command from the sub-control board 90, so that the general winning effect described above based on FIGS. will be realized.

In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the general winning opening 24 within each specific period, the general winning effect lottery in step S2406 is not performed, so that the general winning effect is not executed as an example. explained. On the other hand, the execution limitation of the general winning effect when the game ball passes through the general winning hole 24 within each specific period is not limited to this, for example, the general winning effect lottery itself is executed. However, by lowering the winning probability, the execution probability of the general prize winning performance may be lowered, thereby limiting the execution of the general prize winning performance (making it difficult to execute the general prize winning performance). That is, when a game ball passes through the general prize winning opening 24 within a specific period, the general prize winning performance is not completely prohibited, but the general prize winning performance is executed although the general prize winning performance is not executed in most cases. A configuration in which there is also may be adopted.

[Interrupt processing by image sound control board 100]
Next, interrupt processing executed in the image sound control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in the image sound control board 100. FIG. The image sound control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 32 at regular time intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as power-on and power-off. .

First, the image sound control CPU 101 executes image display control processing for controlling image display on the display screen 70 based on the command received from the sub-control board 90 (step S71). This image display control processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the processing of step S71, the image sound control CPU 101 executes sound effect output control processing for outputting various sound effects from the speaker 38 in synchronization with or asynchronously with the screen display performed on the display screen 70. (step S72).

Following the processing of step S72, the image sound control CPU 101 executes data transmission control processing (step S73). Specifically, data relating to image sound control performed in the image sound control board 100 is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 . In response, the sub control board 90 transfers the data received from the image sound control board 100 to the lamp control board 120 . As a result, the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, and the like are controlled so as to synchronize with the presentation performed by the display screen 70 and the speaker .

[Image display control processing by image sound control board 100]
FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of FIG. The image sound control CPU 101 first determines whether or not a command transmitted from the sub-control board 90 has been received (step S711). Here, if it is determined that the command has not been received (step S711: NO), the process proceeds to step S72.

On the other hand, when the image sound control CPU 101 determines that it has received a command from the sub-control board 90 (step S711: YES), it sets the setting information included in the command in the control RAM 103 (step S712). Then, based on the setting information set in the control RAM 103, it determines how the effect image should be displayed on the display screen 70, creates a display list for controlling the drawing processing of the VDP 104, and displays it in a predetermined area of the control RAM 103. (step S713), and the display list is set in the display list storage area of VRAM 106 (step S714). The VDP 104 executes drawing processing based on the display list set in the display list storage area, thereby realizing the effect display instructed by the sub-control board 90 .

[Second embodiment]
A gaming machine 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 34 to 36. FIG. Here, FIG. 34 is a partial front view of the gaming machine 1 for explaining the peripheral lamp 39. FIG. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of effects relating to the lamp/speaker effects. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the lamp/speaker presentation. Note that the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and processing as the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it can further execute a lamp/speaker effect using a peripheral lamp 39, which will be described later. are common. For this reason, in the following description, descriptions of configurations and processes common to the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment are omitted, and the configuration and processes different from those of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment are mainly described. Give an explanation.

As illustrated in FIG. 34 , the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment has two peripheral lamps 39 . The peripheral lamps 39 each include a plurality of color LEDs arranged so as to surround speakers 38 provided on both left and right sides of the gaming machine 1 . These color LEDs are covered with a semi-transparent resin member with a predetermined decoration, and the player can visually recognize how each color LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 emits light through this resin member. be. The peripheral lamp 39 performs various effects with light by changing the light emission pattern and light emission color of each color LED.

The lamp ROM 122 stores the light emission pattern data indicating the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 in addition to the light emission pattern data of the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, and the LEDs incorporated in the movable decorative member 14. The lamp CPU 121 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 90 out of the light emission pattern data of the peripheral lamps 39 stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and controls each of the peripheral lamps 39. Controls the light emission of LEDs.

In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when a game ball wins in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, the first special symbol determination performed in response to this winning is performed. Before the right is reserved and the first special symbol determination is performed for this right, a preliminary determination process is performed to determine whether or not to execute a jackpot game. Then, based on the result of this preliminary determination, there is a case where an expectation effect is executed that makes the player expect that the big winning game will be executed (execution of the winning notification effect).

The expected effect includes the icon change effect and the general winning effect (see FIGS. 14 to 16) described in the first embodiment. In addition, it is configured to be able to execute an expected effect called “lamp/speaker effect”.

[Lamp/speaker performance]
The lamp/speaker effect is common to the general prize effect in that it is a effect executed based on the result of the preliminary determination process performed in response to the winning of the game ball into the first start hole 21 in the normal game state. On the other hand, it differs from the general prize-winning production in the following points.

That is, as described above, the general winning effect is provided in the left side game area 3L in a situation where the game ball wins in the first start port 21 in the normal game state and the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved. This is an expected performance that can be executed at the timing when a game ball wins in any one of the three general prize winning ports 24.例文帳に追加On the other hand, the lamp/speaker effect is executed at the timing (winning timing) when the game ball enters the first start hole 21 (an example of the predetermined winning area) in the normal game state, and at the winning timing. It may be executed at the timing (additional prize winning timing) when another game ball wins the first start port 21 later, and the execution opportunity and execution timing are different from the general prize winning performance.

In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the pre-determination process is performed in response to one game ball passing through the first start port 21 in the normal game state, based on the result of this pre-determination process When the lamp/speaker effect is executed triggered by the passage of one game ball through the first start hole 21, and when the one game ball passes through the first start hole 21, the first start hole 21 is opened. There is a time when it is executed triggered by the passing of the game ball. The flow of the effect when such a lamp/speaker effect is executed is generally as follows.

That is, when the player hits left in the normal game state and one game ball enters the first start hole 21 (see FIG. 35(A)), three balls are placed on the upper tray 33 (or the lower tray 34). prize balls are paid out (see FIG. 35(B)). At that time, although not shown in FIG. 35, when one game ball wins in a state where the number of reservations T1 for the first special symbol determination does not reach the maximum number of reservations T1max ("4" in this embodiment), The right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, and the above-described prior determination processing is performed based on the acquisition information (such as a jackpot random number) acquired when one game ball wins. This is as described above with reference to FIG. 19 and the like.

Next, when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved, a reserved icon indicating that is displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 (see FIG. 35(C)). Note that, as the pending icon, a normal icon and a special icon are displayed based on the result of the preliminary determination process in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. There are cases where

Then, almost simultaneously with the display of the normal icon (or the special icon) as the pending icon, the lamp/speaker effect may be executed (see FIG. 35(D)). That is, almost simultaneously with the passage of the game ball through the first starting port 21, there is a case where the holding icon is displayed and the lamp/speaker effect is executed.

This lamp/speaker effect is effect in which the peripheral lamps 39 emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern and a predetermined effect sound is output from the speaker 38 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). The light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 and the output pattern of the effect sound output from the speaker 38 in the lamp/speaker effect will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

It should be noted that the light emission of the peripheral lamp 39 by the lamp speaker production, after the first special symbol variation display corresponding to the first special symbol determination that is the target of the preliminary determination process (that is, the look-ahead target variation) is started, This continues until reach is established in this look-ahead target fluctuation. Therefore, the player can recognize that the ready-to-win effect will be executed by the pre-reading target change when the lamp/speaker effect occurs. In addition, since the light emission of the peripheral lamps 39 due to the lamp/speaker effect continues until the middle of the prefetching target change, the player can easily recognize the correspondence relationship between the lamp/speaker effect and the prefetching target change.

However, the end timing of the lamp/speaker effect (the end timing of light emission of the peripheral lamp 39 by the lamp/speaker effect) is not limited to when the reach is established in the prefetch target variation. It may be the end timing of the pre-target variation immediately before the target variation.

So far, the case where the display of the pending icon and the lamp/speaker effect is started at the winning timing when the game ball passes through the first start port 21 has been described as an example. There is a case where the speaker effect is not executed (see FIG. 35). Also, in some cases where the lamp/speaker effect is not started at the winning timing, the following effect may be performed.

That is, when the pending icon is displayed at the winning timing, after a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed, a character appearance effect is produced in which a predetermined character appears on the display screen 70 and walks to a predetermined position. may be executed (see FIG. 35(E)). Here, the case where the predetermined time is set to 3 seconds will be described as an example, but the predetermined time may be other time such as less than 3 seconds or longer than 3 seconds. Also, a case where the character appearance effect is started at the timing when a predetermined time has passed from the winning timing will be described as an example. You may do so.

When the character appearance effect (see FIG. 35(E)) is performed and the predetermined character moves to a predetermined position, the navel winning promotion effect is performed (see FIG. 35(F)). This navel winning promotion effect is an effect that urges the player to hit the left hand aiming at the first starting hole 21. In this embodiment, the character that has moved to a predetermined position points to the first starting hole 21 and Throw a ball in the box!”, and the voice of the same contents as the line is output from the speaker 38.例文帳に追加

Note that the navel winning promotion effect is not limited to the effect illustrated in the present embodiment as long as it can prompt the player to launch the game ball aimed at the first start hole 21 (operation of the launch handle 32). Needless to say, other effects such as effects using only the display screen 70, effects using only the speaker 38, and effects in which the board lamp 5 adjacent to the first starting port 21 emits light may be used. .

Returning to the description of FIG. 35, when the game ball hit left by the player according to the navel winning promotion effect described above enters the first start hole 21, the above-described lamp/ A speaker effect may be executed (see FIGS. 35(F) and (D)). In addition, the lamp speaker effect triggered by the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting hole 21 according to the navel winning promotion effect is performed at the winning timing when one game ball enters the first starting hole 21.・This is a production that is common to the speaker production.

Thus, the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment is not only the winning timing when one game ball wins the first start port 21, but also the additional game ball when another game ball wins the first start port 21 after that. A lamp/speaker effect may be executed even at the winning timing. Therefore, even when the lamp/speaker performance is not executed at the winning timing, the player can expect the lamp/speaker performance to be executed, and the lamp/speaker performance is not executed at the winning timing. Therefore, it is possible to easily suppress the decrease in the player's expectation for the big win.

It should be noted that the lamp/speaker effect executed after the navel prize promotion effect is a effect executed on the condition that the game ball enters the first start hole 21 and additionally wins a prize. Therefore, even if the condition for executing the lamp/speaker effect is satisfied, if the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting port 21 does not occur, the lamp/speaker effect is executed after the navel winning promotion effect. (See FIG. 35).

By the way, when one game ball wins the first start hole 21, the lamp/speaker effect is not executed at the winning timing, and the character appearance effect and navel winning promotion effect are executed after that, that is, FIG. 35(C), It is conceivable to employ a configuration in which, when the effects progress in the order of (E) and (F), the lamp/speaker effect is always executed if another game ball wins the first start hole 21 .

However, if such a configuration is easily adopted, the player will be notified at the start of the character appearance effect that the lamp/speaker effect will be executed in response to the additional winning of the game ball into the first start hole 21. As a result, it is conceivable that the player's sense of anticipation for the execution of the lamp/speaker effect disappears.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the first start opening 21 after the navel winning promotion effect, there are times when the lamp/speaker effect is executed and times when the lamp/speaker effect is not executed. (See FIG. 35). If such a configuration is adopted, it is not known whether or not the lamp/speaker effect will be executed until the game ball is additionally won in the first starting hole 21, so the game against the execution of the lamp/speaker effect. With regard to launching a game ball aiming at the first start hole 21 for the player who wants to know whether or not the lamp/speaker presentation is executed, It is possible to give the player moderate motivation.

In addition, the lamp speaker effect is a pre-reading effect based on the preliminary determination result that suggests the degree of expectation for the big hit in the pre-reading target fluctuation. It is conceivable that it will interfere with the performed variable production and advance notice production. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after executing the character appearance effect and the navel winning promotion effect, the game ball did not enter the first start port 21 (additional winning) before the look-ahead target variation was started. In this case, the lamp/speaker effect is not executed even if the conditions for executing the lamp/speaker effect are satisfied (even if it is set in advance to execute the lamp/speaker effect in response to the additional winning). I'm doing it.

(Specific examples of lamp/speaker production and reliability of jackpot)
Next, with reference to FIG. 36, a specific example of the lamp/speaker presentation and the reliability of the big win will be described. The lamp/speaker effect is an expected effect that suggests the reliability of the big hit in the look-ahead target fluctuation by the final light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39. As illustrated in FIG. 36, in the present embodiment, the lamp/speaker effect As the effect patterns, six effect patterns, ie, the first effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern, are prepared.

The lamp/speaker effect of the first effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the peripheral lamps 39 emit light in a blue light emission pattern, and a sound corresponding to blue is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp/speaker effect. The blue light emission pattern here is a light emission pattern in which each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats blue light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start to the end of the lamp/speaker presentation.

In the lamp/speaker effect of the second effect pattern, the peripheral lamp 39 emits light in a yellow light emission pattern, and with the start of the lamp/speaker effect, the effect sound corresponding to yellow (different from the effect sound corresponding to blue) is output from the speaker 38. It is a lamp and speaker production. The yellow light emission pattern here is a light emission pattern in which each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats yellow light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start to the end of the lamp/speaker presentation.

The lamp/speaker effect of the third effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the peripheral lamps 39 emit light in the first elevated light emission pattern, and a sound corresponding to blue is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp/speaker effect. . In the first promotion light emission pattern here, each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats blue light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle until a predetermined time elapses from the start of the lamp/speaker presentation, After that, the yellow light emission and the white light emission are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle until the lamp/speaker presentation ends. Thus, the lamp/speaker effect of the third effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 changes (promotes) from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern in the middle.

When the lamp/speaker effect of the third effect pattern is executed, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 changes (progresses) from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern, a predetermined yellow promotion sound is produced by the speaker 38. output from Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the luminous pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 has been upgraded from the blue luminous pattern to the yellow luminous pattern even if the player does not pay attention to the peripheral lamp 39 .

In the lamp/speaker production of the fourth production pattern, the peripheral lamps 39 emit light in a red light emission pattern, and with the start of the lamp/speaker production, a production sound corresponding to red (different from the production sound corresponding to blue and the production sound corresponding to yellow) is produced. This is a lamp/speaker effect output from the speaker 38 . The red light emission pattern here is a light emission pattern in which each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats red light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle from the start to the end of the lamp/speaker presentation.

The lamp/speaker effect of the fifth effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the peripheral lamps 39 emit light in the second promotion light emission pattern, and a yellow corresponding effect sound is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp/speaker effect. . In the second promotion light emission pattern here, each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats yellow light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle until a predetermined time elapses from the start of the lamp/speaker presentation, After that, the light emission pattern alternately repeats red light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle until the lamp/speaker presentation ends. Thus, the lamp/speaker effect of the fifth effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 changes (promotes) from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern on the way.

When the lamp/speaker effect of the fifth effect pattern is executed, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 changes (promotes) from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern, a predetermined red promotion sound is generated by the speaker 38. output from Therefore, even if the player does not pay attention to the peripheral lamps 39, the player can easily recognize that the emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 has been upgraded from the yellow emission pattern to the red emission pattern.

The lamp/speaker effect of the sixth effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the peripheral lamps 39 emit light in the third elevated light emission pattern, and a sound corresponding to blue is output from the speaker 38 with the start of the lamp/speaker effect. . In the third elevated light emission pattern, each LED constituting the peripheral lamp 39 alternately repeats blue light emission and white light emission at a predetermined cycle until the first time elapses from the start of the lamp/speaker presentation. , yellow light emission and white light emission are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle until a second time (longer than the first time) elapses from the start of the lamp/speaker presentation, after which the lamp/speaker presentation ends. The light emission pattern is such that red light emission and white light emission are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle until the light emission. Thus, the lamp/speaker effect of the sixth effect pattern is a lamp/speaker effect in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 changes (progresses) in two stages in the order of the blue light emission pattern, the yellow light emission pattern, and the red light emission pattern. It's becoming

When the lamp/speaker effect of the sixth effect pattern is executed, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (promotes) from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern, the yellow promotion sound is output from the speaker 38. be done. Also, when the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 changes (progresses) from the yellow light emission pattern to the red light emission pattern, the red promotion sound is output from the speaker 38 . Therefore, even if the player does not pay attention to the peripheral lamps 39, the player can easily recognize that the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 has been upgraded from the blue light emission pattern to the yellow light emission pattern based on the yellow promotion sound. It is possible to easily recognize that the emission pattern of the peripheral lamp 39 has been promoted from the yellow emission pattern to the red emission pattern based on the red promotion sound.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 36, the lamp/speaker effect of the first effect pattern in which the final emission color of the peripheral lamp 39 is blue is set to about 5% in the prediction object fluctuation. there is In addition, the lamp/speaker effects of the second effect pattern and the third effect pattern in which the final emission color of the peripheral lamp 39 is yellow are set to have a jackpot reliability of about 23% in the look-ahead target fluctuation. Further, the lamp/speaker effects of the fourth to sixth effect patterns in which the final emission color of the peripheral lamp 39 is red are set to about 66% of the reliability of the big win in the pre-reading target fluctuation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, an effect pattern is prepared in which the light emission pattern of the peripheral lamps 39 is promoted during execution of the lamp/speaker effect. It is possible to effectively improve the player's expectation for the big win, which was considered to be generally low, and to obtain a high performance effect.

(Regarding processing for realizing lamp/speaker effects)
Next, processing executed by the sub CPU 91 to realize the lamp/speaker effect will be described. For example, when a game ball wins in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, and the main CPU 81 executes the pre-determination process for the right. be done. When the preliminary determination process is executed, a pending command including preliminary determination information indicating the preliminary determination result is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 .

In response to this, the sub CPU 91 selects the lamp/speaker based on the advance determination information included in the pending command received from the main control board 80 and the lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92 . To select a production pattern of production.

In the lamp/speaker production pattern selection table, the judgment result of the first special design determination, the variation pattern of the first special design, and the production pattern of the lamp/speaker production (first production pattern to sixth production pattern, fake production pattern, No lamp/speaker effect) and a random value (compared with the lamp/speaker effect random number) are associated.

The sub CPU 91 acquires the value at the time of receiving the hold command related to the first special symbol determination with respect to the lamp/speaker production random number which is appropriately updated each time the random number update process is performed in the sub control board 90, and stores the value in the sub RAM 93. Store in a predetermined area. Then, based on the preliminary determination information included in the pending command, the sub CPU 91 identifies the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the first special symbol related to the prefetch target variation, and determines the first special symbol determination. , the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the acquired and stored lamp/speaker production random number are read out from the lamp/speaker production pattern selection table to produce one lamp/speaker production. Choose a pattern.

As production patterns for the lamp/speaker production, first production pattern to sixth production pattern, false production pattern, and no lamp/speaker production are prepared. Here, the first effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern are as described above with reference to FIG. 35(C), the lamp/speaker effect of FIG. 35(D) is not executed, and the lamp/speaker effect of FIG. This means that the character appearance effect of is not executed. Also, in the false effect pattern, after the pending icon is displayed as exemplified in FIG. This is a so-called fake effect effect pattern in which the lamp/speaker effect is not executed even if the game ball additionally wins the first start hole 21.例文帳に追加

Although not shown in the figure, the sub-ROM 92 stores a jackpot lamp/speaker production pattern selection table and a ready-to-lose lamp/speaker production pattern selection table. Here, when the jackpot lamp/speaker production pattern selection table receives a hold command including prior determination information indicating that the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment performed at the start of the look-ahead target fluctuation is "jackpot" 2 is a table referred to by the sub CPU 91. FIG. On the other hand, the reach-losing lamp/speaker production pattern selection table shows that the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the look-ahead target fluctuation is "losing", and the reach-losing variation pattern ( 7(B)) is selected.

The jackpot lamp/speaker production pattern selection table and reach-losing lamp/speaker production pattern selection table have the following features. That is, when the jackpot lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, the lamp/speaker effect is more likely to be executed than when the reach-losing lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to (lamp/speaker There is a feature that it is difficult to select no production). Further, when the reach-losing lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, a false effect pattern may be selected, while when the jackpot lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, the false effect is There is a feature that no pattern is selected (random numbers are not associated with fake effect patterns).

Also, when the jackpot lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table is referred to, the fourth effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern in FIG. It is a pattern, and it is difficult to select the first effect pattern. On the other hand, when the reach-losing lamp/speaker production pattern selection table is referred to, conversely, the first production pattern shown in FIG. There is, and it is difficult to select the fourth effect pattern to the sixth effect pattern.

In addition, the lamp/speaker effect pattern selection table for reachless loss is not prepared, the judgment result of the first special symbol determination related to the change in the look-ahead target is "loss", and there is no reach as the variation pattern of the first special symbol When receiving a hold command containing advance determination information indicating that the variation pattern for losing (see FIG. 7 (C)) is selected, the lamp/speaker production pattern selection process itself is not performed. .

(Effects of lamp/speaker production)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, based on the result of the preliminary determination process relating to the first special symbol determination suspended in the normal game state, the expectation that the player expects that the jackpot game will be executed. As an effect, a lamp/speaker effect can be executed. Then, this lamp/speaker effect is not only at the same timing (winning timing) as the one game ball that triggered the preliminary determination process passed through the first start opening 21 (winning timing), but also when another game ball is the first game ball. It may be executed at the additional winning timing after passing through the starting port 21. - 特許庁Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with an opportunity to judge the first special symbol, and to surprise the player who thought that the lamp/speaker effect was not executed because the lamp/speaker effect was not generated at the winning timing. can make you feel sexual.

In addition, the execution timing of the lamp/speaker presentation includes the winning timing and the additional winning timing, and since both of these winning timings are variable, there is a wide variety of variations related to the execution timing of the lamp/speaker presentation. As a result, it is possible to obtain a high performance effect.

(Modified example of lamp/speaker effects)
Note that the following configuration may be adopted for the lamp/speaker presentation.
That is, in the second embodiment, when the lamp/speaker effect is not started with the display of the pending icon, the character appearance effect and navel prize promotion effect illustrated in FIGS. 35(E) and (F) are executed. However, in other embodiments, only the character appearance effect out of the character appearance effect and navel prize promotion effect is performed in order to imply that the lamp/speaker effect may be performed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which neither the character appearance effect nor the navel prize promotion effect is executed.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the case where the lamp/speaker effect is the effect using the speaker 38 and the peripheral lamp 39 has been described as an example, but the lamp/speaker effect is added to the speaker 38 and the peripheral lamp 39. An effect using another effect means (for example, the display screen 70) may be used, or an effect using either one of the speaker 38 and the peripheral lamp 39 may be used. That is, the type and number of effect means used for the expected effect (here, lamp/speaker effect) are not particularly limited, and may be different from those exemplified in the second embodiment. Further, the effect content of the expected effect triggered by the additional winning of the game ball to the first start hole 21 may be partially or wholly different from the effect content of the lamp/speaker effect.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the lamp/speaker effect is executed at the winning timing and at the additional winning timing has been described as an example. - The speaker effect may not be performed at the winning timing, but may be performed only at the additional winning timing.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the case where the expected effect that can be executed in response to the additional winning of the game ball to the first starting hole 21 is the lamp speaker effect has been described as an example, but in the look-ahead target change, the hit notification effect The expectation effect is not limited to the lamp/speaker effect, and other effects may be used as long as the player can expect that the is executed. For example, an effect common to the notice effect in which the effect pattern is set in the notice effect pattern setting process (see FIG. 29) performed at the start of the look-ahead target change is executed according to the additional winning of the game ball to the first start hole 21. One example is to

<About special production mode production>
In the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, the effect may be controlled in the special effect mode. Specifically, the effect of this special effect mode is to display a background image dedicated to the special effect mode on the display screen 70 (instead of the background image of the normal effect mode), and to output a sound effect dedicated to the special effect mode from the speaker 38. The effect is such that the display color of the icon is changed (promoted) each time the pseudo-continuous effect is executed.

When entering the special effect mode, for example, as the first pseudo-continuous effect is executed, the display color of the icon changes from blue to green, and as the second pseudo-continuous effect is executed, Since the display color of the icon changes from green to red when the game is played, it is possible to effectively improve the player's sense of expectation for the big win.

It should be noted that whether or not to execute the effect in the special effect mode, and if the effect in the special effect mode is to be executed, what effect pattern (the number of times of execution of the pseudo-continuous effect and the change pattern of the icon) is executed Whether or not is determined by the sub CPU 91 at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, for example. It is not executed when a pattern is selected. Therefore, when the sub CPU 91 receives the hold command including the preliminary determination information related to the first special symbol determination, based on the variation pattern of the first special symbol indicated by the preliminary determination information, in the pre-reading target variation, special It is possible to specify in advance whether or not the effect in the effect mode is executed.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when entering the special effect mode due to the change of the prefetch target, the effect may be executed in the following flow. That is, for example, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state (see FIG. 37 (A)), the first special symbol determination performed according to this winning Before the right is reserved and the first special symbol determination is performed for this right, a preliminary determination process is performed to determine whether or not to execute a jackpot game and to specify the variation pattern of the first special symbol. . At that time, the sub CPU 91 may specify that the main CPU 81 selects a variation pattern in which the effect in the special effect mode is executed at the start of the look-ahead target variation, based on the result of the preliminary determination process. In this case, as described above with reference to FIGS. 35(B) and (C), prize balls are paid out and a hold icon for the first special symbol determination right is displayed (FIG. 37(B) and (C)). Then, along with the start of the look-ahead target variation, the special effect mode is entered (see FIGS. 37(D) and (E)).

Thus, when entering the special effect mode with the start of the prefetch target variation, the following effects may be performed before the prefetch target variation is started. That is, for example, when a predetermined time (for example, 1.5 seconds) elapses after the reserved icon corresponding to the right to determine the first special symbol is displayed, a navel winning promotion effect is performed (FIGS. 37(C) and ( F)). This navel prize promotion effect is a performance that urges the player to launch a game ball aimed at the first start hole 21, and is an effect that encourages the navel win, as described above with reference to FIG. This effect is similar to the navel winning promotion effect, but as the navel winning promotion effect here, a predetermined effect image representing the vicinity of the first starting port 21 and a message such as "Generate a special effect mode!" are displayed. One example is staging.

When the player hits to the left in response to such a navel winning promotion effect and the game ball enters the first start hole 21, a rush announcement effect is executed (see FIGS. 37(F) and (G)). . This entry forewarning effect is an effect for notifying entry into the special effect mode prior to the start of the look-ahead target variation. As the advance notice effect, characters such as "Special effect mode rush!" One example is the effect that continues until the special effect mode is entered in the look-ahead target change.

Regarding the lamp/speaker effect (see FIG. 35), the case where the lamp/speaker effect may not occur even if the game ball is additionally won in the first start hole 21 has been described as an example. Concerning, if the game ball is made to additionally enter the first starting port 21, a configuration is employed in which the advance notice effect is always generated. For this reason, the entry notice performance can be functioned as a final notice performance for definitely notifying entry into the special performance mode, and the additional winning to the first start port 21 is strongly motivated to the player. It is possible to give

Also, here, since it is determined that the effect in the special effect mode is executed, both when the game ball is additionally won in the first start port 21 and when it is not additionally won, the prefetch target change 37(F), (G) and (D)).

(Action and effect due to rush announcement production)
According to the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the pre-determination process is performed in response to the passage of one game ball through the first starting port 21 in the normal game state, the result of the pre-determination process (an example of expected performance) is sometimes executed when another game ball passes through the first starting hole 21 after one game ball passes through the first starting hole 21.例文帳に追加Therefore, it is possible to effectively improve the expectation of a player who expects a big win, and to obtain a high performance effect.

(Modified example of rush notice effect)
Note that the following configuration may be adopted for the rush announcement effect.
That is, in the second embodiment, if the game ball is made to win (additional winning) in the first starting hole 21 according to the navel winning promotion effect (see FIG. 37 (F)), the rush notice effect (see FIG. 37 (G )) is always executed, but in other embodiments, when the game ball is entered into the first start hole 21 according to the navel winning promotion effect, the rush notice effect is executed. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which there are times when it is not executed. In addition, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the game does not enter the special performance mode when the advance notice performance is not executed, or a configuration in which the special performance mode may be entered even if the rush notice performance is not executed. .

In addition, in the second embodiment, as an example of an expected effect executed upon the additional winning of a game ball to the first starting port 21, a case of executing a rush notice effect for notifying that the special effect mode will be entered is performed. , but the expected effect is not limited to this. A group/notice effect that foretells that a notice will occur, a pseudo-continuous/notice effect that foretells that a pseudo-continuous effect will be executed due to the change in the target of prefetching, and an icon change effect that targets the icon in question due to the change in the target of prefetching. A notice effect different from the rush notice effect, such as an icon change/prediction effect for notifying that the game is to be played, may be executed as the expectation effect.

In addition, in the second embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which a rush announcement effect (an example of an expected effect) is executed in response to the additional winning of the game ball to the first start hole 21. However, in other embodiments, As with the general winning effect (see FIG. 14), the expectation effect may be executed with the winning of the game ball into the general winning hole 24 as a trigger. Examples of expected effects here include, in addition to rushing notice effects, reach/notice effects, group/notice effects, pseudo-continue/notice effects, icon change/notice effects, and the like.

[Other Modifications]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be, for example, in the following forms. That is, in the above-described first embodiment, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, when the game ball wins the general winning hole 24 provided in the left side game area 3L, the expected effect is performed. The case of executing the general winning effect has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, a gate having the same function as the gate 25 is newly provided in the left side game area 3L, and when the game ball passes through this gate, the same as the general winning effect is performed. may be executed.

Further, in the first embodiment, after the holding icon is displayed as shown in FIGS. 10(D) and (E), when the effect for prompting the player to launch the game ball aiming at the first start hole 21 is not executed. was described as an example, in another embodiment, after displaying the pending icon (after executing the effect of FIG. 10 (D) or (E)), as described above based on FIG. 35 (F) A similar navel prize promotion effect may be executed.

In addition, in the first embodiment, prior to the general winning effect described above with reference to FIG. 14, the general winning effect prompts the player to launch a game ball aiming at the general winning hole 24 provided in the left side game area 3L. Although the case where the promotion effect is not executed has been described as an example, in other embodiments, for example, the general prize promotion effect is executed when the general prize effect is executed and when the general prize effect is not executed. A configuration such as the following may be adopted.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to one type of pachinko gaming machine called a so-called ST machine has been described, but the present invention can be applied to one type of pachinko gaming machine called a so-called variable loop type, It may also be applied to other game machines such as a pachinko game machine called a so-called 1 type 2 type mixed type.

Further, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be realized with other configurations and operation modes. In addition, the order of processing, set values, random values, threshold values used for determination, etc. in the flowcharts described above are merely examples, and other orders and values may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that The drawings and the like exemplified in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be in other aspects.

[Reference Invention]
Hereinafter, inventions related to the embodiments (examples) disclosed in this specification will be disclosed as reference inventions.

(Reference invention 1)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is
a game board forming a game area in which game media flow down;
a starting area provided in the game area through which game media can pass;
Acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when a game medium passes through the start area;
determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means;
a pattern display control means for causing a predetermined pattern display means to variably display a pattern when the determination is made, and then stop-displaying a pattern indicating the result of the determination;
a special game executing means for executing the special game when a symbol indicating that the special game is determined to be executed by the determining means is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means;
A production control means for controlling the execution of production,
The production control means is
Along with the variation display of the symbols in response to the determination, executing a predetermined variation effect based on the result of the determination,
Triggered by the passage of the game medium through the starting area during execution of the variable performance, the composite performance can be executed based on the result of the determination corresponding to the variable performance being executed. .

According to this configuration, when the game medium passes through the starting area during execution of the variable performance, the composite performance based on the determination result corresponding to the variable performance being executed is executed together with the variable performance. There is This composite effect is a effect in which the execution timing of the effect changes depending on the timing at which the game medium passes through the starting area. It is possible to easily and effectively suppress the problem that the performance becomes monotonous due to the fact that is fixed, resulting in a decrease in the performance effect.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1,
A shooting means for shooting a game medium to the game area according to an operation by a player;
The production control means is
Triggered by passage of the game medium through the starting area, the composite effect is executed in a manner suggesting that the composite effect has started.

According to this configuration, the composite effect suggests that the composite effect has started when the game medium has passed through the starting area. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that there is a possibility that the composite effect will be executed if the game medium is passed through the starting area. Motivation can be given to continue the operation (for shooting game media into the game area) even after the performance is started, and the possibility of executing the composite performance can be improved.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 or Reference Invention 1-2,
The production control means is
capable of executing a common effect in which at least part of the effect content is common to the composite effect,
When the composite performance is not being executed during execution of the variable performance, while permitting the common performance to be executed during the execution of the variable performance, the composite performance is permitted during the execution of the variable performance. When it is executed first, it is characterized by restricting execution of the common performance during execution of the variable performance.

According to this configuration, if the composite performance is not executed during the execution of the variable performance, the common performance is permitted to be executed during the execution of the variable performance, and conversely, the complex performance is permitted during the execution of the variable performance. is executed first, the execution of the common production is restricted during the execution of the variable production. For this reason, it is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the performance effect is rather reduced by executing both the composite performance and the common performance in which at least a part of the performance content is common to each other within the same variation. is.

Further, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is the gaming machine of any one of Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-3,
The composite effect is characterized by a effect suggesting that a winning notification effect for notifying that the special game will be executed may be executed in the variable effect.

According to this configuration, since the composite effect is an effect suggesting that the winning notification effect may be executed in the variable effect, the player who expects the winning notification effect to be executed To effectively improve a sense of expectation for execution of a composite performance, and to obtain a high performance effect when the composite performance is executed.

(Reference invention 2)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is
a game board forming a game area in which game media flow down;
a first winning area provided in the game area and through which game media can pass;
a second winning area provided in the game area, through which a game medium can pass, and different from the first winning area;
Acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when a game medium passes through the first winning area;
determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means;
a special game execution means for executing the special game when the determination means determines to execute the special game;
a holding means capable of holding the judgment right up to a predetermined number;
Prior determination means for performing a preliminary determination as to whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right reserved by the reservation means;
A production control means for controlling the execution of production,
The production control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expectation effect that makes the player expect that the special game will be executed,
It is characterized in that the expected effect is sometimes executed when the game medium passes through the second winning area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute the expected effect that makes the player expect that the special game will be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and the expected effect is the second winning area different from the first winning area. Sometimes it is triggered by the game medium passing through the area. Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel unexpectedness, and obtain a high performance effect.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1,
The production control means is
When the game medium passes the second winning area outside the specified period, the expected effect can be executed, and when the game medium passes the second winning area within the specified period, the expected effect It is characterized by restricting the execution of

According to this configuration, by setting the specific period to an appropriate period, the execution of the expected performance reduces the interest of other performances, or the timing at which the expected performance should not be executed. It is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of a problem such as execution of the expected performance at .

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or Reference Invention 2-2,
When the game medium passes through the first prize area, the game medium is paid out and the determination is made, while when the game medium passes through the second prize area, the game medium is paid out, but the determination is not made. It is characterized by

According to this configuration, when the game media pass through the second winning area, while the game media are paid out, the expected effect may be executed although the determination is not performed. Therefore, the second winning area can have a meaning other than the payout of the game media, and it is possible to execute a highly entertaining presentation utilizing the second winning area.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4 is
a game board forming a game area in which game media flow down;
a predetermined winning area provided in the game area through which game media can pass;
Acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when a game medium passes through the winning area;
determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means;
a special game execution means for executing the special game when the determination means determines to execute the special game;
a holding means capable of holding the judgment right up to a predetermined number;
Prior determination means for performing a preliminary determination as to whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right reserved by the reservation means;
A production control means for controlling the execution of production,
The production control means is
Based on the result of the preliminary determination, it is possible to execute an expectation effect that makes the player expect that the special game will be executed,
When the preliminary determination is made in response to the passage of the one game medium through the winning area, the expected effect based on the result of the preliminary determination is performed when the one game medium has passed through the winning area. It is characterized in that it may be executed later when another game medium passes through the winning area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to execute an expected effect that makes the player expect that the special game will be executed based on the result of the preliminary determination, and the expected effect is the one game that triggered the preliminary determination. There are times when it is triggered not by the passage of the medium but by the passage of another game medium. Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel unexpected while providing the player with an opportunity to make a decision, and also to increase the variations related to the execution timing of the expected performance, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a high performance effect. .

Incidentally, the inventions of Reference Inventions 1 and 2 may be combined.

1 game machine (pachinko game machine), 2 game board, 3 game area, 3L left game area, 3R right game area, 7 image display device, 12 warp part, 21 first start opening, 22 second start opening, 23 opening and closing Member, 24 general winning opening, 25 gate, 26 first big winning opening, 28 second big winning opening, 38 speaker, 39 peripheral lamp, 41 first special symbol display, 42 second special symbol display, 44 first Special figure reservation indicator, 45 Second special figure reservation indicator, 70 Display screen, 71 Reserved icon display area, 72 Icon display area, 80 Main control board, 81 Main CPU, 90 Sub control board, 91 Sub CPU, 100 Image sound control board, 101 image sound control CPU, 211 first starting opening sensor, 221 second starting opening sensor, 241 general winning opening sensor.

Claims (1)

a game board forming a game area in which game media flow down;
a first winning area provided in the game area and through which game media can pass;
a second winning area provided in the game area, through which a game medium can pass, and different from the first winning area;
Acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information when a game medium passes through the first winning area;
determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the acquired information acquired by the acquisition means;
a pattern display control means for causing a predetermined pattern display means to variably display a pattern when the determination is made, and then stop-displaying a pattern indicating the result of the determination;
a special game executing means for executing the special game when a symbol indicating that the special game is determined to be executed by the determining means is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means;
a holding means capable of holding the judgment right up to a predetermined number;
Prior determination means for performing a preliminary determination as to whether or not to execute the special game before the determination is made for the right reserved by the reservation means;
A production control means for controlling the execution of production,
The production control means is
Based on the result of the determination, during the execution of the first variation, which is the variation display of the symbols performed according to the determination, a winning notification effect for notifying that the special game will be performed can be executed,
Displaying a suspension suggestion image suggesting that the judgment right corresponding to the first variation is suspended before the start of the first variation, and a variation suggestion suggesting that the first variation is being executed. an image can be displayed during the execution of the first variation;
The player expects that the first change effect of changing the suspension suggestion image and the hit notification effect are executed based on the result of the prior determination of the right of determination corresponding to the first variation. and a second change effect for changing the variation suggestive image,
The expected performance includes a first expected performance, a second expected performance, and a third expected performance,
The production control means is
Triggered by the passage of the game medium through the second winning area, the first expected effect different from the first change effect is executed,
In the variation display of the symbols performed before the first variation, the second expected performance different from the first expected performance is executed in the second variation performed after the start of the first expected performance. ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the third expected effect different from the second changed effect is executed in the first variation.

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