JP7296088B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine provided with operating means that can be operated by a player.

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 a special game advantageous to the player is to be executed, and after the special symbols are variably displayed, the result of the determination is displayed as a special game. The pattern is stopped and displayed. Among this type of gaming machines, there are those that execute a notification effect that urges the player to operate the effect button during the effective period, and execute a predetermined effect that notifies a big win after the effective period ends ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-14593 A

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

The present invention employs the following configurations in order to solve the above problems.
A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises operation means that can be operated by a player, determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game that is advantageous to the player, and control of an effect based on the determination result of the determination means. wherein the effect control means is capable of executing a predetermined operation-corresponding effect in response to the operation of the operating means during an effective period during which the operation of the operating means is valid, and the effective period has a first effective period, a second effective period, and a third effective period, and the effect control means, when the first effective period is started, starts the first effective period. Before the second valid period starts , an explanation effect explaining how to operate the operating means during the first valid period is executed, and when the second valid period starts, before the second valid period starts , a suggestion effect different from the explanation effect that suggests the arrival of the second valid period is executed, and if the third valid period starts, before the third valid period starts, Neither the explanation effect nor the suggestion effect is executed .

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 the game state of the game machine 1 Explanatory diagram exemplifying the flow of production accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state Screen diagram showing a specific example of special effects Screen diagram showing a specific example of special effects Time chart illustrating production control related to button production in special production Screen diagram showing a specific example of the first SP reach and SPSP reach Time chart illustrating production control related to button production in the first SP reach Time chart illustrating production control related to button production in SPSP reach Screen diagram showing a specific example of the second SP reach Explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of production accompanying the variable display of the second special symbol in the probability variable gaming state Screen diagram showing a specific example of the first strong reach Time chart illustrating production control related to button production in the first strong reach Screen diagram showing a specific example of the second strong reach A time chart illustrating the production control related to the button production in the second strong reach 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 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 button effect pattern setting process in step S165 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of operation acceptance processing in step S40 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. 4 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed in lamp control board 120;

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

[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.

Further, 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 grips the shooting handle 32 and rotates it clockwise, the game balls stored in the upper tray 33 are guided to the shooting device and shot with the shooting intensity according to the rotation angle of the shooting handle 32.例文帳に追加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 shooting 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 start port 21, a second start port 22, an opening/closing member 23, and three general prize winning ports 24 are provided on 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. 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 part 12 from the warp entrance, and this game ball is discharged from the warp exit and guided to the stage part 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 is a starting area that is always open. 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 jackpot symbols are stopped and displayed, a jackpot game is executed to open the first jackpot 26 or the second jackpot 28 .

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 prize opening 26 and the second big prize opening 28 is used, so in practice, these big prize openings are opened at the same time as shown in FIG. never Further, which one 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.

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, the prize ball is not 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 is always open like the first start opening 21, and is a winning opening from which a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by winning of game balls. However, unlike the first starting hole 21 and the like, even if a game ball wins the general winning hole 24, no determination is made.

[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, 0.6 (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 in a variable manner, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.6 (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, by alternately lighting the two LEDs, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, 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 symbol 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 pending display 46 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "q to r", and displays the number of normal pattern determination pending 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 a predetermined light when, for example, the image display device 7 or the speaker 38 is used to execute a notice effect with relatively high reliability of the big win or when the big win is suggested. It emits light in a pattern and falls into an operating position covering most of the display screen 70 .

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 symbols are being varied and displayed. Note that the image display device 7 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another image display device such as an EL display device as long as it can display an effect image.

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 production 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 Operation 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 operating means that can be operated 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.

Further, the first effect button 35 has a built-in first effect button lamp 352 (see FIG. 4) composed of a plurality of LEDs for causing the first effect button 35 to emit light, and the second effect button 36 has a second A second effect button lamp 362 (see FIG. 4) composed of a plurality of LEDs for causing the effect button 36 to emit light is incorporated. In the gaming machine 1, in order to prompt the player to operate the first effect button 35 during the valid period during which the operation of the first effect button 35 is valid, the first effect button lamp 352 is set to any one of a plurality of light emitting colors. luminous color. Further, the first effect button 35 has a built-in vibration motor 353 constituted by an eccentric motor for vibrating the first effect button 35, and in the game machine 1, the effect pattern for notifying the big win is displayed on the display screen 70. A big win is notified by vibrating the first effect button 35 accompanying the display. Further, in the gaming machine 1, in order to prompt the player to operate the second effect button 36 during the valid period during which the operation of the second effect button 36 is valid, the second effect button lamp 362 is selected from among a plurality of light emitting colors. It emits light in one of the emission colors.

Note that the configuration of the operating means is not limited to that illustrated in this embodiment, and may be other. That is, for example, in the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is described as having two operation means, but the number of operation means may be one or three or more. In addition to the push buttons, a touch panel capable of detecting a player's touch operation, for example, an optical sensor capable of detecting a player's hand held over the display screen 70, can be moved back and forth and left and right to designate a position and direction. Other input means such as a joystick that can be held by the player 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 included 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 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 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 and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80 . The second big winning hole sensor 281 detects that a game ball has entered the second big winning hole 28 and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80 . The general winning hole sensor 241 detects that a game ball has entered 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 types of jackpots, "4R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in a probability variable game state after executing a jackpot game including four long open round games, and a jackpot game including six long open round games. "6R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variable gaming state after executing , "8R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variable gaming state after executing the jackpot game including 8 long open round games, 10 An example is "10R probability variable jackpot" in which the game is controlled in a probability variable game state after executing a jackpot game including a long open round game.

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 or not it matches with a predetermined random number (random number corresponding to the presence of reach) (which is compared with the random number of reach), it is determined whether to perform the presentation with reach or the presentation without reach. 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.

Further, 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 has a sub-CPU 91 , a sub-ROM 92 , a sub-RAM 93 and an 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).

In the sub-control board 90, when the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 1) is operated (pressed down), the operation information (operation signal) indicating that fact is output to the sub-control board 90 First effect button detection A switch 351 is connected. For example, the operation member of the first effect button 35 that is pressed by the player is provided with a light shielding piece, and the first effect button detection switch 351 is arranged at the operation position where the operation member is pressed down. It is composed of a photointerrupter that detects the light shielding piece and outputs the detection signal (operation signal) to the sub-control board 90 . The sub CPU 91 can specify that the first effect button 35 has been "single-pressed" based on the fact that the operation signal from the first effect button detection switch 351 is input once during the effective period. In addition, the sub CPU 91 can specify that the first effect button 35 has been "continuously hit" based on intermittent input of the operation signal from the first effect button detection switch 351 multiple times during the valid period. is. Further, from the first effect button detection switch 351, when the operating member of the first effect button 35 that has been operated (depressed) returns from the operating position to the initial position, operation information (return signal) indicating that effect is sent. It is output to the sub-control board 90 . Therefore, the sub CPU 91 detects that the return signal has not been input even after a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the operation signal was input from the first effect button detection switch 351. It is possible to specify that the 1 effect button 35 is "long pressed".

Also, on the sub-control board 90, when the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 1) is operated, a second effect button detection switch for outputting operation information (operation signal) indicating that effect to the sub-control board 90 361 is connected. The operation member of the second effect button 36 pushed forward by the player is provided with a light shielding piece, and the second effect button detection switch 361 blocks the light when the operation member is placed in the pushed operation position. It is composed of a photointerrupter that detects a piece and outputs the detection signal (operation signal) 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 effect data necessary for executing a variable effect associated with the variable display of special symbols, an effect 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. Also, the VDP 104 generates RGB signals as video signals representing 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. The frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, the effect display 125, the effect first special figure reservation display 126, the effect second special A figure holding display 127, a first effect button lamp 352, a second effect button lamp 362, and a vibration motor 353 are connected. The lamp ROM 122 stores programs executed by the lamp CPU 121, light emission pattern data, operation pattern data, vibration 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 vibration pattern data is data indicating the vibration pattern of the first effect button 35 vibrated by the driving force of the vibration motor 353 .

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. 14, the light emission of the first effect button lamp 352 and the second effect button lamp 362 is controlled. 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 reads vibration pattern data corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 90 from among the vibration pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123 and controls the driving of the vibration motor 353 .

Further, the lamp CPU 121 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, the lamp CPU121, based on the command from the sub-control board 90, displays the number of reservations related to the first special symbol determination by the production first special figure reservation display 126, 2 Control the display of the number of reservations related to special symbol determination.

[About game status]
Next, the game state and game flow of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the game state of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gaming machine 1, in the present embodiment, is in one of three gaming states of "normal gaming state", "probability variable gaming state", and "time-saving gaming state". is controlled.

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 determines that the big winning game is executed is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/200). 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 of being determined to execute a big hit game by special symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 1/80). 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).

The "time-saving gaming state" is a gaming state in which special symbol determination is performed in the low-probability state and the support function is provided. That is, in the time-saving gaming state, the probability of being determined to execute a big hit game by special symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/200). 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).

Comparing these game states with respect to the fluctuation time of special symbols, the fluctuation time of special symbols in "probability variable gaming state" and "time-saving gaming state" is relative compared to the fluctuation time of special symbols in "normal gaming state" It is likely to be set to a relatively short time. 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 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 to the 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 extremely 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 start 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 opening round game is performed a predetermined number of times according to the jackpot pattern, and after the jackpot game is finished, a variable game state or a short-time game state is established. will control the game.

In addition, as the jackpot pattern for notifying that the determination result of the special pattern determination is a jackpot, there are prepared a ``probable variable pattern'' for notifying the probability variable jackpot and a ``normal pattern'' for notifying the normal jackpot. Then, when the "probability variation pattern" is stop-displayed as a jackpot symbol for notifying that the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal game state is a jackpot, the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game ends, When the "normal symbol" is stopped and displayed, the game is controlled in the normal game state after the jackpot game ends (see FIG. 5).

In addition, when the game state shifts to the probability variable game state or the time-saving game state triggered by the end of the jackpot game, that is, when the low base state shifts to the high base state, it is easy to win the game ball to the second start port 22. With the above-mentioned support function, the second starting port 22 makes it easier for the game ball to win than the first starting port 21.例文帳に追加Therefore, when the game is controlled in the high base state (in this embodiment, the "probability variable game state" or the "time reduction game state" corresponds to this), the player hits rightward aiming at the second start port 22 The game will be played by Therefore, when the game is controlled in the variable probability game state or the time reduction game state, basically, the second special symbol determination is performed.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the probability variation gaming state continues substantially until the next big hit, and in this probability variation gaming state, the "probability variation pattern" is stopped and displayed as the second special symbol. In that case, the game is controlled again in the variable probability game state after the end of the big hit game. On the other hand, when the "normal symbol" is stop-displayed as the second special symbol in the variable probability game state, the game is controlled in the time-saving game state after the jackpot game ends.

Further, when the "probability variation pattern" is stopped and displayed as the second special symbol in the time-saving gaming state, the game is controlled in the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot game ends, and when the "normal symbol" is stop-displayed. After the jackpot game ends, the game is controlled again in the time-saving game state. On the other hand, when the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) is performed a specified number of times (100 times in this embodiment) in the time saving game state, if the big hit does not occur, the game state is the time saving. The game state is returned to the normal game state.

[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 (scrolled) so as to scroll from top to bottom (see, for example, FIG. 7(B)). . 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 at the same time pseudo-stop so as not to stop completely (see, for example, FIGS. 7(C)-(D)). FIG. 2 illustrates 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 production, for example, the middle pattern row is scrolled while the ready-to-win patterns (left and right patterns) are pseudo-stopped. This is an effect in which the medium 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") to notify the loss are pseudo-stopped. 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 pseudo-stopped in order to notify the failure, and the losing 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, 0.6 seconds). is stopped and displayed, the first special symbol determination is performed, and the next variable display of the first special symbol is immediately started.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big win", 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 win. 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 SPSP reach (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, is being performed, the display area used for the ready-to-win effect is limited. In addition, the display of the pending icon may 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 objects and pending icons that constitute the pending icon display area 71 during the normal reach and the first SP reach, the reach production is performed from the normal reach and the first SP reach to the SPSP reach. As it develops, the display objects and pending icons that make up the pending icon display area 71 are erased from the display screen 70, and after the SPSP reach ends, the display objects and pending icons that make up the pending icon display area 71 are displayed again. (See FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the same configuration is adopted for the second SP reach (see FIG. 6), which has higher jackpot reliability than the first SP reach (see FIG. 13).

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 response to 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 win" 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%.

In addition, here, while the suspended icon is displayed in the suspended icon display area 71, the icon change effect in which the display color is changed only once 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, pending icons or icons whose display color is a color other than white may be called "special icons" to distinguish them from normal pending icons or icons whose display color is white.

[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).

Further, 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 any LED You may make it change the display mode of pending|holding information by changing.

[Production accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13, the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state will be described. Here, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the flow of effects associated with the variable display of the first special symbols in the normal game state. 7 and 8 are screen diagrams showing specific examples of special effects. FIG. 9 is a time chart exemplifying the effect control related to the button effect in the special effect. FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing a specific example of the first SP reach and the SPSP reach. FIG. 11 is a time chart illustrating the effect control related to the button effect in the first SP reach. FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating the effect control related to the button effect in SPSP reach. FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing a specific example of the second SP reach.

In FIG. 7(A), there is an effect symbol showing a loose pattern of "526" in order to notify that the determination result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon in the icon display area 72 is "lost". A state of this stop is exemplified. On the other hand, when the first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 is executed, the first special symbol is variably displayed and the first special symbol determination is determined. A first special symbol in a mode indicating the result is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, on the display screen 70, as the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the earliest pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 (here, for example, a green pending icon) to the icon display area 72, and the high-speed scroll display of the three symbol rows in the effect symbol display area 73 is started (Fig. 6(A), Figs. 7(A)-(B) reference).

Here, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing", for example, the left symbol and the right symbol, which are different from each other, are pseudo-stopped on the effective line, and reach is not established (see FIG. 6 (B)). ), in this non-reach mode, a non-reach performance may be performed in which only the middle symbol row is scrolled. 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 are accompanied by stop-display of the losing symbols as the first special 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, Predetermined left patterns are pseudo-stopped on the effective line of the performance pattern display area 73, and then a pre-reach performance is performed in which the right pattern, which is the same performance pattern as the left pattern, is shifted onto the effective line. Then, when the same left symbol and right symbol stop on the activated line in a simulated manner, reach is established (see FIG. 6(D)). In addition, in FIGS. 7(C) to 7(D), after the scroll display of the three symbol rows is started, the three left symbols are simulated to stop, and the same three symbols are simulated to stop as the right symbols, thereby increasing reach. An example of how it works is shown. When ready-to-win is established in this manner, a predetermined ready-to-win effect is performed to make the player expect that the medium pattern, which is the same effect pattern as the ready-to-win pattern (left pattern and right pattern), stops on the effective line and the patterns are aligned. done.

In this embodiment, there are four types of ready-to-reach effects, normal reach, first SP reach, SPSP reach, and second SP reach, as illustrated in FIG. are provided.

Normal reach (see FIGS. 6(E) and 7(E)) is a reach effect with relatively low jackpot reliability (for example, jackpot reliability: about 2%). While ready-to-win is established and normal ready-to-win is being performed, the scroll speed of the middle row of symbols, which has been scrolled at high speed between two ready-to-win symbols (left and right symbols), gradually decreases. .

Here, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "losing", for example, when a variation pattern with a variation time of 20 seconds is selected at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol, the ready-to-win symbol is By pseudo-stopping different middle symbols on the effective line, the production pattern of the reach-losing eye (for example, "343") is displayed (see FIG. 7 (F)), and these production patterns are stopped as they are. 6(C)) is performed.

On the other hand, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", for example, when a variation pattern with a variation time of 30 seconds is selected at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol, the same medium as the reach symbol By quasi-stopping the symbols on the effective line, the performance symbols of double eyes (for example, "333") are displayed, and the hit notification performance (see FIG. 6(F)) is performed by permanently stopping these performance symbols as they are.

<Special production>
Further, for example, as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, a variation pattern in which a variation performance pattern that develops from a normal reach to a special performance is selected in the sub-control board 90 is selected at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol. If so, the following effects will occur. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7(F), after the middle symbols different from the left and right symbols are pseudo-stopped, the middle row of symbols is restarted, and the middle row of symbols is scrolled at high speed. It is resumed (see FIG. 7(G)). Then, at the end of the normal reach, when the scroll speed of the middle pattern row slows down, a special pattern (including the characters "Continuous hit challenge") that suggests the development from the normal reach to a special effect will appear as a middle pattern. A pseudo stop may occur (see FIG. 7(H)). As a result, as a special effect, a win-lose indication first effect button repeated hit effect (see FIG. 6 (G)) that performs a win-lose effect in response to repeated hits (or long presses) of the first effect button 35 during the first effective period. ) is performed.

In this win/lose indication first effect button repeated hitting effect, as illustrated in FIGS. The effect image forming the icon display area 72, the pending icon, and the effect image forming the pending icon display area 71 are hidden. Also, from the state in which the left 3 symbols, the middle special symbol, and the right 3 symbols are pseudo-stopped, the variable display mode of the performance symbols is changed so that the scroll display of the 3 symbol rows is performed small in the upper right part of the display screen. . Then, the display screen 70 displays an explanation effect image composed of the title "Continuous hit challenge" and the message "Press the button repeatedly to make the winning ball shine!" An effect sound is output from the speaker 38, and an explanation effect is performed to explain the win-lose indication first effect button repeated hitting effect (see FIG. 7(I) and FIG. 9).

When this explanation effect is performed, the first effective period, which is the effective period of the first effect button 35 in the success-or-lose suggestive first effect button repeated hit effect of the special effect, is started. When the first valid period starts, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, the display screen 70 displays a winning ball image suggesting winning and losing, and a first effect simulating the first effect button 35. A 1st effect button image, repeated hit characters of "continuous hit" prompting the player to repeatedly hit the first effect button 35, and an effective period gauge indicating the remaining time of the first effective period are displayed. Accompanying this, the speaker 38 outputs the sound "Continuous hits!" as the repeated hitting prompting sound for prompting the player to repeatedly hit the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 9). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, during the first validity period, the first effect button lamp 352 emits light in white, for example, in order to imply that the operation of the first effect button 35 is valid.

During the first valid period, the display of the valid period gauge is updated so as to show how the remaining time of the first valid period decreases with the passage of time (for example, FIG. 8 (A) to ( D)). In addition, at the beginning of the first valid period, a white circular victory ball image is displayed without the character "victory" (see FIG. 8(A)). On the other hand, if the player repeatedly hits the first effect button 35 during the first effective period, the lower end of the winning ball image changes from white to red, as illustrated in FIGS. , and a winning ball change effect is performed showing how the red area spreads to the upper end (see FIG. 9B). Further, when the first effect button 35 is hit repeatedly during the first valid period, the repeated hit effect sound indicating that the first effect button 35 is hit repeatedly is output from the speaker 38 following the repeated hit promotion sound. be done. The repeated hitting effect sound is produced during the period from when the repeated hitting of the first effect button 35 is started until the repeated hitting ends before the end of the first effective period, or after the repeated hitting of the first effect button 35 is started. It is continuously output during the period until the period ends.

It should be noted that if the player repeatedly hits the first effect button 35 during the first effective period, regardless of whether the determination result of the first special symbol determination is a "jackpot" or not, the winning ball Output of change production and continuous hitting effect sound is performed. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first effect button 35 is long-pressed during the valid period (here, during the first valid period) to prompt the player to repeatedly hit, the first effect button 35 It is configured such that an effect common to the case of repeated hits is performed. Therefore, even when the player presses the first effect button 35 for a long time during the first effective period, the winning ball changing effect and the repeated hitting effect sound are output.

Here, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol this time is "jackpot", the first production button 35 is repeatedly hit (or long pressed) during the first valid period ), finally, the characters “Victory” appear inside the winning ball image, and the entire area of the winning ball image changes to red (see FIG. 8(E)). The first effective period ends earlier than when the first effect button 35 is not operated (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). In this way, when the first valid period expires and the winning ball image changes to a display mode suggesting a big win, that is, when the winning ball image in a display mode suggesting a big win is successfully displayed, the big win is announced. A hit notification effect is performed to stop the production pattern (for example, "333") in the production pattern display area 73, and then to stop it (see FIG. 6 (F) and FIGS. 8 (F) to (G). ).

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first effective period ends and the winning ball image in the display mode suggesting a big win is displayed, as exemplified in FIG. During the period in which the performance pattern is pseudo-stopped, a winning notification sound is output from the speaker 38 to excite the appearance of the pseudo-stop of the double-th production pattern, and the first performance button lamp which emits white light during the first effective period. 352 emits light in rainbow colors, the vibration motor 353 drives, and the first production button 35 vibrates. Although not shown in the figure, the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 37 also emit rainbow colors.

On the other hand, even if the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol this time is "jackpot", the first effect button 35 is repeatedly hit (or long-pressed) during the first valid period. ), a white circular winning ball image is displayed, but the winning ball change effect for changing the display mode of the winning ball image is not performed (see FIGS. 8A and 8H). However, in the present embodiment, the special effect after the normal reach is configured as a effect that suggests whether or not the winning ball image is displayed in the final state, depending on whether or not the display state of the winning ball image is the final state. Even if the first effect button 35 is not operated, when the first effective period expires, a red winning ball image with the characters "victory" highlighted is displayed (see FIG. 8(I)).

Then, after the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "jackpot" and the first effective period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated, the first effect button is displayed during the first effective period. An effect common to the case where 35 is operated is performed (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).

In addition, although not shown in the figure, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "losing", it is assumed that the first effect button 35 is repeatedly hit (or long pressed) during the first valid period. Also, a winning ball change effect is performed in which only a part of the winning ball image is red, and if the winning ball image in the display mode suggesting a big win fails to be displayed in this way, the first effective period ends. After that, a loss notification effect is performed in which the reach-losing eye (for example, "343") is pseudo-stopped in the effect symbol display area 73 and then the actual stop is performed (see FIG. 6(H)).

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a big win is notified by a special effect, the first effect button 35 is hit repeatedly during the first effective period with respect to the suggestive effect suggesting that the big win game will be executed. Different suggestion effects are performed depending on whether the first effect button 35 is pressed (or pressed long) and when the first effect button 35 is not operated during the first effective period. That is, if the first effect button 35 is not operated during the first valid period, the above-mentioned suggestive effect (here, a red An effect of displaying a winning ball image: see FIG. 8(I)) is performed. On the other hand, if the first effect button 35 is repeatedly hit (or long-pressed) during the first valid period, the period during which the first effect button 35 is continuously operated during the first valid period (repeat or the period during which the long press is accepted) and the period after the end of the first valid period, the winning ball change effect (see FIGS. 8B to 8D) and the winning character are displayed. An effect of displaying a winning ball image that has emerged entirely in red: see FIG. 8(E)) is performed.

The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the above-described configuration related to the special effect at the time of the big win, so that the first effect button 35 is continuously operated by the player who wants to know as soon as possible whether or not the big win has occurred. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the interest of the performance using the first performance button 35 due to the fact that the first performance button 35 is not operated during the first effective period, It is possible to perform an effective effect using the first effect button 35 .

(Modified example of special effects)
In order to more effectively encourage the player to actively operate the first effect button 35 during the first effective period, the following configuration may be employed. For example, in the scene where the effect display of FIG. 7 (H) is performed, if the reliability of the big win is relatively low, the white special symbol is pseudo-stopped, and if the reliability of the big win is relatively high, A configuration may be adopted in which the red special symbol is stopped in a simulated manner.

Further, for example, in the scene where the explanatory effect of FIG. 7 (I) is performed, if the reliability of the big win is relatively low, the title of "Consecutive hit challenge" and "Hit the button repeatedly to make the winning ball shine! ” are displayed in white, while if the reliability of the jackpot is relatively high, both or either of these titles and messages are displayed in red. good.

Further, for example, when the jackpot reliability is relatively low, as illustrated in the present embodiment, the first effect button lamp 352 is caused to emit white light during the first valid period, while the jackpot reliability is relatively low. If it is high, a configuration may be adopted in which the first effect button lamp 352 is caused to emit light in red during the first effective period. Further, for example, only when the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the first effect button lamp 352 is displayed in rainbow color even during the first valid period. You may employ|adopt the structure which light-emits by.

Further, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the vibration motor 353 is driven even during the first valid period, and the first A configuration in which the effect button 35 is vibrated or a configuration in which the first effect button 35 is vibrated before the start of the first valid period may be employed.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "jackpot", the first effect button 35 is not operated during the first valid period, and the first effect button 35 is operated, a common suggestive effect (a effect of displaying a victory ball image whose entirety is red with the word "victory" highlighted: see FIGS. 8(I) and (E)). In other embodiments, these suggestive effects may differ from each other. For example, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "jackpot", if the first production button 35 is not operated during the first valid period, the first effect will be displayed after the first valid period ends. is executed, and when the first effect button 35 is operated during the first effective period, a second suggestive effect different from the first suggestive effect is produced after the end of the first effective period. An example is a configuration that executes.

<1st SP reach>
On the other hand, for example, as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, there is a variation pattern in which the sub-control board 90 selects a variation performance pattern that develops from the normal reach to the first SP reach and informs the winner at the first SP reach. If it is selected at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the following effects are performed. That is, in a state where normal reach is performed as illustrated in FIG. 7(E), the scroll speed of the middle pattern row gradually decreases at the end of this normal reach. Then, when the same medium pattern as the ready-to-win pattern (three patterns in this case) passes over the active line, the high-speed scrolling display of the middle row of patterns is resumed, developing into the first SP reach (Fig. 10 (A) to ( B)). In addition, when the game progresses to the first SP reach, an effect dedicated to the first SP reach is performed in the central area of the display screen 70 . For this reason, when developing into the first SP reach, for example, in the area in the upper right corner of the display screen 70, in the state where the reach is established, the middle row of symbols is displayed so that the variable display of the performance symbols does not hinder the first SP reach. A small pattern display of the effect pattern to be scrolled is performed (see FIG. 10(B)).

In this way, when the game progresses to the first SP reach, first, a title indicating the content of the first SP reach is displayed (see FIG. 10(B)). This 1st SP reach includes the 1st SP reach where your character battles with the enemy character "X Alien", the 1st SP reach where your character battles with the enemy character "Y Alien", and your character's enemy character "Z Alien". There are three types of 1st SP reach to battle with, and FIG. 10B shows an example of a title display suggesting that it will develop into the first 1st SP reach. . In addition, the title display of each first SP reach in the present embodiment includes a white title display in which the title is displayed in white and a red title display in which the title is displayed in red, and the red title display is the white title display. It has the characteristic of being more reliable than the jackpot. That is, there is a feature that a big win is more likely to be announced when a red title is displayed than when a white title is displayed.

Next, in the middle of the first SP reach, for example, an effect image showing how your character battles the enemy character "X Alien" is displayed in the central area of the display screen 70, and the lines spoken by your character are also displayed. It is displayed in the lower area of the screen 70 (see FIG. 10(C)). In addition, in the dialogue display of each first SP reach in this embodiment, there is a white dialogue display in which the dialogue emitted by the player's character is displayed in white, and a red dialogue display in which the dialogue emitted by the player's character is displayed in red. The serif display has a feature that the reliability of the big hit is higher than the white serif display. That is, there is a feature that a big win is more likely to be notified when the red serif is displayed than when the white serif is displayed.

Also, although not shown in the figure, at the end of the first SP reach, there is a case where an effect called "cut-in" is performed in which a predetermined effect image is superimposed on the first SP reach effect image. The cut-in in this embodiment includes a blue cut-in superimposed with a blue effect image showing how your character utters the first decided line, and a red cut-in showing how your character utters the second decided line. If there is a red cut-in that superimposes the effect image, and the cut-in is not performed, the reliability of the jackpot increases in the order of the blue cut-in, and the red cut-in. To go.

In this way, in the first SP reach, the red title is displayed at the beginning of the reach, the red dialogue is displayed in the middle of the reach, and the red cut-in (or blue cut-in) is displayed at the end of the reach. ” is prepared. Therefore, the player can enjoy the first SP reach while anticipating the occurrence of these chance ups.

When this 1st SP reach progresses to the final stage, a win-lose notification effect is performed in which the 1st SP reach effect is performed to simulate a double roll or a reach loss, and then a real stop (see FIGS. 6(I) and (K)). That is, a winning notification effect or a losing notification effect is performed. It should be noted that this first SP ready-to-win effect is more likely to lead to a big hit than the case where each chance-up effect does not occur, but basically it is a ready-to-win effect with a relatively low reliability of big win, Loss notification effect is more likely to be executed than win notification effect.

On the other hand, in this 1st SP reach production, a strong CU 1st production button single-press production (see FIG. 6 (J)) is prepared, which is a strong chance up that greatly improves the reliability of the 1st SP reach jackpot. ing. This strong CU first effect button single-press effect occurs, for example, at the end of the first SP reach where your character battles the enemy character "X Alien" or the first SP reach where your character battles the enemy character "Y Alien". When the player is urged to single-press the first effect button 35 during the second effective period, and the first effect button 35 is single-pressed within the second effective period, immediately after that, as the operation corresponding effect, double or It is configured as an effect in which the reach-losing number is largely displayed in the central portion of the display screen 70 (see FIGS. 10(D) to (F)).

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 7(I), FIG. An explanation will be given. On the other hand, when the strong CU first effect button single-press effect that constitutes the first SP reach is performed, an explanation effect explaining the strong CU first effect button single-press effect is performed prior to the second valid period. not split (see FIG. 11). And, in this embodiment, the reliability of the big hit when this strong CU first effect button single-press effect occurs is set to about 60%. Therefore, it is possible to make the player who expects the occurrence of the red cut-in at the end of the first SP reach and who did not anticipate the occurrence of the strong CU first effect button single-press effect feel unexpected. , As a result, it is possible to provide a strong motivation for single-pressing the first effect button 35 during the second effective period.

When this strong CU first effect button single-press effect is performed, at the end of the first SP reach, the cut-in does not occur, and it is the effective period of the first effect button 35 in the strong CU first effect button single-press effect. A second validity period begins. When the second valid period starts, as illustrated in FIGS. 10D and 11, the display screen 70 displays a first effect button image imitating the first effect button 35 and a first effect button image. A single-press character "Press!" prompting the player to single-press the button 35 and a validity period gauge indicating the remaining time of the second validity period are displayed. Along with this, the speaker 38 outputs a single-press prompting sound, which is an effect sound that prompts the single-pressing of the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 11). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, during the second effective period, the first effect button lamp 352 emits light in white, for example, in order to imply that the operation of the first effect button 35 is valid.

During the second valid period, the display of the valid period gauge is updated so that the remaining time of the second valid period decreases as time passes (see, for example, FIG. 10(D)). . Here, the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed when the variable display of the first special symbol this time is started is a big win, and the first effect button 35 was not operated during the second valid period. In this case, at the timing when the second valid period set in advance ends, a pop-out effect display is performed in which the effect pattern of the double roll appears to jump out from the back of the display screen 70, and the effect pattern of the double roll is permanently stopped. A pseudo-stop display is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds) (see FIGS. 10(E) to 10(F)). During the period from when the pop-out performance display is performed until the pseudo-stop display of double-three performance symbols is completed, a predetermined win notification sound for reporting a big win is output from the speaker 38 and emits white light. The first production button lamp 352 emits light in rainbow colors, and the vibration motor 353 drives to vibrate the first production button 35 (see FIG. 11A).

On the other hand, if the first effect button 35 is operated even once during the second valid period, the second valid period ends at the operation timing. That is, as is clear from the comparison of FIGS. 11A and 11B, when the first effect button 35 is operated, the second valid period expires earlier than when the first effect button 35 is not operated. will end. In this case, similar to the case where the first effect button 35 is not operated during the second valid period, the effect display illustrated in FIGS. The pop-out effect display and the pseudo-stop display are started at an earlier timing than when the first effect button 35 is not operated (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). Thus, the timing of starting the output of the winning notification sound, the rainbow color emission of the first effect button lamp 352, and the driving of the vibration motor 353, illustrated in FIG. longer time to continue.

In addition, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "losing", the timing when the second valid period ends without the first production button 35 being operated, or the second valid period during the second valid period At the timing when the 1 performance button 35 is operated, a pop-out performance display is performed in which the ready-to-win losing performance pattern appears to pop out from the back of the display screen 70, and the ready-to-win losing performance pattern is displayed in a pseudo-stop manner for a predetermined time. .

In this way, when the strong CU first effect button single-press effect (see FIG. 6 (J)) occurs after developing into the first SP reach, the second effective period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated. or at the timing when the first effect button 35 is operated during the second effective period, the win/lose notification effect (win notification effect or loss notification effect) of FIG. 6(K) is performed.

As is clear from the description so far, in the strong CU first effect button single-press effect, if the first effect button 35 is operated during the second valid period, the first effect button 35 is not operated. A winning notification effect (or a losing notification effect) is performed at an earlier timing than when the second valid period ends. For this reason, it is possible to give a strong motivation for operating the first effect button 35 to the player who desires to know the determination result of the first special symbol determination as soon as possible, and during the second effective period. It is possible to effectively suppress the fact that the original effect of the strong CU first effect button single-press effect cannot be obtained because the first effect button 35 is not operated immediately.

(Modified example of 1st SP reach)
In addition, regarding the first SP reach, the following configuration may be adopted.
That is, in the present embodiment, among the three types of first SP reach, the first SP reach in which your character battles the enemy character "X Alien" and the first SP reach in which your character battles the enemy character "Y Alien" are strong. CU 1st production button single press production can be executed, while the reliability of the jackpot is higher than these two types of 1st SP reach, and the 1st SP reach where your character battles the enemy character "Z Alien" is a strong CU 1st. A case in which the effect button single-press effect does not occur will be described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, even in the first SP reach where the own character battles with the enemy character "Alien Z", a configuration may be adopted in which the strong CU first effect button single-press effect can be executed. .

In addition, in the present embodiment, a case in which a strong CU first effect button single-press effect occurs instead of the cut-in at the end of the first SP reach, that is, during the period in which the cut-in occurs in the first SP reach will be described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, in the middle of the first SP reach, that is, during the period in which the dialogue is displayed in the first SP reach, simultaneously with the dialogue display or instead of the dialogue display, the strong CU first effect button alone is displayed. A configuration in which a pushing effect can occur may be adopted.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the button effect that causes the player to operate the second effect button 36 has higher reliability for big hits than the button effect that causes the player to operate the first effect button 35 . Therefore, in another embodiment, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "jackpot", the second effect button image simulating the second effect button 36 is displayed during the second effective period. Then, a configuration may be adopted in which a hit notification effect is performed in response to the operation (for example, single press) of the second effect button 36 . In this case, the player can recognize in advance that a big win will occur based on the fact that the second effect button image is displayed instead of the first effect button image. It is possible to further improve the amusement of the single-press performance of the performance button.

Further, for example, when the jackpot reliability is relatively low, as illustrated in the present embodiment, the first effect button lamp 352 is caused to emit white light during the second valid period, while the jackpot reliability is relatively low. If it is high, a configuration may be adopted in which the first effect button lamp 352 is lit in red during the second effective period. Further, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the first effect button lamp 352 is displayed in rainbow color even during the second valid period. You may employ|adopt the structure which light-emits by.

Further, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the vibration motor 353 is driven even during the second valid period, and the first A configuration in which the effect button 35 is vibrated or a configuration in which the first effect button 35 is vibrated before the start of the second effective period may be adopted.

<SPSP Reach>
Next, the case of developing from the first SP reach to the SPSP reach will be described.
For example, as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the variation pattern that develops from the normal reach to the SPSP reach through the first SP reach is selected in the sub-control board 90. The variation pattern is the variation display of the first special symbol. If it is selected at the start, the following production will be performed. That is, in the state where the first SP reach is performed as illustrated in FIG. 10(C), the first SP reach effect image is switched to the SPSP reach effect image, and the reach effect is changed from the first SP reach to the SPSP reach. develop (see FIGS. 10(C) and (G)).

This SPSP reach is a reach effect with a higher hit reliability than the first SP reach. ”, and the boss character of the enemy character “Alien Z” and the player character battle. Then, in the above-described first SP reach, the strong CU first effect button single-press effect may or may not occur. The hit/lose indication second effect button single-press effect that causes the player to operate the button 36 is always performed (see FIGS. 6(L) and (M)).

When this win-lose suggesting second effect button single-press effect is performed, when reaching the end of the SPSP reach, it precedes the third valid period which is the valid period of the second effect button 36 in the win-lose suggesting second effect button single-press effect. Then, an explanation performance regarding the hit/lose indication second performance button single-press performance is performed (see FIG. 12). As illustrated in FIG. 12, this explanation effect displays on the display screen 70 a predetermined explanation effect image explaining the win-lose indication second effect button single-press effect, and at the same time, "pray and push the lever." !” is output from the speaker 38 .

When this explanation effect is performed, the third valid period is started. When the third effective period starts, as illustrated in FIG. 10(H) and FIG. The display screen 70 displays a single-press character "Press!" to urge the player. This second effect button image is added with a valid period gauge indicating the remaining time of the third valid period. The display of the second effect button image is updated so as to represent the progress. Specifically, the second effect button image has a ring-shaped effective period gauge that extends in the circumferential direction outside the circular second effect button when viewed from the front. , the boundary between the area indicating the elapsed time from the start of the third effective period (the white area in FIG. 10(H)) and the area indicating the remaining time of the third effective period moves counterclockwise. As you go, the display of the second effect button image is updated.

When the third effective period starts, a sound "Press!" is output from the speaker 38 as a single-press prompting sound for prompting the player to single-press the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 12). Then, during the third effective period, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the second effect button lamp 362 emits light in white, for example, in order to imply that the operation of the second effect button 36 is valid.

Here, the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed when the variable display of the first special symbol this time is started is a big hit, and the second effect button 36 was not operated during the third effective period. In this case, at the timing when the preset third validity period expires, a predetermined win suggestion effect (see FIG. 6(N) and FIG. 10(I)) is performed. When the third valid period expires without the operation of the second effect button 36, the effect pattern scrolled only in the middle row in the reach state at the upper right corner of the display screen 70 remains the same as the reach pattern while the small pattern is displayed. The symbols are pseudo-stopped and the double-th production symbols are displayed, and during the period in which these performance symbols are pseudo-stopped for a predetermined time (e.g., 8 seconds), a winning suggestive performance is performed (Fig. 12 (A)). reference). Specifically, at the timing when the third valid period ends, the movable decorative member 14 falls from the initial position to the operating position (which covers most of the display screen 70), and a predetermined light emission pattern is emitted at the operating position. to emit light. Further, for example, a predetermined win suggestive image suggesting a big win is displayed in a region of the display screen 70 that is not hidden by the movable decorative member 14 arranged at the operating position, and a predetermined win suggestive sound suggesting a big win is emitted from the speaker 38. The second effect button lamp 362 that is output and emits light in white emits light in rainbow colors, and the vibration motor 353 is driven to vibrate the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 12A). A player can recognize in advance that the effect symbol of double eyes that informs a big win will be permanently stopped by the hit suggesting effect composed of these effects.

Thereafter, when a predetermined time (eight seconds in this case) elapses after the start of the pseudo-stop display of the double-th production patterns, the small-size pattern display of the double-th production patterns is canceled, and these production patterns are displayed as the production patterns. A hit notification effect (see FIG. 6(O) and FIG. 10(J)) is performed in which a pseudo stop is made in the area 73 and then a real stop is made.

On the other hand, if the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment this time is "jackpot" and the second production button 36 is operated even once during the third valid period, the third valid period ends at the operation timing. do. That is, as is clear from the comparison of FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the second effect button 36 is operated, the third valid period is expiring earlier than when the second effect button 36 is not operated. will end. In this case, the display shown in FIGS. 10(H) to 10(J) is performed in the same manner as when the second effect button 36 is not operated during the third effective period, but Zoro in the above small pattern mode is displayed. The pseudo-stop display of the eye effect pattern and the hit suggestion effect are started at an earlier timing than when the second effect button 36 is not operated (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). 12, the output of the winning-indicating sound, the rainbow-colored light emission of the second effect button lamp 362, the fall of the movable decorative member 14, and the start of the driving of the vibration motor 353 are accelerated. As a result, the time during which these effects continue becomes longer.

In addition, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "losing", the timing when the third effective period ends without the second production button 36 being operated, or the third effective period during the third effective period At the timing when the 2 production button 36 is operated, a loss-suggesting effect (Fig. 6(P), Fig. 10) of displaying a predetermined loss-suggesting image suggesting "losing" on the display screen 70 without operating the movable decorative member 14. (K)) is performed, and after that, a loss notification effect (see FIG. 6(Q) and FIG. 10(L)) is performed in which the effect image showing the ready-to-win failure is artificially stopped and then the actual stop is performed.

In this way, when the win-suggesting second effect button single-press effect (see FIG. 6(M)) occurs after developing into an SPSP reach, the third effective period ends without the second effect button 36 being operated. At the timing, or at the timing when the second effect button 36 during the third effective period is operated, the winning suggestion effect (see FIG. 6 (N)) and the win notification effect (see FIG. 6 (O)), or Loss suggestion effect (see FIG. 6(P)) and loss notification effect (see FIG. 6(Q)) are performed.

As is clear from the explanation so far, in the win-suggestion second effect button single-press effect, when the second effect button 36 is operated during the third valid period, the win-suggestion effect or the losing-suggestion effect is generated at the operation timing. is done. For this reason, the player who desires to know the determination result of the first special symbol determination prior to the win notification effect (or the loss notification effect) is strongly motivated to operate the second effect button 36. It is possible to effectively suppress the fact that the original performance effect of the winning suggestion second performance button single-press performance cannot be obtained due to the fact that the second performance button 36 is not operated during the third effective period. It is possible.

(Modified example of SPSP reach)
In addition, regarding the SPSP reach, the following configuration may be adopted.
That is, in the present embodiment, regardless of the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the case of displaying the second effect button image during the third effective period has been described. Only when the determination result of the 1 special symbol determination is "big hit", during the third valid period, the second effect button image of the special mode (for example, the second effect of the star pattern illustrated in FIG. 17 (I) button image) may be adopted. With this configuration, the player can recognize a big win before operating the second effect button 36, and, for example, the player does not want to operate the second effect button 36 because there is a possibility that a loss-suggesting effect will be performed. It is possible to give the player a stronger motivation to operate the second effect button 36, and the fact that the second effect button 36 is not operated suggests winning is the original of the second effect button single-press effect. It is possible to effectively suppress the fact that the production effect of is no longer obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the button effect of operating the second effect button 36 has a higher reliability of the big hit than the button effect of operating the first effect button 35, and the reliability of the SPSP reach itself is relatively high. Since it is expensive, when it develops into SPSP reach, a configuration is adopted in which button presentation for operating the first presentation button 35 is not performed, and button presentation for operating the second presentation button 36 is performed. On the other hand, in another embodiment, regarding the third effective period when the SPSP reach develops, if the reliability of the big hit is relatively high, a button effect to operate the second effect button 36 (suggestion of winning or losing) 2 effect button single press effect) is performed, and when the reliability of the big hit is relatively low, a button effect of operating the first effect button 35 may be performed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a case where one type of SPSP reach is described, but in other embodiments, a plurality of types of SPSP reach having mutually different effect contents and jackpot reliability may be prepared. In this case, in each SPSP reach, both the button effect of operating the first effect button 35 and the button effect of operating the second effect button 36 can be executed, and the SPSP reach with the lower reliability of the big win is the second. The second performance button 36 is pressed as the SPSP reach with higher jackpot reliability has a lower probability of generating a button performance to operate the second performance button 36 (higher probability of generating a button performance to operate the first performance button 35). It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the probability that the button effect for operating the first effect button 35 will occur is high (the probability that the button effect for operating the first effect button 35 will occur is low).

Also, in this embodiment, since the SPSP reach itself has a relatively high degree of reliability of the big win, a case will be described in which, during the SPSP reach, there is no advance notice effect such as title display, dialogue display, cut-in that can increase the chance. On the other hand, in another embodiment, as with the first SP reach, the SPSP reach may also be configured to generate a notice effect such as title display, dialogue display, and cut-in that can increase the chance.

Further, for example, when the reliability of the big hit is relatively low, as illustrated in the present embodiment, the second effect button lamp 362 is caused to emit white light during the third valid period, while the reliability of the big hit is relatively low. If it is high, a configuration may be adopted in which the second effect button lamp 362 is caused to emit red light during the third effective period. Further, for example, only when the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the second effect button lamp 362 is displayed in rainbow color even during the third valid period. You may employ|adopt the structure which light-emits by.

Also, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the configuration such as driving the vibration motor 353 during the third valid period , a configuration in which the vibration motor 353 is driven before the start of the third effective period may be employed. When the vibration motor 353 is driven, not only the first effect button 35 but also the front frame 31 around the first effect button 35 vibrate, and the player can recognize it. By adopting this, it is possible to give the player a strong motivation to operate the second effect button 36 during the third effective period.

In addition, not only when the win-lose is reported in the SPSP reach, but when the win-lose is reported in the special effect, when the win-lose is reported in the 1st SP reach, the win-lose is reported in the 2nd SP reach, which will be described later. With respect to the case of winning, the vibration motor 353 may be driven at the timing when the variable display of the first special symbol is started on the condition that the possibility of winning a big hit is relatively high. With this configuration, the player can recognize that this change is a chance for a big win, and as a result, the first effect button 35 (or the second effect button 36) can be pressed in the button effect performed in each ready-to-win effect. It is possible to give the player a strong motivation to operate.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the second effect button 36 during the third effective period with respect to the single-press effect of the SPSP reach suggestion second effect button when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit". is operated and not operated, a common hit suggestion effect (see FIG. 10 (I)) is performed, but in another embodiment, the second effect button 36 is operated It is also possible to employ a configuration in which different hit suggestion effects are performed depending on whether the operation is performed or not.

<Second SP reach>
Next, a case where reach is established and then develops into second SP reach will be described.
For example, as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, a variation pattern in which the sub-control board 90 selects a variation performance pattern that develops into the second SP reach when the reach is established is selected at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol. If so, the following effects will occur.
That is, for example, in a situation where three symbol rows are scrolled and displayed, the scroll speeds of the left symbol row and the right row symbol row decrease, and the same performance symbols as the left and right symbols are simultaneously stopped in a pseudo manner. If reach is established by doing so (see FIG. 6(D) and FIG. 13(A)), it develops into the second SP reach (see FIG. 13(B)). This second SP reach is a ready-to-win performance with a higher jackpot reliability than the first SP reach and a lower jackpot reliability than the SPSP reach.

When the game progresses to the second SP reach, an effect dedicated to the second SP reach is performed in the central area of the display screen 70 . For this reason, when developing into the second SP reach, for example, in the area of the upper right corner of the display screen 70, in the state where the reach is established, the middle row of symbols is displayed so that the variable display of the performance symbols does not hinder the second SP reach. The small pattern display of the effect pattern to be scrolled is performed (see FIG. 13(B)). Then, during the second SP reach, for example, a second SP reach effect image is displayed in the center area of the display screen 70, showing how the player's character battles the enemy character "W Alien".

This second SP reach is a reach effect that notifies a win or loss in response to the operation (single press) of the first effect button 35 (or the second effect button 36) by the player. A button effect suggesting effect suggesting that the fourth effective period prompting the player to operate the effect button 35 or the fifth effective period prompting the player to operate the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 13(C)) ) is performed. In this button effect suggesting effect, for example, a button effect suggesting effect image showing how light gathers in a swirling manner in the central portion of the display screen 70 is displayed, and a effect sound corresponding to the button effect suggesting effect image is produced. It is configured as an effect output from the speaker 38 .

Here, when the variable display of the first special symbol is started, so as to perform a win-lose suggestion first effect button single-press effect (see FIG. 6 (S)) that prompts the player to single-press the first effect button 35. If it is set, when the fourth effective period starts, as illustrated in FIG. The display screen 70 displays a single-press character "Press!" to urge the player to press and a validity period gauge indicating the remaining time of the fourth validity period. Accompanying this, although not shown in the drawing, a single-press prompting sound, which is a sound prompting the single-pressing of the first effect button 35, is output from the speaker 38, and during the fourth effective period, the first effect button 35 is activated. In order to suggest that the operation of is effective, the first effect button lamp 352 emits light, for example, in white.

During the fourth valid period, the display of the valid period gauge is updated so as to show how the remaining time of the fourth valid period decreases with the passage of time. Here, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed when the variable display of the first special symbol this time is started is "jackpot", the first production button 35 is not operated. At the end timing of the 4 effective period, or at the timing when the first effect button 35 is operated during the 4th effective period, a winning suggestion effect (see FIG. 6 (T) and FIG. 13 (E)) is performed, and then, A win notification effect (see FIG. 6(U) and FIG. 13(F)) is performed. Note that the hit suggesting effect here is the same as the hit suggesting effect described above based on FIG. be. Also, the winning notification effect here is the same as the winning notification effect described above with reference to FIG. 10(J). Therefore, a detailed description of the hit suggestion effect and the win notification effect will be omitted here.

In addition, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "losing", the end timing of the fourth valid period when the first production button 35 is not operated, or the fourth valid period during the fourth valid period At the timing when the 1 effect button 35 is operated, the same loss suggesting effect (see FIG. 6(W) and FIG. 13(G)) as in FIG. 10(K) is performed. A loss notification effect (see FIG. 6(X) and FIG. 13(H)) is performed.

On the other hand, it is set when the variable display of the first special symbol is started so as to perform a win-lose suggestion second performance button single-press performance (see FIG. 6 (V)) that prompts the player to single-press the second performance button 36. If it is set, when the fifth valid period starts, as illustrated in FIG. and a validity period gauge indicating the remaining time of the fifth validity period are displayed on the display screen 70 . Accompanying this, although not shown in the drawing, a single-press prompting sound, which is a performance sound prompting the single-pressing of the second effect button 36, is output from the speaker 38, and during the fifth effective period, the second effect button 36 is activated. In order to suggest that the operation of is valid, the second effect button lamp 362 emits light, for example, in white.

During the fifth valid period, the display of the valid period gauge is updated so as to show how the remaining time of the fifth valid period decreases with the passage of time. Here, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed when the variable display of the first special symbol this time is started is "jackpot", the second performance button 36 is not operated. At the timing of the end of the 5 effective period or at the timing when the second effect button 36 is operated during the 5th effective period, a hit suggestion effect similar to the hit suggestion effect described above based on FIG. T), see FIG. 13(J)) is performed, and subsequently, a win notification effect similar to the above-described win notification effect based on FIG. 10(J) (see FIGS. 6(U) and 13(K)). is done.

In addition, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "losing", the end timing of the fifth valid period when the second production button 36 is not operated, or the fifth valid period during the fifth valid period At the timing when the 2 effect button 36 is operated, the same loss suggesting effect (see FIG. 6(W) and FIG. 13(L)) as in FIG. A loss notification effect (see FIG. 6(X) and FIG. 13(M)) is performed.

Here, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when comparing the hit-lose suggestion first effect button single-press effect and the win-lose suggestion second effect button single-press effect, there are the following features. That is, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "big hit", the single-press performance of the winning suggestion second performance button is more likely to be executed than the single-pressing performance of the winning suggestion first performance button. There is In addition, when the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment this time is "losing", the single-press performance of the winning suggestion first production button is more likely to be executed than the single-pressing performance of the winning suggestion second production button. There is

As is clear from the explanation so far, when it develops into the second SP reach, it is better to perform the single-pressing of the second production button that suggests winning or losing rather than the single-pressing of the first production button that suggests winning or losing. easy to connect to. Therefore, by performing the win-lose indication second effect button single-press effect, the player can be made to actively operate the second effect button 36, and as a result, the second effect button 36 is pressed during the fifth effective period. It is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the original performance effect of the single-press performance of the win-lose suggestion second performance button cannot be obtained due to non-operating.

(Modified example of second SP reach)
Note that the following configuration may be adopted for the second SP reach.
That is, in the present embodiment, regardless of the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the case where the second effect button image is displayed during the fifth effective period has been described. Only when the determination result of the 1 special symbol determination is "big hit", during the fifth valid period, the second effect button image of the special mode (for example, the second effect of the star pattern illustrated in FIG. 17 (I) button image) may be adopted. With this configuration, the player can recognize a big win before operating the second effect button 36, and, for example, the player does not want to operate the second effect button 36 because there is a possibility that a loss-suggesting effect will be performed. It is possible to give the player a stronger motivation to operate the second effect button 36, and the fact that the second effect button 36 is not operated suggests winning is the original of the second effect button single-press effect. It is possible to effectively suppress the fact that the production effect of is no longer obtained.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where there is one type of second SP reach will be described, but in other embodiments, a plurality of types of second SP reach that differ from each other in the content of the effect and the reliability of the big win may be prepared. In this case, in each of the second SP reach, a button effect for operating the first effect button 35 (single-press effect of the first effect suggesting winning/losing button) and a button effect for operating the second effect button 36 (second effect suggesting winning/losing) button single-press effect) can be executed, and the lower the reliability of the big win is the second SP reach, the lower the probability of generating the button effect to operate the second effect button 36 (the button effect to operate the first effect button 35). probability of occurrence is high), and the higher the second SP reach with a higher jackpot reliability, the higher the probability of generating a button effect to operate the second effect button 36 (the probability of generating a button effect to operate the first effect button 35) is low) may be adopted together.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the reliability of the jackpot itself is higher than the reliability of the jackpot of the first SP reach, during the second SP reach, a notice effect that can increase the chance such as title display, dialogue display, cut-in A case where does not occur will be described. On the other hand, in another embodiment, as in the first SP reach, the second SP reach may have a configuration in which a notice effect such as a title display, a dialogue display, and a cut-in that can increase the chance can occur.

Further, for example, when the reliability of the big win is relatively low, the second effect button lamp 362 is caused to emit white light during the fifth valid period, while when the reliability of the big win is relatively high, the fifth valid A configuration may be adopted in which the second effect button lamp 362 is caused to emit light in red during the period. Further, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the second effect button lamp 362 is displayed in rainbow color even during the fifth valid period. You may employ|adopt the structure which light-emits by.

Further, for example, when the reliability of the big win is relatively low, the first effect button lamp 352 is caused to emit white light during the fourth valid period, while when the reliability of the big win is relatively high, the fourth valid A configuration may be adopted in which the first effect button lamp 352 is caused to emit light in red during the period. Further, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", the first effect button lamp 352 is displayed in rainbow color even during the fourth valid period. You may employ|adopt the structure of making it light-emit by.

Also, for example, only when the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol is "jackpot", vibrates during the fourth valid period (or during the fifth valid period) A configuration in which the motor 353 is driven, or a configuration in which the vibration motor 353 is driven before the start of the fourth effective period (or before the start of the fifth effective period) may be employed. When the vibration motor 353 is driven, not only the first effect button 35 but also the front frame 31 around the first effect button 35 vibrate, and the player can recognize it. By adopting this, it is possible to give the player a strong motivation to operate the second effect button 36 during the fifth validity period.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first effect button single-press effect of the second SP reach suggestion first effect button when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "jackpot" is performed during the fourth valid period. 35 is operated and not operated, a common hit suggestion effect (see FIG. 13(E)) is performed, but in another embodiment, the first effect button 35 is operated. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which different hit suggesting effects are performed depending on whether the operation is performed or not.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second effect button single-press effect of the second SP reach suggestion second effect button when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "big win" is performed during the fifth valid period. 36 is operated and not operated, a common hit suggestion effect (see FIG. 13(J)) is performed. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which different hit suggesting effects are performed depending on whether the operation is performed or not.

[Production accompanying the variable display of the second special symbol]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, the effect associated with the variable display of the second special symbol in the probability variable gaming state will be described. Here, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the flow of production associated with the variable display of the second special symbol in the probability variable gaming state. FIG. 15 is a screen diagram showing a specific example of the first strong reach. FIG. 16 is a time chart illustrating the effect control related to the button effect in the first strong reach. FIG. 17 is a screen diagram showing a specific example of the second strong reach. FIG. 18 is a time chart illustrating the effect control related to the button effect in the second strong reach.

When the game ball wins in the second starting port 22 in the variable probability game state, the second special symbol determination is performed based on the big hit random number or the like acquired at that time. When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol is variably displayed, and the second special symbol in a mode indicating the determination result of the second special symbol determination is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, on the display screen 70, high-speed scroll display of three symbol rows in the performance symbol display area 73 is started (see FIG. 14(A)).

Here, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is "losing", for example, the left symbol and the right symbol on the effective line, which are different from each other, are pseudo-stopped and the ready-to-win is not established (see FIG. 14 (B)). ), in this non-reach mode, a non-reach performance may be performed in which only the middle symbol row is scrolled. When this no-reach performance is performed, the three performance symbols showing loose eyes are stopped at the end of the variable display of the second special symbols, and these symbols are stopped and displayed as the second special symbols. A loss notification effect (see FIG. 14(C)) for permanently stopping the three effect symbols is performed.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the second 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 second special symbol, for example, Predetermined left patterns are pseudo-stopped on the effective line of the performance pattern display area 73, and then a pre-reach performance is performed in which the right pattern, which is the same performance pattern as the left pattern, is shifted onto the effective line. Then, when the same left symbol and right symbol stop on the activated line in a simulated manner, reach is established (see FIG. 14(D)). When ready-to-win is established in this manner, a predetermined ready-to-win effect is performed to make the player expect that the medium pattern, which is the same effect pattern as the ready-to-win pattern (left pattern and right pattern), stops on the effective line and the patterns are aligned. done.

In the present embodiment, three types of ready-to-reach effects, weak reach, first strong ready-to-reach, and second strong ready-to-reach, are shown in FIG. are provided.

Weak reach (see FIG. 14(E)) is a reach effect with relatively low jackpot reliability (for example, jackpot reliability: about 2%). While the reach is established and the weak reach is being performed, the scroll speed of the middle pattern row, which has been scrolled at high speed between the two reach symbols (left and right symbols), gradually decreases. go.

Here, the determination result of the second special symbol determination is "losing", for example, when a variation pattern with a variation time of 10 seconds is selected at the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, the ready-to-win symbol is By quasi-stopping different middle symbols on the effective line, the production pattern of the reach-losing eye (for example, "212") is displayed, and a loss notification production (see FIG. 14 (C)) is performed in which these production patterns are stopped as they are. will be

On the other hand, the determination result of the second special symbol determination is "big hit", for example, when a variation pattern with a variation time of 25 seconds is selected at the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, the same medium as the reach symbol By quasi-stopping the symbols on the effective line, the performance symbols of doubles (for example, ``222'') are displayed, and the winning notification performance (see FIG. 14(F)) is performed by permanently stopping these performance symbols as they are.

<1st Strong Reach>
Further, for example, as the variation pattern of the second special symbol, the variation pattern that develops to the first strong reach when the reach is established is selected in the sub-control board 90 is the variation pattern of the variation display of the second special symbol. If it is selected at the start, the following production will be performed.
That is, for example, in a situation where three symbol rows are scrolled and displayed, the scrolling speed of the left symbol row and the right row symbol row decreases, and the same effect symbol is displayed simultaneously as the left symbol and the right symbol (or In order) If the pseudo stop is established and the reach is established (see FIG. 14 (D) and FIG. 15 (A)), it will develop into the first strong reach (see FIG. 14 (G) and FIG. 15 (B) ). This first strong ready-to-win is a ready-to-win presentation in which the reliability of the big win is higher than that of the weak ready-to-win and the reliability of big win is lower than that of the second strong ready-to-win.

When the game progresses to the first strong reach, the first strong reach exclusive effect is performed in the central area of the display screen 70 . For this reason, when developing into the first strong ready-to-win, for example, in the area of the upper right corner of the display screen 70, in a state where the ready-to-win is established, the symbols in the middle row are displayed so that the variable display of the production pattern does not hinder the first strong ready-to-win. A small pattern display of the production pattern for scrolling the row is performed (see FIG. 15(B)). Note that the 1st Strong Reach dedicated effect may be of any kind, but one example is a effect display showing how the player's character challenges the army of the enemy character to a battle.

It should be noted that this first strong reach is a reach effect that notifies the winning or losing in response to repeated hits of the first effect button 35 (or single press of the second effect button 36) by the player, and when it comes to the middle stage of the first strong reach A screen 70 displays a power gauge image to be used for a hit-or-lose indication first effect button repeated hit effect, which will be described later. At the same time, an explanation effect sound, which is a sound indicating the message, is output from the speaker 38, and an explanation effect is performed to explain the win-lose suggestion first effect button repeated hitting effect (see FIG. 15 (C) and FIG. 16). .

When this explanation effect is performed, the sixth effective period, which is the effective period of the first effect button 35 (or the second effect button 36) in the win-lose suggestion first effect button repeated hit effect, is started. When the sixth valid period starts, the power gauge image that was displayed during the explanation effect continues to be displayed on the display screen 70, as illustrated in FIGS. A first effect button image simulating the effect button 35, repeated hitting characters "Continuous hit!" prompting the player to repeatedly hit the first effect button 35, and an effective period gauge indicating the remaining time of the sixth effective period are displayed. be. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 16, during the sixth effective period, the first effect button lamp 352 emits light in white, for example, in order to imply that the operation of the first effect button 35 is valid. It should be noted that, along with the start of the sixth effective period, the speaker 38 may output a repeated hitting promotion sound such as "Continue hitting!"

Normally, during the sixth valid period, the white first effect button image is displayed and the first effect button lamp 352 emits the same white light, which suggests that the reliability of the big win is relatively high. For this purpose, for example, a red first effect button image may be displayed and the first effect button lamp 352 may emit light in the same red color. Also, only when the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment performed at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol this time is "jackpot", during the sixth valid period, for example, the first effect of rainbow color In some cases, the button image is displayed and the first effect button lamp 352 emits light in the same rainbow color.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the color of the first effect button image and the emission color of the first effect button lamp 352 may be red or rainbow. Therefore, the player can be strongly motivated to operate the first effect button 35 during the sixth valid period, and as a result, the first effect button 35 is not operated during the sixth valid period It is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the original performance effect of the hit-lose suggestion first performance button repeated hitting performance in the first strong reach cannot be obtained.

Returning to the description of FIG. 15, during the sixth valid period, the display of the valid period gauge is updated so as to show how the remaining time of the sixth valid period decreases over time (for example, (See FIGS. 15(D) to (E)). Also, at the beginning of the sixth effective period, the gauge of the power gauge image is not charged (see FIG. 15(C)). A power gauge change effect (see FIG. 16B) showing how the gauge of the power gauge image is accumulated is performed (see FIGS. 15D to 15E). During the period in which the first effect button 35 is repeatedly hit during the sixth effective period, the repeated hitting effect sound indicating that the first effect button 35 is being repeatedly hit is output from the speaker 38 . This repeated hitting effect sound is produced during the period from when the repeated hitting of the first effect button 35 is started until the repeated hitting ends before the end of the sixth effective period, or during the period after the repeated hitting of the first effect button 35 is started until the sixth effective period. It is continuously output during the period until the period ends.

It should be noted that when the player repeatedly hits the first effect button 35 during the sixth valid period, the power gauge changes regardless of whether the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment is "big hit". An effect and repeated hit sound effects are output (see FIG. 16(B)). On the other hand, if the player does not repeatedly hit the first effect button 35 during the sixth effective period, the power gauge changing effect is not performed, and the repeated hitting effect sound is not output (see FIG. 16(A)).

Here, the power gauge change effect suggests the reliability of the big win depending on how the gauge accumulates, and when the gauge reaches MAX (i.e., the power gauge change effect is followed by the MAX reaching effect, which will be described later). It is a production that definitely notifies Therefore, when the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment performed at the start of the variable display of the second special symbol this time is "losing", the first production button 35 is repeatedly hit during the sixth effective period. Even so, the gauge does not reach MAX and the MAX reaching effect is not performed. In other words, in response to repeated hits of the first effect button 35, a power gauge change effect is performed in which the gauge does not reach MAX. A loss-suggesting effect (see FIG. 14(K)) is performed.

On the other hand, if the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "jackpot", the power gauge change effect that the gauge reaches MAX according to the repeated hits of the first effect button 35 during the sixth valid period, or A power gauge change effect is performed in which the gauge does not reach MAX. Here, when the power gauge change effect in which the gauge reaches MAX is performed, the gauge reaches MAX in the middle of the sixth effective period (see FIG. 15(F)), and "MAX" is displayed inside the power gauge image. (See FIG. 15(G)), and the sixth effective period ends in the middle (see FIGS. 16(A) and (B)).

It should be noted that the winning suggestion effect (see FIG. 14 (I)) that suggests a big hit during the first strong reach is divided into the winning suggestion first half effect (here, the power gauge change effect in which the gauge reaches MAX) and the winning suggestion second half effect. When the power gauge change effect that the gauge reaches MAX is performed, the power of your own character reaches MAX, and the winning indication second half represents that your character has defeated the enemy character's army and won. An effect is performed (see FIGS. 15(H) and (I)).

In this way, when the winning suggestion first half effect and the winning suggestion second half effect are performed, as shown in FIG. The sixth effective period ends earlier than the above, and the MAX reaching effect (first half of win suggestion effect: see FIGS. 15(F) and (G)) is performed. Then, with the start of the MAX reaching effect on the display screen 70, the small pattern display of the effect pattern in which only the middle pattern row is scrolled while the left pattern and the right pattern form a reach is changed. , the effect pattern of double eyes is in a pseudo-stopped state while the small pattern is displayed (see FIGS. 15(E) to (G) and FIG. 16(B)). In addition, along with the MAX attainment effect being performed, the winning suggestion first half effect sound for producing the state that the gauge of the power gauge image has reached MAX is output from the speaker 38 (see FIG. 16B). In addition, when the first effect button lamp 352 emits light in white or red during the sixth effective period, the emission color changes from white or red to rainbow at the timing when the MAX reaching effect is started. do. Then, when the winning suggestion latter half production (see FIGS. 15(H) to 15(I)) following the MAX attainment production is being performed, the winning suggestion latter half producing a scene in which the own character defeats the army of the enemy character and wins. An effect sound is output from the speaker 38, and the drive control of the vibration motor 353 is started along with the start of the win suggestion latter half effect (see FIG. 16(B)).

After that, along with the end of the winning suggestion latter half performance, the performance pattern of the second row, which was displayed in the small pattern, is largely displayed in the performance pattern display area 73 in a pseudo-stop manner, and a winning notification performance is performed in which it is stopped as it is ( (See FIG. 14(J) and FIG. 16(B)). As shown in FIG. 16(B), while the double effect pattern is being displayed in the effect pattern display area 73 in a pseudo-stop manner, a predetermined winning notification sound is output from the speaker 38, Along with the final stop of the production pattern, the rainbow color emission of the first production button lamp 352 and the driving of the vibration motor 353 are completed.

It should be noted that the sixth effective period of the winning suggestion first effect button repeated hitting effect of the first strong reach is not limited to the repeated hitting of the first effect button 35, and the effective period during which the operation (single press) of the second effect button 36 is valid. It's becoming Therefore, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "big win", the MAX reaching effect is performed in response to one operation (single press) of the second effect button 36. - 特許庁On the other hand, if the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "losing", the gauge of the power gauge image reaches MAX in response to one operation (single press) of the second production button 36. A loss suggesting effect (see FIG. 14(K)) that freezes when the game is not played is performed. In addition, regarding a part of the case where the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment is "big hit", even if the first production button 35 is repeatedly hit during the sixth effective period, the hit suggestion production is not performed, In the same way as when the determination result of the 2 special symbol determination is "losing", there is a case where the losing suggestion effect is performed.

On the other hand, if the player does not repeatedly hit the first effect button 35 (or single-press the second effect button 36) during the sixth effective period, a power gauge change effect is performed to change the power gauge image according to the operation. , the output of the sound effects corresponding to repeated hits is not performed. It should be noted that, if the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "jackpot" and the first production button 35 is not operated during the sixth valid period, after the sixth valid period ends, the sixth valid Although the start timing of each effect is different from when the first effect button 35 is operated during the period, the same effect as when the first effect button 35 is operated during the sixth valid period is performed (Fig. 16). (A) and (B)).

Up to this point, the hit-or-lose suggestion first effect button repeated effect in the first strong reach was explained, but when the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "losing", and the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is a "jackpot", for example, a pseudo-stop display of the production pattern for reach-losing, and a loss-indicating production (Fig. 14 (K)) is performed. When this losing-suggesting effect is performed, a resurrection repeated hit effect (see FIG. 14(L)) may be performed. This resurrection continuous hit effect is a resurrection effect in which the player's character, which has been defeated by the army of the enemy character and fallen down, is revived by repeatedly pressing the first effect button 35, and the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment this time is "big hit". In this case, as a result of repeated hitting of the first effect button 35 during the effective period of the revival continuous hit effect, an effect display showing the appearance of the own character standing up is performed (a success effect is performed as a result effect of the revival continuous hit effect. ), and then a winning notification effect (see FIG. 14(M)) is performed. On the other hand, if the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment this time is "losing", even if the first production button 35 is repeatedly hit during the valid period of the revival continuous hitting production, the own character will fall again without being revived. (A failure effect is performed as a result effect of the resurrection barrage effect), and a failure notification effect is performed (see FIG. 14(M)).

Thus, when it is determined not to execute the jackpot game in the second special symbol determination, and the first effect button 35 is operated (here, "continuous hit") during the sixth valid period, the jackpot game is executed. A failure suggesting effect (see FIG. 14(K)) that suggests not to be executed is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined to execute a jackpot game in the second special symbol determination, and when the first effect button 35 is operated (here, "continuous hit") during the sixth valid period, a loss suggestive effect. A similar suggestive effect is performed, and then a suggestive effect (the above-mentioned success effect) is performed to suggest that a jackpot game will be executed.

By the way, for example, in the win-lose suggesting first button repeated hitting effect of the first strong reach, the winning suggesting effect (winning suggesting first half effect + winning suggesting latter half effect) is performed even though the player repeatedly hits the first effect button 35. If such a situation continues, not only will the desire to operate the first effect button 35 be lowered, but there is a possibility that the expectation for the big win will be significantly lowered.
On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the success effect is performed in response to repeated hitting of the first effect button 35 for the revival repeated hit effect after the loss suggesting effect common to the case of losing is performed. As a result, a winning notification effect may be performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the player's desire to operate the first effect button 35 and maintain the player's expectation for the big win even if the loss-suggesting effect is performed.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a success effect (indicating that a jackpot game is executed) is performed in response to repeated hits of the first effect button 35 for the resurrection repeated hit effect. Regardless of the operation by the player, the success effect may be performed after performing the similar suggestion effect similar to the failure suggestion effect.

As is clear from the explanation so far, when the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment this time is "jackpot", in the winning suggestion first production button repeated production in the first strong reach, during the sixth valid period When the first effect button 35 is not operated, the win-suggestion second half effect is performed without performing the winning-suggestion first half effect (MAX reaching effect). On the other hand, when the first effect button 35 is repeatedly hit (or long-pressed) during the sixth effective period, after the first half effect of winning indication (MAX reach effect) following the power gauge change effect is performed, Winning suggestion first half production and winning suggestion second half production are performed which are related to the contents of production. In this way, when the first effect button 35 is operated during the sixth effective period, a suggestive effect different from when the first effect button 35 is not operated is performed, so this is the first effect button 35. to effectively suppress the problem that the original performance effect of the winning suggestion first performance button repeated hitting performance cannot be obtained because the first performance button 35 is not repeatedly pressed. is possible.

(Modified example of first strong reach)
In addition, you may employ|adopt the following structures regarding a 1st strong reach.
That is, in the present embodiment, since the first strong reach has a lower reliability than the second strong reach, the button production in the first strong reach (here, the winning suggestion first button repeated hitting production) The production button 35 is operated. On the other hand, in another embodiment, in the first strong reach, a button effect for operating the first effect button 35 and a button effect for operating the second effect button 36 are prepared, and this second special symbol is prepared. When the judgment result of the judgment is "big win", while the latter button production is executed with a higher probability than the former button production, when the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment this time is "losing" Alternatively, the former button effect may be executed with a higher probability than the latter button effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, the drive control of the vibration motor 353 is started at the timing when the win-suggestion second half effect starts after the end of the sixth effective period. The drive control of the vibration motor 353 is started at the timing when the performance) is started, the vibration motor 353 is driven during the sixth effective period, or the vibration motor 353 is driven before the sixth effective period starts. may be adopted.

<Second strong reach>
Further, for example, as the variation pattern of the second special symbol, a variation pattern that develops into a second strong reach when the reach is established is selected in the sub-control board 90. The variation pattern is the variation display of the second special symbol. If it is selected at the start, the following production will be performed.
That is, for example, in a situation where three symbol rows are scrolled and displayed, the scrolling speed of the left symbol row and the right row symbol row decreases, and the same effect symbol is displayed simultaneously as the left symbol and the right symbol (or In order) If the pseudo stop is established and the reach is established (see FIG. 14 (D) and FIG. 17 (A)), it will develop into the second strong reach (see FIG. 14 (N) and FIG. 17 (B) ). This second strong ready-to-win is a ready-to-win production in which the reliability of the big win is higher than that of the weak ready-to-win and the reliability of big win is higher than that of the first strong ready-to-win.

When it develops to the second strong reach, the second strong reach exclusive effect is performed in the central area of the display screen 70 . For this reason, when developing into the second strong ready-to-win, for example, in the area of the upper right corner of the display screen 70, the pattern in the middle row is A small pattern display of the production pattern for scrolling the row is performed (see FIG. 17(B)). It should be noted that the 2nd strong reach-only production can be anything, but for example, different from the 1st strong reach-only production, the appearance of your character challenging the enemy character's army to battle One example is a production display that represents

It should be noted that this second strong reach is a reach effect that notifies a win or loss in response to a single push of the second effect button 36 by the player. !” is displayed on the display screen 70, and an explanatory effect sound, which is a voice indicating the message, is output from the speaker 38, and a single-press effect of a second effect suggestive button to be described later is performed. An explanation effect to explain is performed (see FIG. 17(C) and FIG. 18).

When this explanation effect is performed, the seventh effective period, which is the effective period of the second effect button 36 in the win-lose suggestion second effect button single-press effect, is started. When the seventh valid period starts, as illustrated in FIGS. 17D, 17I, and 18, the display screen 70 displays a second effect button image imitating the second effect button 36 and a , a single-press character of "Press!" prompting the player to single-press the second effect button 36 is displayed. The second effect button image is added with a validity period gauge indicating the remaining time of the seventh validity period, and during the seventh validity period, the remaining time of the seventh validity period decreases as time elapses. The display of the second effect button image is updated so as to show how the game progresses.

In the present embodiment, the second effect button image in the normal mode (see FIG. 17(D)) is displayed during the seventh effective period of the single-press effect of the winning indication second effect button single-press effect of the second strong reach. , the second effect button image (see FIG. 17(I)) in a special mode may be displayed. Here, the second effect button image in the normal mode is the second effect button image displayed during the third valid period in the single-press effect of the SPSP ready-to-win suggestive second effect button single-press effect in the normal game state (Fig. 10 (H ) is the same effect image as in ). On the other hand, the second effect button image in the special mode is a second effect in which a star pattern is added to the second effect button image in the normal mode displayed during the third valid period or the seventh valid period. It differs from these second effect button images in that it is a button image.

Further, when comparing the second effect button image in the normal mode and the second effect button image in the special mode that can be displayed during the seventh valid period, the second effect button image in the normal mode is the second special symbol of this time. The second effect button image in the special mode can be displayed regardless of whether or not the judgment result of the judgment is "big hit", whereas the second effect button image in the special mode can be displayed when the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment is "big hit". Both are different in that they are displayed only in certain cases (they are not displayed in the case of "loss").

It should be noted that once the seventh effective period is started, regardless of whether the display mode of the displayed second effect button image is the normal mode or the special mode, the single-press promotion prompts the player to single-press the second effect button 36. As a sound, a voice saying "Push!" is output from the speaker 38 (see FIG. 18). Then, during the seventh effective period, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the second effect button lamp 362 emits light in, for example, white or rainbow colors to imply that the operation of the second effect button 36 is valid. do. In addition, the second effect button lamp 362 can emit white light both when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is "big win" and "losing", while it is "big win". Iridescence is possible only in certain cases, that is, iridescence is disabled when "failed".

Thus, when the seventh effective period starts, the second effect button image in the special mode may be displayed, and the second effect button lamp 362 may emit light in rainbow colors. For example, for a player who does not want to operate the second effect button 36 because there is a possibility that a failure is reported according to the operation of the second effect button 36, the second effect button 36 is positively operated. However, since the second performance button 36 is not operated during the seventh validity period, the original performance effect of the single-press performance of the second performance suggestive button 36 cannot be obtained. can be effectively suppressed.

Here, the determination result of the second special symbol determination performed when the variable display of the second special symbol is started is "jackpot", and the second effect button 36 is operated during the seventh valid period. If not, a predetermined win suggesting effect (see FIGS. 14(P), 17(E) and (J)) is performed at the end timing of the preset seventh effective period. When the seventh valid period expires without the operation of the second effect button 36, the effect pattern that has been scroll-displayed only in the middle row in the reach state at the upper right corner of the display screen 70 remains the same as the reach pattern in the small pattern display. The pattern is pseudo-stopped and the double-th production pattern is displayed (see FIG. 18(A)), and during the period in which these production patterns are pseudo-stop-displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 8 seconds), the winning suggestive production is performed. done. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, when the seventh valid period ends, the movable decorative member 14 drops from the initial position to the operating position, and emits a predetermined light at the operating position. Lights up in a pattern. Further, for example, a predetermined win suggestive image suggesting a big win is displayed in a region of the display screen 70 that is not hidden by the movable decorative member 14 arranged at the operating position, and a predetermined win suggestive sound suggesting a big win is emitted from the speaker 38. The second effect button lamp 362, which is output and emits light in white (or rainbow color), emits light in rainbow color, and the vibration motor 353 is driven (see FIG. 18A). A player can recognize in advance that the effect symbol of double eyes that informs a big win will be permanently stopped by the hit suggesting effect composed of these effects.

Thereafter, when a predetermined time (eight seconds in this case) elapses after the start of the pseudo-stop display of the double-th production patterns, the small-size pattern display of the double-th production patterns is canceled, and these production patterns are displayed as the production patterns. A hit notification effect (see FIGS. 14(Q), 17(F), (K), and FIG. 18(A)) is performed in which a pseudo stop is made in the area 73 and then a real stop is made.

On the other hand, if the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "jackpot" and the second effect button 36 is operated even once during the seventh valid period, the seventh valid period ends at the operation timing. do. That is, as is clear from the comparison of FIGS. 18A and 18B, when the second effect button 36 is operated, the seventh valid period expires earlier than when the second effect button 36 is not operated. will end. In this case, in the same way as when the second effect button 36 is not operated during the seventh effective period, the effects shown in FIGS. Although the exemplified production is carried out, the pseudo-stop display of the production pattern of doubles in the small pattern mode and the hit suggestion production are started at a timing earlier than when the second production button 36 is not operated. (See FIGS. 18A and 18B). For this reason, the timing of starting the output of the winning-indicative sound, the rainbow-colored light emission of the second effect button lamp 362, the falling of the movable decorative member 14, and the driving of the vibration motor 353, illustrated in FIG. As a result, the time during which these effects continue becomes longer.

In addition, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "losing", the timing when the seventh valid period ends without the second production button 36 being operated, or the seventh valid period during the seventh valid period At the timing when the 2 effect button 36 is operated, a loss-suggesting effect (FIGS. 14(R) and 17) is displayed on the display screen 70 to display a predetermined loss-suggesting image suggesting a "loss" without operating the movable decorative member 14. (G)) is performed, and then a loss notification effect (see FIG. 14 (S) and FIG. 17 (H)) is performed in which the effect image showing the ready-to-win game is pseudo-stopped and then the actual stop is performed.

In this way, when the winning suggestion second effect button single-press effect (see FIGS. 17(G) and (I)) occurs after developing into the second strong reach, the second effect button 36 is not operated and the second effect button 36 is not operated. At the timing when the 7 effective period ends, or at the timing when the second effect button 36 during the 7th effective period is operated, the winning suggestion effect (see FIG. 14 (P)) and the winning notification effect (see FIG. 14 (Q) (see FIG. 14(R)) or a loss suggesting effect (see FIG. 14(R)) and a loss notification effect (see FIG. 14(S)) are performed.

As is clear from the explanation so far, in the winning indication second effect button single-press effect of the second strong reach, when the second effect button 36 is operated during the seventh valid period, the win is suggested at the operation timing. A production or a loss-suggestion production is performed. For this reason, the player who desires to know the determination result of the first special symbol determination prior to the win notification effect (or the loss notification effect) is strongly motivated to operate the second effect button 36. It is possible to effectively suppress the fact that the original performance effect of the winning suggestion second performance button single-press performance cannot be obtained due to the second performance button 36 not being operated during the seventh valid period. be.

(Modified example of second strong reach)
In addition, you may employ|adopt the following structures regarding a 2nd strong reach.
That is, for example, when the second strong reach develops, in addition to the win-lose suggesting second effect button single-press effect, the win-lose suggesting first effect button single-press effect prompting the player to operate the first effect button 35 is executed. It is good also as possible composition. In this case, if the judgment result of the second special symbol judgment this time is "jackpot", the probability that the winning suggestion second production button single-press production is performed is higher than the winning suggestion first production button single-press production. If it is "losing", the probability that the win-suggestion first performance button single-press performance is performed is higher than the probability that the win-suggestion second performance button single-press performance is performed. You may employ|adopt a structure collectively.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the reliability of the second strong reach itself is relatively high, during the second strong reach, if there is no notice effect that can increase the chance such as title display, dialogue display, cut-in will be explained. On the other hand, in another embodiment, as with the first SP reach and the like, the second strong reach may also be configured to generate a notice effect such as title display, dialogue display, and cut-in that can increase the chance.

Further, for example, only when the determination result of the second special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of the second special symbol is "jackpot", the configuration such that the vibration motor 353 is driven even during the seventh valid period , a configuration in which the vibration motor 353 is driven before the start of the seventh effective period may be employed.

In addition, when the hit-drop is reported in the first strong reach, regarding the case where the hit-drop is reported in the second strong reach, on the condition that the possibility of becoming a big hit is relatively high, the variation of the second special symbol The vibration motor 353 may be driven at the timing when the display is started. With this configuration, the player can recognize that this change is a chance for a big win, and as a result, the first effect button 35 (or the second effect button 36) is pressed in the button effect performed in each ready-to-win effect. It is possible to give the player a strong motivation to operate.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination this time is "big hit", the second effect is performed during the seventh valid period with respect to the second strong reach suggestion second effect button single-press effect A common hit suggestion effect (see FIGS. 17(E) and (J)) is performed when the button 36 is operated and when it is not operated. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which different hit suggesting effects are performed depending on whether the button 36 is operated or not.

[Regarding pre-judgment processing]
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first special symbol determination is withheld, prior to the first special symbol determination being performed, there is a preliminary determination process for determining whether or not to execute a jackpot game. may be done. 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. 23) 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. 23) described above based on FIGS. 7 (A) and (B) is performed. It is determined in advance which variation pattern will be selected when 1 special symbol determination is executed.

Thus, 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 causes the image sound control board 100 to execute icon change effects based on

Hereinafter, the RAM configuration of the main control board 80 for realizing the effect control explained based on the drawings of FIGS. 6 to 18 and the processing performed by each control board will be explained.

[Configuration example of main RAM 83]
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining storage areas of the main RAM 83 and information stored in each storage area. As illustrated in FIG. 19A, 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. 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 reserved storage area 831 to special figure 1/4th reserved storage area 834 is a storage area in which various information related to the first special design determination is stored, special figure 2/first reserved 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 illustrated in FIG. 19(B), the reserved 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. The pre-determination information is information obtained by pre-determination processing (see FIG. 22), which will be described later, based on the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and fluctuation 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 special symbols, 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, each 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 processing 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. 20 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. 20 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. . It should be noted 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. Note that a loop counter is used as a counter for performing the process of step S1, and each random number is returned 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 contents. Processing is executed (step S8).

[Sensor detection processing by main control board 80]
FIG. 21 is a detailed flowchart of sensor detection processing in step S2 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 21, following the random number updating 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 the presence or absence of the input of the detection signal 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 start opening sensor 221 has detected the winning of the game ball with respect to the second start 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. 24) and variation pattern selection processing (see FIG. 25) 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. 22 .

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 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. 24) and variation pattern selection processing (see FIG. 25) 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. 22 .

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. It should be noted that 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.

[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. 22 . Here, FIG. 22 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 ("normal game state" corresponds to this in the present embodiment), the low probability jackpot random number table is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83. On the other hand, in the case of a high probability state (corresponding to "probability variable gaming state" in this embodiment), the high probability jackpot random number table is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 . Then, whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S209 of FIG. 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, when 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 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, based on whether or not the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S2191 matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82, the It is determined whether or not a ready-to-win performance is performed during variation.

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

By the way, when 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. 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 for 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), the process proceeds to step S2197 without performing the fluctuation pattern random number determination process of step S2196 described later.

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 the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S2196 or determines that the ready-to-win effect is not performed (step S2194: NO), 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 port 21 (or the second start port 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. 23 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG.

As exemplified in FIG. 23, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot 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 second special symbol determination pending number T2 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 "1" or more (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 symbols 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, 0.6 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. 24 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, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 830 matches a preset winning value. The winning value here is the winning value of the jackpot specified 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 , any one of the jackpot symbols is selected based on which jackpot pattern random value specified in the symbol determination table for the first start opening prize matches. Further, when the symbol random number relates to the second special symbol determination, it is determined which jackpot symbol random value specified in the symbol determination table for the second starting opening prize matches the symbol random number. Based on that, select one of the jackpot symbols.

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. 25 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. 23, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3081 is a big win (step S3091). Here, when it is determined to be a big hit (step S3091: YES), the big hit variation pattern selection table 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 82 (for a reach effect). 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 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 change pattern selection table for no reach loss 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. 26 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 the gaming state is controlled 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. 27 is a flow chart illustrating a game state setting process executed by 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), for example, based on the pattern setting information set in the main RAM 83, it is determined whether or not the current jackpot is a variable probability jackpot (step S632). Here, if it is determined to be a probability variation jackpot (step S632: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S633), and the high probability game remaining number K is set to, for example, "10000" (step S634 ). By performing the processing of step S633 and the processing of step S634, the high probability state continues until special symbol determination is performed 10000 times.

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the time saving game flag to "ON" (step S635), and sets the time saving game remaining number J to, for example, "10000" (step S636). By performing the processing of step S635 and the processing of step S636, the high base state continues until special symbol determination is performed 10,000 times. In this way, by performing a series of processes from step S633 to step S636, the game is controlled in the variable probability game state until 10000 special symbol determinations are executed after the big hit game is completed.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the current jackpot is not the variable probability jackpot (step S632: NO), that is, when the current jackpot is the normal jackpot, the time saving game flag is set to "ON" as in the processing of step S635. (step S637), and the number of time-saving game cuts J is set to, for example, "100" (step S638). Thus, by performing the processing of step S637 and the processing of step S638, the game is controlled in the time-saving game state from the end of the jackpot game to the execution of 100 times of special symbol determination.

[Interrupt processing by sub-control board 90]
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 sets an interrupt cycle, which is a cycle 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. 28 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. 28 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. 20). 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 accepts the operation from the first effect button 35 (or the second effect button 36), and from the first effect button detection switch 351 (or the second effect button detection switch 361) (step S40). This operation acceptance processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Following the processing of step S40, the sub CPU 91 executes command transmission processing (step S41). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 93 by the command reception process in step S10 or the operation reception process in step S40 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 S41, the sub CPU 91 executes data transfer processing (step S42). 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 frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the first effect button lamp 352, the second effect button lamp 362, the vibration motor 353, and the movable decorative member 14 are synchronized with the effect performed by the image display device 7 and the speaker 38. A lamp control board 120 controls an effect by the effect means such as.

[Command Reception Processing by Sub Control Board 90]
FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 29, 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 S40 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). Specifically, first, the number of reservations stored in the sub-RAM 93 is updated to a value obtained by adding "1". That is, 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 when the pending command related to the second special symbol determination is received , the number of reservations of the second special symbol determination is updated to a value obtained by adding "1". Then, for example, when a hold command related to the first special symbol determination is received, an icon display command instructing to display a new hold icon in the hold icon display area 71 is set in the sub-RAM 93 . In addition, if the received hold command contains the preliminary determination information, it is determined whether or not to execute the icon change effect based on the preliminary determination information, and if it is determined to execute the icon change effect, sets an icon change effect pattern and sets an icon display command including the setting information in the sub-RAM 93.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the hold command (step S12: NO), is the command the fluctuation start command transmitted from the main control board 80 in accordance with the processing of step S310 of FIG. 23? 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 processing 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 S41, 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 effect 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), is the command the opening command transmitted from the main control board 80 according to the process of step S3175 of FIG. 26? 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). Conversely, if it is determined that the received command is not the opening command (step S19: NO), other processing is executed (step S21).

[Variation start command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 30 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 fluctuation start command (step S15: YES), it executes a series of fluctuation 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 other than button effects (for example, step-up effects and A notice effect pattern setting process for making settings related to dialogue notice, cut-in is executed (step S164).

Next, the sub CPU 91 executes a button effect pattern setting process for setting the button effect to be executed when the effect symbols are variably displayed according to the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S163 (step S165). This button effect pattern setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, the sub CPU 91 starts the variable effect in the variable effect pattern set in the processing of step S163, executes the notice effect in the notice effect pattern set in the process of step S164, and the button effect set in the process of step S165. A variable effect start command instructing the execution of the button effect pattern in the pattern is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S166).

This variable effect start command includes information indicating the variable effect pattern set by the process of step S163, information indicating the notice effect pattern set by the process of step S164, and button effect pattern set by the process of step S165. and is transmitted to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the command transmission processing in step S41. As a result, the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 realize the variable effect, the advance notice effect, and the button effect whose effect pattern is determined in the sub-control board 90 .

Following the process of step S166, the sub CPU 91 updates the number of reservations stored in the sub RAM 93 by subtracting "1" (step S167). 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. 31 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. 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 along with the stop display of the first special symbol (or the second 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, any one corresponding to the production random number acquired 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 processing of this step S1633 or the processing of step S1634, it is possible to determine in what kind of variation pattern the production pattern is to be 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.

[Button effect pattern setting process by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 32 is a detailed flowchart of the button effect pattern setting process in step S165 of FIG. The sub CPU 91 executes a series of button effect pattern setting processes illustrated in FIG. 32 following the notice effect pattern setting process of step S164. That is, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S163 is a variable effect pattern with a button effect (step S1651). For example, as a variable performance pattern of the variable performance accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state, any of the special performance illustrated in FIG. 6, the first SP reach with strong CU, the SPSP reach, and the second SP reach is set, it is determined that the set variable effect pattern is a variable effect pattern with button effect. Further, for example, when a variable effect pattern is set in which winning or losing is notified in the normal reach illustrated in FIG. 6(E), the set variable effect pattern is a variable effect pattern without button effect. is determined.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the set variable effect pattern is a variable effect pattern with a button effect (step S1651: YES), it sets an effective period for the button effect (step S1652). Specifically, the time from the start of the variable display of special symbols to the start of the valid period and the time from the start of the variable display of special symbols to the end of the valid period are determined as the valid period. It is set in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information indicating the start time and end time.

Next, the sub CPU 91 reads the button effect pattern selection table stored in the sub ROM 92 and sets it in the sub RAM 93 (step S1653). The sub-ROM 92 stores a button effect for selecting a button effect pattern of a special effect (first effect suggestive of win/lose button repeated hit effect: see FIG. 6(G)) with respect to the button effect that is performed in the normal game state. Pattern selection table, button effect pattern selection table for selecting the button effect pattern of the 1st SP reach button effect (strong CU 1st effect button single press effect: see FIG. 6 (J)), SPSP reach button effect (win-lose Suggestion 2nd effect button single press effect: See FIG. 6 (M)) button effect pattern selection table for selecting the button effect pattern, and button effect of the 2nd SP reach (suggestion 1st effect button single press effect: A button effect pattern selection table is stored for selecting a button effect pattern (see FIG. 6 (S), or single-press effect of the second effect suggesting win-lose effect: see FIG. 6 (V)). The sub CPU 91 specifies a ready-to-win effect with a button effect in the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S163, and reads out and sets a button effect pattern selection table corresponding to the specified ready-to-win effect. For example, when setting a variable effect pattern that eventually develops into SPSP reach, the button effect pattern of SPSP reach button effect (single-press effect of the second effect button that suggests winning or losing: see FIG. 6 (M)) A button effect pattern selection table for selection is read out and set in the sub-RAM 93 .

Subsequently, the sub CPU 91 acquires a button effect pattern selection random number for selecting a button effect pattern and stores it in the sub RAM 93 (step S1654). This button effect pattern selection random number is incremented by "1" each time the sub control board 90 performs random number update processing, and the sub CPU 91 sets the count value at the time of receiving the variation start command from the main control board 80 to the button effect pattern selection random number. Get it as a selection random number.

Then, the sub CPU 91, from the button effect pattern selection table set in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S1653, corresponds to the determination result of the special symbol determination this time and the button effect pattern selection random number acquired and stored in the process of step S1654. 1 button effect pattern is selected by reading out the button effect pattern (step S1655).

For example, in the button effect pattern selection table for selecting the button effect pattern of the winning suggestion first effect button repeated hit effect in the first strong reach (see FIG. 14 (G)), the determination result of the second special symbol determination (jackpot or loss) , the display color (white, red, or rainbow color) of the first effect button image, the emission color (white, red, or rainbow color) of the first effect button lamp 352 during the sixth valid period, and the button effect pattern Selection random numbers are associated with each other. The sub CPU 91 reads out from the button effect pattern selection table a button effect pattern corresponding to the determination result of the second special symbol determination and the acquired button effect pattern selection random number, thereby obtaining the display color of the first effect button image, The emission color of the first effect button lamp 352, the effect contents of the operation corresponding effect performed in response to the operation of the first effect button 35 during the sixth valid period (for example, the MAX reaching effect and winning suggestion latter half effect: Fig. 16), etc.

Following the process of step S1655, the sub CPU 91 combines the information indicating the effective period set in the process of step S1652 and the information indicating the button effect pattern selected in the process of step S1655 with the button for instructing execution of the button effect. It is set in the sub-RAM 93 as effect pattern setting information (step S1656).

When the button effect pattern setting information is set by the process of step S1656, a variable effect start command including the button effect pattern setting information is transmitted to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the command transmission process of step S41. be done. As a result, the button effect for which the effect pattern is determined in the sub-control board 90 is realized by the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 .

[Operation reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart of the operation acceptance process in step S40 of FIG. Sub-CPU 91, following the command reception process of step S10 (see FIG. 28), performs one of the button effects described above based on FIGS. 6 to 18, as illustrated in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is within the valid period (step S401). Specifically, when the button effect is performed along with the variable display of the special symbol this time, the sub RAM 93 stores the button effect pattern setting information including the information indicating the valid period as described above with reference to FIG. The sub CPU 91 specifies the start and end of the effective period based on this button effect pattern setting information, and the time elapsed since the start of the variable display of the special symbol this time is within the effective period. Based on whether it is, it is determined whether it is in the effective period. If the button effect pattern setting information is not set in the sub-RAM 93, the button effect will not be performed during the variable display of the special symbols this time. .

When the sub CPU 91 determines that it is in the effective period (step S401: YES), it is based on whether or not an operation signal indicating that the first effect button 35 has been operated has been input from the first effect button detection switch 351. Then, it is determined whether or not the first effect button detection switch 351 is turned "ON" (step S402). Here, if it is determined that the first production button detection switch 351 is not "ON" (step S402: NO), that is, the operation signal indicating that the first production button 35 has been operated has not been input. If so, the process proceeds to step S404, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the first effect button detection switch 351 is turned "ON", that is, when an operation signal indicating that the first effect button 35 is operated is input, the first effect button A first effect button operation notification command for notifying that 35 has been operated is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S403).

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S403 or determines that the first effect button detection switch 351 is not "ON" (step S402: NO), the operation member of the first effect button 35 is at the operation position. It is determined whether or not the first production button detection switch 351 has become "OFF" based on whether or not a return signal indicating that it has returned to the initial position has been input from the first production button detection switch 351 (step S404). Here, if it is determined that the first production button detection switch 351 is not "OFF" (step S404: NO), that is, the operating member of the first production button 35 has returned from the operating position to the initial position. If the return signal indicated is not input, the process proceeds to step S406, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the first production button detection switch 351 has turned "OFF" (step S404: YES), it indicates that the operating member of the first production button 35 has returned from the operating position to the initial position. When the return signal is input, a first effect button return notification command for notifying that the operation member of the first effect button 35 has returned to the initial position (that the operation of the first effect button 35 is completed) is stored in the sub-RAM 93. set (step S405).

These first effect button operation notification command and first effect button return notification command are transmitted to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the command transmission process of step S41. On the other hand, the image sound control CPU 101 of the image sound control board 100 can identify that the first effect button 35 has been operated based on the reception of the first effect button operation notification command. Further, the image sound control CPU 101 can specify that the first effect button 35 is repeatedly hit based on the fact that the first effect button operation notification command is continuously received a plurality of times. Further, if the image sound control CPU 101 does not receive the first effect button return notification command even after a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has passed after receiving the first effect button operation notification command, the first effect button operation notification command is not received. It is possible to specify that the button 35 has been pressed for a long time. In this way, when the image sound control CPU 101 identifies an operation of the first effect button 35 such as a single press, repeated presses, or long press, the effect corresponding to the operation (see FIGS. 8, 10, 13, and 15) is displayed. ) is executed by the image display device 7 and the speaker 38 .

Returning to the description of FIG. 33, when the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S405, or when it determines that the first effect button detection switch 351 is not "OFF" (step S404: NO), the second Based on whether an operation signal indicating that the production button 36 has been operated is input from the second production button detection switch 361, it is determined whether or not the second production button detection switch 361 has become "ON" ( step S406). Here, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the second effect button detection switch 361 has turned "ON" (step S406: YES), that is, an operation signal indicating that the second effect button 36 has been operated is input. If so, a second effect button operation notification command for notifying that the second effect button 36 has been operated is set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S407).

This second effect button operation notification command is transmitted to the image sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the command transmission processing of step S41. On the other hand, the image sound control CPU 101 of the image sound control board 100 can identify that the second effect button 36 has been operated based on the reception of the second effect button operation notification command. Then, when the operation of the second effect button 36 is specified, the image display device 7 and the speaker 38 are made to execute the effect (see FIGS. 10, 13 and 17) corresponding to the operation.

Thus, when the process of step S407 is executed, when it is determined that the second effect button detection switch 361 is not "ON" (step S406: NO), or it is determined that it is not in the valid period. If so (step S401: NO), the process proceeds to step S41 (see FIG. 28).

[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. 34 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. 34 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 S73).

Following the processing of step S73, the image sound control CPU 101 executes data transmission control processing (step S74). 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 . Thereby, the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, the first effect button lamp 352, the second effect button lamp 362, etc. are controlled so as to synchronize with the effect executed by the display screen 70 and the speaker 38. be.

[Image display control processing by image sound control board 100]
FIG. 35 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), the command has been sent from the sub-control board 90 in accordance with the process of step S166 in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is a variation production start command (step S712). Here, when it is determined that the received command is not the command to start the variable effect (step S712: NO), the process proceeds to step S714, which will be described later.

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is the variable effect start command (step S712: YES), the information indicating the variable effect pattern included in the variable effect start command and the notice. Based on the information indicating the effect pattern, the setting information of the variable effect and the advance notice effect is set in the control RAM 103 (step S715). In addition to the information indicating the variable effect pattern and the information indicating the advance notice effect pattern, if the button effect pattern setting information is included in the variation start command, based on these three pieces of information, the change effect and the advance notice effect , and button effect setting information are set in the control RAM 103 .

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is not the command to start the variation effect (step S712: NO), the command is sent from the sub-control board 90 according to the process of step S18 in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is the transmitted variation effect end command (step S714). Here, when it is determined that the received command is not the command to end the variation effect (step S714: NO), the process proceeds to step S716, which will be described later.

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is the command to end the variation effect (step S714: YES), an effect of notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination along with the stop display of the special symbol. The setting information of the final effect to stop the symbols is set in the control RAM 103 (step S715).

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is not the command to end the variation effect (step S714: NO), the command is sent from the sub-control board 90 according to the process of step S20 in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is the transmitted opening effect start command (step S716). Here, when it is determined that the command from the sub-control board 90 is not the opening effect start command (step S716: NO), the process proceeds to step S718, which will be described later.

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is the opening effect start command (step S716: YES), it sets the setting information of the opening effect in the control RAM 103 (step S717). Conversely, when it is determined that the received command is not the opening effect start command (step S716: NO), the command is the first effect button transmitted from the sub-control board 90 in accordance with the process of step S403 in FIG. It is determined whether it is the operation notification command or the second effect button operation notification command transmitted from the sub-control board 90 according to the process of step S407 in FIG. 33 (step S718). Here, if it is determined that the command from the sub-control board 90 is not the operation notification command (step S718: NO), the process proceeds to step S721, which will be described later.

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is an operation notification command (step S718: YES), it determines whether or not the operation notified by the operation notification command is a valid operation. (step S719).

For example, in the case of the hit-lose suggestion first effect button repeated hit effect (see FIGS. 8 and 9) in the special effect, the first effective period, which is the effective period of the win-lose suggestive first effect button repeated hit effect, is the first effect button This is the effective period during which the continuous hitting (or long pressing) of 35 is effective, whereas the effective period is during which the operation of the second effect button 36 is not effective. Therefore, during the first valid period, if the operation notification command received in the process of step S718 is the first effect button operation notification command, the first effect button 35 that triggered the transmission of the operation notification command is determined to be a valid operation, and conversely, if the operation notification command received in the process of step S718 is the second effect button operation notification command, the second effect that triggered the transmission of the operation notification command The operation of the button 36 is not determined as valid operation (ie, determined as invalid operation).

In addition, for example, taking the success-or-failure suggestion first effect button repeated hit effect (see FIGS. 15 and 16) in the first hard reach as an example, the sixth effective period, which is the validity period of the success-or-fail suggestion first effect button repeated effect, is Continuous hitting (or long pressing) of the first effect button 35 and single pressing of the second effect button 36 are effective effective periods. Therefore, during the sixth effective period, if the operation notification command received in the process of step S718 is the first effect button operation notification command, and if the second effect button operation notification command received first in the sixth effective period In both cases, the operation of the first effect button 35 (or the second effect button 36) that triggered the transmission of these operation notification commands is determined to be a valid operation. In addition, in the hit-or-lose suggesting first effect button repeated hitting effect, the MAX reaching effect or the losing suggesting effect is performed in response to one operation of the second effect button 36, so the second effect button 36 during the sixth effective period. When the second effect button operation notification command corresponding to the operation after the first time is received, the operation that triggered the transmission of this operation notification command is determined as the invalid operation.

In this way, in the process of step S719, the type of valid period and the type of operation means (first effect button 35 or second effect button 36) used for the operation that triggered the transmission of the received operation notification command , it is determined whether or not the operation that triggered the transmission of the operation notification command is a valid operation.

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the operation notified by the operation notification command is a valid operation (step S719: YES), an operation corresponding effect (for example, during the first valid period) performed in response to the valid operation If there is, the setting information for executing the winning ball change effect: see FIG. 9B) is set in the control RAM 103 (step S720).

On the other hand, when the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the command received from the sub-control board 90 is not an operation notification command (step S718: NO), when it determines that the operation notified by the operation notification command is not a valid operation. (Step S719: NO), it is determined whether or not the command is the first effect button return notification command transmitted from the sub-control board 90 according to the process of step S405 of FIG. 33 (step S721).

When the image sound control CPU 101 determines that the received command is the first effect button return notification command (step S721: YES), the first effect during the valid period prompts the player to press and hold the first effect button 35. It is determined whether or not the button 35 is being pressed for a long time (step S722). Here, if it is determined that the first effect button 35 is being pressed for a long time (step S722: YES), end processing for terminating the operation corresponding effect being performed in response to the long press of the first effect button 35 is executed (step S723). Specifically, in order to end the operation-responsive effect being executed, the setting information of the operation-responsive effect set in the control RAM 103 is rewritten.

The image sound control CPU 101 executes the process of step S723, the process of step S713, the process of step S715, the process of step S717, or the process of step S720. In this case, 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 stores it in a predetermined area of the control RAM 103. (step S724), and the display list is set in the display list storage area of VRAM 106 (step S725). 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 .

[Timer Interrupt Processing by Lamp Control Board 120]
Next, interrupt processing executed in lamp control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 36 is a flow chart illustrating interrupt processing executed in lamp control board 120 . The lamp control board 120 receives commands from the sub-control board 90 and signals sent from the image sound control board 140 via the sub-control board 90 during normal operation except for special cases such as power-on and power-off. A series of processes illustrated in FIG. 36 are repeatedly executed at regular time intervals based on data related to image sound control, etc.

The lamp CPU 121 of the lamp control board 120 first executes data reception processing for receiving data relating to image sound control transmitted from the image sound control board 100 via the sub-control board 90 (step S801). The lamp CPU 121 controls the frame lamp 37, board surface lamp 5, movable decorative member 14, first It controls the production button lamp 352, the second production button lamp 362, the vibration motor 353, and the like.

Following the process of step S801, the lamp CPU 121 determines whether or not it has received a command to start the variation effect transmitted from the sub-control board 90 (step S802). Here, if it is determined that the command to start the variable production is received (step S802: YES), the light emission pattern data corresponding to the setting information included in the received command to start the variable production is read from the lamp ROM 122 and set in the lamp RAM 123. By doing so, the light emission patterns of the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, the LED built in the movable decorative member 14, the first effect button lamp 352, the second effect button lamp 362, etc. are set (step S803). Then, the lamp CPU 121 starts light emission control of each light emitting means based on the set light emission pattern data (step S804).

Subsequent to the process of step S804, the lamp CPU 121 is instructed to carry out a character effect that moves the movable decorative member 14 in the current pattern change, based on the setting information included in the received variation effect start command. It is determined whether or not there is (step S805). Here, when it is determined that an instruction is given to perform a character production (step S805: YES), the operation pattern data corresponding to the setting information included in the received variable production start command is read from the lamp ROM 122 and the lamp is displayed. The operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14 is set by setting it in the RAM 123 (step S806).

If the lamp CPU 121 has executed the process of step S806, or if it determines that it is not instructed to perform the character effect (step S805: NO), the vibration motor 353 is driven in the current symbol variation. It is determined whether or not there is an instruction to perform the vibration effect of vibrating the 1 effect button 35 (step S807). Here, when it is determined that the instruction to perform the vibration effect is given (step S807: YES), the vibration pattern data corresponding to the setting information included in the received variable effect start command is read from the lamp ROM 122 and the lamp RAM 123 , the vibration pattern of the first effect button 35 is set (step S808).

When the lamp CPU 121 executes the process of this step S808, when it determines that it is not instructed to perform the vibration effect (step S807: NO), or when it determines that it has not received the variation effect start command (step S802: NO), based on whether the operation pattern data of the movable decorative member 14 is set in the lamp RAM 123, it is determined whether or not the operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14 is set (step S809). If it is determined that the operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14 is set (step S809: YES), for example, the movable decorative member 14 can (step S810). For example, when the above-described win suggestion effect (see, for example, FIG. 6(N) and FIG. 10(I)) is executed, a predetermined win suggestion image suggesting a big win is displayed on the display screen 70. The lamp CPU 121 determines whether or not the display of the win suggestive image has started based on data relating to image sound control, and based on the determination result, determines whether or not it is time to start the operation of the movable decorative member 14. judge. If it is determined that it is time to start the operation of the movable decorative member 14 (step S810: YES), the operation of the movable decorative member 14 is controlled based on the operation pattern data set in the lamp RAM 123 by the process of step S806. A decorative member control process is executed (step S811).

When the lamp CPU 121 executes the process of step S811, determines that the operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14 is not set (step S809: NO), or does not start the operation of the movable decorative member 14. (step S810: NO), based on whether the vibration pattern data of the first effect button 35 is set in the lamp RAM 123, it is determined whether the vibration pattern of the first effect button 35 is set. Determine (step S812). Here, if it is determined that the vibration pattern of the first effect button 35 is set (step S812: YES), for example, based on the data regarding the image sound control received by the data reception process of step S801, the first effect It is determined whether or not it is time to start vibrating the button 35 (step S813). For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 9 and the like, since the vibration motor 353 is driven along with the pseudo-stop display of the double-th effect symbol, the pseudo-stop display of the double-th effect symbol is started. It is determined whether or not it is time to start vibrating the first effect button 35 based on whether or not it has been performed. Here, if it is determined that it is time to start vibrating the first effect button 35 (step S813: YES), the vibration of the first effect button 35 (vibration Drive of the motor 353) is executed first effect button vibration control process (step S814).

When the lamp CPU 121 executes the processing of this step S814, when it determines that the vibration pattern of the first effect button 35 is not set (step S812: NO), or when it is not the vibration start timing of the first effect button 35 (step S813: NO), it is determined whether or not it is time to start the valid period (step S816). Specifically, for example, based on the data related to the image sound control received by the data reception process of step S801, it is determined whether or not the display of the first effect button image or the second effect button image has started, and this determination is made. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the valid period.

When the lamp CPU 121 determines that it is time to start the effective period (step S816: YES), it starts controlling the emission of the button lamp to indicate that the effective period is in progress (step S817). Specifically, when the display of the first effect button image instructing the operation of the first effect button 35 is started, the light emission pattern data of the first effect button lamp 352 set in the lamp RAM 123 in the process of step S803 , the light emission control of the first effect button lamp 352 is started. On the other hand, when the display of the second effect button image instructing the operation of the second effect button 36 is started, based on the light emission pattern data of the second effect button lamp 362 set in the lamp RAM 123 in the processing of step S803 , the light emission control of the second effect button lamp 362 is started.

When the lamp CPU 121 executes the process of step S817, or when it determines that it is not the start timing of the effective period (step S816: NO), it determines whether it is the end timing of the effective period (step S818). . Specifically, for example, based on the data relating to the image sound control received by the data reception process of step S801, it is determined whether or not the display of the first effect button image or the second effect button image has ended, and this determination is made. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the effective period.

When the lamp CPU 121 determines that it is time to end the effective period (step S818: YES), the lamp CPU 121 ends the button lamp emission control started in step S817 (step S819). Specifically, when the display of the first effect button image instructing the operation of the first effect button 35 is ended, the light emission control of the first effect button lamp 352 is ended. When the display of the second effect button image instructing the operation of the second effect button 36 is ended, the light emission control of the second effect button lamp 362 is ended.

When the lamp CPU 121 executes the processing of this step S819, or when it determines that it is not the end timing of the effective period (step S818: NO), has it received the variable effect end command transmitted from the sub-control board 90? It is determined whether or not (step S820). Here, when it is determined that the variable effect end command has been received (step S820: YES), the light emission control for the fixed effect for notifying the hit/loss is executed (step S821). Specifically, by reading the light emission pattern data corresponding to the setting information included in the received variable effect end command from the lamp ROM 122 and setting it in the lamp RAM 123, the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14 The light emission pattern of the built-in LED, the first effect button lamp 352, the second effect button lamp 362, etc. is set. Then, the lamp CPU 121 executes light emission control of each light emitting means based on the set light emission pattern data until each fixed time elapses.

[Configuration and Operational Effects of Gaming Machine 1]
The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration, and by having the configuration, the following effects are achieved.

The gaming machine 1 includes operation means that can be operated by a player, determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and effect control for controlling effects based on the determination result of the determination means. means, the effect control means is determined to execute the special game by the determination means, and when the operation means is not operated during the valid period in which the operation of the operation means is valid, the When a first suggestive effect suggesting that a special game is executed is executed, the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed, and the operation means is operated during the effective period, the special game is executed. It is possible to execute a second suggestive effect, which is different from the first suggestive effect, suggesting that a game is to be played.

According to this configuration, for example, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "jackpot", if the first effect button 35 is not operated during the first valid period, the first suggestive effect , the effect of displaying the winning ball image entirely in red with the words "victory" (see FIG. 8(I)) is executed, and the first effect button 35 is operated during the first effective period. , as the second suggestive effect, a winning ball change effect (see FIGS. 8B to 8D) and a win ball image whose entirety is red with the word "victory" highlighted (see FIG. 8E). ) are executed.
In another example, when the determination result of the second special symbol determination is "jackpot", if the first effect button 35 is not operated during the sixth valid period, as the first suggestive effect, If the winning suggestion latter half effect (see FIGS. 15(H) to 15(I)) is executed and the first effect button 35 is operated during the sixth effective period, a power gauge change effect ( (see FIG. 15(E)), MAX reaching effect (first half effect of winning suggestion: see FIG. 15(F)-(G)), and second half effect of winning suggestion (see FIG. 15(H)-(I)) are executed. .

Thus, according to the above configuration, when it is determined to execute a jackpot game, if the operating means is operated during the valid period, it is different from the case where the operating means is operated during the valid period. Suggestion production is executed. Therefore, the player can be motivated to operate the operating means, and it is possible to prevent the reduction in interest of the presentation using the operating means due to the operating means not being operated during the effective period. As a result, it is possible to perform an effective presentation using the operating means.

Further, the method further includes receiving means capable of receiving continuous operation of the operating means during the validity period, and the effect control means, when executing the first suggestion effect, controls the first suggestion after the expiration of the validity period. When the effect is executed and the second suggestive effect is executed, the period during which the accepting means accepts the continuous operation of the operation means in the valid period and the period after the valid period ends. The second suggestion effect may be executed.

According to this configuration, when executing the first suggestive effect, the first suggestive effect is executed after the expiration of the effective period, and when executing the second suggestive effect, the operating means is continuously operated during the effective period. The second suggestion effect is executed over the period during which the operation is accepted and the period after the valid period ends.

For example, in the special effect that is performed in the normal game state, if the first effect button 35 is not operated during the first effective period, the first suggestive effect (the winning character is displayed) after the first effective period ends. An effect (see FIG. 8(I)) of displaying a winning ball image that emerges entirely in red is executed, and when the first effect button 35 is operated during the first effective period, the first effective period is reached. During the period in which the continuous operation of the first effect button 35 is accepted and the period after the end of the first effective period, the second suggestion effect (winning ball change effect (Fig. 8 (B) to (D) (see FIG. 8(E))), and an effect of displaying a victory ball image whose entirety is red with the characters "victory" highlighted (see FIG. 8(E))) is executed.

Also, for example, in the first strong reach that is performed in the variable probability gaming state, if the first effect button 35 is not operated during the sixth effective period, the first suggestive effect ( If the winning suggestion latter half effect (see FIGS. 15(H) to (I)) is executed and the first effect button 35 is operated during the sixth effective period, the first effect button during the first effective period. Over the period during which the operation of 35 is accepted and the period after the end of the sixth valid period, the second suggestion effect (power gauge change effect (see FIG. 15E)) and MAX reach effect (first half of winning suggestion effect: FIG. 15 (F) to (G)) and the winning suggestion latter half effect (see FIGS. 15 (H) to (I))) are executed.

Thus, according to the above configuration, when the operating means is operated during the effective period, the second suggestive effect is started at an earlier stage than when the first suggestive effect is performed. Therefore, the player who expects the occurrence of the suggestive effect suggesting that the jackpot game will be executed can be given a stronger motivation to operate the operating means during the effective period. It is possible to effectively suppress the deterioration of the interest of the performance using the operation means due to the fact that the operation means is not operated immediately, and as a result, it is possible to perform a more effective performance than using the operation means. .

Further, the effect control means is determined not to execute the special game by the determination means, and when the operation means is operated during the valid period, the second suggesting that the special game is not executed. A third suggesting effect is executed, and when the determining means determines that the special game is to be executed and the operating means is operated during the effective period, a similar suggesting effect similar to the third suggesting effect is executed. After that, it may be possible to execute a fourth suggestion effect suggesting that the special game is executed.

For example, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not to be executed and the first effect button 35 is not operated during the sixth effective period, the losing suggestion effect (see FIG. 14(K)) is executed. , when it is determined that a jackpot game is to be executed, and the first effect button 35 is operated during the sixth effective period, a loss-suggestion effect (see FIG. 14(K)) is executed as a similarity-suggestion effect, and then a big win is performed. There is a case where a success effect of revival continuous hitting effect (see FIG. 14(L)) suggesting that the game is executed is executed.

According to the above configuration, even if the suggestion effect suggesting that the special game is executed is not executed in response to the operation of the operation means during the effective period, it is suggested that the special game will be executed thereafter. There is a case where a fourth suggestion effect is executed. Therefore, the player operates the operating means during the valid period because the suggestive effect suggesting that the special game is executed was not performed even though the operating means was operated during the valid period. It is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of the problem that the special game is not executed, and even if the suggestive effect suggesting that the special game is not executed is executed, the player can understand that the special game will be executed. It is possible to maintain a sense of expectation for execution of the suggestive performance suggesting that over a long period of time.

[Modification]
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 embodiment, the present invention is applied to one type of pachinko gaming machine called a so-called ST machine, but the present invention is applied to a 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 game 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.

1 game machine (pachinko game machine), 7 image display device, 21 first start opening, 22 second start opening, 23 opening/closing member, 26 first big prize opening, 28 second big prize opening, 35 first production button, 36 second production button, 41 first special symbol display, 42 second special symbol display, 70 display screen, 80 main control board, 81 main CPU, 90 sub control board, 91 sub CPU, 100 image sound control board, 101 image sound control CPU, 120 lamp control board, 121 lamp CPU, 211 first start opening sensor, 221 second start opening sensor, 351 first effect button detection switch, 352 first effect button lamp, 353 vibration motor, 361 second 2 production button detection switch, 362 2nd production button lamp.

Claims (1)

an operation means that can be operated by a player;
Determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player;
A production control means for controlling the production based on the determination result of the determination means,
The production control means is
A predetermined operation corresponding effect can be executed according to the operation of the operation means during the valid period in which the operation of the operation means is valid,
The valid period includes a first valid period, a second valid period, and a third valid period,
The production control means is
when the first valid period starts, before the first valid period starts , an explanation rendering explaining how to operate the operation means during the first valid period is executed ;
When the second valid period starts, before the second valid period starts, a suggestive effect different from the explanation effect is executed to suggest that the second valid period will come,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the third effective period is started, neither the explanation effect nor the suggestive effect is executed before the third effective period is started.

Images