JP7315220B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, among pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, there is a gaming machine, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, which can suspend the execution of a variable game and executes an effect for the suspended variable game.

JP-A-2003-340038

In recent years, it has been desired to improve the interest of the presentation executed for the pending variable game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine that can improve the interest.

A gaming machine for solving the above-mentioned problems is a gaming machine capable of suspending the execution of a variable game, comprising display means for executing a display effect and control means for controlling the execution of the display effect, the display effect includes a specific display effect that can be executed for the pending variable game, and during execution of the specific display effect, in the display means, at least a part of the specific display area is divided into a first display area and a second display area in a first period, and the degree of expectation for a big win is suggested or displayed according to the display mode. A specific image notifying the degree of expectation of a big hit is displayed in the first display area according to the mode, and the first display area is gradually reduced in a second period after the first period.by,In the first display area,the specific imageat least a portion of thedisplaynext to, in a third period after the second period, the first display area is gradually enlarged, and the specific image is displayed in a display mode with a higher expectation of a big hit than the display mode of the specific image in the first period, the display effect includes a ready-to-win effect of forming a reach with a decorative symbol image, in the first period, the decorative symbol image is displayed in the first display area, and in the second period,The first display area may be merged with the second display area after the first display area is gradually reduced, and the first display area is merged with the second display area,All of the decorative design imagesis nondisplaynext to, in the second period, all of the decorative design imagesis nondisplayTonaIn the case ofis nondisplayTonaraThe gist is that the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher than when there is no such method.

According to the present invention, interest can be improved.

The perspective view which shows a pachinko game machine typically. The front view which shows a game board typically. A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko game machine. Explanatory drawing explaining an example of the display area of a game image. (a) to (f) are explanatory diagrams for explaining examples of types of game images. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams for explaining examples of types of background images; FIG. (a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of a display mode of a background image. (a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of a display mode of a specific display effect. (a) to (h) are explanatory diagrams for explaining a specific example of a specific display effect execution mode.

An embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described below.
Up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) in this specification indicate respective directions when viewed from the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko game machine 10 as a game machine is provided with a game board 11 . The game board 11 has a game area 11a in which game balls can flow down on its front side. In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 has a center frame 12 with various decorations at substantially the center of the game board 11.例文帳に追加The center frame 12 has an opening 12a.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a shooting handle 13. - 特許庁In the pachinko game machine 10, game balls are shot toward the game area 11a with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (the amount of rotation) of the shooting handle 13. FIG. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to shoot game balls toward the game area 11a and adjust the shooting intensity of the game balls by operating the shooting handle 13 .

A pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp 14. - 特許庁The decorative lamp 14 incorporates a light emitter (not shown), and is configured to be capable of emitting light, blinking, and extinguishing with the light emitter. As one of the effects, the decorative lamp 14 executes effects (hereinafter referred to as light emission effects) in which an issuer (not shown) emits light, blinks, and goes out. The pachinko game machine 10 has a speaker 15. - 特許庁As one of the effects, the speaker 15 executes effects (hereinafter referred to as sound effects) that output sounds such as human and animal voices, sound effects, and music.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an information display device 16. As shown in FIG. The information display device 16 is provided on the game board 11 at a position visible to the player. Various information indicating the control state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is reported on the information display device 16 .

The information display device 16 has a first special symbol display portion 16a. The first special symbol display portion 16a is configured to be able to display one type or a plurality of types of first special symbols. The first special symbol display unit 16a can execute a first special symbol variation game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed, and finally the first special symbol is stopped and displayed. In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of displayed pattern changes with the lapse of time. In this specification, "stopped display" means a state in which one symbol is displayed without changing the symbol type. In the following description, "first special symbol variation game" may be abbreviated as "first special game".

The information display device 16 has a second special symbol display portion 16b. The second special symbol display portion 16b is configured to be able to display one type or a plurality of types of second special symbols. The second special symbol display unit 16b can execute a second special symbol variation game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed, and finally the second special symbol is stopped and displayed. In the following description, "second special symbol variation game" may be abbreviated as "second special game". Further, in the following description, when the first special symbol variation game and the second special symbol variation game are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as "special game". The first special symbol and the second special symbol are symbols for announcing the result of the jackpot lottery executed internally in the pachinko gaming machine 10 . In the following description, the definitive stop display of a symbol may be referred to as "derivation".

Special patterns that can be derived from the first special pattern display part 16a include a lost pattern that can specify that the result of the big win lottery is a loss and a big win pattern that can specify that the result of the big win lottery is a big win. Further, similarly, the special symbols that can be derived from the second special symbol display portion 16b include a winning symbol and a big hit symbol. In this embodiment, when the result of the big win lottery is a big win, it means when the big win is won in the big win lottery, and when the result of the big win lottery is a loser, it means when the big win is not won in the big win lottery. The details of the jackpot lottery will be described later.

In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are not run simultaneously. In this embodiment, the second special game is executed with priority over the first special game. In this embodiment, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, and after the special game ends, a jackpot game is awarded. Then, in this embodiment, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a loss, a winning symbol is derived in the special game.

The information display device 16 has a first special hold display section 16c. The first special suspension display portion 16c displays information that enables recognition of the number of first special games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met. In the following description, the number of pending first special games is referred to as "first special pending number".

The information display device 16 has a second special hold display section 16d. The second special suspension display portion 16d displays information that enables recognition of the number of times of the second special game whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met. In the following description, the number of pending second special games is referred to as "second special pending number". For example, the maximum values of the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number are respectively "4".

The information display device 16 includes a normal symbol display portion 16e. The normal symbol display section 16e is configured to be able to display one type or a plurality of types of normal symbols. The normal symbol display unit 16e can execute a normal symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the normal symbol is finally stop-displayed. In the following description, the normal symbol variation game is abbreviated as "normal game". The normal symbols that can be drawn out to the normal symbol display portion 16e include normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. When normal winning symbols are derived in the normal game, the player can recognize the normal winning. In a normal game, when a normal losing pattern is derived, the player can recognize the normal losing. In the present embodiment, when winning a normal winning lottery of normal symbols, a normal winning symbol is derived in a normal game, and a normal winning game is provided after the normal game ends.

The information display device 16 has a normal hold display section 16f. The normal suspension display portion 16f displays information that enables recognition of the number of normal games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. For example, the maximum number of normal reservations is "4". In addition, the information display device 16 may include a right-handed display section for displaying information instructing so-called "right-handed" and a round display section for notifying the specified number of round games, which will be described later. In addition, the information display device 16 may include a game state display section for displaying information that enables recognition of the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . Details of the game state will be described later. It should be noted that these plural display units do not need to be provided on the same member (in this embodiment, the information display device 16), and may be provided separately.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a performance display device 17 substantially in the center of the game board 11.例文帳に追加The effect display device 17 has an image display section 17a capable of displaying a predetermined image. The effect display device 17 is assembled so that the image display section 17a can be visually recognized through the opening 12a when viewed from the front. The image display unit 17a is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. Note that the image display unit 17a may be an organic EL panel. The effect display device 17 corresponds to display means for executing display effects.

In the present embodiment, the effect display device 17 executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) of displaying an image (picture) imitating a predetermined character or text. For example, the effect display device 17 executes an effect game as a display effect. In the performance game, a plurality of lines of performance symbols are variably displayed in a performance game execution area (display area) which is a part of the display area of the performance display device 17, and finally a combination of performance symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The effect pattern (decorative pattern) is a pattern decorated with a character, a pattern, or the like, and is information for diversifying the display effect. In this embodiment, the effect game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the first, second, and third symbol rows in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the production pattern of each row is composed of a design in which Arabic numerals [1] to [9] are decorated with characters, patterns, and the like. In this embodiment, the effect game is executed by a moving image in which the effect symbols in each row are displayed in a variable manner.

The effect game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. That is, the effect game is executed in correspondence with the special game. Also, in the performance game, a symbol combination is derived according to the special symbols derived in the special game. In the special game, when the big-hit symbols are derived, in the effect game, the big-hit symbol combination is derived. The jackpot pattern combination is a pattern combination such as 777, in which all rows of the pattern are the same pattern. When a winning symbol is derived in the special game, a winning symbol combination is derived in the effect game. The lost symbol combination is, for example, a symbol combination such as 778, 787, etc., in which at least some rows of performance symbols are different from other rows of performance symbols.

In this embodiment, a ready-to-win effect can be executed in the effect game. The ready-to-win effect is an effect to form a ready-to-win effect in the effect game and to finally derive a predetermined symbol combination. The ready-to-win state is a state in which the same performance symbols are stopped and displayed in a plurality of specific symbol rows, and the performance symbols are continuously variably displayed in other symbol rows.

The ready-to-win effect of the present embodiment includes a normal ready-to-win effect and a super ready-to-win effect by developing the effect content of the normal ready-to-win effect. In this embodiment, the super ready-to-win effect is an effect with a higher degree of expectation that a big win display result is derived in the corresponding special game than the normal ready-to-win effect. In the following description, the degree of expectation for deriving the big win display result (the degree of expectation for a big win) is simply referred to as "big win expectation". In the present embodiment, when the big win display result is derived in the special game, the big win display result is also derived in the effect game, so the degree of expectation for the big win in the special game can also be grasped as the degree of expectation for the big win in the effect game. In the following description, the special game and the effect game executed corresponding to the special game may be collectively referred to as "variation game". Further, the first special game and the effect game executed corresponding to the first special game may be collectively referred to as "first variation game", and the second special game and the effect game executed corresponding to the second special game may be collectively referred to as "second variation game".

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first starting port 18 that opens to the game area 11a. The first starting port 18 is located below the center frame 12 in the game area 11a. The first starting port 18 is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a first start sensor SE1 that detects a game ball entering the first start hole 18 (shown in FIG. 3). For example, the first starting sensor SE1 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which a game ball entering the first starting port 18 passes. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first starting sensor SE1, the condition for holding the first special game can be established, and the condition for paying out prize balls is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second start port 19 that opens to the game area 11a. The second starting port 19 is located on the lower right side of the center frame 12 in the game area 11a. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a second starting sensor SE2 that detects a game ball entering the second starting hole 19 (shown in FIG. 3). For example, the second starting sensor SE2 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which a game ball entering the second starting port 19 passes. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second starting sensor SE2, the condition for holding the second special game can be established, and the condition for paying out prize balls is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a normal variable member 20 capable of operating in an open state (permitting state) in which a game ball can enter a second starting port 19 and a closed state (regulating state) in which a game ball cannot enter the second starting port 19.例文帳に追加In the closed state, the game ball can enter the second starting port 19, but it may be a state in which it is difficult to enter compared to the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a normal actuator A1 for operating the normal variable member 20 (shown in FIG. 3). Ordinary variable member 20 is operated in an allowable state in an ordinary winning game.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a big prize winning opening 21 opening in the game area 11a. The big winning opening 21 is located at the lower right side of the center frame 12 in the game area 11a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a count sensor SE3 for detecting game balls entering the big winning hole 21 (shown in FIG. 3). For example, the count sensor SE3 is provided in a path (not shown) through which a game ball entering the big winning hole 21 passes. In this embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, the payout condition for the prize ball is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a special variable member 22 capable of operating in an open state (allowed state) in which game balls can enter the big prize winning opening 21 and a closed state (restricted state) in which game balls cannot enter the big winning prize opening 21.例文帳に追加The pachinko game machine 10 has a special actuator A2 for operating the special variable member 22 (shown in FIG. 3). The special variable member 22 is operated in an open state in a big hit game.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a gate 23 that opens to the game area 11a. The gate 23 is positioned to the right of the center frame 12 in the game area 11a. The gate 23 is always open so that game balls can pass through. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a gate sensor SE4 (shown in FIG. 3) for detecting game balls that have passed through the gate 23. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, the normal game suspension condition can be established.

The pachinko game machine 10 has an out port 24 that opens to the game area 11a. In this embodiment, a game ball that does not enter any of the first starting hole 18, the second starting hole 19, and the big winning hole 21 is discharged out of the machine through the out hole 24. The pachinko game machine 10 includes game components (not shown) such as game nails and windmills that change the behavior of game balls flowing down the game area 11a.

Next, in this embodiment, the path along which the game ball flows will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as described above has a plurality of paths according to the shooting intensity of the game balls as the paths along which the game balls flow down in the game area 11a. The route along which the game ball flows can also be grasped as an area in which the game ball flows. The plurality of routes include a first route leading to the outlet 24 through the left side of the center frame 12 and a second route leading to the outlet 24 through the right side of the center frame 12. - 特許庁In this embodiment, a first starting port 18 is arranged on the first path, and a second starting port 19, a big prize winning opening 21, and a gate 23 are arranged on the second path. That is, the second starting port 19, the big winning port 21, and the gate 23 are arranged on the same flow path.

As described above, in this embodiment, the game ball is shot with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the shooting handle 13 . In this embodiment, when the game ball is shot by adjusting the operation amount of the shooting handle 13 so that the shooting strength becomes weaker, the game ball tends to flow down the first path. On the other hand, when the game ball is shot by adjusting the operation amount of the shooting handle 13 so as to increase the shooting intensity, it tends to flow down the second path. That is, when the game ball is shot by adjusting the operation amount of the shooting handle 13 so that the game ball is shot so as to flow down the first path, the game ball can enter the first start port 18.例文帳に追加On the other hand, when the game ball is shot by adjusting the operation amount of the shooting handle 13 so that the game ball has the shooting strength to be shot so as to flow down the second path, the ball can enter the second start opening 19, the big winning opening 21, and the gate 23. In the following description, shooting a game ball by adjusting the amount of operation of the shooting handle 13 so that the shooting intensity is such that the game ball is shot so as to flow down the first path may be referred to as "left-handed hitting". Also, shooting a game ball by adjusting the amount of operation of the shooting handle 13 so that the game ball has a shooting intensity that is shot so as to flow down the second path may be referred to as "right hitting".

Next, the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a probability changing function for changing the probability of a big win to a high probability, a ball entry assisting function for assisting the entry of a game ball into a second starting port 19, and a time shortening function for shortening the variation time of a special game. The game state in the pachinko game machine 10 is configured by combining the operating states (operating and non-operating) of these functions.

The probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function) will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 has a plurality of probability states as states with different jackpot probabilities. The big-hit probability is the probability of winning the big-hit in the big-hit lottery. The plurality of probability states include a low-probability state and a high-probability state with a higher jackpot probability than the low-probability state. When the variable probability function is activated, the probability state shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, increasing the possibility of winning the jackpot. Therefore, the high-probability state is advantageous for the player. The high-probability state is a so-called "variable probability state (variable probability state)".

The ball entry assistance function will be explained.
The pachinko game machine 10 has a plurality of ball-entering rate states as states in which the ball-entering rate of the game ball to the second start port 19 is different. The plurality of ball-entering rate states include a low ball-entering rate state and a high ball-entering rate state in which the ball-entering rate is higher than the low ball-entering rate state. When the ball-entering assisting function operates, the ball-entering rate state shifts from the low ball-entering rate state to the high ball-entering rate state, and as a result of improving the ball entering rate of the game ball to the second start port 19, the starting condition of the second special game is easily established. Therefore, the high ball entry rate state is advantageous for the player. As described above, in this embodiment, the second starting port 19 is arranged on the second path. Therefore, in a state where the game grade ball entering rate to the second starting port 19 is high, the game ball flows down on the second path, and right-handed hitting is recommended so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 19.例文帳に追加On the other hand, in the low ball-entering rate state, it is not expected that the game ball enters the second start hole 19 as in the high ball-entering rate state even if the player hits to the right. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the low ball entry rate state, left-handed hitting is recommended so that the game ball can easily enter the first starting hole 18 arranged on the first path.

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by executing one control that can be arbitrarily selected from the three controls described below, or by executing a plurality of controls in combination. The first control is control to shorten the variation time of the normal game more than in the low ball entry rate state. The second control is a control for changing the probability of winning a normal winning lottery in the normal symbol winning lottery to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The second control may be control in which the winning lottery itself of normal patterns is not performed in the state of low ball-entering rate, but the winning lottery of normal patterns is performed so as to win the normal winning with a predetermined winning probability in the state of high ball-entering rate. The third control is a control that makes the total open time of the normal variable member 20 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. As the third control, at least one of control to increase the number of opening times of the normal variable member 20 in one normal winning game than in the low ball entry rate state and control to lengthen the opening time of the normal variable member 20 once in the normal winning game to be longer than in the low ball entry rate state may be performed.

Next, the variable time reduction function (hereinafter referred to as the time reduction function) will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of variable time states as states with different variable times (average variable times) of the special game. The plurality of variable time states include a long variable time state and a short variable time state in which the average variable time of at least the second special game is shorter than the long variable time state. When the time reduction function is activated, the variable time state shifts from the long variable time state to the short variable time state, and the number of special games that can actually be executed per unit time increases. That is, the execution frequency of the special game per unit time is improved. In this embodiment, the time saving function operates in conjunction with the ball entry assist function. That is, the time-saving function operates together with the ball entry assist function, and becomes non-operable together with the ball entry assist function. Therefore, in this embodiment, the low ball-entering rate state is also the long-variation-time state, and the high-ball-entering rate state is also the short-variation-time state.

In this embodiment, the game state, there are three normal state, high-probability short working hours state, and low certainty short working hours state. The normal state is a gaming state in which none of the variable probability function, the assisting function for entering balls, and the time saving function operate. The high-probability time-saving state is a game state in which the probability variable function, the entering ball assisting function, and the time-saving function all operate. The state with low probability and short working hours is a game state in which the variable probability function does not operate, but the entering ball assist function and the short working hours function operate. The pachinko game machine 10 is not limited to having three game states, and some or all of them may have different game states in which the function to be activated among the variable probability function, the assisting ball entry function, and the time saving function is changed. Also, the number of game states may be one, two, or four or more.

Next, the jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. In this embodiment, the multiple types of jackpot symbols are classified into normal jackpot symbols and specific jackpot symbols. In the pachinko game machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded according to the type of jackpot pattern (classification of jackpot patterns).

In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined opening time. In the present embodiment, an opening effect for notifying the start of a big hit game is performed as a predetermined effect at the opening time. In the jackpot game, a round game for opening the jackpot 21 is performed after the opening time has elapsed. A round game is performed with a predetermined specified number of times as the upper limit. In some pachinko game machines, when a continuation condition is satisfied in one round game, the next round game of the round game is performed, and when the continuation condition is not satisfied in one round game, the round game becomes the final round game. In such a pachinko gaming machine, the specified number of times may be the maximum number of round games that can be reached by satisfying the continuation condition.

One round game is terminated when a first termination condition that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter or a second termination condition that a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big winning opening 21 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. In the round game, a round production is performed. Then, in the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined ending time. In the present embodiment, an ending effect for notifying the end of the jackpot game is performed as a predetermined effect at the ending time. The jackpot game is terminated when the ending time elapses.

In the normal jackpot pattern, a normal specified number of times is defined as a specified number of times of the round game. In addition, in the specific jackpot symbol, a specific prescribed number of times is defined as the prescribed number of times of the round game. In this embodiment, the normal specified number of times and the specific specified number of times are the same value. For example, the normal specified number of times and the specific specified number of times are 10. Note that the normal specified number of times and the specific specified number of times may be different. For example, the normal prescribed number of times may be a larger value than the specific prescribed number of times, or a smaller value than the specific prescribed number of times.

In the normal jackpot pattern, a game state with a low probability of shortening working hours is defined as a game state after the jackpot game ends. Further, in the specific jackpot pattern, a game state with a high probability of shortening working hours is defined as a game state after the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment, after the end of the big win game based on the normal big win patterns, the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled in a game state with low probability and short working hours until the special game of the predetermined number of operations is ended or until the big win game is awarded before the special game of the number of operations is ended. On the other hand, after the end of the jackpot game based on the specific jackpot symbols, the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to a game state with a high probability of reducing working hours until the next jackpot game is awarded. In this embodiment, when a special game of a predetermined number of operations is completed after the end of a big win game based on normal big win patterns, or when a big win game is provided before the special game of the number of operations is completed, the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to a game state without low probability and short working hours. Further, after the end of the jackpot game based on the specific jackpot symbols, when the next jackpot game is provided, the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to a game state without low probability and short working hours. In addition, in the present embodiment, there is only one type of the special symbol that is lost.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40. As shown in FIG. The main control board 40 performs various processes and outputs control signals (control commands) according to the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also includes a sub-control board 50 . The sub control board 50 executes a predetermined process based on control signals input from the main control board 40 . For example, the sub-control board 50 performs processing for executing a light emission effect by the decoration lamp 14 , a sound effect by the speaker 15 , and a display effect by the effect display device 17 .

First, the main control board 40 will be explained.
The main control board 40 includes a main control CPU 41 , a main control ROM 42 and a main control RAM 43 . The main control CPU 41 performs various processes by executing the main control program. The main control ROM 42 stores a main control program, a table used for a predetermined lottery, determination values, and the like. Also, the main control ROM 42 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns.

Here, the variation pattern will be explained.
The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game to the end of the special game. In addition, in the present embodiment, the variation pattern is information capable of specifying at least part of the effect content (variation mode) of the effect game performed during execution of the special game. In this embodiment, the variation patterns include a big win variation pattern that can be determined when the result of the big win lottery is a big win and a loss variation pattern that can be determined when the result of the big win lottery is a loss.

In the present embodiment, the big win variation pattern includes a big win variation pattern in which, as the performance contents of the performance game, a normal ready-to-win performance is executed but a super ready-to-win performance is not executed, and the performance contents for finally deriving the big win pattern combination are determined. In addition, there is a big hit variation pattern in which a super ready-to-win effect is executed as the effect content of the effect game, and the effect content of finally deriving the symbol combination of the big win is determined. As described above, the super ready-to-win effect of the present embodiment is an effect to be performed by developing the effect content of the normal ready-to-win effect. Therefore, it can be said that the variation pattern that defines the effect content for executing the super ready-to-win effect has the effect content for executing the normal ready-to-win effect as the effect content of the effect game.

In the present embodiment, the loss variation pattern includes a loss variation pattern in which, as the effect content of the effect game, the effect content (hereinafter referred to as "no reach loss") that ultimately leads to a winning symbol combination without executing the ready-to-win effect is determined. In addition, there is a loss variation pattern in which, as the performance contents of the performance game, a normal ready-to-win performance is executed but a super ready-to-win performance is not executed, and performance contents for finally deriving a winning pattern combination are determined. In addition, the losing variation pattern includes a losing variation pattern in which a super ready-to-win effect is executed as the effect content of the effect game, and the effect content of finally deriving the winning symbol combination is determined.

Returning to the description of the main control board, the main control RAM 43 is configured to be able to store various information rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . Information stored in the main control RAM 43 includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. Further, the main control board 40 is configured to be able to generate random numbers. For example, random numbers may be generated as hardware random numbers or as software random numbers.

The main control CPU 41, the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4 are connected. The main control CPU 41 is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main control CPU 41, the normal actuator A1, and the special actuator A2 are connected. The main control CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the operation of each actuator. The main control CPU 41 and the information display device 16 are connected. That is, the main control CPU 41, the first special symbol display portion 16a, the second special symbol display portion 16b, the first special reservation display portion 16c, the second special reservation display portion 16d, the normal symbol display portion 16e, and the normal reservation display portion 16f are connected. The main control CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the display contents of each display section of the information display device 16 .

Next, the sub-control board 50 will be described.
The sub control board 50 and the main control board 40 are connected. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to output a control signal in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub control board 50 .

The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-control CPU 51 , a sub-control ROM 52 and a sub-control RAM 53 . The sub-control CPU 51 performs various types of processing (for example, processing related to effects) by executing a sub-control program. The sub-control ROM 52 stores sub-control programs, tables used for lottery, determination values, and the like. The sub-control ROM 52 stores display effect data relating to the display effect in the effect display device 17 . The sub-control ROM 52 stores light emission effect data relating to the light emission effect of the decorative lamp 14 . The sub-control ROM 52 stores audio effect data relating to the audio effect in the speaker 15 . The sub-control RAM 53 is configured to be able to store various information that can be rewritten as appropriate during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . Information stored in the sub-control RAM 53 includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. Also, the sub-control board 50 is configured to be able to generate random numbers. For example, random numbers may be generated as hardware random numbers or as software random numbers.

The sub-control CPU 51 and the effect display device 17 are connected. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the display mode of the effect display device 17 . The sub-control CPU 51 corresponds to control means for controlling execution of display effect. The sub-control CPU 51 and the decoration lamp 14 are connected. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the lighting mode of the decoration lamp 14 . The sub-control CPU 51 and the speaker 15 are connected. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker 15 .

Next, various processes performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
First, the special symbol input processing performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described. The special symbol input process is performed as an interrupt process that is performed every predetermined control period (eg 4 ms).

In the special symbol input process, the main control CPU41 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 18 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first starting sensor SE1.
When the game ball enters the first starting port 18, the main control CPU41 determines whether or not the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first special reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 adds 1 to the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM43 and updates it. As a result, the condition for holding the first special game is established. In this process, the main control CPU 41 controls the first special pending display section 16c of the information display device 16 so as to display the updated first special pending number. In addition, the main control CPU 41 sets information that can specify the updated first special reservation number (hereinafter referred to as the first reservation number command) in the output buffer. Information (control command) set in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 50 in information output processing executed as interrupt processing.

Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 43 . For example, the random number is a winning random number used for a big win lottery, a big winning design random number used for determining a big winning design, a variation pattern determining random number used for determining a variation pattern, and the like. In this process, the main control CPU 41 stores the random number information so that the random number information is for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM 43, the execution of the first special game can be suspended until the conditions for executing the first special game are met. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method.

When the main control CPU 41 stores the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM 43 based on the obtained random number, the main control CPU 41 executes a look-ahead command generation process for generating control information (hereinafter referred to as a look-ahead command) capable of specifying the change contents of the first special game whose execution is newly suspended, based on the random number information.

In the look-ahead command generation process, the main control CPU 41 pre-determines whether the value of the acquired random number is a value that will win a big hit in a big-hit lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. In addition, the main control CPU 41 pre-determines which variation pattern is determined in the variation pattern determination lottery performed in the special symbol start process, based on the value of the acquired random number. Then, the main control CPU 41 generates a prefetch command based on the result of the preliminary determination. That is, the look-ahead command is information that can specify whether the special game whose execution is newly suspended is a big-win special game. Also, the look-ahead command is information that can specify the variation pattern of the special game whose execution is newly suspended. The main control CPU 41 stores the generated prefetch command in the output buffer.

When the game ball has not entered the first starting port 18, when the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, and when the look-ahead command is generated, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the second starting port 19 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second starting sensor SE2. When the game ball has not entered the second starting port 19, the main control CPU 41 terminates the special symbol input process.

When the game ball enters the second starting port 19, the main control CPU41 determines whether or not the second special reservation number stored in the main control RAM43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second special reservation number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process. When the second special reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 adds 1 to the second special reservation number stored in the main control RAM43 and updates it. As a result, the condition for holding the second special game is established. In this process, the main control CPU 41 controls the second special pending display section 16d of the information display device 16 so as to display the updated second special pending number. In addition, the main control CPU 41 sets information (hereinafter referred to as a second reservation number command) that can specify the updated second special reservation number in the output buffer.

Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 43 . In this process, the main control CPU 41 stores the random number information so that the random number information is for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 43, the execution of the second special game can be suspended until the conditions for executing the second special game are satisfied. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to suspend the execution of the variable game by the main control CPU 41 executing special symbol input processing.

Next, the special symbol start processing performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described. The special symbol start process is performed as an interrupt process.
In the special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the conditions for executing the special game are satisfied. The main control CPU 41 makes an affirmative determination when the big win game is not in progress and the special game is not in progress, while making a negative determination when the big win game is in progress or the special game is in progress. If the special game execution condition is not established, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

When the special game execution condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the second special pending number stored in the main control RAM 43 is 1 or more. When the second special reservation number is 1 or more, the main control CPU 41 performs a predetermined process (hereinafter referred to as second special game start process) to start the second special game. If the second special reservation number is not 1 or more, that is, if the second special reservation number is zero, the main control CPU41 determines whether the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM43 is 1 or more. When the first special reservation number is 1 or more, the main control CPU 41 performs a predetermined process (hereinafter referred to as first special game start process) to start the first special game. When the first special reservation number is not 1 or more, that is, when the first special reservation number is zero, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

In the first special game start process, the main control CPU41 subtracts 1 from the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM43 and updates it. In this process, the main control CPU 41 controls the first special pending display section 16c of the information display device 16 so that the updated first special pending number is displayed. Next, the main control CPU 41 reads from the main control RAM 43 the random number information stored first among the random number information for the first special game. When reading the random number information stored first, the main control CPU 41 deletes the random number information from the main control RAM 43 and shifts the random number information stored after the random number information.

Next, the main control CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery based on the read random number information and the jackpot determination value stored in the main control ROM 42 . For example, the main control CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery based on whether or not the value of the hit random number specified from the random number information in the jackpot lottery matches the jackpot determination value. A main control CPU 41 determines that a big win has been won in the big win lottery when the value of the winning random number and the big win determination value match, and determines that the big win has not been won in the big win lottery when the value of the winning random number and the big win determination value do not match. In this embodiment, there are multiple jackpot determination values. Therefore, the main control CPU 41 determines that a big win has been won in the big win lottery when the value of the winning random number matches any one of a plurality of big win determination values, and determines that a big win has not been won in the big win lottery when the value of the winning random number does not match any of the plurality of big win determination values. That is, when the value of the winning random number coincides with any one of a plurality of big winning determination values, it is ``when the result of the big winning lottery is a big winning'', and when the value of the winning random number does not match any of the plurality of big winning determination values, it is ``when the result of the big winning lottery is a loss''.

Also, when performing a big hit lottery, the main control CPU 41 performs a big hit lottery using a different big hit determination value according to the current probability state. Specifically, when the current probability state is a high probability state, the main control CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery so that the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than when the current probability state is a low probability state. For example, when the current probability state is a high probability state, the main control CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery using a larger number of jackpot determination values than when the current probability state is a low probability state. In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 41 specifies the current gaming state based on information (hereinafter referred to as a probability state flag) that can specify which of the low probability state and the high probability state stored in the main control RAM 43 and information (hereinafter referred to as a ball entry rate state flag) that can specify which of the low ball entry rate state and the high ball entry rate. After that, the main control CPU 41 performs a special symbol determination lottery for determining the type of special symbol and a variation pattern determination lottery for determining a variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot lottery.

Specifically, when a big win is won by a big win lottery in the first special game start processing, the main control CPU 41 performs a special symbol determination lottery based on the value of the big win symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the big win symbols derived in the first special game. In addition, the main control CPU 41 sets information (hereinafter referred to as a symbol command) that can specify the determined jackpot symbol in the output buffer. Next, the main control CPU 41 determines the variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern determination random number that can be specified from the random number information. In addition, the main control CPU 41 can specify the determined variation pattern, generates information (hereinafter referred to as a game start command) for instructing the start of the effect game based on the variation pattern, and sets it in the output buffer. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the main control CPU 41 generates a game start command in the first special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 generates the game start command so that it can be specified that it is information for instructing the start of the effect game executed corresponding to the first special game.

On the other hand, in the first special game start process, if the big win is not won in the big win lottery, the main control CPU 41 determines the winning symbols to be derived in the first special game. As described above, in the present embodiment, there is only one type of special symbol that is not included in the winning symbols. Therefore, the main control CPU 41 determines one predetermined winning symbol when determining the winning symbols to be derived in the first special game. In addition, the main control CPU 41 sets a symbol command that can specify the determined lost symbol in the output buffer. Next, the main control CPU 41 determines the variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern determination random number that can be specified from the random number information. In addition, the main control CPU 41 generates a game start command that can specify the determined variation pattern, and sets it in the output buffer. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the first special symbol start process.

In the present embodiment, the second special symbol start process is a process in which the "first special game" is read as the "second special game" and the "first special reserved number" is read as the "second special reserved number" in the first special symbol start process, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, in the second special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 performs subtraction of the second special reservation number, a big win lottery, a special symbol determination lottery based on the result of the big win lottery, and a variation pattern determination lottery based on the result of the big win lottery. Then, when generating the game start command in the second special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 generates the game start command so as to be able to specify that it is the information instructing the start of the performance game executed corresponding to the second special game. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the second special symbol start process.

After finishing the special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 executes the first special game or the second special game by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when executing the first special game, the main control CPU 41 controls the first special symbol display section 16a of the information display device 16 so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. In addition, the main control CPU 41 measures the variation time determined in the variation pattern, and when the variation time elapses, the first special symbol display unit 16a of the information display device 16 is controlled so as to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, the main control CPU 41 outputs a control command that can specify the end of the special game (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) to the sub control board 50 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed.

When executing the second special game, the main control CPU 41 controls the second special symbol display section 16b of the information display device 16 so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. In addition, the main control CPU 41 measures the variation time specified in the variation pattern, and when the variation time elapses, the second special symbol display unit 16b of the information display device 16 is controlled so as to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, the main control CPU 41 outputs a fluctuation end command to the sub control board 50 when the fluctuation time set in the fluctuation pattern has passed.

Next, the jackpot processing performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described. The main control CPU 41 executes a jackpot process when a jackpot symbol is derived in a special game.
In the big-hit process, the main control CPU 41 performs control to give a big-hit game based on the big-hit symbol (type of big-hit) determined in the special symbol start process.

First, the main control CPU 41 measures the opening time based on the type of jackpot, and sets information (hereinafter referred to as opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41 performs processing for executing a round game when the opening time based on the type of jackpot has elapsed. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 controls the special actuator A2 to start the round game so that the big winning opening 21 is opened in an opening pattern based on the type of big win. After that, when the first end condition or the second end condition is established, the main control CPU 41 controls the special actuator A2 so as to close the big winning hole 21, and ends the round game. The main control CPU 41 repeats such processing until the specified number of round games is completed. In addition, the main control CPU 41 sets information (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game in the output buffer each time the round game is started. When the final round game ends, the main control CPU 41 measures the ending time based on the type of jackpot, and sets information that can specify the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41 ends the jackpot game when the ending time based on the jackpot type has passed.

Next, the game state processing performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described.
A main control CPU 41, when giving a big win game based on a specific big win pattern, controls to a high probability state when finishing the big win game, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the high probability state in a probability state flag stored in a main control RAM 43. - 特許庁In addition, when a big win game based on a specific big win pattern is provided, the main control CPU 41 controls to a high ball entry rate state when ending the big win game, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the high ball entry rate state to a ball entry rate state flag stored in a main control RAM 43. - 特許庁Further, when the main control CPU 41 gives a jackpot game based on a specific jackpot symbol, the main control CPU 41 controls to a short fluctuation time state when ending the jackpot game. As described above, in the present embodiment, the high ball entry rate state is also the short fluctuation time state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ball-entering rate state flag also functions as information capable of specifying whether the state is the short fluctuation time state or the long fluctuation time state. In this way, when the main control CPU 41 gives a big hit game based on a specific big win pattern, when ending the big win game, the main control CPU 41 controls to a game state with high probability and short working hours.

After that, when the next big win game is given, the main control CPU 41 controls to a low probability state with the giving of the big win game as a trigger, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the low probability state in the probability state flag stored in the main control RAM 43. - 特許庁Further, when the next big winning game is given, the main control CPU 41 controls to the low ball-entering rate state with the giving of the big winning game as a trigger, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the low-ball-entering rate state to the ball-entering rate state flag stored in the main control RAM 43. - 特許庁In addition, when the next big hit game is given, the main control CPU 41 controls to the long fluctuation time state with the giving of the big hit game as a trigger. That is, when the main control CPU 41 grants a jackpot game based on a specific jackpot symbol, after the jackpot game ends, the next jackpot game is given as a trigger to control the game state with low probability and short working hours. In this way, when a big win game based on a specific big win pattern is awarded, the main control CPU 41 controls the game state to a game state with high accuracy and short working hours until the next big win game is started when the big win game is finished.

A main control CPU 41, when giving a jackpot game based on a normal jackpot pattern, controls to a low-probability state when ending the jackpot game, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the low-probability state in a probability state flag stored in a main control RAM 43. - 特許庁In addition, when a jackpot game based on a normal jackpot pattern is given, the main control CPU 41 controls to a high ball-entering rate state when finishing the big-winning game, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the high ball-entering rate state to a ball-entering rate state flag stored in a main control RAM 43. - 特許庁Further, when the main control CPU 41 gives a jackpot game based on the normal jackpot pattern, the main control CPU 41 controls to a short fluctuation time state when ending the jackpot game. At this time, the main control CPU 41 causes the main control RAM 43 to store the predetermined number of times of operation as the number of remaining times of the special game for controlling to the high ball entry rate state.

Then, the main control CPU 41 subtracts 1 from the remaining number of times stored in the main control RAM 43 each time the special game is executed. When the remaining number of times becomes 0, the main control CPU 41 controls to the low ball-entering rate state with the execution of the special game in which the remaining number of times becomes 0 as a trigger, and sets a value capable of specifying the control to the low-ball-entering rate state to the ball-entering rate state flag stored in the main control RAM 43. Further, when the remaining number of times becomes 0, the main control CPU 41 controls to the long fluctuation time state with the execution of the special game in which the remaining number of times becomes 0 as a trigger. In addition, when the next big win game is given before the remaining number of times reaches 0, the main control CPU 41 controls to a low ball-entering rate state with the giving of the big winning game as a trigger, and sets a value capable of specifying control to the low-ball-entering rate state to a ball-entering rate state flag stored in the main control RAM 43. - 特許庁Further, when the next big hit game is given before the remaining number of times becomes 0, the main control CPU 41 controls to the long fluctuation time state with the giving of the big win game as a trigger. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a game state without low-probability and time-saving, when a jackpot game based on the normal jackpot pattern is given, when a special game of a predetermined number of operations is finished after the jackpot game is finished, or when the next jackpot game is given before finishing the special game of the number of times of operation. In this way, when a jackpot game based on the normal jackpot pattern is provided, the main control CPU 41 controls the game state to a game state with low probability and short working hours from the end of the jackpot game to the end of the special game of the predetermined number of operations or until the next game is given before the special game of the number of operations is finished.

In the game state process, when controlling to a new game state, the main control CPU 41 sets information that can specify the type of game state (hereinafter referred to as a game state designation command) in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41 may also set the state designation command in the output buffer when the power is turned on (when power is restored).

Next, the normal symbol input processing performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described. The normal design input process is performed as an interrupt process.
In the normal symbol input process, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 23 (entered) based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor SE4. When the game ball has not passed through the gate 23, the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 23, the main control CPU41 determines whether or not the number of normal reservations stored in the main control RAM43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the number of normal reservations is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process. When the normal pending number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 adds 1 to the normal pending number stored in the main control RAM43 and updates it. As a result, the condition for suspending the normal game is satisfied. Further, the main control CPU 41 controls the normal pending display section 16f of the information display device 16 so as to display the updated normal pending number.

Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 43 . For example, the random number is a random number used for a winning lottery for normal symbols, a random number used for determining the variation time of a normal game, and the like. In this case, the main control CPU 41 stores the random number information for the normal game and the storage order of the random number information so that it can be specified. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the normal game in the main control RAM 43, the execution of the normal game can be suspended until the conditions for executing the normal game are met. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process.

Next, the normal symbol start processing performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described. The normal symbol start process is performed as an interrupt process.
In the normal symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the conditions for executing the normal game are satisfied. The main control CPU 41 determines affirmatively when the normal winning game is not in progress and when the normal game is not in progress, but makes a negative determination when the normal winning game is in progress or the normal game is in progress. When the normal game execution condition is not satisfied, the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process.

On the other hand, when the normal game execution condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the number of normal reservations stored in the main control RAM 43 is 1 or more. When the number of normal reservations is not 1 or more (when it is zero (0)), the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process. When the number of normal reservations is 1 or more, the main control CPU41 subtracts 1 from the normal number of reservations stored in the main control RAM43 and updates it. In addition, the main control CPU 41 controls the normal pending display section 16f of the information display device 16 so that the updated normal pending number is displayed. Next, the main control CPU 41 reads from the main control RAM 43 the random number information stored first among the random number information for the normal game. When the main control CPU 41 reads out the random number information stored first, it erases the random number information from the main control RAM 43 .

Next, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not to win a normal hit based on the read random number information and the normal hit determination value stored in the main control ROM 42 . This process corresponds to a normal symbol hit lottery (normal hit determination) for determining whether or not a normal win is achieved. When performing the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 41 may perform the normal winning lottery so that the probability of winning the normal winning is higher in the high ball entry rate state than in the low ball entry rate state. In this case, when the ball-entering rate is low, it may not be possible to win a normal hit. In addition, the main control CPU 41 may not perform the normal winning lottery when the ball-entering rate state is low, but perform the normal winning lottery when the ball-entering rate state is high.

In the case of normal winning, the main control CPU 41 determines the normal winning pattern to be derived in the normal game and the variation time of the normal game. At this time, the main control CPU 41 may determine a shorter variation time in the high ball entry rate state than in the low ball entry rate state. After determining the variation time of the normal game, the main control CPU 41 sets information that can specify the determined variation time (hereinafter referred to as a normal start command) in the output buffer. It should be noted that the normal start command may be information that can specify the result of the winning lottery for normal symbols. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process.

When winning is not normally achieved, the main control CPU 41 determines the normal winning pattern to be derived in the normal game and the variation time of the normal game. After determining the variation time of the normal game, the main control CPU 41 sets information that can specify the determined variation time (hereinafter referred to as a normal start command) in the output buffer. It should be noted that the normal start command may be information that can specify the result of the winning lottery for normal symbols. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process.

Then, the main control CPU 41 executes a normal game by performing processing different from the normal symbol start processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 starts the normal game, and controls the normal symbol display part 16e of the information display device 16 so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process is derived when the variation time determined in the normal symbol start process has passed.

Next, the normal hit process performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described. The main control CPU 41 executes normal winning processing when the normal winning normal game ends.
In the normal hit process, the main control CPU 41 starts control to cause a normal hit game. In the normal winning process, the main control CPU 41 generates a normal winning game by controlling the normal actuator A1 so as to open the second starting port 19 in the opening mode determined for the normal symbol (type of normal winning). That is, the main control CPU 41 controls the normal variable member 20 to the open state in the normal winning game. At this time, the main control CPU 41 may control the normal actuator A1 so that the opening time of the second start port 19 is longer in the high ball entry rate state than in the low ball entry rate state, or may control the normal actuator A1 so that the number of times the second start port 19 is opened in one normal winning game is increased.

Next, various processes performed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
First, the effect game processing performed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
The sub-control CPU 51 determines the symbol combination to be derived in the production game based on the game start command and the symbol command. When the special symbol that can be specified from the symbol command is a big-hit symbol, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a big-hit symbol combination based on the performance symbols. When the special symbol that can be specified from the symbol command is the missing symbol, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the missing symbol combination based on the effect symbol.

Further, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a symbol combination (for example, "787") that does not include a ready-to-win effect when the conditions for executing the ready-to-win effect are established and the ready-to-win effect is to be executed in the effect game. In the present embodiment, as a condition for executing the ready-to-win effect, it is determined that the losing variation pattern with the ready-to-win effect is determined. As a condition for executing the ready-to-win effect, the sub-control CPU 51 may perform a predetermined ready-to-win lottery, and it may be determined that the ready-to-win lottery is won.

In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device 17 so as to variably display the effect symbols in each row with the input of the game start command as a trigger. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 starts the effect game. A sub-control CPU 51 stops and displays the symbol combination of the determined performance symbols when a predetermined timing arrives after starting the performance game, and derives the symbol combination of the determined performance symbols with the input of the game end command as a trigger. It should be noted that the sub-control CPU 51 may measure a variation time that can be specified from the variation pattern regardless of the game end command, and derive a symbol combination upon the passage of the variation time. In this case, the game end command may be omitted.

Next, the big hit effect processing performed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an opening command, it controls the effect display device 17 so that an opening effect is performed. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a round command, it controls the effect display device 17 so that a round effect is performed. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the ending command, it controls the effect display device 17 so that the ending effect is performed.

Next, the game state processing performed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the game state designation command, it identifies the current game state from the game state designation command. Also, the sub-control CPU51 updates the game state information stored in the sub-control RAM53 so that the "current game state" specified from the game state designation command can be specified. That is, the game state information is information that can specify the current game state.

Next, a look-ahead effect, which is a characteristic effect performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as described above, will be described. The look-ahead effect is an effect in which whether or not to execute the effect is determined based on one pending variable game. In the following description, when referring to a variable game targeted for a look-ahead effect, it refers to a variation game involved in determining whether or not the look-ahead effect is executed. The look-ahead effect is an effect that can be executed during the period from when the target variable game is suspended until the end of the variable game. That is, the look-ahead effect is an effect that can be executed for the pending variable game. Also, the look-ahead effect is an effect that can be executed for the variable game being executed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the look-ahead effect is a effect suggesting the degree of expectation for a big hit in the target variable game. That is, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the variable game targeted for the look-ahead effect is a variable game in which the expectation of a big win is suggested by the look-ahead effect.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the look-ahead effect includes a game image display effect for displaying a game image corresponding to one first variation game being executed or pending. That is, the game image display effect is executed for the first variation game that is being executed and is on hold. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the game image display effect is executed in a gaming state in which the first variation game is easily executed. Specifically, the game image display effect can be executed in a normal state in which left-handed hitting is recommended.

Further, in the present embodiment, the game image display effect is executed for each of the first variation game being executed and the first variation game being held. Therefore, in the present embodiment, game images corresponding to the first variation game being executed and the first variation game being held are displayed in the game image display area GR, which is part of the display area of the image display section 17a. For example, the game image display area GR is positioned at the upper left in the display area of the image display section 17a. In the following description, of the game image display area GR, the area where the game image corresponding to the first variation game being executed is displayed may be referred to as an active display area GRa, and the area where the game image corresponding to the pending first variation game is displayed may be referred to as a pending display area GRb.

In this embodiment, it is possible to execute the game image display effect corresponding to each pending variable game. That is, the same number of game images as the pending first variation game are displayed in the pending display region GRb. Specifically, in the reserved display region GRb, the game image corresponding to the first variable game that is reserved first is displayed in the first reserved display region GRb1 that is the highest in the reserved display region GRb, and the game image that corresponds to the first variation game that is reserved second is displayed in the second reserved display region GRb2 that is second from the top in the reserved display region GRb. Further, in the reserved display region GRb, the game image corresponding to the third reserved first variation game is displayed in the third reserved display region GRb3 which is the third from the top in the reserved display region GRb, and the game image corresponding to the first variation game which is fourth reserved is displayed in the fourth reserved display region GRb4 which is the fourth from the top in the reserved display region GRb. That is, each game image corresponding to each pending first variation game is displayed higher in the pending display region GRb than the game image corresponding to the first suspended first variation game. In the present embodiment, the in-execution display area GRa is located above the first reserved display area GRb1, which is the highest of the reserved display areas GRb.

The types of game images will be explained.
In this embodiment, there are multiple types of game images.
As shown in FIG. 5, the game images of this embodiment include a game image Gg1, a game image Gg2, a game image Gg3, a game image Gg4, a game image Gg5, and a game image Gg6. As shown in FIG. 5A, the game image Gg1 is a game image imitating a white ball. As shown in FIG. 5B, the game image Gg2 is a game image imitating a green ball. As shown in FIG. 5(c), the game image Gg3 is a game image imitating a red ball. As shown in FIG. 5(d), the game image Gg4 is a game image imitating a white star. As shown in FIG. 5(e), the game image Gg5 is a game image imitating a green star. As shown in FIG. 5(f), the game image Gg6 is a game image imitating a red star. The game image display effect is an effect that suggests the degree of expectation for a big hit in the variable game corresponding to the game image depending on the type of game image. In the present embodiment, the degree of expectation for a big hit is high for variable games corresponding to the order of game images Gg1<Gg2<Gg3<Gg4<Gg5<Gg6. That is, the game image is an image suggesting the degree of expectation for a big win.

Further, in the present embodiment, the game image display effect may be executed including a game image change effect in which the game image being displayed changes to another type of game image. That is, the game image change effect is an effect for changing the display mode of the game image being displayed. In this embodiment, the game image Gg1 may change to game images Gg2 to Gg6. Also, the game image Gg2 may change to game images Gg3, Gg5, and Gg6. Also, the game image Gg3 may change to a game image Gg6. Also, the game image Gg4 may change to game images Gg5 and Gg6. Also, the game image Gg5 may change to a game image Gg6. When game image Gg1 changes to game images Gg2 and Gg3, when game image Gg2 changes to game image Gg3, when game image Gg4 changes to game images Gg5 and Gg6, and when game image Gg5 changes to game image Gg6, the shape of the game image does not change, and the color of the game image changes. Further, when the game image Gg1 changes to the game image Gg4, when the game image Gg2 changes to the game image Gg5, and when the game image Gg3 changes to the game image Gg6, the color of the game image does not change, and the shape of the game image changes. Also, when the game image Gg1 changes to the game images Gg5 and Gg6, and when the game image Gg2 changes to the game image Gg6, it can be said that the shape and color of the game image change. Thus, changes in the display mode of the game image include changes in the shape of the game image and changes in the color of the game image. In this embodiment, the change in the display mode of the game image may be that the game image before the change and the game image after the change are partially or entirely changed in design. For example, the change in the display mode of the game image may include a change in the pattern of the game image in addition to or instead of a change in the shape of the game image and a change in the color of the game image. In this embodiment, when the game image changes, the game image may be changed by newly displaying the game image after the change instead of the game image before the change.

Further, in the present embodiment, the look-ahead effect includes a zone effect in which a zone image is displayed for one first variation game that is being executed or is on hold. In this embodiment, zone effects are effects that can be executed in the normal state. The zone effect is a effect suggesting the degree of expectation for a big hit in the target variable game. For example, in the present embodiment, the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher when the zone effect is executed than when the zone effect is not executed.

Here, the zone image will be explained.
In this embodiment, the zone image is one of the background images. That is, the zone effect is a effect in which the background image changes to a zone image.

As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the background images include a normal background image HK1 that can be displayed when the zone effect is not executed, and a zone image Gz1 that can be displayed when the zone effect is executed. For example, the normal background image HK1 is an image imitating a "mountain". Also, for example, the zone image Gz1 is an image imitating "outer space". In this embodiment, the normal background image HK1 and the zone image Gz1 are moving images. For example, in the normal background image HK1, part of clouds floating in the sky moves over time. Further, for example, the zone image Gz1 is such that a part of the stars moves over time.

In this embodiment, the background image is an image displayed during execution of the effect game. The background image will be described in detail below using an example of the mode of execution of the effect game. Note that FIG. 7 illustrates the normal background image HK1 as the background image.

FIG. 7(a) shows a situation in which the effect symbols of each row are variably displayed on the image display section 17a and the effect game is started. At this time, the background image is displayed on the image display section 17a. The background image is displayed on a layer behind the layer on which the production pattern is displayed. That is, the effect symbol is displayed in a variable or stationary manner by covering a part of the background image. In this embodiment, the display area of the background image is the entire display area of the image display section 17a. On the other hand, since the background image is displayed in a layer behind the layer in which the effect symbols are displayed, the display of a part of the background image is restricted according to the display positions of the effect symbols.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), a ready-to-win state is formed by stop-displaying the same effect symbol in a specific symbol row, and a normal ready-to-win effect is executed. As shown in FIG. 7(c), it is assumed that the normal ready-to-win effect develops into the super ready-to-win effect. In the figure, it is indicated as "SP development". In this embodiment, the background image is not displayed on the image display section 17a during execution of the super ready-to-win effect. That is, during execution of the super ready-to-win effect, the effect image of the super ready-to-win effect is displayed on the image display section 17a instead of the background image. As shown in FIG. 7(d), after the super ready-to-win effect ends, the image display section 17a stops displaying the effect symbol and displays the background image.

Thus, in this embodiment, when the super ready-to-win effect is executed, the background image is displayed during the period from the start of the effect game to the start of the super ready-to-win effect and the period from the end of the super ready-to-win effect to the end of the effect game. Also, when the super ready-to-win effect is not executed, the background image is continuously displayed from the start of the effect game to the end of the effect game. Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher when the zone effect is executed than when the zone effect is not executed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to specify a higher degree of expectation for a big win when the zone image Gz1 is displayed than when the normal background image HK1 is displayed. That is, in this embodiment, the background image is an image suggesting the degree of expectation for a big hit.

Next, the specific display effect will be explained.
In the present embodiment, the above-described game image change effect and zone effect are executed when the specific display effect is executed. That is, in this embodiment, when the game image change effect or the zone effect is executed, the specific display effect is also executed. Therefore, it can be said that the specific display effect is an effect that can be executed for the pending variable game. Also, as described above, the game image change effect and the zone effect are effects that can be executed in the normal state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the specific display effect is an effect that can be executed in the normal state. A normal state corresponds to a specific gaming state. In the present embodiment, the specific display effects include a first specific display effect and a second specific display effect in which the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher than that of the first specific display effect. The execution period of the specific display performance can be classified into a "common period" in which the specific display performance is performed in the same display mode regardless of the type of the specific display performance, a "branch period" in which the specific display performance is performed in a different display mode depending on the type of the specific display performance after the common period, and a "result period" in which the game image change performance or the zone performance is performed after the branch period.

First, the display mode of the specific display effect in the common period will be described. As described above, in the common period, the specific display effect is executed in the same display mode regardless of the type of specific display effect. That is, it is difficult to specify which of the first specific display effect and the second specific display effect is being executed from the display mode in the common period of the specific display effect.

As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), a specific display effect is executed at a predetermined timing after the effect game is executed. When the specific display effect is executed, a character image Gc1 imitating a predetermined character is displayed in the image display section 17a. For example, the character image Gc1 is an image imitating a boy character. After that, in the image display section 17a, the character image Gc1 changes to an image simulating a boy character performing an action such as lifting the display area of the image display section 17a. At this time, in the image display section 17a, the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2. In the present embodiment, in the first display area R1, the effect game is executed and the normal background image HK1 is displayed as the background image. That is, the image displayed in the display area of the image display section 17a immediately before the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2 is displayed in the first display area R1. On the other hand, in the second display area R2, a character image Gc1 imitating a boy character performing an action of lifting the first display area R1 is displayed.

Further, in the first display region R1, display of a part of the images displayed in the display region of the image display portion 17a immediately before the display region of the image display portion 17a is divided into the first display region R1 and the second display region R2 is restricted. In the present embodiment, the first display region R1 has a shape different from the shape of the display region of the image display portion 17a, so that the display of a part of the images displayed in the display region of the image display portion 17a immediately before the display region of the image display portion 17a is divided into the first display region R1 and the second display region R2 is restricted. For example, the first display area R1 is formed so that part of the image immediately before the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2 is outside the display area of the image display section 17a. In the following description, among the display areas of the image display section 17a, a display area in which an image whose display is restricted when the first display area R1 is formed is referred to as a restricted area. In this embodiment, when the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2, the display of the image displayed in the restricted area of the display area of the image display section 17a is restricted. As described above, the display area of the background image is the entire display area of the image display section 17a. Therefore, the restricted area includes a portion of the display area where the background image is displayed. That is, when the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2, the display of a part of the background image is restricted in the first display area R1. Also, in the common period of the specific display effect, the restricted area includes a part of the execution area of the effect game. That is, when the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2, the display of a part of the effect symbols that are stopped or variably displayed is restricted in the first display area R1. On the other hand, the display of each game image displayed in the reserved display region GRb is permitted during the common period of the specific display effect.

Next, the display mode of the first specific display effect in the branch period will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8(c), in the branch period of the first specific display effect, in the image display section 17a, the character image Gc1 changes to an image simulating a boy character throwing the first display area R1 with one hand out of the display area of the image display section 17a. After that, in the display area of the image display section 17a, the first display area R1 becomes smaller step by step. That is, the first display region R1 in the branch period of the first specific display effect is smaller than the first display region R1 in the common period. For example, the first display area R1 gradually changes to be outside the display area of the image display section 17a in a wider range. Finally, the first display region R1 is formed so that a part of the image immediately before the display region of the image display portion 17a is divided into the first display region R1 and the second display region R2 is outside the display region of the image display portion 17a in a wider range than in the common period. On the other hand, the second display area R2 increases stepwise in inverse proportion to the size of the first display area R1. That is, the second display region R2 becomes larger than in the common period.

Also, in the branch period of the first specific display effect, the first display area R1 becomes smaller, so the restricted area becomes larger than in the common period of the specific display effect. In the following description, the restricted area in the common period of the specific display effect may be referred to as the first restricted area, and the restricted area in the branch period of the first specific display effect may be referred to as the second restricted area. In this embodiment, the second restricted area includes the entire game image display area GR. That is, in the first display area R1, display of all game images displayed in the game image display area GR is restricted during the branch period of the first specific display effect. In addition, in the branch period of the first specific display effect, display of a part of the background image is restricted in a wider range than in the common period of the specific display effect in the first display region R1. In addition, in the branch period of the first specific display performance, the display of a part of the performance symbols that are stopped or variably displayed in the first display region R1 is restricted in a wider range than in the common period of the specific display performance.

Next, the display mode of the second specific display effect in the branch period will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8D, in the branch period of the second specific display effect, the character image Gc1 is displayed in the image display section 17a in a display mode different from the character image Gc1 displayed in the branch period of the first specific display effect. For example, in the branch period of the second specific display effect, the character image Gc1 changes to an image imitating a boy character throwing "both hands" in the first display area R1 outside the display area of the image display section 17a. That is, the display mode of the character image Gc1 displayed in the second display region R2 in the branch period differs between the first specific display effect and the second specific display effect. Character image Gc1 corresponds to a special image.

After that, in the display area of the image display section 17a, the first display area R1 becomes smaller step by step. That is, the first display region R1 in the branch period of the second specific display effect is smaller than the first display region R1 in the common period. For example, the first display area R1 gradually changes to be outside the display area of the image display section 17a in a wider range. Then, in the branch period of the second specific display effect, the first display region R1 and the second display region R2 are finally integrated. At this time, the image displayed in the second display area R2 is continuously displayed in the integrated display area, that is, in the entire display area of the image display section 17a. On the other hand, in the image display section 17a, the entire image displayed in the first display region R1 is restricted during the branch period of the second specific display effect. That is, it can be said that the first display region R1 is finally merged with the second display region R2 in the branch period of the second specific display effect. Therefore, in the branch period of the second specific display effect, display of all game images displayed in the reserved display area GRb is restricted. Also, during the branch period of the second specific display effect, the display of the entire background image is restricted. In addition, during the branch period of the second specific display effect, the display of all the effect symbols that are statically displayed or variably displayed is restricted. That is, during the branch period of the second specific display effect, the display of the entire effect game executed on the image display section 17a is restricted.

Further, in the branch period of the second specific display effect, the first display area R1 becomes smaller in stages, so immediately before the first display area R1 and the second display area R2 are integrated, the first display area R1 is smaller than the first display area R1 in the branch period of the first specific display effect. That is, the first display region R1 during the branch period of the second specific display effect is smaller than the first display region R1 during the branch period of the first specific display effect. Also, similarly, the first display region R1 in the branch period of the second specific display effect is smaller than the first display region R1 in the common period of the specific display effect.

Next, the display mode of the specific display effect in the result period will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8(e), in the result period of the first specific display effect, the first display area R1 is gradually enlarged in the image display section 17a. On the other hand, in the image display portion 17a, the image display portion 17a is again divided into the first display region R1 and the second display region R2 in the result period of the second specific display effect, and then the first display region R1 becomes larger step by step. After that, in the result period of the specific display effect, the second display area R2 is integrated (merged) with the first display area R1 in the image display section 17a. At this time, the image displayed in the first display area R1 continues to be displayed in the integrated (merged) display area, that is, in the entire display area of the image display section 17a. That is, in the result period of the specific display effect, all of the game images displayed in the reserved display area GRb are displayed. In addition, the entire background image is displayed during the result period of the specific display effect. In addition, during the result period of the specific display effect, all of the effect symbols that are stopped or variably displayed are displayed. That is, during the specific display effect result period, the entire effect game is displayed.

Further, as described above, during the specific display effect result period, the game image change effect or the zone effect is executed. In this embodiment, in the result period of the specific display effect, the start timing of the game image change effect and the zone effect comes before the first display region R1 becomes gradually larger. That is, in a state where the display of the game image and the background image is restricted, the start timing of the game image change effect and the zone effect arrives. Therefore, when the game image change performance is executed, the game image displayed with the enlargement of the first display region R1 during the result period of the specific display performance includes the changed game image changed by the execution of the game image change performance. Further, when the zone effect is executed, the background image displayed in the first display region R1 during the result period of the specific display effect is the zone image Gz1. Also, at this time, the band image Gz2 is displayed in the first display region R1.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game image change effect is executed, the display mode of the game image changes while the display of the game image is restricted. Further, when the zone effect is executed, the background image changes to the zone image Gz1 while the display of the background image is restricted.

Further, in the present embodiment, the specific display effect can be executed at one or both of the first timing before the normal reach effect is started in the effect game and the second timing after the normal reach effect is started in the effect game. That is, the specific display effect can be executed multiple times in one variation game. Further, as described above, during execution of the specific display effect, either the game image change effect or the zone effect is executed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the game image change effect can be executed in either the result period of the specific display effect executed at the first timing or the result period of the specific display effect executed at the second timing. Similarly, the zone effect can be executed in either the result period of the specific display effect executed at the first timing or the result period of the specific display effect executed at the second timing. In this embodiment, the first specific display effect can be executed at either the first timing or the second timing. Also, the second specific display effect can be executed at either the first timing or the second timing. That is, the specific display effect can be executed at either the first timing or the second timing, regardless of the type. The first timing corresponds to a predetermined timing. The second timing corresponds to the predetermined timing.

Next, a look-ahead effect lottery process executed by the sub-control CPU 51 for determining whether or not to execute the look-ahead effect and the effect mode of the look-ahead effect when the look-ahead effect is to be executed will be described.

In this embodiment, the look-ahead effect lottery process is executed when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a look-ahead command, that is, when the first variation game is newly suspended. In this embodiment, in the look-ahead effect lottery process, the execution mode of the game image display effect corresponding to the newly suspended variable game is determined. Further, in the look-ahead effect lottery process, it is determined whether or not to execute the zone effect corresponding to the newly suspended first variation game, and the execution mode of the zone effect in the case of executing the zone effect.

In the look-ahead effect lottery process, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the current game state is the normal state. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the current game state is the normal state based on the game state information. If the current game state is not the normal state, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the prefetch effect lottery process. When the current game state is the normal state, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the mode of execution of the game image display effect to be executed for the newly suspended first variation game. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the display mode of the game image to be displayed when the newly suspended first variation game is suspended. In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to execute a game image change performance, that is, whether or not to change the display mode of the game image corresponding to the newly suspended first variation game in each of the first variation games suspended before the newly suspended first variation game. In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to execute a game image change effect, that is, whether or not to change the display mode of the game image corresponding to the newly suspended first variation game when the newly suspended first variation game is executed. Further, when determining the execution mode of the game image display effect, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the execution mode of the game image display effect so that the display mode of the game image to be displayed at the end of the newly suspended first variation game has a higher degree of expectation for a big win in the order of the game image Gg1<Gg2<Gg3<Gg4<Gg5<Gg6. The sub-control CPU 51 causes the sub-control RAM 53 to store information that can specify the execution mode of the determined game image display effect (hereinafter referred to as game image display effect information). Also, at this time, the sub-control CPU 51 stores the game image display effect information in the sub-control RAM 53 so as to be able to specify that it corresponds to the newly suspended first variation game.

When the execution mode of the game image display performance to be executed with the newly suspended first variation game as the object is determined, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the zone performance is being executed or the zone performance is waiting for execution. Execution standby of the zone effect is a state in which the execution of the zone effect has been decided but the zone effect has not yet started. When the zone performance is being executed or the zone performance is waiting to be executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines not to execute the zone performance for the newly suspended variable game, and stores in the sub-control RAM 53 information (hereinafter referred to as zone performance information) that can specify that the zone performance for the newly suspended variable game is not to be executed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 stores the zone effect information in the sub-control RAM 53 so as to be able to specify that it corresponds to the newly suspended first variation game. After that, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the look-ahead effect lottery process.

When the zone effect is being executed and when the zone effect is not waiting to be executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the zone effect is to be executed, and the mode of execution of the zone effect when the zone effect is to be executed. For example, when determining the execution mode of the zone performance, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether the zone performance is to be executed in which variable game, out of the newly suspended first variation game and the first variation game suspended before the first variation game. When the zone performance is executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the zone performance is to be executed so that the degree of expectation for the big win is higher than when the zone performance is not executed, and the mode of execution of the zone performance when the zone performance is to be executed. The sub-control CPU 51 stores, in the sub-control RAM 53, zone effect information capable of specifying whether or not to execute the zone effect, and the mode of execution of the zone effect in the case of executing the zone effect. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 stores the zone effect information in the sub-control RAM 53 so as to be able to specify that it corresponds to the newly suspended first variation game. After that, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the look-ahead effect lottery process.

Next, the specific effect determination process executed by the sub-control CPU 51 for determining whether or not to execute the specific display effect and the execution mode of the specific display effect in the case of executing the specific display effect will be described. The specific effect determination process is executed when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a game start command. That is, the specific effect determination process is executed when a new variation game is executed.

In the specific effect determination process, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the variable game to be newly executed is the first variable game. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 determines that the newly executed variation game is the first variation game based on whether or not the input game start command is a game start command instructing the start of the performance game to be performed corresponding to the first special game. If the newly executed variable game is not the first variable game, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the specific effect determination process. When the newly executed variable game is the first variable game, the sub-control CPU 51 refers to the game image display effect information and the zone effect information stored in the sub-control RAM 53, and determines whether or not the game image change effect is executed in the newly executed first variable game.

When the game image change effect is executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines execution of a specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed during the result period. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 determines which of the first specific display effect and the second specific display effect is to be executed based on the type of game image after the change. Concretely, the sub-control CPU 51 determines which of the first specific display performance and the second specific display performance is to be executed so that a game image with a high degree of expectation for a big win is more likely to be displayed as a changed game image when the second specific display performance is executed than when the first specific display performance is executed. Also, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed in the result period should be the first timing or the second timing. After that, the sub-control CPU 51 causes the sub-control RAM 53 to store information (hereinafter referred to as specific display effect information) that can specify the execution timing of the specific display effect for executing the game image change effect in the result period and whether the specific display effect is the first specific display effect or the second specific display effect.

When the game image change effect is not executed, and when the execution mode of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed in the result period is determined, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the zone change effect is executed. When the zone change effect is not executed, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the specific effect determination process. When the zone change effect is executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the execution of the specific display effect that executes the zone effect during the result period. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 determines which of the first specific display effect and the second specific display effect is to be executed. Also, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the execution timing of the specific display effect for executing the zone effect. At this time, when the execution of the specific display performance in which the game image change performance is executed is not determined in the result period, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether the execution timing of the specific display performance in which the zone performance is executed is the first timing or the second timing. On the other hand, when the execution of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed in the result period is determined, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the zone effect is executed in the result period so that the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed in the result period differs from the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 51 determines the first timing as the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed in the result period, it determines the second timing as the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the zone effect is executed in the result period. On the other hand, when the secondary control CPU 51 determines the second timing as the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the game image change effect is executed in the result period, it determines the first timing as the execution timing of the specific display effect in which the zone effect is executed in the result period. After that, the sub-control CPU 51 causes the sub-control RAM 53 to store the specific display effect information capable of specifying the execution timing of the specific display effect for executing the zone effect in the result period and whether the specific display effect is the first specific display effect or the second specific display effect, and then ends the specific effect determination processing.

Next, specific effect execution processing executed by the sub-control CPU 51 to execute the game image change effect, zone effect, and specific display effect will be described.
In the specific performance execution process, the sub-control CPU 51, triggered by the arrival of the first timing which is the execution timing of the specific display performance, specifies whether or not the specific display performance is to be executed at the first timing based on the specific display performance information stored in the sub-control RAM 53, and specifies the display mode of the specific display performance when it is executed. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 determines that the first timing has arrived when a predetermined first time period has elapsed after starting the effect game. When specifying to execute the specific display effect at the first timing, the sub-control CPU 51 similarly controls the effect display device 17 to execute the specific display effect in the specified display mode. After that, when the result period of the specific display performance executed at the first timing comes, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the performance display device 17 to execute the game image change performance or the zone performance based on the specific display performance information.

Further, in the specific effect execution processing, the sub-control CPU 51, triggered by the arrival of the second timing which is the execution timing of the specific display effect, specifies whether or not the specific display effect is to be executed at the second timing based on the specific display effect information stored in the sub-control RAM 53, and specifies the display mode of the specific display effect in the case of execution. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 determines that the second timing has arrived when a predetermined second time has elapsed after starting the effect game. When specifying to execute the specific display effect at the second timing, the sub-control CPU 51 similarly controls the effect display device 17 to execute the specific display effect in the specified display mode. After that, when the result period of the specific display performance executed at the second timing comes, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the performance display device 17 so as to execute the game image change performance or the zone performance based on the specific display performance information.

The operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as above will be described.
FIG. 9 shows a situation in which the game image change effect, zone effect, and specific display effect are executed.

FIG. 9(a) shows a situation in which a predetermined variation game is being executed. At this time, the game image Gg1 is displayed in each of the running display area GRa, the first reserved display area GRb1, the second reserved display area GRb2, the third reserved display area GRb3, and the fourth reserved display area GRb4.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), it is assumed that a first timing has arrived in a predetermined variation game and a specific display effect has been executed. At this time, in the image display section 17a, the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into a first display area R1 and a second display area R2. During the common period of the specific display effect, the effect game is continuously executed in the first display region R1. Also, during the common period of the specific display effects, the background image is continuously displayed in the first display region R1. Also, in the common period of the specific display effects, the game image in the first display area R1 is continuously displayed. Also, during the common period of the specific display effect, the character image Gc1 is displayed in the second display region R2. As described above, any type of specific display effect can be executed at either the first timing or the second timing. Therefore, when the first timing arrives in the predetermined variation game, there are times when the first specific display effect is executed and times when the second specific display effect is executed. Thus, during execution of the specific display effect, in the effect display device 17, the entire display area of the image display part 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2 in the common period, and the game image and the background image suggesting the degree of expectation of the big win are displayed in the first display area R1 according to the display mode. The common period of the specific display effect corresponds to the first period of the specific display effect. The entire display area of the image display section 17a corresponds to the specific display area. Also, the game image corresponds to the specific image. Also, the background image corresponds to the specific image.

As shown in FIG. 9C, when the common period of the specific display effect ends and the branch period of the specific display effect starts, the character image Gc1 changes. As a result, the player can specify which of the first specific display effect and the second specific display effect the specific display effect being executed is from the changed character image Gc1. Here, the character image Gc1 displayed in the first specific display effect is illustrated. A player who specifies that the specific display performance being executed is the first specific display performance recognizes that the game image or the background image after the change in the result period is likely to display a game image or a background image with a lower expectation for big win than when the second specific display performance is executed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, during the result period of the first specific display effect, the game image or the background image may change to a game image or background image with a high degree of expectation for a big hit, so that the display mode of the changed game image or the background image displayed during the result period can be expected. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to specify whether the specific display effect being executed is the first specific display effect or the second specific display effect, depending on the display mode of the character image Gc1 displayed during the branch period. Depending on whether the specific display effect being executed is the first specific display effect or the second specific display effect, the display mode of the game image or the background image after the change in the result period is suggested.

After that, in the image display section 17a, the first display region R1 becomes smaller step by step. In addition, since the first display area R1 is made smaller, the display of the entire game image is restricted in the first display area R1. In addition, since the first display region R1 becomes smaller, the display of the background image is restricted in a wider range in the first display region R1 than in the common period of the specific display effects. In addition, by reducing the size of the first display area R1, the display of performance symbols that are stopped or variably displayed is restricted in a wider range than in the common period of the specific display performance in the first display area R1. That is, execution of the effect game is restricted in the first display region R1. Thus, during the execution of the first specific display effect, in the effect display device 17, the first display area R1 is gradually reduced in the branch period after the common period, and display of the game image and the background image is restricted. The branch period of the specific display effect corresponds to the second period of the specific display effect.

As shown in FIG. 9(d), when the branch period of the specific display effect ends and the result period of the specific display effect starts, the first display area R1 is gradually enlarged in the image display section 17a. Finally, in the image display section 17a, the second display area R2 is integrated (merged) into the first display area R1, and the image displayed in the first display area R1 is displayed in the entire display area of the image display section 17a. Here, the game image Gg1 displayed in the third reserved display region GRb3 is changed to the game image Gg4. Thus, when the game image change performance is executed in the result period of the first specific display performance, the performance display device 17 gradually enlarges the first display region R1 in the result period after the branch period during the execution of the first specific display performance, and displays the game image in a display mode with a higher expectation of big win than the game image display mode in the common period. The result period of the specific display effect corresponds to the third period of the specific display effect.

As shown in FIGS. 9(e) and 9(f), when the second timing, which is the execution timing of the specific display effect, arrives after the normal ready-to-win effect is executed, the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2. During the common period of the specific display effect, the effect game is continuously executed in the first display region R1. Also, during the common period of the specific display effects, the background image is continuously displayed in the first display region R1. Also, in the common period of the specific display effects, the game image in the first display area R1 is continuously displayed. Also, during the common period of the specific display effect, the character image Gc1 is displayed in the second display region R2. As described above, any type of specific display effect can be executed at either the first timing or the second timing. Therefore, when the second timing arrives in the predetermined variation game, there are times when the first specific display effect is executed and times when the second specific display effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 9G, when the common period of the specific display effect ends and the branch period of the specific display effect starts, the character image Gc1 changes. As a result, the player can specify which of the first specific display effect and the second specific display effect the specific display effect being executed is from the changed character image Gc1. Here, the character image Gc1 displayed in the second specific display effect is illustrated. A player who specifies that the specific display performance being executed is the second specific display performance recognizes that the game image or the background image after the change in the result period is more likely to display the game image or the background image with higher expectation for big win than when the first specific display performance is executed. After that, in the image display section 17a, the first display region R1 becomes smaller step by step. In addition, since the first display area R1 is made smaller, the display of the entire game image is restricted in the first display area R1. In addition, since the first display region R1 becomes smaller, the display of the background image is restricted in a wider range in the first display region R1 than in the common period of the specific display effects. In addition, since the first display area R1 becomes smaller, execution of the effect game is restricted in a wider range in the first display area R1 than in the common period of the specific display effect.

After that, in the image display section 17a, the first display area R1 is integrated (consolidated) with the second display area R2. At this time, in the image display section 17a, display of the image displayed in the first display area R1 is restricted, and the image displayed in the second display area R2 is displayed in the entirety of the image display section 17a. In other words, the display of the entire game image is restricted in the image display section 17a. Further, in the image display section 17a, display of the entire background image is restricted. In addition, in the image display section 17a, the display of all of the effect symbols that are statically displayed or variably displayed is restricted. That is, the execution of the effect game is restricted in the image display section 17a. As described above, during execution of the second specific display effect, in the effect display device 17, the first display area R1 is gradually reduced in the branch period after the common period, and display of the game image and the background image is restricted. Further, during the execution of the second specific display performance, in the branch period, after the first display region R1 becomes smaller step by step, the first display region R1 is integrated with the second display region R2, thereby restricting the display of the image displayed in the first display region R1.

As shown in FIG. 9(h), when the branch period of the specific display effect ends and the result period of the specific display effect starts, the display area of the image display section 17a is again divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2. After that, in the image display section 17a, the first display area R1 is gradually enlarged. Finally, in the image display section 17a, the second display area R2 is integrated (merged) into the first display area R1, and the image displayed in the first display area R1 is displayed in the entire display area of the image display section 17a. Here, a situation is exemplified in which the normal background image HK1 changes to the zone image Gz1 and the band image Gz2 is newly displayed.

Thus, when the zone performance is executed in the result period of the second specific display performance, during the execution of the second specific display performance, in the performance display device 17, the first display area R1 is gradually enlarged in the result period after the branch period, and the background image is displayed in a display mode with a higher expectation for big win than the display mode of the background image in the common period. Further, in the present embodiment, the specific display effect can be executed at the first timing and the specific display effect at the second timing, so that the specific display effect may be executed a plurality of times in one variation game. Further, the specific display effect executed at the first timing differs from the specific display effect executed at the second timing in the execution state of the effect game. Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the specific display effect executed at the first timing, all the effect symbols in each row are variably displayed in the effect game. On the other hand, in the specific display effect executed at the second timing, the same effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the specific symbol row. During execution of the specific display effect, the effect game is executed in the first display region R1. For this reason, a part of the image displayed in the first display region R1 is different in the specific display effects performed a plurality of times.

As detailed above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) In the present embodiment, the game image and the background image are images suggesting the degree of expectation for a big hit. That is, the game image and the background image are images of great interest to the player. In this embodiment, during execution of the specific display effect, display of the game image or the background image is restricted in the branch period, and then, in the result period, the game image or the background image is displayed in a display mode with a higher expectation for a big hit than the display mode of the game image or the background image displayed in the common period. Therefore, after the display of the game image and the background image is restricted, it is possible to give surprise when the game image or the background image is displayed in a different display mode, and while the display of the game image and the background image is restricted, the display mode of the game image and the background image displayed in the result period can be made interesting. Further, in the display area of the image display section 17a, the second display area R2 is enlarged by reducing the first display area R1 in order to restrict the display of the game image and the background image. Therefore, even while the display of the game image and the background image is restricted, the image displayed in the second display region R2 can enhance interest.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the second display area R2 is relatively large during the branch period of the specific display effect, so the image displayed in the second display area R2 is easily visible. Then, it is possible to make the user guess the display mode of the game image and the background image to be displayed after that, based on the display mode of the image displayed in the situation where it is easy to see.

(3) According to the present embodiment, by executing the effect game in the first display region R1 that becomes smaller during execution of the specific display effect, it is possible to make the image displayed in the second display region R2 more interesting.

(4) According to the present embodiment, even when the specific display effect is executed a plurality of times in one variation game, part of the image displayed in the first display region R1 is different in the specific display effect of the plurality of times, thereby suppressing a decrease in interest due to rutiness.

(5) Since the specific display effect is an effect that can be executed only in the normal state, it is possible to improve the feeling of special when the specific display effect is executed.
(6) When the execution timing (first timing or second timing) of the specific display effect arrives in the predetermined variable game, there are times when the first specific display effect is executed and times when the second specific display effect is executed. Therefore, at the execution timing of the specific display effect, it is possible to make the player interested in whether or not the specific display effect is executed, and to make the player interested in the display mode of the specific display effect to be executed. Moreover, as a result of being able to make the player interested in the display mode of the specific display effect to be executed, it is possible to make the player interested in the display mode of the character image Gc1 displayed in the second display region R2 during the branch period.

(7) According to the present embodiment, during the branch period of the second specific display effect, the display of the image displayed in the first display region R1 is restricted by integrating the first display region R1 with the second display region R2. That is, the image displayed in the first display region R1 is not displayed during the branch period. Therefore, when the game image and the background image are displayed in different display modes, it is possible to make the game more unexpected.

(8) According to the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of game images being displayed, it is possible to make the player interested in which game image the display mode will change when the specific display effect is executed.

(9) In this embodiment, the zone image is a kind of background image. That is, the zone image is a relatively large image among the images displayed on the image display section 17a. If the display mode of such an image is simply changed, the change mode may give the player a sense of incongruity. In this embodiment, when the display mode of a relatively large background image changes, the display of the background image is restricted and then displayed in a different display mode, thereby preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable when the display mode of the background image changes.

(10) In this embodiment, the display area for displaying the game image overlaps the display area for displaying the background image. Therefore, by paying attention to the display area over which the game image and the background image are displayed, the player can easily recognize the game image or the background image after the change regardless of whether the game image change performance is executed or the zone performance is executed during the execution of the specific display performance.

It should be noted that the above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
- During execution of the specific display effect, a still image may be displayed in the first display region R1 and a moving image may be displayed in the second display region R2 during the branch period. In this case, the still image displayed in the first display region R1 may be an image simulating the image displayed on the image display section 17a when the specific display effect is executed, or may be a predetermined image.

In the above-described embodiment, when the specific display effect is not being executed, the moving image (effect game) is displayed in the display area of the image display section 17a, thereby improving interest. In the above modified example, during the execution of the specific display effect, in the branch period, a still image is displayed in the first display region R1, which is relatively smaller among the display regions of the image display unit 17a, and a moving image is displayed in the second display region R2, which is relatively larger among the specific display regions. Since the first display region R1 becomes smaller in the branch period during the execution of the specific display effect, it is assumed that the image displayed in the second display region R2 tends to attract attention between the first display region R1 and the second display region R2. Therefore, a static image is displayed in the first display area R1, which becomes small, and a moving image is displayed in the second display area R2, which tends to attract attention, thereby suppressing the decrease in interest of the player and suppressing the complexity at the time of development.

- In addition to or instead of the first variation game, the game image display effect may be executed for the second variation game. In this case, it may be possible to execute a specific display effect in which the display mode of the game image corresponding to the second variation game being executed or held is changed. That is, the game image display effect may be executable for the first variable game being executed and pending, may be executable for the second variable game being executed and pending, or may be executable for the variable game being executed and pending (the first variable game and the second variable game). Further, the specific display effect may be executable for the first variable game being executed and pending, may be executable for the second variable game being executed and pending, or may be executable for the variable game being executed and pending (the first variable game and the second variable game).

In the first display area R1, the entire image displayed in the display area of the image display section 17a immediately before the display area of the image display section 17a is divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2 may be reduced and displayed. Further, for example, in the first display region R1, part of the image that was displayed in the display region of the image display unit 17a immediately before the display region of the image display unit 17a was divided into the first display region R1 and the second display region R2 may be hidden (restricted), and the entire image that was not hidden may be reduced and displayed.

- Although the specific display effect is executed in the entire display area of the image display section 17a, it may be executed in a part of the display area. That is, in the common period of the specific display effect, part of the display area of the image display section 17a may be divided into the first display area R1 and the second display area R2.

- During execution of the specific display effect, the effect game may not be executed in the first display area R1. Further, during execution of the specific display effect, in the first display region R1, an advance notice effect that suggests (or notifies) the degree of expectation for a big hit of the variable game that is being executed or is on hold may be executed.

- During execution of the specific display effect, any effect may be executed in the second display region R2. For example, in the second display region R2, an effect game may be executed, or an advance notice effect suggesting (or notifying) the degree of expectation for a big hit of the variable game being executed or pending may be executed.

- The reserved display area GRb for displaying the game image may be positioned so as not to overlap the display area for displaying the background image. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be newly provided with a display device for displaying game images. Further, for example, the display area for displaying the background image may not be the entirety of the image display section 17a.

- The zone effect may include a zone effect in which a zone image different from the zone image Gz1 is displayed. In this case, the zone effect of displaying the zone image Gz1 may have a higher degree of expectation for a big win than the effect of displaying another zone image. Further, when the degree of expectation for the big win of zone performance displaying the zone image Gz1 is increased, after the zone performance of displaying another zone image is executed in the result period of the specific display performance executed at the first timing, the zone performance of displaying the zone image Gz1 may be executed in the result period of the specific display performance executed at the second timing. That is, the zone effect may be executed multiple times in one variation game.

- The game image change effect may be executed multiple times in one variation game. In this case, the game image displayed during the result period of the specific display performance executed at the second timing should be a game image with a higher expectation for big win than the game image displayed during the result period of the specific display performance executed at the first timing. Further, when the game image change effect can be executed a plurality of times in one variation game, the first variation game corresponding to the game image displayed during the result period of the specific display effect executed at the first timing and the second variation game corresponding to the game image displayed during the result period of the specific display effect executed at the second timing may be different.

- The specific display effect may not be executed multiple times in one variation game. In this case, both the game image change effect and the zone effect may not be executed in one variation game. When the specific display performance is not executed a plurality of times in one variation game, the game image change performance may be executed during the period when the specific display performance is not executed, and the zone performance may be executed during the period when the specific display performance is not executed.

- Both the game image change effect and the zone effect may be executed during the result period of one specific display effect. In this case, a situation may occur in which both the game image and the background image change during the result period of one specific display effect.

- The degree of expectation for a big hit may be different between the specific display effect executed at the first timing and the specific display effect executed at the second timing. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 may make it easier to decide to execute the specific display effect executed at the first timing when the target variation game is a big winning variation game compared to when the target variation game is not a big winning variation game. Further, for example, the sub-control CPU 51 may make it easier to decide to execute the specific display effect executed at the second timing when the target variation game is a big win variation game compared to when the target variation game is not a big win variation game.

- The first timing as the execution timing of the specific display effect may be after the normal reach effect is started in the effect game. Also, the second timing as the execution timing of the specific display effect may be before the start of the normal ready-to-win effect in the effect game. Further, the execution timing of the specific display effect may be another timing in addition to or instead of the first timing and the second timing. In this case, there may be multiple different timings. Further, another timing may be before the normal reach effect is started in the effect game, or after the normal reach effect is started in the effect game. When the specific display performance can be executed at another timing in addition to the first timing and the second timing, and when the specific display performance is executed a plurality of times in one variation game, the execution timing of each specific display performance is preferably determined by a predetermined lottery. According to this, in a plurality of specific display effects, the image displayed in the first display region R1 (the display mode of the effect game) may be the same or different.

- The specific display effect may include a third specific display effect in which the second display region R2 is integrated (merged) into the first display region R1 during the branch period. In this case, the third specific display effect may not include the result period, and neither the game image change effect nor the zone effect may be executed during execution of the third specific display effect. That is, the game image and the background image may be kept unchanged during execution of the third specific display effect.

- In the second specific display effect with a higher expectation of a big hit than in the first specific display effect, one of the game image change effect and the zone effect may be executed in advance. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 may be able to decide to execute the second specific display effect when one of the game image change effect and the zone effect is executed.

- In the branch period of the first specific display effect, after the first display area R1 becomes smaller in stages, the first display area R1 may be finally integrated (merged) into the second display area R2. In this case, it is preferable that the image displayed in the second display region R2 is displayed in the entirety of the image display section 17a after integration (consolidation).

- During the branch period of the second specific display effect, the first display region R1 may not be integrated (merged) with the second display region R2. In this case, the first display region R1 is preferably smaller than the first display region R1 at least during the common period of the specific display effects.

- The specific display effect may be executable in any game state in addition to or instead of the normal state.
The game image display effect may be an effect of notifying the degree of expectation for a big hit in the variable game corresponding to the game image depending on the type of the game image. That is, the game image is preferably an image that suggests the degree of expectation for a big win or notifies the degree of expectation for a big win.

- The zone effect may be a effect for notifying the degree of expectation for a big hit in the target variable game. That is, the background image may be an image that notifies the degree of expectation for a big hit.
- In the specific display effect, an image different from the character image Gc1 may be displayed in the second display region R2. In this case, the display mode of another image during the branch period may suggest the changed display mode of the game image or the background image during the result period.

- During the result period of the specific display effect, an effect different from the game image change effect and the zone change effect may be executed.
- It may be embodied in a gaming machine (so-called ST machine) that controls to a high-probability state with an upper limit until a predetermined number of special games are executed after the end of the jackpot game. Further, it may be embodied in a gaming machine (so-called falling machine) that terminates the high-probability state when a predetermined falling lottery different from the winning lottery is won. According to these, even if it is controlled to the first high-probability state, the first high-probability state may end before the next big hit game is awarded. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game feature in which the player does not know when the first high-probability state will end.

The sub-control board 50 may be used as a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that exclusively controls the effect display device 17, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the decorative lamp 14, and an audio control board that exclusively controls the speaker 15 may be provided separately from the sub-control board 50. A sub-board may include such a sub-integrated control board and other boards for controlling effects.

- The main control CPU 41 of the main control board 40 and the sub-control CPU 51 of the sub-control board 50 may be mounted on a single board. Further, in the above another example, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

Technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and modifications will be described.
(b) In the second period, after the first display area is gradually reduced in size, the first display area is integrated with the second display area, thereby limiting display of the image displayed in the first display area. In the third period, after the specific display area is divided into the first display area and the second display area, the first display area may be enlarged.

(b) The display effect includes a display effect of displaying a pending image corresponding to each pending variable game, and the specific image is a pending image corresponding to a predetermined variable game that is pending.

(C) The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific display effect is a zone effect that can be executed for a pending variable game, and the specific image is a zone image.

10 Pachinko game machine 17 Effect display device 17a Image display unit 41 Main control CPU 42 Main control ROM 43 Main control RAM 51 Sub-control CPU 52 Sub-control ROM 53 Sub-control RAM Gc1 Character image Gg1 to Gg6 Game image Gz1 Zone image Gz2 Band image HK1 Normal background image R1 First display area R2 Second display area.

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine capable of suspending execution of a variable game,
display means for executing a display effect;
and a control means for controlling execution of the display effect,
The display effect includes a specific display effect that can be executed for the pending variable game,
During execution of the specific display effect, the display means
In the first period, at least a part of the specific display area is divided into a first display area and a second display area, and a specific image that suggests the degree of expectation of a big hit according to the display mode or notifies the degree of expectation of the big win according to the display mode is displayed in the first display area,
In a second period after the first period, at least part of the specific image is not displayed in the first display area by the stepwise reduction of the first display area,
In a third period after the second period, the first display area is gradually enlarged, and the specific image is displayed in a display mode with a higher expectation of a big hit than the display mode of the specific image in the first period,
The display effect includes a reach effect in which a reach is formed by a decorative pattern image,
In the first period, the decorative design image is displayed in the first display area,
In the second period, after the first display area becomes smaller step by step, the first display area may be integrated with the second display area, and by integrating the first display area with the second display area, all of the decorative design images are hidden ,
In the second period, when all of the decorative pattern images are hidden , the gaming machine has a higher degree of expectation for a big win than when all of the decorative pattern images are not hidden .