JP7321485B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a game machine capable of prompting a player to operate an operation means such as a push button and executing an operation effect in which the operation during an operation valid period is reflected in the effect (for example, Patent Document 1 below: reference). In the operation effect, an image showing the mode of the requested operation and the like is displayed.

JP 2017-189199 A

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of executing interesting operation effects.

A game machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, includes display means having a display area, audio output means, operation means operable by a player, and a player to operate the operation means. an effect execution means for executing an operation effect that prompts the user to operate the operation means, as a kind of the operation effect, operating the operation means only by an instruction sound output from the audio output means. It is characterized in that it is possible to execute a specific operation effect that prompts.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to execute an interesting operation effect.

It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a specific operation effect; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first specific example of a specific operation effect; FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a fourth specific example of the specific operation effect; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outline of sound operation effects; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first specific example of sound operation presentation; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a third specific example of sound operation presentation; It is a figure for demonstrating the difference between a 1st operation means and a 2nd operation means. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a confirmation effect; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first specific example of a final effect; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second specific example of the finalization effect;

1) Overall Configuration of Game Machine 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the game machine 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The game machine 1 is equipped with a game board 90 . The game board 90 is made of a substantially square plywood board, and a guide rail 903 forming a passage for guiding a game ball fired by operating a shooting device 908 (shooting handle) to the game area 902 has a substantially arc shape. is provided as follows.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting prize winning port 904, a big winning prize port 906, an out port 907, and the like. A display area 911 of the display device 91 is an area that can be visually recognized through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90 . Although the display area 911 is roughly illustrated in some of the drawings, its shape and the like can be changed as appropriate (the shape and size of the opening 901 and the shape and size of the display device 91 itself can be changed). to change the shape of the display area 911, etc.).

In addition, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the flowing state of the game balls when the falling game balls collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes in various modes according to the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a gaming machine 1 , game balls are shot toward the game area 902 by operating the shooting device 908 . When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 wins a winning opening such as a starting winning opening 904 or a big winning opening 906, a predetermined number of gaming balls (hereinafter referred to as game balls are paid out when a game ball wins a winning opening) A game ball is called a prize ball) is paid out by a payout device.

Descriptions of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays for storing game balls, will be omitted. For these, those having the same structure as known gaming machines can be applied.

The lottery for the jackpot is executed by winning/failure determining means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting winning opening 904 (a plurality of such starting winning openings may be provided). Specifically, when the game ball enters the start winning hole 904, a numerical value (win/fail determination information) is obtained from the random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined jackpot numerical value, the jackpot is won. , if it is different, it is lost. Since it is the same as a known game machine, detailed description is omitted, but in the case of a big win, a predetermined combination of identification patterns 80 (symbols for notifying the result of winning/failing judgment; see FIG. 1, etc.). , and if any other combination is displayed, it will be lost. In this embodiment, three groups of identification patterns 80 containing any of the numbers "1" to "9" are variably displayed, and the combination of identification patterns selected and stopped from each group of identification patterns 80 is three of the same pattern. It is reported that it is a big hit by matching.

Further, in the present embodiment, notification of the result of the lottery is started in the order in which the numerical values for the lottery are obtained (variation of the identification pattern 10 is started). Sometimes, when the winning or losing lottery result based on the numerical value acquired earlier is notified, the memory provided in the control board (not shown) is kept until the notification of the winning or losing lottery result based on the certain numerical value is started. stored in the instrument. The maximum number of stored numbers (maximum pending number) of numerical values for which notification of the lottery results has not yet started (hereinafter, may be referred to as pending information) can be set as appropriate. The maximum number of pieces of pending information that can be stored by the storage means in this embodiment is four per type of starting prize winning opening 904 .

A pattern indicating that there is reserved information is displayed on the display device 91 as a reserved pattern 70 . It may be displayed on a device other than the display device 91 . The reserved symbols 70 are displayed at positions corresponding to the order in which the effect for informing the result of the lottery is started. In this embodiment, the reserved symbols 70 are displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91 so as to line up along a predetermined direction. Also, a pattern indicating the existence of the so-called "variable suspension" may be displayed.

Various effects that can be executed by the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, simply referring to an image in the following description includes both a still image and a moving image.

2) Operation presentation The operation presentation using the operation means will be described below. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a specific operation effect and a sound operation effect as operation effects. Note that the following specific operation effect and sound operation effect use the first operation means as the operation means (in the description of the specific operation effect and sound operation effect, the first operation means is simply referred to as the operation means). . However, it is also possible to produce an effect using the second operating means. Further, in a configuration having only one operation means, the specific operation effect and the sound operation effect described below may be executed.

2-1) Specific Operation Effect The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a specific operation effect (see FIG. 2) as a kind of operation effect using the operating means. The specific operation effect will be described below. The specific operation effect is executed as a part of the notification effect for notifying a certain result of success/failure determination (effect from the start of variation of the identification symbols until the combination indicating the result of success/failure determination is stopped). The operation means may be of any kind as long as it can be operated by the player. The operating means in this embodiment is a "push button". A sensor that detects a part of the player's body may be provided, and detection of the player's hand or the like by the sensor may be defined as "operation of the operating means".

In the specific operation effect, an image is displayed to the player to indicate that the operation means should be operated. For example, an image representing the operation means (operation image) and an image representing the operation mode of the operation means (instruction image) are displayed (see FIG. 2B). The operation image may be similar to the actual operation means to the extent that the player can understand that the operation image represents the operation means. As the instruction image, an image including characters corresponding to the requested operation mode can be exemplified. Any operation mode of the operation means required of the player may be used. A single operation that operates the operation means only once (an operation image including characters such as "push" is displayed), a continuous operation that operates the operation means continuously (an operation image including characters such as "continuous hit" is displayed) ), and a maintenance operation (an operation image including characters such as “long press” is displayed) for maintaining the state in which the operation means is operated.

An operation effective period is set in the specific operation effect. The operation of the operation means during the operation effective period is reflected in the presentation. However, in the specific operation effect, an image showing the elapse of the valid operation period and the end point is not displayed (see FIG. 2(b)). In general operation effects, a meter indicating the operation valid period (that changes from the start to the end of the operation valid period) and the countdown time are displayed. Although it is generally possible for the player to comprehend, such an image is not displayed in the specific operation effect in this embodiment.

The start time of the operation effective period in the specific operation effect is set substantially at the same time as the instruction image is displayed. In other words, it can be said that the display of the instruction image indicates the start of the valid operation period. Therefore, if the player moves to the action of operating the operation means soon after receiving the display of the instruction image, the operation of the operation means will be the operation during the effective period of operation, and will be reflected in the presentation. .

On the other hand, the point in time when the operation effective period in the specific operation effect ends is the point in time when the identification symbols variably displayed in the display area stop or pseudo-stop. Here, the term "pseudo-stop" refers to a mode in which the movement of the identification symbol does not stop completely, but appears to the player to be stopped. For example, the identification pattern is slightly swayed.

The specific operation effect will be described with an example. For example, it is assumed that the player is prompted to perform a maintenance operation on the operating means. Almost simultaneously with the display of the instruction image (image including the characters “long press”) indicating that the maintenance operation is requested, the operation valid period is started (see FIG. 2B). In this embodiment, the operation image is displayed substantially at the same time as the instruction image is displayed. In other words, it can be said that the display of the operation image also indicates the start of the operation valid period.

The specific operation effect indicates whether or not the pseudo-continuous effect will occur (the pseudo-continuous effect will continue). Pseudo-continuous performance itself is well-known, so a detailed description is omitted. In pseudo-continuous performance, unit performance occurs once or more than once, in which a fluctuating identification pattern is pseudo-stopped and then starts to fluctuate again. In this embodiment, as in the general pseudo-continuous production, as the number of occurrences of the unit production (the number of re-fluctuations) increases, the probability that the target success/failure determination result will be a jackpot (jackpot reliability) increases. is set. In other words, the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous effect (unit effect) is set as an event advantageous to the player. In the present embodiment, when a unit effect is generated, the combination of pseudo-stopped identification symbols is set to a specific mode. The specific mode may be any combination other than a combination indicating a big win. In this embodiment, it is set as a specific mode that the identification symbol "7" as the middle identification symbol is stopped in a simulated manner.

The ending of the specific operation performance is classified into a successful ending in which the unit performance occurs and a failure ending in which the unit performance does not occur. In the specific operation effect, the instruction image is displayed after the identification symbol "7" as the middle identification symbol is about to stop (see FIG. 2(b)). That is, the operation valid period is started. Every time a maintenance operation of the operation means for a predetermined time or more is detected during the operation valid period, the identification pattern of the "7" shakes greatly, emphasizing the "situation about to stop" (a so-called "flashing" effect). Occur). In other words, the operation of the operating means is reflected in the production. It should be noted that whether the ending of the specific operation effect will be a successful ending or a failure ending is determined in advance, and is not determined by the operation status of the operating means during the valid operation period, but the operating means is operated during the valid operation period. By doing so, the player gets the impression that he or she participates in the transition of the production toward the situation where the specific mode is constructed (towards a successful ending).

When the specific operation effect ends in failure, the identification symbol "7" does not stop in the end, and another identification symbol (identification symbol "8" in this embodiment) stops (Fig. 2 ( c-2)). That is, no specific aspect is constructed. The three identification patterns are completely stopped in a combination that is not the specific mode and is not a combination that indicates a big hit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "losing mode"), and the result of the judgment is "losing". Notification is completed. In other words, at the same time as it is indicated that the specific operation effect ends in failure and the unit effect does not occur, the notification of the success/failure determination result (loss) of the target is completed. In the event of a failure outcome, the effective period of operation will expire substantially at the same time as the failure mode is indicated. After that, the next variation (notification effect for notifying the next success/failure determination result) is started (see FIG. 2(d-2)).

When the specific operation effect results in a successful ending, the identification symbol "7" is finally stopped as the middle identification symbol (see FIG. 2(c-1)). In other words, the specific mode is constructed. After that, the three identification symbols change again (see FIG. 2(d-1)), indicating that the pseudo-continuous effect has occurred (that the pseudo-continuous effect has continued). In the case of a successful ending, the valid period of operation expires substantially at the same time as the specific mode is indicated.

As described above, in the specific operation effect according to the present embodiment, an image indicating the elapse of the effective period of the operation or the end point of time is not displayed, and an identification indicating whether the specific operation effect was successful or unsuccessful is displayed. The effective period of operation ends at substantially the same time as the symbol stops or pseudo-stops. The reason why the specific operation effect prompts the player to operate the operation means is to give the player the impression that he/she is participating in the situation where the specific operation effect leads to a successful ending. It can be said that it is natural that the operation presentation ends at the same time as it reaches the end. In other words, in order to give the impression that whether or not a successful ending is determined by the player's own involvement, it is natural to assume that the valid operation period ends when the specific operation effect reaches the ending. . In addition, if an image (such as a meter) is displayed that indicates the elapsed time or end time of the effective period of operation, as in the conventional art, the outcome of the effect can be easily predicted from the state of the image, and the player loses interest. However, in this embodiment, the image is not displayed, and the player does not know at what stage the operation valid period will end, so it is difficult to predict the ending, and the effect becomes interesting. .

In addition, when the specific operation effect ends in failure, a combination of identification symbols in a losing mode indicating that the result of the determination of whether or not the target is a failure is constructed as it is. In other words, since it is notified that the failure has been confirmed at the same time as the expiration of the effective period of operation, it is possible to give the player the impression that the operation of his/her own operation means has failed and the player has come to a disappointing end. .

In addition, when the specific operation effect results in a successful ending, a combination of identification symbols in a specific mode is constructed to indicate that a pseudo-continuous effect (unit effect) will occur. In other words, since it is notified that a pseudo-continuous performance (unit performance) will occur at the same time as the end of the effective period of operation, the player is given the impression that the operation of his or her own operating means has led to a pleasing ending. is possible.

It should be noted that the above-described example of the specific operation effect was explained as prompting the player to perform the maintenance operation of the operating means, but it is applicable to prompting a single operation or continuous operation. is also possible. In the case where a single operation is prompted, detection of a single operation of the operating means marks the end of the effective period of operation. It is sufficient to indicate whether the For those that prompt continuous operation, whether the specific mode is constructed at the same time as the end of the effective period of operation, while the above-mentioned "flicker" is generated every time the operation of the operation means is detected. (whether or not a successful ending is achieved) should be indicated.

Specific examples in which the specific operation effect in the above embodiment is improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described below. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

・First Specific Example It has been explained that the specific operation effects in the above embodiments lead to the ending indicating whether or not the pseudo-continuous effect occurs (continues). (See FIG. 3). Since the look-ahead continuous effect itself is known, a detailed description is omitted. It is different in that it occurs over a plurality of notification effects. Specifically, in the look-ahead continuous effect, after the changing identification pattern stops, the unit effect that changes again is repeated one or more times. It indicates that the success/failure determination result prior to the determination result is a loss. In other words, it suggests that the probability that the success/failure determination result to be the object of the look-ahead continuous effect is a big win is increased by using the notification effect of notifying the success/failure determination result earlier than that.

For the generation of the look-ahead continuous effect, the combination that informs the previous success/failure determination result (loss) is a specific mode (so-called chance eye. In this example, the mode in which the identification symbols are "ordered" from the left is set as the chance eye. It is indicated by whether or not The construction of the specific mode is regarded as the successful ending of the specific operation effect (see FIG. 3(c-1)), and the failure of the specific operation effect when the specific mode is not constructed and the failure mode is constructed ( (see FIG. 3(c-2)). Then, the end point of the operation effective period of the specific operation effect is configured to be set substantially at the same time as the point at which the specific mode or the failure mode is established (Fig. 3 (b) to (c-1) or (c-2 )reference). In the case of a successful ending, a look-ahead effect (unit effect) is generated, and (compared to the case where the look-ahead effect does not occur), it becomes a state where expectations can be expected after the next change (Fig. 3 (d-1 )reference). In the case of a failure ending, the look-ahead effect (unit effect) is not generated (see FIG. 3(d-2)).

Second Specific Example In the above-described embodiment and first specific example, it has been explained that the ending of the specific operation effect indicates whether or not the continuous effect will occur, but the configuration is not limited to this. A specific operation effect indicates whether or not an event advantageous to the player will occur due to the ending, and the end point of the effective period of the operation is set to be approximately the same as the point at which the ending is shown. All you have to do is

・Third Specific Example It has been explained that the specific operation effect in the above embodiment does not display an image (such as a meter) that indicates the elapse or end of the effective period of operation. It may be In addition to displaying this kind of image, the operation effective period may end at substantially the same time as the identification symbol stops or stops in a pseudo manner. However, as described in the above embodiment, the enjoyment due to the unpredictability of the end point of the effective period of operation cannot be obtained.

・Fourth specific example Since the specific operation effect in the above embodiment does not display an image (such as a meter) that indicates the expiration or end time of the operation valid period, , it may be possible to grasp whether or not the operation is valid. For example, it is assumed that the operation means has a change section capable of changing its mode. An example of the changing portion is a light emitting portion capable of emitting light in a predetermined manner. The light-emitting unit is in a non-light-emitting state (normal mode) when the operation is not valid (see FIGS. 4A and 4C), and is in a light-emitting state (specific mode) when the operation is valid (FIG. 4). (b)). By doing so, it is possible to grasp whether or not the valid operation period has ended, depending on whether or not the light emitting unit is in the light emitting state in the specific operation effect.

It should be noted that the light-emitting unit may emit light even when it is not during the effective period of operation. Specifically, the light emission mode (normal mode) of the light emitting unit when not in the operation valid period and the light emission mode (specific mode) of the light emitting unit during the operation valid period may be different. Also, the light-emitting portion may be provided at a location other than the operating means. However, if the operating means itself or a light-emitting unit provided near the operating means indicates that the valid operation period has been set, the possibility of noticing that the valid operation period has been set is reduced. It has the advantage of being expensive.

2-2) Sound Operation Effect The game machine according to the present embodiment can execute a sound operation effect different from the specific operation effect as an operation effect using the operation means. The sound operation presentation will be described below. The sound operation effect is a effect that prompts the user to operate the operation means. Any operation means may be used to prompt the operation. As described in the specific operation presentation, detection of a part of the player's body by the sensor may be treated as "operation of the operation means".

In the sound operation effect (see FIG. 5), the instruction to prompt the player to operate the operation means is by "voice". In other words, in a general operation effect, it is normal to display a display prompting the user to operate the operation means in the display area (such as the above-described operation image, instruction image, display of a meter indicating the effective operation time, etc.). In such a display area (main display device), no instruction is given by displaying an image, but an instruction is given by a sound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an instruction sound) output from a speaker that is a sound output means. It is said that In the sound operation presentation in this embodiment, an operation instruction is given only by an instruction sound, and no instructions are given by other elements (see FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c)).

The contents of the instruction voice correspond to the operation mode of the operation means requested to the player. If a single operation is required, the phrase "press" is included (see FIG. 5(b)), and if a continuous operation is required, the phrase "continuous hit" is included, and a maintenance operation is required. If it does, it includes a word such as "long press". In other words, a player who has heard the instruction voice can grasp the requested operation mode.

In addition, in the case of a configuration having a plurality of types of operation means, the instruction voice includes words that indicate which operation means should be operated. In other words, it includes words that indicate a certain operating means among a plurality of types of operating means (not to be misunderstood as pointing to other operating means). For example, if the configuration includes a well-known "push button" and other items as the operation means, and the sound operation effect prompts the operation of the "push button", the instruction voice is the "button". (See FIG. 5(b)). In the case of requesting a single operation of a push button, an instruction voice containing a phrase such as "press the button" is used.

In addition, since the operation of the operation means is requested by the instruction voice, the sound operation effect in the present embodiment reflects the operation of the operation means during a predetermined period, although no operation instruction is issued. , is different from the so-called “hidden operation effect”.

In this embodiment, the valid operation period starts substantially at the same time as the output of the instruction voice is completed. However, since a meter or the like indicating the valid period of operation is not displayed, the player cannot grasp the elapse of the valid period of operation or the point of time when the valid period of operation ends. This point is the same as the specific operation effect. The effective period of operation ends after a predetermined time has passed since the output of the instruction voice is completed, but this time is assumed to be sufficiently longer than the time required for the player who has heard the instruction voice to operate the operation means. be done.

Any aspect of the effect (result effect) (see FIG. 5(e)) executed as a result of the operation (see FIG. 5(d)) during the operation effective period may be of any type. However, if the operating means is not operated during the valid period of operation, no effect will occur. For example, when no operation is performed during the effective period of operation, it is known to generate a result effect with the lapse of the effective period of operation as a trigger. If it is generated, there is a possibility that a player who does not notice the generation of the sound operation performance in which an operation instruction is issued by voice feels uncomfortable with the generation of the result performance, so that the result performance is not generated.

As described above, the sound operation presentation in the present embodiment prompts the user to operate the operating means by means of the instruction voice, and therefore expresses a different interest from the conventional mode in which instructions are given by images. .

Specific examples in which the sound operation effect in the above embodiment is improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described below. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

・First Specific Example Although it has been explained that the sound operation effect in the above embodiment is one in which operation instructions are issued only by instruction sounds, it is assumed that the operation effective period is set by other elements. It may be made so that the person can grasp it.

For example, it is assumed that the operation means has a change section capable of changing its mode. An example of the changing portion is a light emitting portion capable of emitting light in a predetermined manner. The light-emitting portion is in a non-light-emitting state (normal mode) when it is not within the valid operation period (see FIG. 6A), and is in a light-emitting state (specific mode) when it is during the valid operation period (see FIG. 6B). shall be By doing so, in the sound operation effect, the effective operation period starts substantially at the same time as the output of the instruction sound is completed, and the light emitting unit is in the light emitting state during the effective operation period. This means that the light-emitting portion, which was in the non-light-emitting state before the completion of the output of the instruction voice, changes to the light-emitting state after the completion of the output.

If the configuration is such that the operation instruction is issued only by the instruction sound, the player may not know whether the operation of the operation means is being prompted. Therefore, it is preferable to indicate to the player that the operation of the operation means is reflected by causing the light emitting unit to emit light during the operation valid period. In view of the fact that making the light emitting unit emit light does not clearly indicate to the player that the player should operate the operating means, this does not correspond to an operation instruction. The sound operation effect is a configuration in which an operation instruction is issued only by an instruction sound, and since there is a possibility that the player may not notice that the operation valid period has been set, it plays an auxiliary role to make him/her aware of it. It can be said that it is something that is fulfilled.

Unlike the sound operation effect, if another operation effect (general operation effect) in which an instruction is given by an image displayed in the display area such as an operation image or an instruction image can be executed, the other operation effect It is preferable that the light-emitting portion emits light during the valid operation period of the operation effect. In this way, the player who has come into contact with another operation effect will be notified that the light-emitting portion is set to the light-emitting state during the operation effective period (the light-emitting portion changes from the non-light-emitting state to the light-emitting state with the start of the operation effective period as a trigger). Since there is a possibility of knowing that the operation effective period is set, there is a high probability that the user will notice that the operation effective period is set when he/she sees that the light emitting unit is in the light emitting state in the sound operation presentation.

It should be noted that the light-emitting unit may emit light even when it is not during the effective period of operation. Specifically, the light emission mode (normal mode) of the light emitting unit when not in the operation valid period and the light emission mode (specific mode) of the light emitting unit during the operation valid period may be different. Also, the light-emitting portion may be provided at a location other than the operating means. However, if the operating means itself or a light-emitting unit provided near the operating means indicates that the valid operation period has been set, the possibility of noticing that the valid operation period has been set is reduced. It has the advantage of being expensive.

Second Specific Example It is assumed that a player is provided with volume adjusting means (volume customizing function) capable of adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker. However, it is assumed that the volume of the instruction voice does not fall below the predetermined threshold value even if the volume adjustment means adjusts the volume. In the sound operation effect in which the image of the operation instruction is not displayed in the display area, if the volume of the instruction sound becomes low, the player may not notice the occurrence of the effect at all. Assume that it is ensured that the sound volume is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. In order to obtain such a configuration, for example, the following settings are conceivable.

As a first setting, it is conceivable that the instruction voice is not subject to adjustment by the volume adjustment means. In other words, even if the sound volume is changed by the sound volume adjusting means in order to adjust the sound volume of the performance sound to one desired, the sound volume of the instruction sound is maintained.

As the second setting, the volume of the instruction voice is increased or decreased based on the adjustment by the volume adjustment means within a certain range, while the volume adjustment means does not adjust the volume within a range lower than the above range. It is assumed that the volume of the instruction voice does not change. For example, it is assumed that the volume adjustment means can adjust the volume in 10 steps, and the minimum volume (threshold value) of the instruction voice is "3" in the 10 steps. When the volume is adjusted in the range of 3 to 10 by the volume adjustment means, the volume of the instruction voice is increased or decreased accordingly. On the other hand, when the volume is adjusted in the range of 1 to 3 by the volume adjusting means, the volume of the instruction voice is kept at "3" although the effect sound increases or decreases accordingly. In this way, the volume of the instruction voice will never become smaller than "3".

Third Specific Example It is assumed that the sound operation effect is set as a so-called chance-up effect (see FIG. 7). When an operation effect is generated when a predetermined condition is established, a sound operation effect (see FIG. 7(b-1)) is generated or a general operation effect (normal operation effect) (see FIG. 7 (b-2)) is to be generated. That is, the occurrence of a sound operation effect during a notification effect for notifying a certain success judgment result has a higher probability (jackpot reliability) that the success judgment result will be a big win compared to the case where the sound operation effect does not occur. set (see FIGS. 7(b-1) and (b-2)).

Since the sound operation effect is one in which an operation instruction is issued by voice, it is not so conspicuous as compared to a general operation effect (normal operation effect), and there is a high probability that the player will not notice the occurrence. I can say. By setting the occurrence of such an inconspicuous sound operation effect as a so-called chance-up, the game becomes more interesting.

3) Fixed effect The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a fixed effect as an effect using the operating means. The confirmation effect will be described in detail below. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes first operating means and second operating means as operating means (see FIG. 1). The configuration and operation mode of each of the first operating means and the second operating means may be of any kind. For one operation target that can be operated in a plurality of operation modes, operating the operation target in a certain operation mode is called "operation of the first operation means", and operating the operation target in another operation mode. The operation may be defined as the "operation of the second operation means", and a confirmation effect as described below may occur. In this embodiment, the first operation means is a "push button", and the second operation means is a structure that is slidable in the front-rear direction provided at the lower left of the game machine, and slides from the original position toward the back. It can be manipulated.

In the present embodiment, the player is impressed that the second operation means is "higher value" than the first operation means. The following methods are conceivable as methods for impressing such values.

As a first method, as an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means, the operation of the second operation means is performed rather than the effect of prompting the operation of the first operation means (hereinafter referred to as the first operation effect). It is conceivable that the prompting effect (hereinafter referred to as the second operation effect) has a lower occurrence frequency (lower probability of occurrence) (see FIG. 8A). In other words, the setting is such that the second operation effect is a "rare effect" compared to the first operation effect. By doing so, the player has the impression that operating the first operation means is a normal case and operating the second operation means is a special case in the operation presentation. will receive.

As a second method, it is set so that the probability of occurrence of an event advantageous to the player is higher when the second operation effect is generated than when the first operation effect is generated. (see FIG. 8(b)). For example, if a success ending advantageous to the player and a failure ending disadvantageous to the player are set as the ending of the operation effect, the probability that the first operation effect will result in a successful ending is higher than the probability that the second operation effect will result in a successful ending. It is set so that the probability of becoming By doing so, the player will have the impression that the second operation means indicates "chance up". By adopting the second method, as a result, the second operation effect may be set to occur less frequently than the first operation effect (setting to which the above first method is applied). Normal.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the second operation means is given an impression as a more "high-value" (rare) operation means than the first operation means. The fixed effect is a effect using the "high-value" second operation means.

Operation of the second operating means is prompted during the notification effect that the result of the success/failure determination that is finally notified is a big hit (effects from (a) to (d) in FIG. 9; Even in a situation where the second operation means is operated (see FIG. 9(b)), a confirmation effect (see FIG. 9(c)) indicating that the big win is confirmed is generated. Let In addition, in the present embodiment, only during the jackpot notification effect in the normal game state (low probability state in which the probability of winning the lottery is low), the confirmation effect is generated with the operation of the second operating means as a trigger. That is, such control is not executed during the high probability game state (probability fluctuation state) in which the probability of winning the lottery is higher than that of the normal game state.

Any specific aspect of the fixed effect may be used. It is conceivable to output a confirmation sound that can be generated only when a big win is confirmed from a speaker (see FIG. 9(c)), or to display a so-called premium image in the display area. In other words, the confirmation effect that occurs only when the big win is confirmed is triggered by the operation of the second operating means. It should be noted that even if the first operating means is operated in a situation in which a fixed effect is generated triggered by the operation of the second operating means, that is, during the jackpot notification effect, the fixed effect is not generated.

It is known that, in the operation effect, a fixed effect may occur with the operation of the operation means as a trigger. In this embodiment, "even in a situation where the operation of the second operation means is not prompted", the confirmation effect is generated with the operation of the second operation means as a trigger. Assuming that the operation means is not operated unless the operation of the operation means is prompted, the confirmation effect will not occur (only the confirmation effect triggered by the operation of the second operation means ( (Except for the one that occurs as the second operation effect) does not occur, and may occur as part of the notification effect whose content is determined by a lottery executed in advance). In this embodiment, regardless of the situation of the jackpot notification effect, if the second operation means is operated, it is set to always generate a fixed effect with that as a trigger. Therefore, when the second operation means is operated in a certain notification effect, if the fixed effect occurs, the big win is confirmed, but if the fixed effect does not occur, it can be said that the loss is confirmed. If the second operating means is operated, the timing is irregular, so the timing at which the fixed effect occurs is also irregular. However, this does not negate setting such that the fixed effect does not occur even if the second operating means is operated during a part of the target notification effect. For example, after three sets of identification patterns of the same type are shown, a so-called re-variation effect indicating that the type of identification pattern may change (for example, a re-variation effect indicating whether the jackpot is a so-called variable jackpot is known), so that the fixed effect does not occur. In the situation where the re-variation effect occurs, since the "jackpot" is fixed, it is meaningless to generate the fixed effect, and even if the second operation means is operated during the re-variation effect, the fixed effect will not occur. prevent it from occurring.

By providing such a function to generate a fixed effect (hereinafter referred to as a fixed effect function), a player who does not know that the function is installed can casually operate the second operation means. It is possible to give a surprise that a definite effect occurs when it is done. On the other hand, players who know that the function is installed will be able to expect a big win during the notification effect (when the content of the notification effect is expected to be a big win) ), it is possible to enjoy by operating the second operation means to check whether or not the fixed effect is generated (whether or not it is a big hit).

Another point is that it is the operation of the second operation means, not the operation of the first operation means, that triggers the generation of the fixed effect. The first operating means has a high frequency of occurrence of a situation (first operation effect) in which the operation is prompted (more frequently than the second operating means), and is an operating means familiar to players who are continuously playing the game. You can say that. If it is determined that the operation of the first operation means causes the fixed effect to occur, the player unconsciously operates the first operation means, and the fixed effect occurs frequently. There is a risk that it will be lost. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the frequency of operation requests is low, and the confirmation effect is generated when the player operates the second operating means, which is unfamiliar to the player.

Specific examples in which items related to the fixed effect in the above embodiment are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described below. It should be noted that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

- First specific example It is assumed that an operation effect (second operation effect) prompting the operation of the second operating means occurs in the jackpot notification effect. When the second operation means is operated when it is not the operation effective period of the second operation effect, the confirmation effect is generated with that as a trigger, but during the operation effective period of the second operation effect (see FIG. 10(b)) prevents the occurrence of a fixed effect (an effect is generated as a result of the second operation effect) when the second operation means is operated (see FIG. 10(c)) (see FIG. 10(d)). It should be noted that, of course, when the second operation effect is generated in the notification effect in which the result of the right/wrong determination is a failure, the confirmation effect is not generated regardless of whether the operation is during the operation valid period or not.

Since the second operation effect prompts the player to operate the second operation means, it is normal for the second operation means to be operated during the valid operation period. If such an operation causes a fixed effect to occur, the player will find out whether or not the win/loss determination result is a big hit during the notification effect (when the second operation effect occurs) even though the player does not want it. become. In other words, the second operation effect will substantially function as an effect for determining whether the win/loss determination result is a big win or a loss. If the occurrence of such a situation is considered undesirable, the operation of the second operation means during the operation effective period of the second operation effect should not trigger the generation of the fixed effect.

However, it does not deny that the operation of the second operation means during the operation effective period of the second operation effect is set to trigger the occurrence of the fixed effect. In other words, the second operation effect may substantially function as an effect for determining whether the win/loss determination result is a big win or a loss.

- Second specific example The player can arbitrarily select whether the fixed effect function is valid (ON) or invalid (OFF). While a customization function that allows a player to arbitrarily adjust and select various settings related to effects is well known, a fixed effect function is set as the target of the customization. For example, by operating on the customization screen, it is possible to switch between valid and invalid of the fixed effect function (see FIG. 11).

Whether or not the fixed effect is generated by the operation of the second operating means means that the result will be known in the middle of the notification effect, so there are players who think that the fixed effect function is unnecessary. Seem. Therefore, it is preferable for such a player to be able to turn off the fixed effect function. In addition, by setting the fixed effect function as a target of customization, there is an effect of informing the player who does not know that such a function is installed.

・Third Specific Example In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the confirmation effect is generated by operating the second operation means during the jackpot notification effect, but the confirmation effect may or may not occur. It may be set.

For example, when the second operation means is operated during the big hit notification effect, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as a fixed effect lottery) to determine whether or not to generate a fixed effect is performed. The probability of winning the fixed effect lottery is less than 100%. Therefore, even if the second operating means is operated during the notification effect, the fixed effect is not always generated.

The fixed effect lottery may be executed only once during one notification effect (jackpot notification effect), or may be executed each time the second operation means is executed. In the former case, even if the second operation means is operated multiple times in the big hit notification production, if the final production lottery triggered by the operation of the first second operation means is omitted, the final production will not be performed during the notification production. does not occur. In the latter case, even if you miss the fixed production lottery triggered by the first operation of the second operating means, you will win the fixed production lottery triggered by the second and subsequent operations of the second operating means, and the fixed production will occur. I have something to do.

In this way, if the probability of occurrence of the finalized effect triggered by the operation of the second operating means during the big hit notification effect is set to be less than 100%, even if the finalized effect does not occur, the result of the determination of the success or failure of the target can be obtained. It becomes a form that the possibility of becoming a big hit is left. As in the above-described embodiment, if the probability of occurrence of the fixed effect triggered by the operation of the second operating means during the jackpot notification effect is 100%, the result of the determination of whether the target wins or fails is lost when the fixed effect does not occur. There is also an aspect that it is decided that it is. Even if the fixed effect does not occur, it is preferable to adopt the configuration as in this example if the game property is to keep the player's expectations until the end.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is by no means limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the gaming machine described in the above embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, but except for the content that assumes the existence of a configuration unique to the pachinko gaming machine, it may be provided with operation means that can be operated by the player. For example, it can be applied to other game machines such as a reel-type game machine.

Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

・ Means 1-1
display means having a display area; pattern control means for controlling an identification pattern indicating a winning/failure determination result displayed in the display area; operation means operable by a player; an effect executing means for executing an operation effect urging the user to perform an operation, wherein the operation valid period in which the operation of the operating means is reflected in the effect in the operation effect is variably displayed in the display area; A gaming machine characterized in that it is set to end substantially at the same time it stops or simulates stopping.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to execute an interesting operation performance in which the valid operation period ends substantially at the same time as the identification symbols stop or pseudo-stop.

・ Means 1-2
The game machine according to means 1-1, wherein in the operation presentation, the display area does not display the end point of the effective period of operation.
As described above, the valid period of operation ends substantially at the same time as the identification symbol stops or simulates to stop, so it does not have to be displayed. If the effective period of operation is not displayed in this way, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the presentation.

・ Means 1-3
When the end of the operation presentation becomes a failure ending disadvantageous to the player, the identification pattern is stopped in a losing mode indicating that the success/failure determination result is a loss substantially at the same time as the operation valid period ends. The gaming machine according to means 1-1 or 1-2, characterized by:
In this way, if the failure state is displayed substantially at the same time as the operation valid period expires, it is easy to understand that the ending of the operation presentation is a failure ending.

・ Means 1-4
When the ending of the operation presentation becomes a successful ending advantageous to the player, the identification pattern stops in a specific mode indicating that an event advantageous to the player occurs approximately at the same time as the operation effective period ends. Alternatively, the gaming machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-3 is characterized by a pseudo stop.
・ Means 1-5
According to means 1-4, the specific mode is a mode indicating the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous effect, and after the identification pattern is pseudo-stopped in the specific mode, the identification pattern starts to fluctuate again. game machine.
・ Means 1-6
The specific mode is a mode that indicates the occurrence of a look-ahead continuous effect, and after the identification pattern stops in the specific mode, the identification pattern for indicating the next success/failure determination result starts to change. The gaming machine according to means 1-4.
Thus, if a specific mode (a mode indicating the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous effect or a look-ahead effect) is displayed substantially at the same time when the operation effective period ends, it is easy to understand that the operation effect has ended successfully.

・ Means 2-1
The game includes display means having a display area, sound output means, operation means operable by the player, and effect execution means for executing an operation effect prompting the player to operate the operation means. , as one of the operation effects, a specific operation effect in which no display prompting the user to operate the operation means is displayed in the display area and the user is prompted to operate the operation means by an instruction voice output from the voice output means; A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to execute
In the above game machine, since the operation of the operation means is not prompted by the image, but the instruction voice prompts the operation of the operation means, it expresses a taste different from the conventional mode in which instructions are issued by images. It is.

・ Means 2-2
The operation means has a changing part whose mode changes, and the mode of the changing part is different from the normal mode during an operation effective period in which the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect in the specific operation effect. The game machine according to means 2-1 as a specific mode.
If the instruction voice prompts the player to operate the operation means, the player may not notice that the valid operation period is set. It is preferable to increase the probability of noticing that it has been set.

・ Means 3-1
An operation means that can be operated by a player, and an effect execution means that can execute an operation effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means. Two operation means are provided, and as the operation effects, a first operation effect prompting the operation of the first operation means and a second operation effect prompting the operation of the second operation means are executable, and The frequency of occurrence of the second operation effect is set to be lower than the frequency of occurrence of the first operation effect. When the determination result is a win, it indicates that the win is determined by the second operating means being operated even in a situation where the operation of the second operating means is not prompted. This game machine is characterized by having a winning notification function for generating a fixed effect.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to realize an interesting game property in which a fixed effect may be generated with the operation of the second operation means having a low operation request frequency as a trigger.

・ Means 3-2
Even if the second operation means is operated when the hit notification function is valid and the second operation means prompts the operation of the second operation means, the confirmation effect is not performed. The game machine according to means 3-1, which is set so as not to occur.
Since the operation of the second operation means in the second operation effect in which the player is prompted to operate the second operation means is not an operation for generating the fixed effect, the operation is triggered to generate the fixed effect. It is desirable not to do so.

・ Means 3-3
The gaming machine according to means 3-1 or 3-2, wherein the player can select whether or not to activate the winning notification function.
Since it is conceivable that there is a player who does not want the fixed effect to occur in the middle of the notification effect, it is preferable to enable or disable the winning notification function.

1 game machine 10 operation means (11 first operation means 12 second operation means)
10L Light emitting unit 20 Operation image 21 Instruction image 50 Speaker 80 Identification pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

a display means having a display area;
audio output means;
a plurality of types of operating means that can be operated by a player;
An effect prompting the player to operate a target operating means, which is one of the plurality of types of operating means, wherein the display prompting the player to operate the target operating means and the operation of the target operating means are provided in the display area. an effect executing means for executing a sound operation effect in which the operation of the target operation means is prompted by outputting an instruction voice from the audio output means without displaying the display indicating the elapse of the operation valid period reflected in the
with
The instruction voice is
an operation target wording that can be understood to indicate the target operation means rather than indicating the operation means other than the target operation means;
an operation mode wording indicating an operation mode of the target operation means;
including
Although the sound operation effect is generated when the operation means is operated during the operation effective period, the effect is generated as a result, but if the operation means is not operated during the operation effective period, the sound operation effect is generated. Triggered by the end of the effective period of operation, the result effect does not occur ,
output of the instruction voice is completed before the end of the valid operation period;
A gaming machine, wherein a mode of the target operation means during the operation valid period is different from a mode of the target operation means when the operation valid period is not in effect.

Images