JP7361402B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Gaming machines are known that are provided with a plurality of performance styles called stages, modes, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP2021-003416A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can smoothly change the presentation style.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, has a plurality of types of presentation styles as a presentation style during the period from when the decorative pattern starts changing until it stops in a manner showing the win/fail lottery result. The mode of the relay performance that is executed between the state in which the previous performance style is set and the state in which the subsequent performance style is set in the gaming machine that has been set is the same as that of the previous performance style. It is characterized in that it is determined based on at least one of the type and the type of the subsequent presentation style.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly change the presentation style.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure showing a decorative pattern and a reserved pattern displayed in a display area. It is a figure for explaining mode transition (transition from presentation mode A to presentation mode B is shown as an example) and control of music accompanying it. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-4. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-5. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-5 (an example based on the configuration of specific example 1-2). FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining control of background music. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining control of music when a specific performance occurs. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining reference locations. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5.

1) Basic configuration of gaming machine Hereinafter, one embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) 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. Note that in the following description, images include not only still images but also moving images.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The game board 90 is formed of approximately square plywood, and the guide rail 903, which constitutes a path for guiding the game ball fired by operating the firing device 908 (launching handle) to the gaming area 902, has a roughly arc shape. It is set up like this.

The gaming area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting area 904, a big prize opening 906, an out opening, and the like. A display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion that is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the manner in which the game balls flow down when they collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes into various modes depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a gaming machine 1, a game ball is fired toward the gaming area 902 by operating the firing device 908. When the game balls flowing down the game area 902 enter a winning opening such as the starting area 904 or the big winning opening 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Note that explanations of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1, the lower tray and the upper tray for storing game balls, will be omitted. For these, structures similar to those of known gaming machines can be applied.

The jackpot lottery is executed by a win/fail lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by the landing of a game ball in the starting area 904. In this embodiment, as the starting area 904, a first starting area 904a (so-called "special figure 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (so-called "special figure 2" starting area) are provided. When a game ball lands in the starting area 904, a numerical value (win/fail lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined jackpot value, it is a jackpot, and if different, it is a miss. becomes. In this embodiment, the notification of the winning lottery results will start in the order in which the numerical values are obtained (so-called fluctuation will start), but there is winning lottery information for which the notification of winning lottery results has not yet been completed. In this case, the newly acquired lottery information is stored as pending information in a storage means provided on the control board (not shown). The fact that the reservation information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a reservation symbol 10. In other words, the pending symbol 10 indicates the existence of winning lottery information for which notification of the corresponding winning lottery result has not been completed.

In the present embodiment, the pending symbol 10 is a fluctuating performance that notifies the winning lottery result (a so-called production from the start of fluctuation of the decorative symbol 80 (decorative symbol group 80g) until it completely stops at the combination indicating the winning lottery result, so-called Fluctuation pending symbol 11 corresponding to the winning lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as fluctuating pending information) for which the notification of winning/failure lottery results has not been completed although the performance for one fluctuating part has been started. (symbols indicating the existence of so-called "relevant fluctuation pending") and winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pre-fluctuation pending information") that corresponds to the winning/losing lottery information for which the fluctuating performance that informs the winning/losing lottery results has not started (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pre-fluctuation pending information") A pending symbol 12 is displayed (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the basic form of the pending symbol 11 during fluctuation and the pending symbol 12 before fluctuation is the same. The basic forms of the pending symbols 11 during fluctuation and the pending symbols 12 before fluctuation may be completely different. Moreover, it is good also as a structure in which the pending symbol 11 during fluctuation is not displayed. In addition, the order in which notification of the winning/failure lottery results corresponding to the pre-change pending symbols 12 is completed (so-called pending "order of consumption") is earlier as the symbols are located to the right.

An upper limit is determined for the maximum number of stored pre-change pending information. In this embodiment, the maximum number of stored pieces of the first pre-variation reservation information (special figure 1 reservation) obtained by winning in the first starting area 904a is four, and by winning in the second starting area 904b. The maximum number of stored pieces of second pre-variation reservation information (special figure 2 reservation) that can be obtained is four. Therefore, regarding the reserved symbol 10 corresponding to either the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2, one pending symbol 11 during fluctuation and up to four pending symbols 12 before fluctuation may be displayed (see Fig. 2). .

In the present embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the winning/losing lottery results are notified to the player by the combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the decorative pattern group 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, middle decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) including multiple types of decorative patterns 80 starts to fluctuate, and finally each decorative pattern group 80g The first decorative pattern 80 is selected and stopped. If the jackpot has been won, the combination of the decorative symbols 80 selected and stopped from each decorative symbol group 80g is a predetermined combination (for example, a set of three of the same decorative symbols 80). If it is a loss, another combination (other than the combination that results in a jackpot) will be used. The decorative pattern 80 may be a combination of numbers, characters, and the like.

In this embodiment, a normal gaming state and a special gaming state are set as the gaming states. The special gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. The normal gaming state is a low probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a low base state (low probability, no time saving) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the starting area 904. As the special game state, a first special game state and a second special game state are set. The first special gaming state is a high probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high, and is also a high base state (high probability and short time) in which a game ball is likely to land in the starting area 904. The second special gaming state is a low probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a high base state (low probability and short time) in which a game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. In the normal gaming state, the player fires a game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, so-called "left-handed hitting" is performed. In the special game state, a game ball is fired aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, so-called "right-handed hitting" is performed. The special game state is a state in which it is easy to win the opening lottery for the second starting area 904b triggered by a game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second starting area 904b. Win a prize.

2) Hereinafter, effects etc. that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which only a part of the effects described below can be executed. Furthermore, an image (a so-called "small pattern" or the like) indicating various information may be displayed inconspicuously near the outer edge of the display area 911 (the image is omitted in each figure). Players can now enjoy games without being aware of these types of images.

2-1) Performance style and relay performance In this embodiment, multiple types of performance styles are set as elements governing the mode of the fluctuating performance. When a certain type of performance style is set, a performance (original performance) that constitutes a fluctuating performance will occur in a manner that does not occur when a different type of performance style is set. Note that the performance style is not related to the expected value of the direct profit (balls paid) enjoyed by the player (it merely causes a difference in the performance executed). The production styles are called "modes", "stages", etc., and are associated with characters and locations that serve as motifs for various production styles. In this embodiment, three types of production styles are set: mode A with character A as a motif, mode B with character B as a motif, and mode C with character C as a motif. It is preferable that an image indicating the currently set presentation style (for example, an image such as "○○ mode (stage)") be displayed in the display area 911 while the fluctuating presentation is being executed. By doing so, the player can easily understand the currently set presentation style. In this embodiment, a change in presentation style (hereinafter sometimes referred to as mode transition) occurs automatically. It is not the case that the player can arbitrarily select the mode to which the game will be transferred. However, the mode transition may occur depending on the player's selection.

The mode transition occurs when a certain fluctuating effect is executed. For example, when a fluctuating performance in which mode A is set (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous fluctuating performance) ends, the next fluctuating performance in which mode B is set is triggered. (Hereinafter, this may be referred to as a later fluctuating effect) is started (see FIG. 3). If there is pre-fluctuation suspension information stored in the storage means at the end of the previous fluctuating performance, the previous fluctuating performance and the subsequent fluctuating performance will be executed consecutively. In the following description, the mode before the mode transition may be referred to as the previous mode (previous presentation style), and the mode after the mode transition (transition destination mode) may be referred to as the subsequent mode (later presentation style). In this embodiment, when a mode transition occurs, a relay effect is executed (see FIG. 3(b)). In this embodiment, the relay performance is executed during the subsequent fluctuating performance. In other words, the relay performance is executed during a period from when the subsequent fluctuating performance is started until a predetermined period of time has elapsed (a predetermined period including the start time of the subsequent fluctuating performance). However, the time during which the relay performance is executed is always shorter than the time (variation time) of the subsequent fluctuating performance. In other words, the relay performance is not performed through the subsequent fluctuating performance, and after the relay performance ends, the fluctuating performance in the transition destination mode (later mode) is executed.

In the relay performance, an image (relay image 20) indicating that a mode transition has occurred is displayed in the display area 911. For example, the relay image 20 including a portion such as "○○ mode" ("○○ mode" indicates a later mode) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 3(b)). In other words, the relay image 20 is displayed in a manner that depends on the subsequent mode. This allows the player to easily understand that a mode shift has occurred and the type of mode to which the mode is to be shifted (later mode).

In this embodiment, while the relay performance is being performed, the relay music is output from the speaker 70 (sound output means; see FIG. 1) (see FIG. 3(b)). The mode of the relay music is determined based on the previous mode. Specifically, it is as follows. In this embodiment, background music (format-compatible music) corresponding to each mode is set. In addition, when various effects (effects suggesting jackpot reliability) are executed in the fluctuating effect, sound effects for effects to be executed over the background music are output.

In this embodiment, background music A is used in a fluctuating performance when mode A is set, background music B is used in a fluctuating performance when mode B is set, and mode C is set. Background music C is assumed to be output during the fluctuating performance in the state where the relay performance is being performed (excluding the state where the relay performance is being performed). It should be noted that not only works that are different as copyrighted works, but also music that the player recognizes as different music are considered to be "different (types of) music" (the same applies to "music" below). It can be said that the player can grasp the set mode also by the type of background music that is output. Each background music piece has a predetermined length (from the beginning to the end in a predetermined time), and when the ending is output, the background music is output in a loop from the beginning. Note that in this embodiment, when a mode transition does not occur, the corresponding background music is continuously output across two or more fluctuating effects. In other words, it is not output from the beginning every time the fluctuating performance ends (it is reset every time the fluctuating performance ends).

In this embodiment, as many pieces of music as the number of types of background music mentioned above (that is, as many pieces as there are types of modes) are provided as relay music. That is, relay music A corresponding to background music A, relay music B corresponding to background music B, and relay music C corresponding to background music C are provided. Various broadcast songs are the "outro" of the corresponding background music (because they are "outro", they are melodies that gradually fade out). Therefore, the mode of the relay music differs depending on the type of background music (each of the plurality of types of relay music has a unique mode). Furthermore, the melody of each relay song in this embodiment does not match the melody of a part of the corresponding background song (it is not the case that "a part of the background song = relay song"). In other words, the melody of each relay song is unique and there are no parts that are completely the same in the corresponding background music, and the relay song cannot be listened to unless the relay performance is performed. In addition, the timing at which the above-mentioned fluctuating performance ends is undefined, and the timing at which the corresponding background music ends and transitions to the output of the relay music is also undefined, so the "outro" that is considered to be each relay music corresponds to the timing. No matter at what point the background music ends, it will sound like it continues smoothly.

The output of music when a mode transition from mode A to mode B occurs is as follows. In the above-mentioned fluctuating performance, background music A is in a state of being output (see FIG. 3(a)). The previous fluctuating performance ends, the subsequent fluctuating performance starts, and the relay performance is executed. In other words, the relay music A (outro of the background music A) is output (see FIG. 3(b)). When the relay performance ends, the background music B is outputted (see FIG. 3(c)). Roughly speaking, after the output of the background music A including the outro is completed, the process shifts to a state where the background music B is output.

In this way, in the present embodiment, when a mode transition occurs, a relay music is output (relay effect occurs), and the relay music is dependent on the background music corresponding to the previous mode. (The "outro" of the background music corresponding to the previous mode). By doing so, the mode transition does not occur in which the background music suddenly switches, and the transition from the previous mode to the subsequent mode can be made to appear smooth.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, embodying, modifying, etc. the above presentation style and relay presentation will be explained. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

〇Specific example 1-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the mode of the relay music output as the relay performance is determined based on the previous mode (the mode before transition), but it may be determined based on the subsequent mode. As in the above embodiment, it is assumed that relay songs A to C are provided corresponding to the background songs A to C (modes A to C), respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when a mode transition occurs from mode B to mode C, relay music C corresponding to mode C (background music C), which is the later mode, is output as a relay effect. (See Figure 4(b)). That is, it is assumed that the music changes in the following order: background music B (previous mode) → relay music C (relay performance) → background music C (later mode).

It has been explained that the relay music in the above embodiment is the "outro" of the corresponding background music, but in the case of setting like this example, the relay music is the "intro" of the corresponding background music. good. Since the transition is made to a state in which the corresponding background music is output following the relay music, the introductory part (for example, the prelude part) of the corresponding background music is assumed to be the relay music. When a mode transition occurs from mode B to mode C (in the case of the example in Fig. 4), roughly speaking, there is a transition from a state where background music B is output to a state where background music C including the intro is output. The flow is to do so. Even in this example, the change from the previous mode to the subsequent mode can be made to appear smooth, similar to the above embodiment.

〇Specific example 1-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the aspect of the relay music output as a relay performance is determined based on the previous mode (the mode before transition), but it is assumed that it is determined based on both the previous mode and the subsequent mode. Good too. If modes A to C are set as in the above embodiment, relay songs are prepared for the combinations when each mode becomes the first mode or the second mode. That is, relay music AB corresponds to the transition from mode A to B, relay music AC corresponds to the transition from mode A to C, relay music BA corresponds to the transition from mode B to A, and relay music BA corresponds to the transition from mode B to C. It is assumed that a relay music piece BC, a relay music piece CA corresponding to the transition from mode C to A, and a relay music piece CB corresponding to the transition from mode C to B are prepared.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when a mode transition occurs from mode C to mode A, relay music CA is assumed to be output as the relay performance. That is, it is assumed that the music changes in the following order: background music C (previous mode) → relay music CA (relay production) → background music A (later mode).

When setting as in this example, the relay music is the "outro" of the background music corresponding to the first mode (first background music) and the background music corresponding to the second mode (second background music). It is preferable to include an "intro" of "Intro". For example, the relay music CA includes the "outro" of the background music C in the first half, followed by the "intro" of the background music A in the second half (see FIG. 5(b)). By doing so, when a mode transition from mode C to mode A occurs, the background music C including the outro is output, and then the background music A including the intro is output. Even in this example, the change from the previous mode to the subsequent mode can be made to appear smooth, similar to the above embodiment.

〇Specific example 1-3
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the mode (type) of the relay music that is output as the relay performance is determined based on the previous mode. It may be determined based on the previous mode. For example, assume that the video displayed in the display area 911 as a relay effect (hereinafter referred to as relay video) is determined based on the previous mode. If three types of modes A to C are set as in the above embodiment, relay video A corresponding to mode A, relay video B corresponding to mode B, and relay video C corresponding to mode C are respectively set. shall be provided. The relay video may include an element that directly or indirectly indicates the corresponding mode. For example, assume that relay video A includes character A, relay video B includes character B, and relay video C includes character C.

〇Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the relay performance is executed in the subsequent fluctuating performance, but it may also be performed in the previous fluctuating performance (see FIG. 6). In other words, it is assumed that the relay performance is executed at the conclusion portion including the ending point of the previous fluctuating performance.

Further, although not shown, a relay performance may be performed over the previous fluctuating performance and the subsequent fluctuating performance. In other words, the relay performance shall be executed during a predetermined period spanning both fluctuating performances, including the ending part that includes the ending point of the previous fluctuating performance, and the beginning part that includes the start point of the subsequent fluctuating performance. do.

Further, although not shown, a mode transition may occur during one fluctuating performance. That is, it is assumed that a series of changes from the previous mode (earlier background music) to the relay performance (relay music) to the later mode (later background music) occur in one fluctuating performance.

〇Specific example 1-5
As described in the above embodiment, the relay image 20 is displayed in the display area 911 while the relay performance is being executed (while the relay music is being output). In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the aspect of the relay image 20 is determined based on the later mode (determined depending on the later mode), but it is assumed that it is determined based on the earlier mode. That is, as relay images 20, relay image A corresponding to mode A (for example, an image containing character A), relay image B corresponding to mode B (for example, an image containing character B), and relay image corresponding to mode C are used. Assume that image C (for example, an image including character C) is set, and which of relay images A to C will be displayed is determined depending on which of modes A to C is the previous mode. As shown in FIG. 7, if the previous mode is production mode A, relay music A is output and relay image A is displayed as a relay production.

By doing as in this example, there is an advantage that the outputted music (relay music) and the image (relay image 20) are in a corresponding relationship. That is, in the case of the above embodiment, the relay music corresponds to the previous mode and the relay image 20 corresponds to the latter mode, so the relay music and relay image 20 output in the same relay effect However, in this example, the combination of relay music and relay image 20 is always the same (the relay performance is always "relay music A and relay image A"). , "relay music B and relay image B" and "relay music C and relay image C" are output in combination.

Although not shown, if the mode (type) of the relay music is determined in accordance with the later mode as in the above specific example 1-1, the mode (type) of the relay image 20 also depends on the later mode. It may be determined depending on the mode. Thereby, the combination of relay music and relay image 20 in the relay performance is always the same.

Further, as in the above specific example 1-2, if the mode (type) of the relay music is determined according to the previous mode and the subsequent mode, the relay images 20 corresponding to each of the relay music are The configured configuration may be used. That is, a relay image AB corresponding to the relay song AB, a relay image AC corresponding to the relay song AC, a relay image BA corresponding to the relay song BA, a relay image BC corresponding to the relay song BC, and a relay image corresponding to the relay song CA. It is assumed that relay images CB corresponding to CA and relay music CB are prepared (see FIG. 8 (example where relay image CA is displayed)). However, regarding the relay image 20, if the combination of the previous mode and the subsequent mode is the same, the same image may be displayed. That is, the relay image AB and the relay image BA, the relay image AC and the relay image CA, and the relay image BC and the relay image CB may be set to have the same aspect.

〇Specific example 1-6
There is a momentary silent period (a period in which neither the background music nor the relay music is output) between the state where the previous background music (background music corresponding to the previous mode) is output and the state where the relay music is output. It may be set. Since the timing at which the previous background music ends (the timing at which the previous fluctuating performance ends) is uncertain, by providing such a momentary silent period, the flow from the previous background music to the relay music can be made smoother. It can be made into something.

In a similar way, a configuration may be adopted in which a momentary silent period is set between the state in which the relay music is output and the state in which the later background music (background music corresponding to the later mode) is output. .

2-2) Background Music As mentioned above, in this embodiment, background music A to C corresponding to each of the modes (production styles) A to C are prepared. It is assumed that each background music piece is divided into a first half and a subsequent second half (see FIG. 9(a)). For example, it is conceivable that the melody part (the so-called A melody, B melody, etc.) of each background song is the first half, and the chorus that follows it is the second half. For each background music piece, the time required to output the second half from beginning to end is longer than the time required to output the first half from beginning to end. That is, it is set so that "length of first half/total length<0.5".

Background music change conditions and reset conditions are provided as conditions for controlling background music. The background music change condition is a condition for changing the type of background music to be output through the speaker 70. In this embodiment, since the background music corresponding to the type of mode (production style) is output, the mode transition corresponds to the establishment of the background music change condition. In other words, the end of the previous fluctuating performance (the start of the subsequent fluctuating performance) corresponds to the establishment of the background music change condition.

On the other hand, the reset condition, unlike the background music change condition, is not a condition for changing the type of background music, but a condition for once resetting and outputting the same type of background music. The reset conditions can be set from various viewpoints. In this embodiment, the reach (two of the three decorative patterns 80 are of the same type), and the remaining one decorative pattern 80 is of the same type as the decorative pattern 80 constituting the reach. A state in which a jackpot is achieved if ``is selected'' is established, and then the corresponding lottery result is announced as a loss (hereinafter sometimes referred to as ``reach fluctuation''). Termination is set as a reset condition. In other words, when a fluctuation in reach occurs, the next fluctuating performance (hereinafter, the fluctuating performance following the fluctuation in reach may be simply referred to as "next fluctuation") will be in a reset state (reset point described later). (from) the background music will be output (however, this excludes cases where a mode transition occurs when the reach changes from an off-reach variation to the next variation (when the background music change condition is met). In other words, the reach changes between an off-reach variation and the next variation). (assuming the fluctuations are in the same mode). The reset condition does not hold in a fluctuating performance where a reach is not achieved and a miss is announced (so-called "do-no-miss" variation).

Note that setting the occurrence of "reach" as a reset condition is just one example. It does not need to be a performance that always occurs during all fluctuations (a performance that always occurs during every fluctuation). It may be possible to have a configuration in which the occurrence of another effect is set as a reset condition instead of "reach", or a configuration in which the occurrence of another effect is set as a reset condition together with "reach" (a configuration in which two or more reset conditions are set) You can also use it as

When the background music change condition is satisfied, a new background music (background music corresponding to the later mode) is output from the beginning of the first half (the beginning of the entire music) (P1 in FIG. 4(a)). (See Figure 4(b-1)). For example, when a transition from mode A to mode B occurs, background music B corresponding to mode B will be output from the beginning of the first half.

On the other hand, if the reset condition is satisfied, the background music is output from the beginning of the second half (P2 in FIG. 4(a)). In other words, the boundary between the first half and the second half of the background music is set as a "reset point." For example, if a certain fluctuating performance (previous fluctuating performance) with mode B set turns into "out-of-reach fluctuation," the "next fluctuation" (later fluctuating performance) with mode B maintained At the same time as the fluctuating performance) starts, background music B is output from the beginning of the second half (see FIG. 4(b-2)).

When the background music progresses to the end (that is, also the end of the second half), the background music is output from the beginning of the second half (P2 in FIG. 4(a)) (see FIG. 4(b-3)). ). That is, when the background music is output to the end, it is not output from the first half, but from the latter half. In other words, the basic aspect of the background music is that the latter half of the music is output in a circular (loop) manner. Furthermore, unless the background music change condition is met, the first half of the background music will not be output. In this embodiment, for each background music, there is no part in the second half that is exactly the same as the melody in the first half. In other words, unless the background music change condition is met, the player cannot listen to the melody in the first half.

In this way, in this embodiment, if the background music change condition is met, the new background music is output from the beginning of the first half, but if the reset condition is met, the new background music is output from the beginning of the second half. . If the output starts from the beginning of the first half even when the reset condition is met, the first half will be output frequently and the player will get bored (the production effect of the output of the background music will be monotonous). However, in this embodiment, the first half is not output when the reset condition is met, so the possibility of such a situation occurring can be reduced.

Also, if the background music moves to the end, it will be output from the beginning of the second half instead of the first half (the second half will be circulated without including the first half), so the frequency at which the first half is output can be further reduced.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, embodying, modifying, etc. the matters related to the background music will be described. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

〇Specific example 2-1
As described above, the first half of the background music is a part that is not output unless the music change condition is satisfied. In other words, it can be seen as a special part of the background music. Therefore, while the first half of the background music is being output, a special image 30 for emphasizing it is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 10(a)). The special image 30 can be said to be an "image dedicated to the first half" that is not displayed while the second half of the background music is being output (see FIG. 10(b)). As many special images 30 as there are types of background images are prepared. That is, special image A is output with the first half of background music A displayed, special image B is output with the first half of background music B displayed, and the first half of background music C is displayed. A special image C is prepared to be output in a state in which the image is displayed (the special images A to C have different aspects). By doing this, it becomes easy to understand that the type of background music to be output has changed.

Note that the special image 30 may be displayed as the relay image 20 displayed in the above-mentioned relay effect. In other words, the first half of the background music may function as a relay music output in a relay performance.

〇Specific example 2-2
After winning a jackpot and ending the jackpot game, in the first fluctuating performance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the fluctuating immediately after the jackpot), the first half of the background music (P1 in Figure 9 (a)) It shall be output. In other words, the setting is such that the first half can be heard not only when the type of background music changes, but also when there is a change immediately after a jackpot. By doing this, after the end of the jackpot game, it contributes to improving the player's desire to play the game again with the aim of winning the jackpot. In addition, the mode set by the fluctuation immediately after a jackpot may be fixed, or may be changed every time. If you do the former, the type of background music that is output due to fluctuations immediately after a jackpot will be the same every time (for example, if mode A is set, background music A will be output every time. ), the first half of the background music will be output until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation immediately after the jackpot.

〇Specific example 2-3
In the first fluctuating performance after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on (hereinafter also referred to as the first fluctuating in the morning), the first half of the background music (P1 in FIG. 9(a)) is output. shall be taken as a thing. In other words, the setting is such that the first half can be heard not only when the type of background music changes, but also when there is an initial change after the power is turned on. By doing this, you can listen to a special part of the background music that is not the part that is output in circulation when you are playing the so-called first thing in the morning (when you play a game machine that no one is playing after the game store opens). This contributes to improving the player's desire to play. Note that the mode set in the morning change may be fixed or may be changed every time. If you do the former, the type of background music that is output every morning will be the same every time (for example, if mode A is set, background music A will be output every time. ), the first half of the background music will be output until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the morning change.

〇Specific example 2-4
It is assumed that the game machine is a game machine (a game machine equipped with so-called "settings") that can change the probability related to the player's ball payout (expected value), such as the jackpot probability. In the first fluctuating performance after changing the "settings" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as post-settings change fluctuation), the first part of the background music (P1 in FIG. 9(a)) is output. (Note that changing "settings" also includes setting the same settings again). By doing so, the background music can function as a means for the player to guess whether or not the settings have been changed. In other words, while settings are generally changed when the game parlor closes, the output is output from the beginning of the first half of the background music during the first fluctuating performance of a gaming machine that has not performed any fluctuating performances after the opening. If the background music is output from the beginning of the second half of the background music, it becomes clear that the "settings have been changed", and it becomes clear that the "settings have not been changed".

〇Specific example 2-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the end of the reach fluctuation is set as the fulfillment of the reset condition, but all of the fluctuating performances (losing fluctuations) in which the winning/failure lottery results are losing (however, mode transitions occur) ) may be set as the fulfillment of the reset condition. If this is done, the background music will basically be output from the beginning of the second half (P2 in FIG. 9(a)) in all variations during production, except in cases where a mode transition occurs. That is, since the configuration is such that the first variation when a mode shift is executed is output from the beginning of the first half, and the other variations are output from the beginning of the second half, it is easy to understand whether a mode shift has occurred.

〇Specific example 2-6
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that when the background music progresses to the ending, the background music is output from the beginning of the second half. case), the background music may be output from the beginning of the first half (P1 in FIG. 9(a)). In other words, in a situation where the reset condition is not met, the entire background music including both the first half and the second half is output in circulation, but when the reset condition is met, the second half of the background music is output. It is assumed that the output is from the beginning. For example, if the background music is long to a certain extent (the time required from the beginning to the end is relatively long) and the frequency (probability) of progressing to the end without the reset condition being met is not very high, then from the beginning of the first half to " Even if it is set to "cyclic output", the first half will not be output very often.

2-3) Specific Production In the present embodiment, there is a state (selected music output state) in which the background music output from the speaker 70 can be selected from among multiple types of candidate music. Specifically, one of the multiple modes (production styles) is a special mode, and in a situation where the special mode is set, it is possible to select the background music to be output ( (See FIG. 11(a)). In other words, the special mode is a state in which the player can listen to his or her favorite song from among a plurality of types of candidate songs. Note that such a special mode may not be set, and the background music can always be selected (the selected music is always output).

In this embodiment, one of candidate music X, candidate music Y, and candidate music Z is output as a background music (hereinafter, the background music that is actually output is referred to as a selected music). Any method may be used to select the selected music. In this embodiment, the background music is changed (basically In particular, it is possible to change the background music with all variations (see FIG. 11(a)). However, it is not possible to change the background music while a specific performance, which will be described later, is being performed. In this embodiment, the background music can be changed while the reach is not established in the fluctuating production (hereinafter, the period in which the background music can be changed may be referred to as the selectable period). . Differently from this, the setting may be such that the selectable period is limited. For example, when entering the special mode, you are prompted to select one of the candidate songs, and the selected song is the selected song until the end of the special mode (after that, the selected song cannot be changed). It is also possible to use a configuration that does not allow During the special mode (selected music output state), it is preferable that an image indicating the type of selected music is displayed in the display area 911 (allowing the player to understand the music being selected) (FIG. 11(a)) reference).

A specific performance may occur as a performance that constitutes a fluctuating performance that is executed when the special mode is set (selected music output state) (Fig. 11(b) (c-1) (c-2) reference). In this embodiment, the specific effect does not occur unless the special mode is set. The specific performance is a type of reach performance (super reach performance). The specific performance is one that leads to an outcome that is advantageous to the player (advantageous outcome) (see Figure 11 (c-1)) and an outcome that is disadvantageous to the player (advantageous outcome) (see Figure 11 (c-2)). . If the winning lottery result (target winning lottery result) corresponding to the fluctuating performance in which the specific performance occurs is a jackpot, it will lead to an advantageous ending, and if it is a loss, it will lead to an unfavorable ending. However, if a reversal pattern occurs in which a jackpot is reported while pretending to be a loss, an unfavorable outcome may occur (in a configuration where such a reversal pattern is not set, that is, if an unfavorable outcome is reached) (It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is determined that the target lottery result is a loss.) In any case, if an advantageous outcome is reached, it is confirmed that the lottery result is a jackpot. The specific effect in this embodiment is a battle between an ally character (character on the player's side) and an enemy character, with the ally character winning as an advantageous ending and the ally character losing as an unfavorable ending. It is "direction".

The specific performance (the period during which the specific performance is being executed) is divided into a pre-period and a subsequent post-period. The preliminary period is a state in which the outcome (advantageous outcome or unfavorable outcome) is not known. The post-event period is a state in which the outcome is known. In other words, the boundary point between the pre-period and the post-period is a turning point where the outcome becomes clear, and it can be said that the period before the transition to the conclusion is the pre-period, and the period after the transition is the post-period.

During the pre-period, dedicated music is output from the speaker 70 (see FIG. 11(b)). The dedicated music is a background music exclusively for the specific performance that is output only when the specific performance occurs. Therefore, the dedicated song is a different type of song from any of the plurality of candidate songs X to Z. In this embodiment, since the length of the preliminary period is constant, the length of the dedicated music is also constant (matched to the length of the preliminary period). Since the dedicated music is only a "background music", a sound effect indicating that a so-called chance-up effect has occurred will be output over the dedicated music.

If the outcome is advantageous after moving to the post-period, the selected song (that is, any of the candidate songs X to Z) is output from the speaker 70. Specifically, the selected music that was set immediately before the specific performance (preliminary period) occurs (this refers to the time when the selectable period closest to the start of the specific performance ends) is output. In the state where the selected music Y (candidate music Y is selected) (see FIG. 11(a)), the specific performance (preliminary period) has occurred, the selected music piece Y will be output upon transition to the post-period (advantageous ending) of the specific performance (see FIG. 11(c-1)). In this way, in the post-period leading to an advantageous ending, the player's favorite song (among the candidate songs) is output (he is blessed with his favorite song), which makes the game even more exciting.

In this embodiment, a reference location is determined for each of a plurality of types of candidate songs X to Z (songs that can be selected songs). When the process moves to the post-period with an advantageous outcome (the case of moving to the state shown in FIG. 11(c-1)), the selected music piece is output from the reference location (see FIG. 12). For example, the beginning of the "chorus" (the most exciting part of the song) in each of the candidate songs (selected songs) X to Z is set as the reference point. In this way, the post-event period in which the player's favorite music is output will become even more exciting.

On the other hand, if the outcome is unfavorable after moving to the post-period, the selected music is not output. In this embodiment, a song exclusively for an unfavorable ending (hereinafter referred to as an unfavorable ending song) is output. In other words, regardless of which of the candidate songs X to Z is selected as the selected song, the unfavorable ending song is output (see FIG. 11(c-2)). Note that the unfavorable ending song is different from any of the candidate songs X to Z. In this way, if an unfavorable outcome is reached, the selected song (the player's favorite song) is not output, so the difference between an advantageous outcome and an unfavorable outcome becomes clear.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, embodying, modifying, etc. the matters related to the above-mentioned specific effects will be explained. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

〇Specific example 3-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the selected song is output from the standard location (for example, the beginning of the "chorus") when transitioning to the post-period with an advantageous ending, but when transitioning to the specific performance (pre-period) The output will start from a point that matches the progress of the selected song. For example, the output of the selected song will be stopped at the end of the selectable period, but when the transition to the post-period with an advantageous ending occurs, the output of the selected song will start from the stopped point (i.e. from the "continued"). (See Figure 13). In this way, the selected music piece, which has been interrupted due to the transition to the specific performance (preliminary period), is restarted upon transition to the postperiod (advantageous ending).

〇Specific example 3-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the selected music is not output when the transition is made to the post-period with an unfavorable ending, but the selected music is outputted even when the transition is made to the post-period with an unfavorable ending. (See FIG. 14(c-2)). However, it is assumed that the output location in the selected music piece is different depending on whether the ending is favorable or unfavorable. For example, if the ending is favorable, the "chorus" part of the selected song is output (see Figure 14 (c-1)), while if the ending is unfavorable, the "outro" part of the selected song is output. (see Figure 14(c-2)). That is, in the case of an advantageous ending, the exciting part of the selected music piece is output, and in the case of an unfavorable ending, the part that lacks excitement is outputted. If the result is unfavorable, control may be performed to gradually fade out (the volume gradually decreases).

〇Specific example 3-3
It is assumed that the selected music piece is outputted in the post-period with an advantageous outcome only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, a song for an advantageous ending (different from any of songs X to Z and songs for an unfavorable ending) is set as the default song, and if a predetermined condition is not met, the transition to an advantageous ending occurs. The music for an advantageous ending is output (see FIG. 15(c-1)), and if the predetermined conditions are met, the selected music (any of the candidate songs X to Z) is output (see FIG. 15(c-1)). c-2)).

Various conditions can be considered to be set as the above-mentioned predetermined conditions. As an example, a configuration may be adopted in which the predetermined condition does not hold if the player does not take any selection action. That is, if the player has not changed the background music at all since the reference time (reset time), the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and if the player has changed the background music even once, the predetermined condition is not satisfied. The configuration is such that it is determined that there is. If the player has not taken a selection action, it is assumed that the currently output background music (selected music) is not the player's favorite, so even if the outcome is advantageous, the player may not make a selection. Prevent music from being output.

Note that the reference time point can be set as appropriate. If the background music becomes selectable when transitioning to the special mode (selected music output state) as in the above embodiment, the time point when transitioning to the special mode is set as the reference time. That is, if the background music has not been changed even once since it became selectable (after moving to a new selectable period), it is assumed that the predetermined condition is not satisfied. Furthermore, it is conceivable to set the time point at which the standby state (a state to which the transition is made after a predetermined time has elapsed after the state in which the fluctuating performance is not executed) as the reference time point. That is, if the background music has not been changed even once since the standby state was canceled, it is assumed that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

〇Specific example 3-4
Although some of the multiple types of candidate songs (hereinafter referred to as target songs) will be output in the post-period with favorable endings, other songs (hereinafter referred to as non-target songs) will have favorable endings. It is assumed that the output is not output in the subsequent period (see FIG. 16). In other words, if the selected song corresponding to the target song has been output immediately before the specific production starts (see FIG. 16(c-1)), if a selected song that is a non-target song has been output immediately before the specific performance starts (see FIG. 16(a)), in the post-period when the outcome is favorable. The selected music is not output (for example, the favorable ending music (default music) described in the above specific example 3-3 is output) (see FIG. 16(c-2)).

Which of the candidate songs (songs that can be selected songs) is to be the target song (non-target song) can be set from various viewpoints. For example, assume that candidate songs X to Z are set as in the above embodiment, and if the player does not take any selection action, candidate song X is set as the selected song (that is, candidate song X is It is assumed that the song is a "basic" (default) song, and the other songs are "special" songs. In this case, candidate music Y and candidate music Z are set as target music, and candidate music X is set as non-target music (see FIG. 16). In other words, in a situation where candidate song X is selected as the selected song, it is assumed that there is a high probability that the player has not selected the song of his choice, and that song X will not be output even if the outcome is favorable. . In a situation where candidate songs Y or Z are selected as selected songs, it is assumed that there is a high probability that the player has selected the song of his choice, and if the outcome is favorable, the songs Y or Z will be output. .

〇Specific example 3-5
In the post-period in which the outcome is advantageous, an image representing the song being output (music image 50) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(c-1)). In other words, if candidate song X was selected as the selected song immediately before the specific production started, the song image If the candidate song Z is the selected song, the song image Y including the name of the song Y will be displayed in the subsequent period. Since there is a risk that the player may not notice that the selected song is being output in the event of an advantageous ending, by displaying different images depending on the selected song, the player may not be aware that the selected song is being output. This makes it easier for the player to notice that there is a player. For example, when a player encounters a specific performance (advantageous ending) for the first time, there is a high probability that the player does not know that the selected song will be output in the case of an advantageous ending. , you will notice that the selected music has been output, and will consider using your favorite music as the selected music next time.

Note that in the post-period with an unfavorable outcome, the selected song is not output, so the song image 50 is not displayed (see FIG. 17(c-2)). Therefore, the favorable ending and the unfavorable ending are different depending on whether or not the music image 50 is displayed, making it easier to understand which ending has been reached. In addition, after encountering an unfavorable ending, a player who encounters an advantageous ending notices that an image representing a song that was not displayed at the unfavorable ending is displayed at the favorable ending; There is a possibility of knowing that the selected music piece will be output.

〇Specific example 3-6
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the specific effect occurs during the fluctuating effect (the specific effect constitutes the fluctuating effect), but the specific effect may occur other than when the fluctuating effect is being executed. It is also possible that a performance occurs.

For example, it is conceivable that a specific performance occurs during a jackpot game (during a round). In the jackpot game, it is assumed that the music to be output (selected music) can be selected from among a plurality of types of candidate music, that is, the selected music is output. In that state, a specific performance occurs. The selected song is not output during the pre-period, but if the post-period has an advantageous outcome, the selected song is output (if the outcome is unfavorable, the selected song is not output). There are various possible targets to be notified depending on the outcome of the specific performance (whether it is an advantageous outcome or not). For example, it may be possible to notify whether the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be a high probability state (or not) (whether it will be a first special gaming state or not).

3) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The matters described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a reel-type gaming machine, except that the configuration unique to the pachinko gaming machine is utilized.

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine in which multiple types of performance styles are set as the style of the fluctuating performance from when the decorative pattern starts to fluctuate until it stops in a manner indicating the win/fail lottery result, and the first performance style is set. A mode of relay performance executed when changing from a state to a state in which a subsequent performance style is set is determined based on at least one of the type of the previous performance style and the type of the subsequent performance style. A gaming machine that does.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to smoothly change the presentation style.

・Means 1-2
Each of the plurality of types of presentation styles has a format-compatible music that is output when the presentation format is set, and the relay music that is output as the relay presentation is based on the previous presentation format. The gaming machine according to means 1-1, wherein the gaming machine is determined based on the style-compatible music piece to which it is associated.
・Means 1-3
For each of the plurality of production styles, style-compatible music that is output when the production style is set is set, and the relay music that is output as the relay production is set in accordance with the subsequent production style. The gaming machine according to means 1-1, wherein the gaming machine is determined based on the music corresponding to the format after being associated.
By doing this, when a change in presentation style occurs, it is possible to prevent the style-compatible songs from suddenly switching (the relay music plays the role of smoothly connecting the style-compatible songs before and after it).

・Means 1-4
The gaming machine according to means 1-2 or 1-3, wherein in the relay performance, a relay image corresponding to the relay music is displayed.
By doing so, it is possible to provide a relay performance in which the music and images to be output are in a corresponding relationship.

・Means 2-1
A sound output means is provided for outputting background music that is output during the fluctuating performance from when the decorative pattern starts to fluctuate until it stops in a manner indicating the winning/failure lottery result, and the background music is composed of the first half and the subsequent second half. If a background music change condition for changing the background music is met, a new background music is output from the beginning of the first half, while a reset condition that is not a condition for changing the background music is A gaming machine characterized in that, if the result is established, the background music is output from the beginning of the second half.
According to the gaming machine described above, the first half of the background music is outputted frequently, which prevents the game from becoming monotonous.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine according to means 2-1, wherein when the background music progresses to the conclusion, the background music is output from the beginning of the latter half.
By doing this, the latter half of the background music is output in a circular manner.

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine according to means 2-1 or 2-2, wherein one of the reset conditions is set to end the fluctuating performance in which a reach is established and then a win is reached.
By doing this, even if "out of reach" occurs, the first half of the background music will not be output.

・Means 2-4
Means 2-1 to 2- characterized in that when the first half of the background music is being output, a dedicated image that is not displayed when the second half is being output is displayed on the display device. 3. The gaming machine according to any one of 3.
By doing so, it is easy to understand that the first half of the background music has been output (that the background music change condition has been met).

・Means 3-1
A sound output means, and a performance execution means for performing a specific performance that can occur in a selected music output state in which a selected music selected by a player from among a plurality of candidate music is output from the sound output means. , the specific performance includes a pre-period in which the dedicated music is output from the sound output means, and a post-period following the pre-period in which the selected music may be output from the sound output means. A gaming machine featuring:
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to execute an interesting specific performance in which a player's favorite music is output in a subsequent period.

・Means 3-2
The specific performance is one that leads to an advantageous ending for the player or an unfavorable ending that is disadvantageous to the player, and the outcome is not known during the advance period and the period after the previous article ends. The ending is known by transitioning to the above, and the selected music is output in the period after the previous article when the favorable ending is reached, and the selected music is output during the period after the previous article when the unfavorable ending is reached. The gaming machine according to means 3-1, characterized in that no output is provided.
By doing this, it is possible to create a specific performance in which a favorable outcome is celebrated with a favorite song.

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine according to means 3-1 or 3-2, wherein the dedicated music is a music different from any of the plurality of candidate music.
By doing this, in the case of an advantageous ending, a specific production flow in which the selected song is output, then another song (dedicated song) is output, and then the selected song is output. becomes.

・Means 3-4
A reference point is determined for each of the plurality of types of candidate songs that can become the selected song, and what is the degree of progress of the selected song until the specific production is started in the selected song output state? Any one of means 3-1 to means 3-3 characterized in that, even if there is, when the selected music piece is output in the post-article period, the output is started from the reference location of the selected music piece. The gaming machine described in .
If the reference point is the beginning of the exciting part of the selected song, such as the beginning of the so-called "chorus," then when the selected song is output in the post-mortem period, the player can listen to the exciting part.

1 Gaming machine 10 Pending symbol 20 Relay image 30 Special image 50 Music image 70 Speaker 80 Decorative symbol 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (2)

A gaming machine in which a plurality of types of performance styles are set as a style of a fluctuating performance from when the decorative pattern starts to fluctuate until it stops in a manner indicating a win/fail lottery result,
For each of the plurality of types of production styles, style-compatible music that is output when the production style is set is set,
In the relay performance that is executed between the state in which the first production style is set and the state in which the subsequent production style is set, multiple types of music that are not output unless the relay production is performed are Any one of the relay songs is output, and a relay image corresponding to the relay song to be output is displayed,
A gaming machine characterized in that which of the plurality of relay music pieces is output in the relay performance is determined based on a previous format-compatible song that is associated with the previous performance format. A gaming machine in which a plurality of types of performance styles are set as a style of a fluctuating performance from when the decorative pattern starts to fluctuate until it stops in a manner indicating a win/fail lottery result,
For each of the plurality of types of production styles, style-compatible music that is output when the production style is set is set,
In the relay performance that is executed between the state in which the first production style is set and the state in which the subsequent production style is set, multiple types of music that are not output unless the relay production is performed are Any one of the relay songs is output, and a relay image corresponding to the relay song to be output is displayed,
A gaming machine characterized in that which one of the plurality of relay music pieces is output in the relay performance is determined based on a later style-compatible music piece that is associated with the subsequent style of performance.

Images