JP7437029B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and is particularly applicable to pachinko gaming machines and the like.

Conventionally, gaming machines that play games using gaming media such as gaming balls have been widely known. In this type of gaming machine, various effects are performed during the game in order to increase the interest in the game. For example, in a game (variable game) in which identification information such as special symbols is displayed in a variable manner, performances related to the variable display (variable game) such as a reach performance and a preview performance are executed. Furthermore, in a special game such as a jackpot game, performances related to the special game such as an opening performance and a round performance are executed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-218197

However, although the contents (for example, motifs, content, characters, etc.) of the effects executed during a game vary depending on the model, the effects techniques (for example, effect development, effect patterns, etc.) tend to be uniform. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in increasing gaming interest through performance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to realize a highly entertaining performance that attracts the interest of players, thereby increasing their enjoyment of the game.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

The gaming machine of means 1 is
A gaming machine that plays games using predetermined gaming media,
a performance execution means capable of executing a performance related to the game;
Equipped with a display screen that can display images,
The performance execution means includes, as the performance,
By displaying on the display screen an effect image in which a predetermined stock object displayed on the display screen moves toward one side of the display screen, the stock object is stocked in a predetermined area on the one side. The first stage production depicts how it will be done,
By displaying on the display screen a performance image in which the stock object stocked in the first stage performance moves away from the one side of the display screen, the stock target stocked in the first stage performance is displayed on the display screen. The second stage production depicts the stock target being released,
a third stage performance that displays on the display screen a performance image in which a predetermined area on the display screen is covered by the stock object released in the second stage performance;
a fourth stage performance of displaying on the display screen a performance image in which the stock object covering the predetermined area is erased in the third stage performance and a specific display target appears in the predetermined area; It is possible to perform the production,
The predetermined area covered by the stock target in the third stage performance is a larger area than the predetermined area on the one side where the stock target is stocked in the first stage performance,
The specific display target appearing in the predetermined area in the fourth stage effect may include a first specific image and a second specific image , or the second specific image may not include the first specific image. The main point is that there are cases where the system is composed of

According to such a gaming machine, after a predetermined stock object displayed on the display screen is stocked in a predetermined area on one side of the display screen (first stage effect), the stock object is released. (Second stage effect) After a predetermined area on the display screen is covered by the released stock object (Third stage effect), the stock object that covered the predetermined area is erased and returned to the predetermined area. A specific effect including a series of effect displays such as a specific display target appearing (fourth stage effect) can be executed on the display screen. The predetermined area covered by the stock target in the third stage performance is larger than the predetermined area on the one side where the stock target is stocked in the first stage performance, and the predetermined area covered by the stock target in the fourth stage performance is The specific display target appearing in the area may include a first specific image and a second specific image , or may not include the first specific image but include the second specific image . Such a specific effect (a series of effect displays) realizes a visually novel effect. Thereby, it is possible to realize a performance that attracts the player's interest and to increase the interest in the game.

According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to realize a highly interesting performance that attracts the interest of the players, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a back view of the gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to Example 1 of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display shown in FIG. 3, and is a diagram showing displays included in the gaming machine. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. This is a table showing the correspondence between types of jackpots and opening patterns of jackpots. It is a table showing various random numbers obtained by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a jackpot type determination table, (C) is a normal symbol hit determination table, and (D) is a regular symbol fluctuation pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of main interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of starting port sensor detection processing. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of starting pitch entry. It is a flowchart of normal figure movement processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol propriety determination processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol fluctuation processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of normal electric accessories processing. It is a flowchart of special figure operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 propriety judgment processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 propriety judgment processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol fluctuation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessory processing (jackpot game). It is a flowchart of gaming state setting processing. It is a flowchart of pending ball number processing. It is a flowchart of power-off monitoring processing. It is a flowchart of sub-control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 2ms timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 10ms timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of the effect processing at the time of fluctuation start. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the fluctuating display of the performance symbols before the execution (start) of the staged inciting performance, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the stock target (display target) is displayed, and (C ) is an explanatory diagram showing a presentation display in which the stock object (display object) is stocked, and (D) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the movable presentation member has risen to the first raised position due to the first stock presentation. be. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the movable performance member has risen to the third raised position due to the third stock performance, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a release performance, and (C) is an explanatory diagram showing a shielding performance. It is an explanatory diagram, and (D) is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance effect. It is a table showing a list of suggested images. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the shielding effect, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the appearance effect. It is a table showing the correspondence between the types of jackpots and the opening patterns of the jackpots according to the second embodiment. It is a table showing various random numbers obtained by the game control microcomputer according to Example 2 based on the ball entering the starting port. (1) is a jackpot type determination table according to the second embodiment, and (2) is a probability variable end determination table according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 propriety judgment processing concerning Example 2. It is a flow chart of special figure 1 propriety judgment processing concerning Example 2. It is a flowchart of special symbol fluctuation processing according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game state setting process based on Example 2. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a condition suggestion performance (ending performance) according to the second embodiment, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a branch reaching performance according to the second embodiment. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an operation instruction performance according to the second embodiment, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a continuation notification performance (branch destination notification performance) according to the second embodiment, and (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the operation instruction performance according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an end notification effect (branch destination notification effect) according to No. 2;

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following, the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and the game can be progressed by firing the game ball toward the game board surface. Explain an example. Specifically, a symbol variation game (also simply referred to as a "variation game") in which a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole and then stopped is played (also simply referred to as a "variable game"), and the variable display of the special symbol is Upon completion, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed (the result of the variable game becomes a specific result), making it possible to execute a jackpot game (special game) in which a predetermined amount of gaming profits (for example, prize balls) can be awarded to the player. A so-called "type 1" pachinko game machine will be explained as an example.

Note that in the following description, the term "front side" simply refers to the front (front) side when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, and the side (front side) where the player is located when playing a game. In addition, simply the rear side (rear side) refers to the back side (back side) when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. Furthermore, simply the upper side (upper side), lower side (lower side), left side (left side), and right side (right side) refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions when looking at the gaming machine from the front. , for example, refers to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side in FIGS. 1 and 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 attached within the game machine frame 50. It is configured to be detachable from the frame 50. FIG. 3 shows the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes a front frame 51 having a decorative surface, a main frame 52 for mounting the gaming board 2, etc., and an outer frame 53 for mounting the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the island equipment of the hall. The front frame 51, the main body frame 52, and the outer frame 53 are pivoted at one end and are configured to be openable and closable, respectively.

The front frame 51 includes a firing handle 60 for firing the game ball with a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation angle) of the player, and a hitting ball capable of storing game balls and supplying the stored game balls to the firing device side. A supply tray (upper tray) 61 and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the batted ball supply tray 61 are provided. In addition, the front frame 51 includes a first performance button 63a and a second performance button 63b (whichever of these two performance buttons) can be operated by the player during the execution of a game performance performed as the game progresses. One or both of them may be simply referred to as the "effect button 63"), a decorative frame lamp 66 that can emit various lights depending on the gaming situation, and a decorative frame lamp 66 that can emit various sounds depending on the gaming situation ( A speaker 67 and the like capable of emitting sound effects) are also provided. The frame lamp 66 is composed of an LED.

The production button 63 functions as an input means that allows input by external operation. The player can use different performance buttons depending on the type of game performance. For example, when the first performance button 63a or the second performance button 63b is operated during execution of a game performance, a predetermined operation-corresponding performance is performed based on the operation. The production button 63 (input means) is also referred to as "operation means", the first production button 63a is also referred to as "first input means" or "first operation means", and the second production button 63b is also referred to as "first production means". Also referred to as "second input means" or "second operation means."

Note that the configuration of the production button 63 is not limited to the aspect of this embodiment, and it is sufficient that the player can make an input. For example, it may be a retractable type, a touch sensor type, etc.), or it may be a non-contact type input means (photoelectric type, etc.) that detects the proximity of a part of the player's body and inputs the information. good. Further, in this embodiment, a push-type operating means (push button) is used, but a tilting-type operating means such as an operating lever or an operating stick that can be tilted in the front-back direction or left-right direction may be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two effect buttons, the first effect button 63a and the second effect button 63b, are provided, but the number of effect buttons may be one, or three or more. Good too.

The game board 2 has a game area 3 surrounded by a rail member 4, into which game balls shot by operating a shooting handle 60 flow down. A plurality of game nails 16 for guiding game balls are protruded in the game area 3, and a ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the tip of the rail member 4. The ball return prevention piece 6 is for preventing the game ball once guided to the game area from returning to the firing device side. The game board 2 is also provided with a decorative board lamp 5 (see FIG. 5) that can emit various lights depending on the game situation. The panel lamp 5 is composed of an LED.

Near the center of the game area 3, an image display device 7 consisting of a liquid crystal display device is provided as a display device for effects (effect display means). The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a performance pattern display area 7b (also referred to as a "performance pattern display section") in which performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply referred to as "performance pattern 8") are displayed. It is provided. The production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a variable manner in the production symbol display area 7b (production symbol display section) in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, which will be described later. Examples of the variable display mode include scroll display in up and down, left and right, diagonal directions, and the like. The effect pattern display area 7b consists of three pattern display areas, for example, "left," "middle," and "right." The left pattern display area displays the left pattern 8L, and the middle pattern display area displays the medium pattern. A symbol 8C is displayed, and a right production symbol 8R is displayed in the right symbol display area. In addition, the positions of the left, middle, and right symbol display areas do not need to be provided separately, and the display areas for the left, middle, and right production symbols may each be used as the entire symbol display area (production symbol display area 7b). .

The performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R of this embodiment each consist of numerical symbols (design types) from "1" to "9", and these numerical symbols are displayed in order. Specifically, the variable display of the production pattern 8 is performed by scrolling and displaying the numerical patterns in the order of "1" → "2" ... "8" → "9" (ascending order). , when it reaches "9", returns to "1" and repeats the scroll display until the end of the variation (stop display).

Depending on the combination of left, middle, and right (stop display mode) displayed (stop display) in the production pattern display area 7b, a first special symbol display 41a (also referred to as "first special symbol display section"), which will be described later, is displayed. The results of the variable display of the first special symbol displayed, the results of the variable display of the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 41b (also referred to as "second special symbol display section"), that is, The result of special symbol validity determination (also simply referred to as "validity determination") is displayed in a manner that is easy for the player to recognize. In this embodiment, the order (stop order) in which the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R, which are being displayed in a variable manner, are stopped and displayed is, in principle, "left → right → middle." That is, the first stop symbol in the stop order is the left effect symbol 8L, the second stop symbol in the stop order is the right effect symbol 8R, and the third (last) stop symbol in the stop order is the middle effect symbol 8C. . Furthermore, the stopped symbol that is first in the stopping order is also referred to as the "first stopped symbol", the stopped symbol that is second in the stopping order is also referred to as the "second stopped symbol", and the stopped symbol that is the third in the stopping order. This is also called the "third stop symbol" or "final stop symbol."

Here, any or all of the first special symbol, second special symbol, and production symbol 8 may be simply referred to as "design" or "identification information." In addition, ordinary symbols are also called "regular symbols" and "ordinary identification information," special symbols are also referred to as "special symbols," and the first special symbol is referred to as "special symbols 1" and "first special symbol." '', and the second special pattern is also called ``special pattern 2'' or ``second special pattern.'' Furthermore, it refers to any or all of the image display device 7 that displays the production symbol 8, the first special symbol display 41a that displays the first special symbol, and the second special symbol display 41b that displays the second special symbol. Also referred to as "identification information display means."

The stop display mode of the effect pattern 8 can be determined as follows. For example, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot and the type of jackpot is a 16R (round) jackpot or a 6R jackpot, the same 3-digit double digits such as "444" or "777" will be displayed. It is possible to display the symbols in a static manner. In addition, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot and the type of the jackpot is a 2R jackpot, the performance symbol can be used with a preset chance symbol such as "135" or a special symbol such as "3★3". It is possible to stop display. Furthermore, in the case of a miss, it is possible to stop displaying the performance symbols with a winning pattern in which at least one of the three symbols such as "637" and "373" is different. Thereby, the player can easily grasp the progress status of the game (whether or not a jackpot has occurred, etc.) by looking at the performance symbols that are stopped and displayed. In other words, the player generally does not directly understand the result of the special symbol validity determination by looking at the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, but rather The user sees and understands the performance symbols displayed in the symbol display area 7b.

Here, among the stop display modes (symbol combinations) of the production pattern 8, the stop display mode corresponding to the case where the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot is referred to as the "jackpot mode", "specific mode", or "specific display result". '', and the stop display mode corresponding to the case where the result of the special symbol propriety judgment is a failure is also referred to as a ``missing mode'', a ``non-specific mode'', or a ``non-specific display result''. Furthermore, since the manner in which the performance symbols 8 are stopped and displayed can be said to indicate the result of the fluctuating display of the performance symbols 8, the manner in which the performance symbols 8 are stopped and displayed is also referred to as the "result display manner".

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to displaying a game performance (also referred to as a "performance symbol game performance") using the performance symbols 8 as described above, a jackpot game performance (also referred to as a "performance symbol game performance") that is executed in conjunction with a jackpot game is displayed. Various effects (effect displays) related to the game are displayed, such as a "special game effect" (also referred to as a "special game effect") and a demonstration effect for waiting for customers. Furthermore, in performance displays such as performance symbol game performances and jackpot game performances, in addition to performance symbols such as numbers, various images other than performance symbols such as background images and character images are also displayed. Note that the performance symbol game performance is also referred to as a "variable performance."

In addition, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a first performance reservation display area 9c (first performance reservation display section) that displays a first performance reservation 9a according to the number of stored first special symbol reservations, which will be described later. , a second effect pending display area 9d (second effect pending display section) that displays a second effect pending 9b according to the number of stored second special figures pending (described later) is provided (see FIG. 3). Depending on the display mode (number of displays) of the first performance hold 9a and the second performance hold 9b (either one or both of the first performance hold 9a and the second performance hold 9b is also referred to as "performance hold"), it will be described later. The player can know the number of stored first special symbols displayed on the first special symbol reservation display 43a and the number of stored second special symbols displayed on the second special symbol reservation display 43b. It can be easily demonstrated. Note that the performance suspension is also referred to as a "retention symbol." In addition, images and other information displayed on the display screen 7a, such as production symbols, background images, character images, production reservations (pending symbols), etc., are also referred to as "production images" and "display targets."

Near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7, a center decoration 10 is provided that surrounds the display screen 7a (effect pattern display area 7b). The center decoration body 10 is constructed from a molded plastic (resin) product, and is attached to the surface (front surface) of the game board 2 as a frame-shaped part (board part) with an open center. . The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 becomes visible through the central opening of the center decorative body 10.

A stage portion 11 having a game ball rolling surface on which game balls can roll is provided at the lower part of the center decoration body 10. Further, a hollow warp portion 12 is provided on the left side of the center decoration body 10. The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and receives a game ball flowing down the game area 3 from the warp entrance, discharges the game ball from the warp exit, and guides it to the stage section 11. The game ball guided to the rolling surface of the stage part 11 can enter the first starting port 20, which will be described later, with a higher possibility than the game ball not guided to the stage part 11. Further, on the upper part of the center decorative body 10, a decorative member 13 having an illumination member (board lamp 5) such as an LED, which can be turned on depending on the game state, and shaped like letters, figures, etc. is arranged. ing.

Further, on the left side of the center decoration body 10 and in front of the warp section 12, a movable performance member 14 that can be operated in accordance with game performance is provided. The movable performance member 14 functions as a movable accessory for performance that can be operated in front of (near) the display screen 7a. The movable effect member 14 of this embodiment is composed of a shaped object with the motif of a hand with its index finger raised, and as shown in FIG. It is facing upward. When a predetermined operating condition is met, the center decoration body 10 rises along the left opening edge of the central opening, and tilts to the right so that the tip of the index finger points toward the right side of the center decoration body 10 (the right side of the screen). (rotate). That is, the movable effect member 14 has two operating modes: a first operating mode in which it rises along the left opening edge of the center decorative body 10, and a first operating mode in which it tilts (rotates) to the right so as to face the right side (the right side of the screen) of the center decorative body 10. When the first operating condition is met, the movable presentation member 14 operates in the first operating mode, and when the first operating condition is met, the movable presentation member 14 is in the second operating mode. Operate. Details of the effect that the movable effect member 14 operates will be described later. The operation of the movable presentation member 14 is realized by a drive mechanism (not shown) including a slide rail, gears, motor, etc. for vertically moving or rotating the movable presentation member 14. Note that, since the configuration of the drive mechanism itself is not related to the gist of the present invention, a detailed explanation of the drive mechanism will be omitted.

Here, the image display device 7, which can perform display effects by displaying various effect images according to the game situation, is also referred to as a "display effect section" or "display effect means", and is used to perform display effects during game effects. The movable performance member 14 that can perform a movable performance by operating is also referred to as a "movable performance section" or "movable performance means." Also, the speaker 67, which can perform sound production by emitting various sounds (sound effects) depending on the game situation, is also referred to as a "sound production section" or "sound production means", and depending on the game situation. The panel lamp 5, the frame lamp 66, and the decorative member 13, which can perform light effects by emitting various lights according to the requirements, are also referred to as a "light effect section" or "light effect means." In addition to the board lamps 5, for example, the performance button 63 and the firing handle 60 have built-in illumination members such as LEDs, similar to the decorative member 13, and the illumination members can turn on and off depending on the game situation. When blinking, etc., these presentation buttons 63 and firing handle 60 can also be said to be "light presentation means." Furthermore, these "display production means," "movable production means," "sound production means," and "light production means" are also collectively referred to as "production means."

Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, a fixed winning device 19 is provided which includes a non-variable first starting port 20 that does not change the ease with which game balls enter the game ball. Based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20, a random number etc. for special symbol validity determination is acquired, and when a predetermined condition is established, the validity determination regarding the first special symbol (“first special symbol ) is executed, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and is stopped and displayed based on the result of the validity determination.

Below the first starting port 20, a variable winning device 22 (also referred to as a "variable starting port") is provided which includes a variable second starting port 21 that changes the ease with which game balls enter. There is. Based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21, a random number etc. for determining the validity of the special symbol is acquired, and when a predetermined condition is established, the determination of the validity of the second special symbol ("second special symbol validity") is performed. (Also referred to as "judgment") is executed, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and is stopped and displayed based on the result of the validity determination.

In addition, the variable display of special symbols and the variable display of production symbols that are performed based on the result of special symbol validity determination being a "jackpot" are also referred to as "jackpot variation" or "specific variation", and special symbol validity determination. The variable display of special symbols and the variable display of performance symbols that are performed based on the result of ``losing'' are also referred to as ``losing variation'' or ``non-specific variation.''

The variable prize winning device 22 includes a movable member 23, and opens and closes the second starting port 21 by the operation of the movable member 23. Through this opening/closing operation, the second starting port 21 can change from the first mode (closed state) to the second mode (open state) in which there is a higher possibility of a game ball entering than the first mode. be. That is, the movable member 23 changes the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 by performing a predetermined operation (opening/closing operation). This movable member 23 is driven by a second starting port solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, a game ball can enter the second starting port 21 only when the movable member 23 is in the open state, and a game ball cannot enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. In addition, if the second starting port 21 is such that it is more difficult for a game ball to enter the ball when the movable member 23 is in the closed state than when it is in the open state, the second starting port 21 is completely opened when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. It does not have to be something that makes it impossible to enter the ball.

To the right of the first start opening 20 in the gaming area 3, a first big winning device 31 is provided which includes a first big winning opening 30 (also referred to as a "first variable ball entrance"). The first big winning device 31 includes an opening/closing member 32, and opens and closes the first big winning opening 30 by operating the opening/closing member 32. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by the first big prize opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5). A game ball can enter the first big prize opening 30 only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state. In other words, the first big winning device 31 can be put into a ball entry impossible state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter and a ball entry possible state (open state) in which a game ball can enter by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 32. Changeable.

Further, above the first grand prize opening 30 in the gaming area 3 and at the lower right of the center decoration body 10, a second grand prize opening 35 (also referred to as a "second variable ball entrance") is provided. Two major prize winning devices 36 are provided. The second big winning device 36 includes an opening/closing member (wing member) 37, and opens and closes the second big winning opening 35 by operating the opening/closing member 37. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large prize opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). A game ball can enter the second big prize opening 35 only when the opening/closing member 37 is in the open state. In other words, the second big winning device 36 has an opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 37, which allows the game ball to enter the ball-inhibited state (closed state) and the game ball to enter the ball-admitted state (open state). It is possible to change to

A gate 28 (game ball passage opening) through which game balls can pass is provided on the right side of the center decorative body 10 in the game area 3. Based on the passing of the game ball to the gate 28, a random number etc. for determining the validity of the normal symbol is acquired, and when a predetermined execution condition is met, a normal number for determining whether or not to open the second starting port 21 is obtained. As the pattern validity determination is executed, the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and are stopped and displayed based on the result of the normal symbol validity determination. When the winning normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the second starting port 21 becomes open.

Furthermore, a plurality of general winning holes 27 are provided at the bottom of the gaming area 3. In this embodiment, four general winning ports 27 are provided, three of which are left general winning ports provided on the left side of the first starting port 20, and one is a left general winning port provided on the left side of the first large winning port 30. There is a general prize opening on the right side. The first starting hole 20, the second starting hole 21, the first big winning hole 30, the second big winning hole 35, and the general winning hole 27 are the ball entering holes that trigger the payout of prize balls, and each ball entering hole When game balls enter the ball, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out at each ball entrance. Specifically, the number of prize balls in the first starting hole 20 is "5", the number of prize balls in the second starting hole 21 is "3", and the number of prize balls in the first big winning hole 20 and the second big winning hole 35. is "15", and the number of prize balls in general prize opening 27 is "10".

A game in which a plurality of ball entry openings (first starting opening 20, second starting opening 21, first big winning opening 30, second big winning opening 35, general winning opening 27, gate 28) etc. are arranged in this way. The area 3 can be divided into a left gaming area (first area) 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction and a right gaming area (second area) 3B on the right side. A hitting method in which the game ball is fired by operating the firing handle 60 so that the game ball flows down the left gaming area 3A is called "left hitting", and the firing handle 60 is operated so that the game ball flows down the right gaming area 3B. The batting style in which the game ball is fired by operating the ball is called "right-handed batting." Here, among the plurality of ball entry ports, the first starting port 20 and the three left general winning ports 27 are provided so that game balls flowing down the left game area 3A of the game area 3 can enter. The second starting hole 21, the first big winning hole 30, the second big winning hole 35, the right general winning hole 27, and the gate 28 are the places where game balls flowing down the right gaming area 3B of the gaming area 3 enter. It is set up so that it is possible. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, when starting the game, the player aims to hit the ball to the left to enter the first starting hole 20. On the other hand, when the game state changes due to a jackpot in the judgment based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20, the game state changes by hitting the ball to the right and entering the gate 28, the second starting hole 21, the first big winning hole 30 or the second winning hole. The aim is to land the ball in the grand prize opening 35.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a main display 40 is provided at the lower right portion of the game board 2. The main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display section) that variably displays and stops displaying a first special symbol, and a second special symbol that variably displays and stops displaying a second special symbol. It includes a display 41b (second special symbol display section) and a normal symbol display 42 (normal symbol display section) that variably displays and stops displaying normal symbols. In addition, the main display 40 includes a first special symbol reservation display 43a that displays the stored number of validity determination information (first special symbol reservation) related to the first special symbol, and a first special symbol reservation display 43a that displays the number of stored validity determination information (first special symbol reservation) related to the first special symbol. A second special pattern reservation display 43b that displays the memory number of (second special symbol reservation), and a regular symbol reservation display 44 that displays the memory number of operation reservation (common symbol reservation) of the normal symbol display 42, It is included. Furthermore, the main display 40 includes a hit indicator 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination is a hit, and a hit display 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination is a hit; A round indicator 45 that indicates the number of rounds of the jackpot game to be executed when the result of the determination is a jackpot, a game status indicator 46 that indicates that the probability variation function is activated, and a game ball launch direction, that is, the right direction. A firing direction indicator 47 is included, which indicates whether the ball should be hit to the left or the left. These various indicators included in the main display 40 are display-controlled by a main control section, which will be described later.

The variable display of the first special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21. In addition, in the following explanation, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol. Further, the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol display section. Further, the first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b may be collectively referred to as a special figure holding display section.

In the special symbol display section, the special symbols (identification information) are displayed in a variable manner according to a predetermined variable display time (also referred to as "variable time"), and then are displayed in a stopped manner, and the display mode of the special symbols (stopped symbols) that are stopped and displayed is According to the stop display mode), the result of a lottery (special symbol validity determination, jackpot lottery) based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 is notified. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols based on the special symbol appropriateness determination. When the stopping symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (specific identification information), that is, the mode of stopping display of the special symbol (the display result of the variable display of the special symbol) is a specific mode (specific display result) that indicates a jackpot. In this case, a jackpot game (special game) is executed in which the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the stopped and displayed jackpot symbol. The opening pattern of the jackpot opening in the jackpot game will be described later.

The stop display of the special symbol is performed until a predetermined stop display time (determined display time) elapses. If the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a missing symbol (missing pattern, non-specific pattern), and special symbol reservation is stored at the time of the stop display, when the stop display time has elapsed, the memory order The oldest (earliest) special symbol reservation is consumed, and the variable display of the next special symbol is thereby started. In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a missed symbol and special symbol hold is not stored at the time of the stop display, the stop display state of the special symbol will be maintained even after the stop display time has elapsed. be done. On the other hand, if the stopped and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol, when the stop display time has elapsed, the opening period of the jackpot game, which will be described later, will begin, and after the opening period, the first round of the jackpot game will start. . Note that the stop display time of the special symbol is generally set to "0.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds", and is set to "0.6 seconds" in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41a is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "i to p", and displays a special symbol according to the result of the first special symbol validity determination. In this example, the results of the first special symbol correctness determination are ``16R 1st jackpot'', ``6R 2nd jackpot'', ``6R 3rd jackpot'', ``6R 4th jackpot'', and ``6R 5th jackpot''. There are different types of jackpots (see FIGS. 6 and 8), and the LED of the first special symbol display 41a displays a display mode (specific mode, specific display result) according to each of the five types of jackpots. It is possible to take it. Specifically, if the result of the first special symbol judgment is the 16R first jackpot, three LEDs of “ijn” are lit and the rest are turned off (16R first jackpot symbol), and the 6R first jackpot is turned on. If there is a 2nd jackpot, the 3 LEDs labeled “ino” will be lit and the rest will be turned off (6R 2nd jackpot symbol), and if the 6R 3rd jackpot is won, the 3 LEDs labeled “inp” will be turned on. is turned on and the rest are turned off (6R 3rd jackpot symbol), and when the 6R 4th jackpot is reached, the 3 LEDs of "ijo" are lit and the rest are turned off (6R 4th jackpot symbol), When the 6R fifth jackpot is reached, three "jno" LEDs are turned on and the rest are turned off (6R fifth jackpot symbol). In addition, when it is a miss, two LEDs of "lo" are turned on and the rest are turned off (missing symbol).

The second special symbol display 41b is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "a to h", and displays a special symbol according to the result of the second special symbol validity determination. In this example, the results of the second special symbol validity determination are "16R 6th jackpot", "16R 7th jackpot", "12R 8th jackpot", "6R 9th jackpot", "2R 10th jackpot", and " 2R 11th jackpot" are provided (see FIGS. 6 and 8), and the LED of the second special symbol display 41b is displayed in a display mode (specific mode, specific display results). Specifically, if the result of the second special symbol validity judgment is the 16R 6th jackpot, three LEDs of “abd” are lit and the rest are turned off (16R 6th jackpot symbol), and the 16R 6th jackpot is turned on. If there is a 7 jackpot, the 3 LEDs labeled “abg” will light up and the rest will be turned off (16R 7th jackpot symbol), and if the 12R 8th jackpot is the 3 LEDs labeled “abc”. is turned on and the rest are turned off (12R 8th jackpot symbol), and when the 6R 9th jackpot is reached, the 3 LEDs of "afg" are turned on and the rest are turned off (6R 9th jackpot symbol), If the 2R 10th jackpot is reached, the 4 LEDs of "abde" will be lit and the rest will be turned off (2R 10th jackpot symbol), and if the 2R 11th jackpot is the 4 "abdh" LEDs. Turn on the LED and turn off the rest (2R 11th jackpot symbol). In addition, when it is a miss, two LEDs of "eh" are turned on and the rest are turned off (missing symbol).

Note that the stop display mode of the special symbols (stop symbols) is not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily. In addition, before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time, but the manner of the variable display is such that, for example, light repeatedly flows from left to right in a predetermined order. It is possible to make each LED light up like this.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, various information such as a random number for determining the validity of a special symbol ("acquired information") is based on the entering of the ball. ) is acquired, and the acquired various information is temporarily stored in a special figure reservation storage unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. Specifically, if the ball enters the first starting port 20, it is stored in the first special pattern holding storage unit (not shown) as the first special pattern pending, and if the ball enters the second starting port 21, it is stored as the first special pattern pending. It is stored in a second special figure reservation storage unit (not shown) as a second special figure reservation. The number of special figure reservations (acquisition information) that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage section is up to a predetermined number, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is "4". These first special symbol reservation storage section and second special symbol reservation storage section are also referred to as "first acquisition information storage means" and "second acquisition information storage means", respectively, and also referred to as "acquisition information storage means" in general.

The special symbol reservation stored in the special symbol reservation storage section is consumed when the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner based on the special symbol reservation. Extinguishing the special symbol reservation means determining the special symbol propriety judgment random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation, and executing a variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, if the special symbol variation display based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately upon entry, that is, the special symbol variation display Even when a display is being executed or a special game is being executed, it is possible to reserve the right to judge the validity of the special symbol for the ball entered, up to a predetermined number (“4” in this example). It has become.

The number of special figure reservations stored in the special figure reservation storage section is displayed on the first special figure reservation display 43a and the second special figure reservation display 43b. Specifically, the first special figure reservation display 43a is composed of two LEDs "uv", and by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of first special figures reserved, the first special figure It displays the number of pending items. For example, when the number of reservations is "0", both LEDs are turned off, such as "u□v□" (for example, □: off, ●: red, ▲: green), and the number of reservations is When is "1", the display format is "u□v●", where the "u" LED is turned off and the "v" LED is lit in red, and when the number of reservations is "2", "u● v The display mode may be such that both LEDs are lit in red, and when the number of reservations is "4 (upper limit number)", both LEDs may be lit in green, such as "u▲v▲".

In addition, the second special figure holding display 43b is composed of two LEDs "wx", and by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of second special figures holding, the number of second special figures holding is displayed. For example, if the number of reservations is "0", the display format is such that both LEDs are turned off, such as "w□x□" (for example, □: off, ●: on red, ▲: on green), and the number of pending "1" to "4" are also determined in the same way as the first special figure reservation display 43a.

The fluctuating display of the normal symbols is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. The normal symbol display device 42 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, then stops displaying them, and uses the stopped and displayed normal symbols (stopped symbols) to indicate the result of the normal symbol validity determination based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. inform. The normal symbol that is stopped and displayed is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by the normal symbol validity determination. When the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol (winning normal symbol), an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 21 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. Note that the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol display 42 is composed of two LEDs "st", and displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol validity determination depending on the lighting mode. It is. For example, if the result of normal symbol validity determination is a hit, the normal symbol with both LEDs lit will be displayed in a stop state, such as "s■t■" (for example, ■: lit, □: off). . Further, when the result of the normal symbol validity determination is a miss, a miss normal symbol such as "s□t■" in which only the "t" LED is lit is displayed. In addition, the out-of-place ordinary symbol is not a specific ordinary symbol. Before the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time period, and the manner of the variable display is, for example, in such a manner that both LEDs alternately turn on and off. be.

In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, various information (also referred to as "obtained information") such as a random number for determining whether a normal symbol is correct or not is obtained based on the passing of the game ball, and the obtained various information is The information is temporarily stored as a general pattern reservation in a general pattern reservation storage section (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control section. The number of common symbols that can be stored in the common symbol reservation storage section is limited to a predetermined number, and the upper limit in this embodiment is "4". The regular symbol reservation stored in the regular symbol reservation storage unit is consumed when the variable display of the ordinary symbol based on the ordinary symbol reservation becomes possible. The extinguishing of a normal symbol reservation means to determine the random number for normal symbol propriety determination corresponding to the ordinary symbol reservation, and to execute a fluctuating display of the ordinary symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, when the fluctuating display of the normal symbols based on the passing of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the passage, that is, when the fluctuating display of the regular symbols is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed. Even in the case of a certain number of symbols, it is possible to reserve the right to judge the validity of the normal symbols for the passage of the symbols, with a predetermined number as the upper limit.

The number of common symbols stored in the common symbol reservation storage section is displayed on the common symbol reservation display 44. Specifically, the Fuzuzu reservation display 44 is composed of two LEDs "qr", and displays the number of Fuzuzu reservations by lighting up the LEDs according to the number of Fuzuzu reservations. be. For example, when the number of reservations is "0", both LEDs are turned off, such as "q□r□" (for example, □: off, ●: red, ▲: green), and the number of reservations is When is "1", the display mode can be such as "q□r●" where the "q" LED is turned off and the "r" LED is lit in red. Further, the number of reservations "2" to "4" is also determined in the same manner as the first special figure reservation display 43a.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 2 and 5. The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a main control board 80 ("main control section", "main control section") that controls the game progress and gaming profit, such as special symbol validity determination, normal symbol validity determination, and transition of game state. ” or “gaming control unit”), a sub-control board 90 (also referred to as “sub-control unit”, “sub-control unit”, or “effect control unit”) that controls the effects to be executed as the game progresses. ), a payout control board 110 (also referred to as a "payout control unit") that controls the payout of game balls, an image display device 7, a production display 102, a production first special figure holding display 103a, and a production second special figure. It includes an image control board 100 (also referred to as an "image control section" or "display control section") that controls the display of the hold display 103b and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board storage case housing a main control board 80 is provided approximately at the center of the rear side (back side) of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Above the main control board case, there is provided an image control board storage case that houses the audio control board 106, lamp control board 107, and image control board 100, and above the image control board storage case there is a sub-control board. A sub-control board storage case containing 90 is provided. Further, a payout control board case for storing a payout control board is provided on the lower left side of the main control board case, and a power board case for storing a power supply board 109 is provided on the right side thereof.

A one-chip microcomputer for game control (also referred to as a "microcomputer for game control") 81 is mounted on the main control board 80, which controls the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits and receives data (information) to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit 87 (I/O port section). The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81. Further, the ROM may be externally attached. The RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 is provided with the above-mentioned special symbol reservation storage section (first special symbol reservation storage section and second special symbol reservation storage section) and regular symbol reservation storage section. Further, at a predetermined address of the RAM (main control RAM) of the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81), storage areas for use in various flags and various counting counters are secured.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, as sensors, a first starting hole sensor 20a, a second starting hole sensor 21a, a gate sensor 28a, a first big winning hole sensor 30a, a second big winning hole sensor 35a, and a general winning hole sensor 27a are connected. has been done. These various sensors are also referred to as "gaming ball detection means."

The first starting port sensor 20a is provided in the first starting port 20 and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 20. The second starting port sensor 21a is provided within the second starting port 21 and detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The first big winning hole sensor 30a is provided in the first big winning hole 30 and detects a game ball that has entered the first big winning hole 30. The second big winning hole sensor 35a is provided in the second big winning hole 35 and detects a game ball that has entered the second big winning hole 35. The general winning hole sensor 27a is provided in each general winning hole 27 and detects a game ball that has entered the general winning hole 27. When these sensors detect a game ball, the detection signal is input to the main control board 80, and in response to this, the game control microcomputer 81 sends a ball entering command according to each winning hole to the sub control board 90.

Further, as the solenoids, a second starting port solenoid 24, a first big winning port solenoid 33, and a second big winning port solenoid 38 are connected. These various solenoids are also referred to as "driving means". The second starting port solenoid 24 is for driving the movable member 23 of the variable prize winning device 22. The first big prize opening solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the first big winning device 31. The second big prize opening solenoid 38 is for driving the opening/closing member 37 of the second big winning device 36.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol pending display 43a, a second special symbol pending display 43b, and a normal symbol display 42. A figure holding display 44, a round display 45, a game status display 46, a firing direction display 47, and a winning display 48 are connected. That is, the display control of these main display devices 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

Further, the main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for monitoring payout. The payout control board 110 includes a payout device 120 that pays out prize balls and rental balls, and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, which stores information on an inserted prepaid card (gaming value storage medium), etc.). A device that allows ball lending based on information about the ball is connected to the terminal, and a firing device 112 is also connected via a firing control board 111 (also referred to as a "launching control section"). Firing device 112 includes firing handle 60 (see FIG. 1).

The payout control board 110 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for payout control (also referred to as a "microcomputer for payout control") 116 that controls the payout of game balls according to a predetermined program. The payout control microcomputer 116 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the payout of game balls, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The payout control microcomputer 116 drives the payout motor 121 of the payout device 120 via the input/output circuit 117 based on the signal from the game control microcomputer 81 and the signal from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. The player then pays out prize balls and pays out rental balls. The game balls that are paid out are detected by payout sensors 122 and 123 for counting.

When the player operates the firing handle 60 of the firing device 112, the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the firing handle 60, and the firing volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the firing handle 60. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven and controlled so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115. In this embodiment, the number of game balls that the firing device 112 can continuously fire by driving the firing motor 113 is about 100 in one minute.

Further, the main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a communication direction regulating means.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (also referred to as "performance control microcomputer") 91 that controls the performance of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a predetermined program. . The performance control microcomputer 91 is responsible for overall performance control in executing various performances, and functions as a "performance control means." The performance control microcomputer 91 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. . The production control microcomputer 91 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via the input/output circuit 95. In addition, the input/output circuit 95 may be built in the production control microcomputer 91, and the ROM may be externally attached. Furthermore, storage areas for use in various flags and various counting counters are secured at predetermined addresses of the RAM (performance control RAM) of the sub-control board 90 (microcomputer 91 for production control).

An image control board 100, an audio control board 106, and a lamp control board 107 are connected to the sub-control board 90. The sub control board 90 (sub control unit), image control board 100 (image control unit), audio control board 106 (audio control unit), and lamp control board 107 (lamp control unit) are displayed depending on the gaming situation. It functions as a performance execution means for causing a corresponding performance device, member, etc. (performance means) to execute various performances (game-related performances) such as production, sound production, lamp production (light production), etc. It also functions as a preview performance execution means for executing various preview performances such as a chance notice, a pending change notice, and a step-up notice. The preview performance will be described later.

The production control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 controls the CPU of the image control one-chip microcomputer (also referred to as "image control microcomputer") 101 of the image control board 100 based on commands received from the main control board 80. , the image display device 7, the effect display 102, the effect first special figure hold display 103a, and the effect second hold display 103b are controlled to display. The RAM of the image control board 100 is a memory for expanding image data. The ROM of the image control board 100 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns, reserved patterns, etc.) Image data such as images and background images are stored. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 91. Then, display control is executed based on the read image data.

The performance display device 102 is composed of two LEDs, and performs a variable display and a stop display in accordance with the fluctuating display and stop display of the performance pattern 8, and changes the performance pattern 8 by turning on/off the two LEDs or by a combination of colors. It is stopped and displayed in a display mode that shows the display result (result of special symbol validity judgment). In addition, the first special figure pending display 103a and the second pending display 103b are similarly composed of two LEDs. Then, depending on the lighting/extinguishing of the two LEDs or the combination of colors, the performance first special figure reservation display 103a displays the number of reservations displayed in the first performance reservation display area 9c and the first special figure reservation display 43a. The display is controlled in a display mode that shows the same number of pending items as the number of pending items. In addition, the performance second special figure reservation display 103b is displayed in a display mode showing the same number of reservations as the number of reservations displayed in the second performance reservation display area 9d and the number of reservations displayed in the second special figure reservation display 43b. controlled. This can be done by displaying the character pattern on almost the entire display screen 7a (effect pattern display section) or by activating the movable effect member 14 to cover a part of the display screen 7a. Such a display device is provided because some or all of the various images displayed on the display screen 7a, such as the first performance pending 9a and the second performance pending 9b, may become invisible. Note that a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided in place of or in addition to the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 of the image control board 100.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 outputs audio, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Acoustic data such as audio output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the voice control board 106, and in that case, the CPU may be caused to execute voice control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the audio control board 106, and acoustic data may be stored in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 to cause the image control microcomputer 101 to perform audio control. In this case, the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

In addition, the performance control microcomputer 91 also generates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, lighting color, etc.) that determines the lighting mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 based on commands received from the main control board 80. , also referred to as lamp data) from data stored in the ROM, and controls the lighting of lamps (LEDs) such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107.

Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the movable effect member 14 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80. As mentioned above, the movable performance member 14 is a movable accessory (movable member) for performance, and is a movable so-called gimmick. The production control microcomputer 91 determines operation pattern data (also referred to as "drive data") for operating the movable production member 14 in a predetermined operating mode from data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. , controls the operation of the movable effect member 14 based on the determined operation pattern data.

Note that a CPU may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and in that case, the CPU may be caused to control the lighting of the lamp and the operation of the movable effect member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM. In addition, the movable effect member 14 is configured to include a plurality of decorative LEDs (not shown), and the light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode (on/off/blinking, emitted light color, etc.) of the decorative LEDs is also determined by the movable effect member 14. It is included in the 14 operation pattern data. Therefore, the operation of the movable presentation member 14 includes not only the vertical movement of the movable presentation member 14 but also the light emission (lighting/blinking, etc.) of the decorative LED. Note that the movable presentation member 14 does not need to be provided with a decorative LED.

The sub-control board 90 includes a first performance button detection switch 63c that detects that the first performance button 63a has been operated, and a second performance button detection switch 63d that detects that the second performance button 63b has been operated. , are connected. When the first performance button 63a is operated, the switch signal (also referred to as a "detection signal") of the first performance button detection switch 63c is turned ON and input to the sub-control board 90, and the first performance button 63a is operated. When the detection signal is released, the detection signal is turned OFF and inputted to the sub-control board 90. When the second performance button 63b is operated, the detection signal of the second performance button detection switch 63c is turned ON and inputted to the sub-control board 90, and when the second performance button 63b is released, the detection signal is The signal is turned off and input to the sub control board 90. Note that one or both of the first performance button detection switch 63c and the second performance button detection switch 63d is also referred to as a "performance button detection switch." Further, the first performance button detection switch 63c is also referred to as "first operation detection means", and the second performance button detection switch 63d is also referred to as "second operation detection means", and the first performance button detection switch 63c and One or both of the second performance button detection switches 63d are also referred to as "operation detection means."

Next, the control related to the validity determination (validity determination means) in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, there are "jackpot" and "miss" as the results of the special symbol validity determination. When it is a "jackpot", a "jackpot symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display section (stopped display), and when it is a "miss", a "missing symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display section (stopped display). When a jackpot is determined by the special symbol validity judgment, the grand prize opening (first grand prize opening 30 or second grand prize opening 35) is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of special symbol (jackpot type) that is stopped and displayed. A "special game" is executed. A special game that is executed as a jackpot is called a "jackpot game."

There are multiple types of jackpots in this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the jackpots include "16R 1st jackpot", "6R 2nd to 5th jackpot", "16R 6th jackpot", "16R 7th jackpot", and "12R 8th jackpot". ”, “6R 9th jackpot”, “2R 10th jackpot” and “2R 11th jackpot”, a total of 11 types are provided. Among these jackpots, "16R 1st jackpot" and "6R 2nd to 5th jackpot" which are the jackpots related to the 1st special symbol, and "16R 6th jackpot" which is the jackpot related to the 2nd special symbol are: All of these are jackpots related to jackpot games using the first jackpot 30 (lower attacker). Specifically, in both "16R 1st jackpot" and "16R 6th jackpot", the number of openings (number of rounds) of the first jackpot 30 is 16 times, and the opening time is 1 opening (1 The jackpot is 25 seconds per round). In addition, for each of the "6R 2nd to 5th jackpots", the number of openings (number of rounds) of the first big prize opening 30 is 6 times, and the opening time is 25 seconds per opening (1 round). It is. Note that the round may be simply written as "R". Further, the rounds that make up the jackpot game are also referred to as "round games."

On the other hand, "16R 7th jackpot", "12R 8th jackpot", "6R 9th jackpot", "2R 10th jackpot" and "2R 11th jackpot" which are jackpots related to the second special symbol are the second jackpot. This is a jackpot related to a jackpot game using the winning hole 35 (top attacker). Specifically, for "16R 7th jackpot", "12R 8th jackpot" and "6R 9th jackpot", the number of times the second big prize opening 35 is opened (number of rounds) is 16, 12, and 6, respectively. In each case, the opening time is 25 seconds per opening (one round). In addition, in both "2R 10th jackpot" and "2R 11th jackpot", the number of openings (number of rounds) of the second grand prize opening 35 is 2, and the opening time is 1 opening (1 round). It is a jackpot of 0.1 seconds per time. In the special symbol display section, jackpot symbols corresponding to these jackpot types are stopped and displayed.

Here, the 16R 1st jackpot, 16R 6th jackpot, and 16R 7th jackpot are collectively referred to as the "16R jackpot," and the 6R 2nd to 5th jackpots and the 6R 9th jackpot are also collectively referred to as the "6R jackpot." , 2R 10th jackpot and 2R 11th jackpot are collectively referred to as "2R jackpot". Further, the 12R eighth jackpot is also simply referred to as the "12R jackpot."

In addition, in this example, there are four types of jackpots depending on the number of rounds: 2R jackpot, 6R jackpot, 12R jackpot, and 16R jackpot, but for example, there may be two types, 5R jackpot and 10R jackpot, or 7R jackpot. It is possible to provide various jackpot types, such as one type. Further, in this embodiment, the maximum number of rounds in the jackpot game is 16R (16R jackpot), but the maximum number of rounds is not limited to this, and may be set to 15R or less (for example, 10R), for example.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, depending on the type of jackpot that has been won (occurred), the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game (the gaming state when the variable game is executed) is set to a high probability state, which will be described later. It is possible to control the system to a short time state, a high base state, etc. That is, the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot, and the types of the jackpot are the aforementioned 16R 1st jackpot, 6R 2nd jackpot, 16R 6th jackpot, 16R 7th jackpot, 12R 8th jackpot, 6R 9th jackpot, and 2R. If any of the 10th jackpots is achieved, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to be a "high probability state, time saving state and high base state" which will be described later. In addition, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot, and the type of the jackpot is one of the above-mentioned 6R 3rd to 5th jackpot and 2R 11th jackpot, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be as described below. It is controlled to be a "low probability state, time saving state, and high base state". From this, the 16R 1st jackpot, 6R 2nd jackpot, 16R 6th jackpot, 16R 7th jackpot, 12R 8th jackpot, 6R 9th jackpot, and 2R 10th jackpot can be regarded as "probable and variable jackpots", The 3rd to 5th jackpots and the 2R 11th jackpot can be regarded as "non-probable jackpots" (normal jackpots, time-saving jackpots).

In addition, the 2R jackpot (2R 10th jackpot, 2R 11th jackpot) is a jackpot that opens the 2nd jackpot 35 in 0.1 seconds per round (opens and closes instantaneously) as described above, and is extremely There is a low possibility that a game ball will enter the second grand prize opening 35 which opens in a short time, and therefore, a possibility of winning a prize ball based on the ball entering the second grand prize opening 35 is also low. Such a 2R jackpot is also called a ``no ball jackpot'', and among them, the 2R 10th jackpot is also called a ``no ball popout guaranteed strange jackpot'', and the 2R 11th jackpot is called ``no ball popout normal (time saving)''. Also known as "Jackpot".

In addition, in this embodiment, regarding the 2R 10th jackpot and the 2R 11th jackpot, when a jackpot occurs or a jackpot game is executed, it is difficult for the player to understand which jackpot game will be executed. . That is, regarding these jackpots, by standardizing the manner of the variable performance displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), the stop display manner of the performance symbols 8, the manner of the jackpot game performance, etc., it is possible to win the jackpot through the performance. This makes it difficult to understand (distinguish) the type. Therefore, when a 2R jackpot occurs, the player should, in principle, determine whether the gaming state after the jackpot game is a low probability state or a high probability state. (See FIG. 6) cannot be determined.

In addition, in this embodiment, among the jackpots that open the second jackpot 35 (upper attacker), for the 16R 7th jackpot, 12R 8th jackpot, and 6R 9th jackpot, when the jackpot occurs or the jackpot game is executed, , it is difficult for the player to understand which number of rounds the jackpot game will be executed. That is, regarding these jackpots, by standardizing the manner of the variable performance displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), the stop display manner of the performance symbols 8, the manner of the jackpot game performance, etc., it is possible to win the jackpot through the performance. This makes it difficult to grasp (determine) the exact number of rounds in a game. For this reason, these jackpots are achieved by completing the round in a situation where you do not know how long the round will last, and paying attention to whether or not the round will continue at the end of the 6th or 12th round (round branch). It has become a game feature. Such a jackpot is called a "rank up bonus", and hereinafter this jackpot may be referred to as "RUB".

Furthermore, in this embodiment, among the jackpots that open the first jackpot 30 (lower attacker), for the 6R second to fifth jackpots, when the jackpot occurs or when the jackpot game is executed, the jackpot related to any jackpot It is difficult for the player to understand whether the game will be executed or not. That is, regarding these jackpots, by standardizing the manner of the variable effect displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), the stop display mode of the effect pattern 8, the mode of the jackpot game effect, etc., it is possible to achieve a jackpot through the effect. This makes it difficult to understand (distinguish) the type. Therefore, when any of the 6R 2nd to 5th jackpots occurs, the player should, in principle, determine whether the gaming state after the jackpot game is a low probability state or a high probability state. It is impossible to determine until the state reaches a continuation or termination branch (for example, the 100th fluctuating display after a jackpot game).

When the first special symbol (special pattern 1) is judged as a jackpot, the distribution probability to each jackpot is 5% for the 16R first jackpot, 55% for the 6R second jackpot, and 55% for the 6R third jackpot. 5%, 6R 4th jackpot 15%, 6R 5th jackpot 20%. On the other hand, when the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is determined to be a jackpot, the distribution probability to each jackpot is 30% for the 16R 6th jackpot, 7% for the 16R 7th jackpot, The 12R 8th jackpot is 10%, the 6R 9th jackpot is 8% (that is, RUB is 25%), the 2R 10th jackpot is 5%, and the 2R 11th jackpot is 40%. In other words, when a jackpot is determined by the correctness judgment (special figure 2 correctness judgment) based on the entry of the ball into the second starting port 21, which becomes easier due to the activation of the release extension function (occurrence of a high base state), which will be described later. The occurrence rate (allocation probability) of the 16R jackpot is higher than that in the case where the jackpot is determined by the judgment based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 (special figure 1 judgment). In this way, in this pachinko game machine 1, the game ball enters the second starting port 21 rather than hitting the jackpot in the winning/failure judgment (special figure 1 winning/failing judgment) made when the game ball enters the first starting hole 20. It is set so that the possibility of a jackpot being a jackpot in the judgment made after the ball enters the ball (special figure 2 judgment) is more likely to be advantageous to the player. Therefore, the player plays the game expecting the ball to enter the second starting port 21. This is particularly noticeable during the operation of the release extension function, in which the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 increases.

Here, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, the determination of whether it is a jackpot or a miss (validity determination) is performed based on a "random number for special symbol validity determination" (also referred to as "validity determination information"), and a jackpot is determined. In this case, the type of jackpot is determined based on the "random number for jackpot type determination" (also referred to as "random number for symbol determination" or "information for symbol determination"). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the random number for determining the validity of the special symbol takes a value in the range from 0 to 629, and the random number for determining the jackpot type takes a value in the range from 0 to 99. In addition, the random numbers (acquired information) acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 and the second starting port 21 include, in addition to the random number for determining the validity of special symbols and the random number for determining the type of jackpot, "fluctuation pattern random number ” (also referred to as “fluctuation pattern information”).

The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time, and takes a value in the range of "0 to 198". Furthermore, the random numbers acquired based on passage through the gate 28 include the random numbers for normal symbol validity determination shown in FIG. 7(B). The random number for normal symbol validity determination is a random number for determining whether or not to perform the auxiliary game to open the second starting port 21 (normal symbol lottery), and takes a value in the range of "0 to 240".

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. The pachinko game machine 1 has a plurality of game states depending on combinations in which the probability variation function, the variation time reduction function, and the opening extension function for special symbols and normal symbols are activated or deactivated. The state in which the probability variation function is activated for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is also referred to as a "high probability state" or "probability variable state," and the state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "low probability state." Also called "state" or "normal state." In the high probability state, the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the special symbol validity determination is higher than in the normal state. That is, in the normal state, the jackpot determination table for the normal state is used to determine the success or failure, but in the high probability state, the jackpot determination table for the high probability state is used, in which there are many values of random numbers for special symbol validity determination that are determined to be jackpots. (See FIG. 8(A)). In other words, when the special symbol probability variation function is activated, the probability that the result of the special symbol variation display will be a jackpot (the stopped symbol will become a jackpot symbol) becomes higher than when it is not activated. The activation/deactivation of the probability variation function is controlled by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) serves as a probability setting means that can set the winning probability (jackpot probability) of the special symbol validity judgment to a low probability (first probability) or a high probability (second probability). Function.

In addition, the state in which the variable time shortening function is activated for the special symbols (one or both of the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is also referred to as the "time saving state", and the state in which it is not in operation is referred to as the "non-operating" state. It is also called a "time-shortened state". In the time saving state, the average value of the variation time of the special symbols (time from the start of variable display to the time of final display) is shorter than the average value of the variation time of the special symbols in the non-time saving state. That is, in the time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is determined so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 9). . As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special symbols are consumed becomes faster, and effective ball entry into the starting slot (balls that can be stored as reserved special symbols) is more likely to occur. Therefore, players can aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly. In addition, control of activation/deactivation of the variable time reduction function is performed by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) functions as a shortening fluctuation state setting means that can set a shortening fluctuation state in which the special symbol fluctuation time is shorter than usual.

The probability variation function and variation time reduction function for special symbols may operate at the same time, or only one may operate. The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the normal symbols operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function for the special symbols. That is, the probability variation function and variation time reduction function of the normal symbol operate in the time saving state of the special symbol, and do not operate in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of winning in normal symbol validity determination is higher than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol correctness judgment ( Normal symbol determination) is performed (see FIG. 8(C)).

Also, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. In this embodiment, the variation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state (see FIG. 8(D)). Further, in the time-saving state, the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 (second starting port 21) is activated, and the opening time of the second starting port 21 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In addition, in the time-saving state, the function of increasing the number of openings of the variable prize winning device 22 is activated, and the number of openings of the second starting port 21 in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, when the result of normal symbol validity determination is a hit in the non-time saving state, the movable member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21) performs one opening operation for 0.2 seconds, and the time saving state When the result of the normal symbol validity determination is a hit, the movable member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21) performs an opening operation of 2.0 seconds three times.

Under the situation where the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function for normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening number increase function of the variable winning device 22 are operating, compared to when these functions are not operating. As a result, the second starting port 21 is opened frequently, and the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 21 increases (also referred to as a "high frequency state"). As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state", and a state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have.

The high base state (high frequency state) does not require that all of the above functions operate. In other words, by operating at least one of the probability variation function and variation time shortening function for normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening number increase function of the variable winning device 22, it is possible to increase the probability from when that function is not activated. It is sufficient that the second starting port 21 is easily opened (the ball enters the ball more frequently). In addition, the high base state is controlled to be set or canceled together with the time saving state of the special symbol, but it may be controlled independently without accompanying the time saving state of the special symbol. . The function of generating such a high base state can also be referred to as a "high base generation function" (high frequency state generating means).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the 16R first jackpot, the 6R second jackpot, the 16R sixth jackpot, the 16R seventh jackpot, the 12R eighth jackpot, the 6R ninth jackpot, and the 2R tenth jackpot. In either case, the gaming state after the jackpot game (after the special game) will be a special symbol high probability state, a special symbol time saving state, and a high base state (see FIG. 6). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high-accuracy, high-base state." The high probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (predetermined number of times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In other words, it can be said that the predetermined number of variable displays and jackpot winning (execution of a jackpot game) in the high probability high base state are the conditions for ending the high probability high base state. The high probability/high base state is a state in which it is clear to the player that it is a high probability state, and is a so-called "probability variable state" for the player.

In addition, in the case of either the 6R 3rd to 5th jackpot or the 2R 11th jackpot, the gaming state after the jackpot game (after the special game) will be the normal state (low probability state) of the special symbol, and the special The symbol is in a time saving state and a high base state (see FIG. 6). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability high base state". The low-probability-high base state ends when the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (in this example, 100 or 20 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In other words, it can be said that the predetermined number of variable displays and jackpot winning (execution of a jackpot game) in the low probability high base state are the conditions for ending the low probability high base state.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the low-probability low base state in which no jackpot game is played is the standard, this low-probability low base state is called the "normal gaming state" or the "normal state". In this state, a game in which special symbols are displayed in a variable manner (variable game) can be regarded as a "normal game." On the other hand, since the high-probability high base state and the low-probability high base state are more advantageous for the player than the low-probability low base state, these high-probability high base states and low-probability high base states are referred to as "advantageous states." It can be understood as In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, three game states can be set: "low probability low base state", "low probability high base state", and "high probability high base state". Of these three gaming states, the low probability/high base state as an advantageous state is also referred to as the "first gaming state", and the high probability/high base state as an advantageous state is also referred to as the "second gaming state", which is a non-advantageous state. The low probability low base state is also referred to as the "third gaming state." In addition to these three game states, it may be possible to set a special symbol high probability state, a special symbol non-time saving state, and a low base state, that is, a "high probability low base state". This high-probability low base state is also more advantageous for the player than the low-probability low base state, so it can be regarded as an "advantageous state."

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 3B by hitting right. In the high base state, the second starting port 21 is opened more easily than in the low base state, and it is easier for the ball to enter the second starting port 21 than to enter the first starting port 20. This is because For this reason, the game ball is hit to the right in order to enter the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball through the gate 28 which is the trigger for determining whether the symbol is correct or not. Thereby, compared to the case where the player hits left-handed, a large number of starting balls (opportunities for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not) can be obtained. In this state, the firing direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up in a predetermined manner to notify that the game ball should be fired aiming at the right game area 3B (right-hand hitting instruction notification).

On the other hand, in a low base state (for example, a low probability low base state), the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 3A by hitting to the left. In the low base state, the second starting port 21 is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier for the ball to enter the first starting port 20 than to enter the second starting port 21. This is because Therefore, in order to cause the game ball to enter the first starting port 20, the game ball is hit to the left. As a result, a large number of starting balls (opportunities for special symbol correctness determination) can be obtained compared to the case of right-handed hitting. In this state, the firing direction indicator 47 is lit (displayed) controlled in a predetermined manner to notify that the game ball should be fired aiming at the left gaming area 3A (left-handed hitting instruction notification).

Here, the firing direction indicator 47 is composed of two LEDs "yz", and indicates the firing direction by lighting the LEDs according to the game state. For example, in the low base state, it is possible to notify that the light should be emitted to the left gaming area as a display mode that turns off both LEDs, such as "y□z□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). can. In addition, in the high base state, it is possible to notify that the light should be emitted to the right gaming area as a display mode in which both LEDs are turned on, such as "y z ■" (for example, □: off, ■: on). can.

[Main control main processing]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control section 80) will be explained based on FIGS. 10 to 36. Note that the counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the RAM of the main control board 80. When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided in the main control board 80 reads out and executes the main control main processing program shown in FIG. 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80. As shown in the figure, in the main control main processing, first, initial settings are performed (S101). Initial settings include, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU settings of the main control board 80, SIO, PIO, and CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, and various flags, status, and counter settings. Perform a reset, etc. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Initial settings (S101) are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

After initial setting (S101), interrupts are prohibited (S102), and normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S103) is executed. In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103), the values of the various random number counters shown in FIG. 7 are updated by adding one. When the value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. The updated random number counter value is sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the main control board 80.

When the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S104). While interrupts are enabled, interrupt processing (S105) can be executed. This interrupt processing (S105) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the CPU of the main control board 80 at a period of, for example, 4 ms. Then, after the interrupt processing (S105) ends and until the next interrupt processing (S105) starts, the updating processing of various counter values by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number updating processing (S103) is repeated. executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU while the interrupt is disabled, the interrupt processing (S105) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled (S104).

[Interrupt processing]
Next, interrupt processing (S105) will be explained. As shown in FIG. 11, in the interrupt processing (S105), output processing (S201) is first executed. In the output process (S201), commands (control signals) etc. set in the output buffer provided in the RAM of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub control board 90, payout control board 110, etc. do. The commands and the like outputted here include information regarding the gaming state, the result of special symbol validity determination, symbols as jackpot types, fluctuation patterns, and the like. Note that the command consists of, for example, 2 bytes of information. The upper 1 byte is information regarding the type of command, and the lower 1 byte is information regarding the contents of the command.

In the input process (S202) that is performed after the output process (S201), various sensors (first starting opening sensor 20a, second starting opening sensor 21a, first big winning opening sensor) mainly attached to the pachinko gaming machine 1 are used. 30a, second big prize opening sensor 35a, etc.) is read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as prize ball information. Further, a detection signal from a lower tray full detection sensor (not shown) that detects whether the lower tray 62 is full is also taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as lower tray full data.

The normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S203) performed next is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103) performed in the main control main process of FIG. That is, the updating process of the various random number counter values (including the normal symbol random number counter value) shown in FIG. This is done both during the period until the next interrupt processing (S105) is started).

Following the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S203), the starting port sensor detection process (S204), the starting ball entry process (S205), the regular symbol movement process (S206), and the special pattern movement process (S207), which will be described later. , executes pending ball count processing (S208) and power-off monitoring processing (S209). Thereafter, other processing (S210) that is not deeply related to the present invention is executed, and the interrupt processing (S105) is ended. Then, the processes of S102 to S104 of the main control main process are repeatedly executed until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80 (see FIG. 10). After that), the interrupt processing (S105) is executed again. In the output process (S201) of the interrupt process (S105) executed again, the commands etc. set in the output buffer of the RAM in the previous interrupt process (S105) are output.

[Starting port sensor detection processing]
As shown in FIG. 12, in the starting port sensor detection process (S204), first, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the gate 28, that is, whether the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S301 ). If the game ball has not passed through the gate 28 (NO in S301), the process moves to S305, and if the game ball has passed through the gate 28 (YES in S301), the number of normal symbol pending balls (normal pattern pending It is determined whether or not the number (specifically, the value of a counter provided in the RAM that counts the number of regular drawings) is less than 4 (S302).

As a result, if the number of normal symbols reserved balls is not less than 4 (NO in S302), the process moves to S305. On the other hand, if the number of normal symbols reserved balls is less than 4 (YES in S302), "1" is added to the number of normal symbols reserved balls (S303), and the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304) is performed. In the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304), the value of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination (label -TRND-H, FIG. 7(B)) stored in the update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM is obtained. Then, the obtained random number value (obtained information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of normal symbol reserved balls in the regular symbol reserved storage section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

In S305, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second starting port 21, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the second starting port sensor 21a (S305). If the game ball has not entered the second starting port 21 (NO in S305), the process moves to S309, and if the game ball has entered the second starting port 21 (YES in S305) , the number of special figure 2 reserved balls (the number of second special figure reserves, specifically the value of the counter that counts the number of second special figure reserves provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (upper limit number) It is determined whether or not (S306). If the number of reserved balls for special figure 2 is not less than 4 (NO in S306), the process moves to S309, and if the number of reserved balls for special figure 2 is less than 4 (YES in S306), the process proceeds to S309. 2. Add 1 to the number of reserved balls (S307), and perform special figure 2 related random number acquisition processing (S308).

In the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the random number counter for determining the validity of special symbols (label -TRND-A) stored in the update value storage area of the RAM (not shown), the random number for determining the jackpot type Obtain the counter value (label-TRND-AS) and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) (that is, obtain the random number value shown in FIG. 7(A)), and obtain the obtained random number value (obtain information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for special figure 2 in the second special figure reserve storage section.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the first starting port 20, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the first starting port sensor 20a (S309). If no game ball enters the first starting port 20 (NO in S309), the process ends, but if a game ball enters the first starting port 20 (YES in S309), the special Is the number of 1 reserved balls (the number of 1st special symbols reserved, specifically the value of the counter that counts the number of 1st special symbols reserved in the RAM of the main control unit 80) less than 4 (upper limit number)? It is determined whether or not (S310). Then, if the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is not less than 4 (NO in S310), the process ends, but if the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is less than 4 (YES in S310), special figure 1 is reserved. Add "1" to the number of pitches (S311), and perform special map 1 related random number acquisition processing (S312).

In the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S312), similarly to the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the special symbol validity determination counter stored in the update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM (Label-TRND-A), the value of the random number counter for jackpot type determination (Label-TRND-AS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (Label-TRND-T1) (that is, the random number shown in FIG. 7(A) is obtained. The acquired random values are stored in an address space corresponding to the current number of special figure 1 reserved balls in the first special figure reservation storage section.

[Processing at the time of starting ball entry]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the starting ball entering process (S205) following the starting opening sensor detection process (S204). As shown in FIG. 13, in the starting ball entry process (S205), first, it is determined whether the number of special map 2 reserved balls has increased by "1" (S315). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 has increased by "1" (YES in S315), the process moves to S316. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls in special drawing 2 in S307 in the starting port sensor detection process (S204) based on the game ball entering the second starting port. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of special figure 2 reserved balls has not increased (NO in S315), the process moves to S319.

In S316, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) in the immediately preceding starting port sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit is read ( S316). Next, the obtained random number value related to the read second special symbol is determined (S317). In S317, among the read random numbers, the value of the random number counter for special symbol validity determination (random number value for special symbol validity determination) is determined to be a jackpot depending on the current gaming state (low probability state or high probability state). If the result of the determination is a jackpot, the type of jackpot is further determined. This determination in S317 is a preliminary judgment that performs a validity determination (determination of whether or not it is a jackpot) regarding the second special drawing reservation prior to the validity determination (S1303, S1304) in the special symbol 2 validity determination process (S1202), which will be described later. (This corresponds to so-called "pending read ahead").

In addition, the prior judgment of whether or not it is a jackpot is based on the jackpot judgment table (see Figure 8 (A)), that is, if it is a high probability state, it is a jackpot judgment table for a high probability state, and if it is a normal state (low probability state). For example, it is possible to determine whether or not the jackpot determination value matches the jackpot determination value based on the normal state jackpot determination table. In addition, as other pre-judgment aspects, as a fluctuation pattern information determination table that can determine fluctuation pattern information, there is a fluctuation pattern information determination table for normal states (for low probability states) and a fluctuation pattern information determination table for high probability states (for high probability states). It is assumed that the variation pattern information determination table has the following. In the preliminary determination, predetermined fluctuation pattern information shall be selected based on the acquired random number value (value of a random number counter for special symbol validity determination, etc.) and the fluctuation pattern information determination table according to the gaming state. Is possible. Then, from this selected fluctuation pattern information, it is possible to identify whether or not it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot, whether a game performance with a high jackpot expectation level (also simply referred to as "expectation level") will be executed, etc. be able to.

Next, in S318, game information (prior determination information) related to the result of the determination in S317, specifically, information indicating whether the random number value for special symbol validity determination matches the jackpot determination value (validity information), Command data including information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (random value for determining the jackpot type), information indicating the value of the fluctuating pattern random number counter (fluctuation pattern random value), etc., as the special chart 2 starting ball entry command. The command is generated and set in the output buffer of the RAM (S318). In addition, as the special figure 2 starting ball entry command, part or all of the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number read out in S316 may be sent as is to the sub-control board, or the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number Instead of transmitting as is, game information (for example, the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern information, etc.) acquired based on the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number may be transmitted.

In addition, by analyzing the special chart 2 start ball command sent from the main control unit 80 by the sub-control unit 90, it is possible to determine whether the information is related to a jackpot, what type of jackpot it is, and what the fluctuation pattern is. etc., can be identified by the sub-control unit 90. In addition to this, in this embodiment, by analyzing the special figure 2 starting ball entry command, it is possible to determine whether or not the obtained special figure 2 acquisition random number will be a jackpot when judged in a high probability state, and It is possible to determine whether or not it will be a jackpot when it is determined based on the probability state. As a result, the sub-control unit 90 stores the received special figure 2 starting ball entry command as pending (production pending information), pre-determines the production pending information at a specific timing, and when it is determined whether it is correct or not in a low probability state. It becomes possible to determine whether performance suspension information that is determined to be a jackpot is stored.

In addition, from the perspective of fraud prevention, among the obtained random values read in S316, the random value for determining the validity of the special symbol is not sent as is to the sub-control unit, but the value of the random number counter for determining the other jackpot type (the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type) Generate command data including information indicating the random number value for type determination), the value of the variable pattern random number counter (variable pattern random number value), and information indicating the result of preliminary determination as a special chart 2 starting ball entry command, and It is possible to set

Next, in S319, similarly to the process related to the above-mentioned special figure 2, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the special figure 1 has increased by "1" (S319). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 has increased by "1" (YES in S319), the process moves to S320. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls of special map 1 in S311 in the starting port sensor detection process (S204) based on the game ball entering the first starting port. On the other hand, if it is determined in S319 that the number of special map 1 reserved balls has not increased (NO in S319), the process ends as is.

In S320, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON (S320), and when it is determined that the time saving flag is ON, that is, the high base state is established (YES in S320), the process is directly ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in S320 that the time saving flag is OFF, that is, in a low base state (NO in S320), the process proceeds to the process related to preliminary determination from S321 onwards. Here, if the time saving flag is ON, that is, if the current gaming state is a high base state, the opening extension function that increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 is activated, and the validity of the special drawing 2 is activated. The state is such that a judgment (see FIG. 8(B)) is likely to be made. In addition, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the extinguishment of the second special symbol reservation (fluctuating display of the second special symbol) is executed with priority over the extinguishment of the first special symbol retention (fluctuating display of the first special symbol). (so-called special map 2 priority variable machine). In such a configuration, for example, if a preliminary determination of special drawing 1 is made and the result is notified to the player through a notice or other performance, and if it is clearly shown that the preliminary determination result is a jackpot, the player , By using the priority digestion of the second special figure reservation, intentionally eliminate the second special figure reservation (setting it to "0") at any timing, and the result of the preliminary determination is shown for special figure 1. Technological intervention such as intentionally generating jackpots becomes possible. It is undesirable from the viewpoint of the fairness of the game that the player is able to adjust the timing at which the jackpot occurs in this way. Therefore, if the current gaming state is not a low base state but a high base state (YES in S320), this process is ended without performing the process related to the preliminary determination of special map 1 after S321. .

The processing in S321 to S323 is the same processing as in S316 to S318 described above for the special figure 1. That is, the latest acquired random number value (acquisition information) acquired in the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) in the starting opening sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit is read out (S321), A preliminary determination is made regarding the read random number value (S322). Then, command data including game information related to this preliminary determination is generated as a special chart 1 starting ball entry command, and the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S323). In addition, the preliminary determination (pending pre-reading) of S322 is performed prior to the validity determination (S1603, S1604) in the later-described special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207).

[General figure movement processing]
The game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal figure operation process (S206) shown in FIG. 14 following the start ball entry process (S205). In the normal pattern movement processing (S206), the processing regarding the normal pattern display 42 and the variable winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and "normal pattern movement status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each of these stages. . Then, if the "common pattern movement status" is "1" (YES in S401), the normal pattern standby process (S402) is performed, and if the "common pattern movement status" is "2" (S401 NO in S403, YES in S403), perform the normal symbol fluctuation processing (S404), and if the "Normal pattern movement status" is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), the normal symbol is confirmed. Processing (S406) is performed, and if the "normal figure action status" is "4" (all of S401, S403, and S405 are NO), normal electric accessory processing (S407) is performed. Note that the normal figure action status is "1" in the initial setting.

[Normal symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the normal symbol standby process (S402), it is first determined whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" (S501), and if it is "0" (YES in S501). ), this process ends without performing the processes in S502 to S505. On the other hand, if it is not "0" (NO in S501), a normal symbol propriety determination process to be described later is performed (S502), and then a normal symbol variation pattern selection process is performed (S503).

In the normal symbol variation pattern selection process (S503), with reference to the normal symbol variation pattern selection table shown in FIG. Select a pattern. On the other hand, if the gaming state is a non-time saving state, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern in which the normal symbol fluctuation time is 30 seconds is selected. After finishing the normal symbol variation pattern selection process (S503), the below-described normal symbol random number shift process (S504) is performed, then the normal symbol variation start process (S505) is performed, and the process ends. In the normal symbol variation start process, a variable display of the normal symbol is started based on the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2". In addition, in the normal symbol variation start process, a normal symbol variation start command is set in order to notify the sub-control board 90 of the start of variation of the normal symbols.

[Normal symbol validity determination process]
As shown in FIG. 16, in the normal symbol validity determination process (S502), first, the value (label -TRND-H) of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination stored in the regular symbol reservation storage unit is read out (S601). . Next, it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON (that is, whether the gaming state is in the time saving state) (S602). In S602, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, the time-saving state is determined (YES in S602), the table for the time-saving state among the normal symbol hit determination tables shown in FIG. 8(C) (the hit determination value is "0" to "239") is used to determine whether or not the winning pattern is a hit (S604), and the process proceeds to S605. That is, it is determined whether the read value of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination (label -TRND-H) matches any of the hit determination values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, it is in a non-time-saving state (NO in S602), the table for the non-time-saving state of the normal symbol hit determination table shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is a hit by low probability normal pattern correctness determination based on the determination value "0", "1" (S603), and the process moves to S605. Then, it is determined whether the result of the normal pattern correctness determination (S603, S604) is a hit (normal pattern hit) or not (S605), and if it is determined that it is a miss (NO in S605), the missed normal symbol is stopped and displayed ( (S606) and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S605 that there is a hit (normal pattern hit) (YES in S605), the winning normal pattern (normal pattern per pattern) to be stopped and displayed is determined (S607), and the normal pattern hit flag is turned ON ( S608), the process ends.

[Normal pattern random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 17, in the normal symbol random number shift process (S504), first, the number of normal symbol reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S701). Next, the storage location of each common symbol reservation in the common symbol reservation storage unit is shifted by one position from the current position to the side from which it is read (S702). Then, the address space, which is the storage location of the highest level of pending memory in the general pattern holding storage section, is made empty ("0"), that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth pending general pattern is cleared to 0 (S703 ), the process ends. In this way, the reservations for common maps are cleared in the order of reservation.

[Normal symbol fluctuation processing]
As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal symbol fluctuation processing (S404), first, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the normal symbol has elapsed (S801), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S801), the process ends. . On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S801), the normal symbol fluctuation stop command is set (S802), and the normal symbol movement status is set to "3" (S803). Then, perform other processing such as stopping the fluctuating display of the normal symbols at the display result (hit normal symbol or missed normal symbol) according to the judgment result of the random number for normal symbol validity judgment (S804), and then perform this processing. Finish.

[Normal pattern confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 19, in the normal symbol determination process (S406), first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol hit flag is ON (S901). If the ordinary figure flag is not ON (NO in S901), the ordinary figure operation status is set to "1" (S905), and this process ends. On the other hand, if the normal map per flag is ON (YES in S901), then it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON, that is, whether or not the time saving state is in progress (S902). If it is in the time saving state (YES in S902), the opening pattern in the time saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable prize winning device 22 (second starting port 21) (S903). The opening pattern during the time saving state is, as described above, an opening pattern in which opening for 2.0 seconds is repeated three times. Therefore, the second starting port opening counter that counts the number of times the second starting port 21 is opened is set to "3".

On the other hand, if it is in the non-time saving state (NO in S902), the opening pattern in the non-time saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable prize winning device 22 (second starting port 21) (S906). The opening pattern during the non-time saving state is, as described above, an opening pattern in which opening is performed once for 0.2 seconds. Therefore, the second starting port opening counter is set to "1". Then, following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the normal pattern operation status is set to "4" (S904), and the present process ends.

[Normal electric accessory processing]
As shown in FIG. 20, in the normal electric accessory processing (S407), first, it is determined whether or not the normal figure per end flag is ON (S1001). The common symbol winning end flag is a flag indicating that the opening of the second starting port 21 has ended in the auxiliary game executed as a winning result.

If the normal pattern hit end flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether or not the second starting port 21 is being opened (S1002). As a result, if the second starting port 21 is not open (NO in S1002), it is determined whether or not the time (timing) to open the second starting port 21 has arrived (S1003), and if not (S1003). If the process has been completed (YES in S1003), the second starting port 21 is opened (S1004), and the process ends without performing the process in S1004.

On the other hand, if the second starting port 21 is being opened (YES in S1002), whether or not the timing for closing the second starting port 21 has come (that is, after opening the second starting port 21, a predetermined timing is determined). (S1005), and if not (NO in S1005), complete this process without performing steps S1006 to S1010, and if it has (YES in S1005). , the second starting port 21 is closed (S1006).

Following the closing process of the second starting port 21 (S1006), the value of the second starting port opening counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second starting port opening counter is "0" or not. (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), the process is finished in order to open the second starting port 21 again. On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S1008), a normal pattern per end process is performed to end the auxiliary game (S1009), a normal pattern per end flag is set (S1010), and this process ends. In addition, the second starting port opening counter becomes "0" when the second starting port 21 is opened (opening operation of the movable member 23) three times if the time saving state is in progress, and if it is in the non-time saving state, the second starting port opening counter becomes "0". When the second starting port 21 is opened once, it becomes "0".

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1001 that the normal pattern hit end flag is ON (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second starting port 21 has been completed the number of times set in S903 or S906. , the end flag for normal drawing is turned OFF (S1011), the flag for normal drawing is turned OFF (S1012), and the normal drawing action status is set to "1" (S1013), and the process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the normal symbol standby process (S402) will be executed again as the normal symbol operation process (S206).

[Special figure movement processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the special figure operation process (S207) following the regular figure operation process (S206). In the special figure operation process (S207), as shown in FIG. "Special figure operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each stage. Then, if the special pattern movement status is "1" (YES in S1101), special pattern standby processing (S1102) is performed, and if the special pattern movement status is "2" (NO in S1101, S1103 YES), perform special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104), and if the special symbol operation status is "3" (NO in both S1101 and S1103, YES in S1105), perform special symbol confirmation processing (S1106). If the "special figure operation status" is "4" (all of S1101, S1103, and S1105 are NO), special electric accessory processing (S1107) as a jackpot game is performed. In addition, the special figure operation status is "1" in the initial setting.

[Special symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 22, in the special symbol standby process (S1102), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls at the second starting port 21 (i.e., the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2) is "0" (S1201 ). If the number of reserved balls in special figure 2 is "0" (YES in S1201), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained due to the ball entering the second starting port 21, the first starting It is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the mouth 20 (namely, the number of reserved balls on special map 1) is "0" (S1206). If the number of reserved balls for special figure 1 is also "0" (YES in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value acquired due to the ball entering the first starting port 20, the image It is determined whether or not the display screen 7a of the display device 7 is being processed as a standby screen (demonstration screen for waiting for customers is being executed) (S1211), and if it is being processed as a standby screen (YES in S1211). ), if the process is completed and the process of setting the standby screen is not in progress (NO in S1211), a standby screen setting process is executed to display the standby screen (S1212).

If it is determined in S1201 that the number of reserved balls for special map 2 is not "0" (NO in S1201), that is, the memory of the random number counter value acquired due to the ball entering the second starting port 21 is one or more. In that case, the following special figure 2 validity judgment process (S1202), special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), and special figure 2 variation start process (S1205) are performed in this order. conduct. In addition, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, the random number counter value related to the second starting port 21 is There is no memory, but if there is memory of one or more random number counter values obtained due to the ball entering the first starting port 20, the special figure 1 validity judgment process (S1207) described later, the special figure 1 fluctuation Pattern selection process (S1208), special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S1210) are performed in this order. As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is performed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0" (YES in S1201). That is, the extinguishment of the second special symbol reservation (fluctuating display of the second special symbol) is executed with priority over the extinguishment of the first special symbol retention (fluctuating display of the first special symbol). In this embodiment, the judgment based on the second special figure reservation is more likely to result in a jackpot that is profitable for the player than the judgment based on the first special figure reservation (Fig. 8 (B) ).

[Special figure 2 validity judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 23, in the special figure 2 validity judgment process (S1202), first, as a judgment value, the lowest area of the second special figure reservation storage section of the RAM (that is, the first piece of the second special figure reservation) is The value (label -TRND-A) of the special symbol validity judgment random number counter (oldest memory) stored in the corresponding RAM area is read out (S1301). Next, it is determined whether the probability change flag is ON, that is, whether or not the state is high probability (S1302). If it is not a high probability state (NO in S1302), that is, if it is a normal state, the jackpot determination table for the normal state (with jackpot determination values of "3" and "3") among the jackpot determination tables shown in FIG. 397'')) (S1303). On the other hand, if it is in a high probability state (YES in S1302), a judgment is made based on a jackpot judgment table for a high probability state among the jackpot judgment tables (S1304). In the jackpot judgment table for high probability states, the jackpot judgment values are "3", "53", "113", "173", "227", "281", "337", "397", "449". , "503".

If the result of the jackpot determination (S1303, S1304) is determined to be a "jackpot" (YES in S1305), the value of the random number counter for jackpot type determination (label -TRND-AS) is read out and shown in Figure 8 (B). The jackpot type is determined based on the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. Finish. On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the jackpot determination (S1303, S1304) is not a "jackpot" (NO in S1305), a losing symbol is determined (S1306), and the present process ends.

In the case of judgment regarding the first special symbol, the jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol, and in the case of the judgment regarding the second special symbol, the jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol. The jackpot type is determined using the type determination table. The jackpot determination (special symbol validity determination) and the jackpot type determination determination may be respectively referred to as "determination", or the jackpot determination and which jackpot symbol will be determined may also be referred to as "determination". Further, these results may also be referred to as "judgment results."

Here, the round indicator 45 is composed of four LEDs: a 2R lamp, a 6R lamp, a 12R lamp, and a 16R lamp (see FIG. 4). For example, when a 2R jackpot occurs, the 2R lamp is lit and displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is "2R▲6△12△16R△" (for example, ▲: lights on, △: lights off). Furthermore, when a 6R jackpot is reached, the 6R lamp is lit and displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode becomes "2R△6▲12△16R△". Furthermore, when a 12R jackpot is reached, the 12R lamp is lit and displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is "2R△6△12▲16R△". Furthermore, when a 16R jackpot is reached, the 16R lamp is lit and displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is "2R△6△12△16R▲".

[Special figure 2 variation pattern selection process]
In the special symbol standby process (S1102), following the special symbol 2 validity determination process (S1202), the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process is performed (S1203). The special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203) is a process of selecting a variation pattern (special figure 2 variation pattern) related to the variation display when performing the variation display of the second special symbol. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), first, it is determined whether the gaming state is a time saving state (whether the time saving flag is ON or not) (S1401 ). As a result, if it is determined that it is not in a time-saving state (NO in S1401), that is, if it is in a non-time-saving state, it is then determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1402). As a result, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1402), refer to the non-time saving state jackpot table (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time saving state and jackpot), A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1403). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P1 to P3 is selected. In this embodiment, it is assumed that once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. Next, the process moves to S1404.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1402 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1402), then it is determined whether the number of reservations of the second special symbol is "1" or "2" (S1405). The number of pending memories here is the number of memories including information that determines the fluctuation pattern through this process, so the number of pending memories is set to any value from "1" to "4". If it is determined in S1405 that the pending number is "1" or "2" (YES in S1405), the first pending number out table (of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1406). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P4 to P7 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1405 that the pending number is not "1" or "2", that is, it is "3" or "4" (NO in S1405), the second pending number out table (the fluctuation shown in FIG. (S1407 ). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P8 to P11 is selected. Further, the first table for losing the number of reservations is set to have a higher possibility of selecting a fluctuation pattern with a relatively long fluctuation time than the second table for losing the number of reservations. Further, the shortest selectable variation time (12000 ms) is also longer than that of the second table for out-of-retention number (4000 ms).

Further, when it is determined in S1401 that the time is shortened (YES in S1401), it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1408). As a result, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1408), the variation pattern is A fluctuation pattern is selected based on the random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1409). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P12 to P14 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1408 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1408), then it is determined whether the number of reservations is "1" (S1410). The number of reservations here is also the same as described above, and the number of reservations is set to any value from "1" to "4". If it is determined in S1410 that the number of balls on hold is "1" (YES in S1410), the third table for out-of-on-hold pitches (in the fluctuation pattern table shown in Figure 9, the time is short, the ball is off, and the number of balls on hold is "1") A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1411). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P15 to P18 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1410 that the number of reservations is not "1", that is, it is determined that the number of reservations is any one of "2" to "4" (NO in S1410), the fourth reservation number removal table (Fig. Select a variation pattern based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the part of the variation pattern table shown in the table that corresponds to the time-saving state, out-of-time, and number of reserved pitches "2 to 4"). S1411). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P19 to P22 is selected. Here, the possibility that a short fluctuation pattern will be selected is made higher than the fluctuation pattern selected when the time is short and the result is off compared to the fluctuation pattern that is selected when the time is short and the result is off. There is. This is to speed up the speed at which special symbols are reserved by selecting more variation patterns with short variation times in the time-saving state (to speed up the game during the time-saving state).

After selecting a variation pattern as described above, other processing shown in FIG. 24 is performed (S1404), and this processing ends. In other processing (S1404), processing such as setting a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the output buffer of the RAM is performed. Further, the variation pattern designation command set in this process is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 by the output process (S201).

[Special figure 2 random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 26, in the special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), first, the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 is decremented by 1 (S1501). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the second special figure reservation storage section is set to one level lower (for example, if the second special figure reservation storage section consists of an address space corresponding to addresses "0000" to "0003", the address (S1502). Then, set "0" in the highest address space of the second special figure reservation storage section, that is, (if the upper limit number has been stored), the RAM area corresponding to the fourth of the second special figure reservation. is cleared to 0 (S1503), and this processing ends.

After executing the special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S1205) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special figure 2 variation start process (S1205), the special figure operation status is set to "2", a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and the variation display of the second special symbol is started.

In the special symbol standby process (S1102) of FIG. 22, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2 is "0" and the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206) ), special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207), special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special figure 1 variation start process (S1210) are performed in this order.

[Special figure 1 validity judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 27, in the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207), processing (S1601 to S1609) is performed in the same flow as the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202) shown in FIG. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted. However, since this process is related to special figure 1, in S1601, it is stored in the lowest area of the first special figure reservation storage section of RAM (that is, the RAM area corresponding to the first of the first special figure reservation). The special symbol validity determination random number counter value (label -TRND-A) is read out and processed.

[Special figure 1 variation pattern selection process]
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, in the special pattern 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), the first special symbol A process (S1701 to S1712) is performed to select a variation pattern (special figure 1 variation pattern) related to the variation display of. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted.

[Special figure 1 random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 30, in the special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), first, the number of reserved balls in the special figure 1 is decremented by 1 (S1801). Next, the storage locations of various counter values in the first special figure reservation storage section are shifted to the lower side by one (S2002). Then, set "0" in the highest address space of the first special figure reservation storage unit, that is, (if the upper limit number is stored), the RAM area corresponding to the fourth of the first special figure reservation. is cleared to 0 (S1803), and this processing ends.

After executing the special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S1210) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special figure 1 variation start process (S1210), the special figure operation status is set to "2", a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and the variation display of the first special symbol is started.

[Special symbol fluctuation processing]
As shown in FIG. 31, in the special symbol variation process (S1104), first, the variation time of the special symbol, that is, the variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in S1203 or S1208 described above (see FIG. 9) It is determined whether or not the period has elapsed (S1901). If it is determined that the variable time has not elapsed (NO in S1901), the process ends without performing the processes in S1902 to S1912. As a result, the variable display of the special symbols is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1901 that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901), a fluctuation stop command is set (S1902). Then, it is determined whether the probability variation flag is ON or not (S1903), and if it is ON (YES in S1903), the probability variation counter is subtracted by 1 (S1904), and whether the value of the probability variation counter is "0" or not is determined. Determine (S1905). If it is determined in S1905 that the probability variation counter is "0" (YES in S1905), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1906), and the process moves to S1907. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation flag is not ON (NO in S1903) or if it is determined that the probability variation counter is not "0" (NO in S1905), the process directly proceeds to S1907.

In S1907, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON (S1907), and if it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (YES in S1907), the number of times the special symbol change display executed during the time saving state is counted. The value of the time saving counter is decremented by 1 (S1908). Then, it is determined whether the value of the time saving counter is "0" (S1909), and if it is "0" (YES in S1909), the time saving flag is turned OFF (S1910) and the process proceeds to S1911. Further, if it is determined that the time saving flag is not ON (NO in S1907) or if it is determined that the value of the time saving counter is not "0" (NO in S1909), the process directly proceeds to S1911.

In S1911, the special figure operation status is set to "3" (S1911). Then, other processes such as stopping the variable display of the special symbols according to the judgment results of the special symbol propriety judgment random numbers and jackpot type determination random numbers are performed (S1912), and this process is ended.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above-mentioned special symbol 2 variation start process (S1205), special symbol 1 variation start process (S1210), and special symbol variation process (S1104) functions as a "variable game execution means". It is something to do.

[Special design confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 32, in the special symbol confirmation process (S1106), first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), then it is determined whether the type of confirmed jackpot is a 16R jackpot (S2002), and if it is determined to be a 16R jackpot (YES in S2002), the jackpot game The value of a round counter that counts the number of rounds executed during the process is set to "16" (S2003), and the process moves to S2009. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2002 that the jackpot type is not a 16R jackpot (NO in S2002), it is determined whether the confirmed jackpot type is a 12R jackpot (S2004), and it is determined that it is a 12R jackpot. If so (YES in S2004), the value of the round counter is set to "12" (S2005), and the process moves to S2009. In addition, if it is determined in S2004 that the jackpot type is not a 12R jackpot (NO in S2004), it is determined whether the confirmed jackpot type is a 6R jackpot (S2006), and if it is determined that it is a 6R jackpot (S2006). (YES), sets the value of the round counter to "6" (S2007), and moves to the process of S2009. Furthermore, if it is determined in S2006 that the jackpot type is not a 6R jackpot (NO in S2006), the confirmed jackpot type is a 2R jackpot, so the value of the round counter is set to "2" (S2008), and in S2009 Move to processing.

In S2009, a jackpot opening pattern is set according to the type (type) of the confirmed jackpot (S2009). Here, as described above, the opening pattern of the big winning opening is determined according to the type of jackpot, so the opening pattern of the big winning opening corresponding to the jackpot determined this time is set (see FIG. 6). Then, in each jackpot game, the opening operation of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) is executed based on the big winning hole opening pattern set in S2009.

Next, in S2010, a jackpot opening command is set to start the jackpot game (S2010). In this embodiment, the opening commands include a first opening command corresponding to the 16R first jackpot, a second opening command corresponding to the 6R second to fifth jackpots, a third opening command corresponding to the 16R sixth jackpot, and RUB ( A total of 5 types are provided: the 4th opening command corresponding to the 16R 7th jackpot, 12R 8th jackpot, 6R 9th jackpot) and the 5th opening command corresponding to the 2R jackpot (2R 10th jackpot, 2R 11th jackpot). ing. In S2010, an opening command is set according to the type of jackpot decided this time (jackpot to start). Then, the main control unit 80 (gaming control microcomputer 81) transmits the set opening command to the sub-control unit 90 at a predetermined timing through output processing (S201), and sends the set opening command to the sub-control unit 90 that has received the opening command. 90 performs a predetermined game performance execution process based on the opening command.

After setting the opening command, the opening period of the jackpot game is started (S2011), and the special figure operation status is set to "4" (S2012). The opening period is a period that is set before the first opening operation of the big winning hole in a jackpot game and after the variable display of special symbols (production symbols) is made impossible, and is also referred to as the "starting period". say. Furthermore, the performance executed during this "start period" is also referred to as a "start performance (opening performance)." In this embodiment, the opening period (opening time) is determined by the type of confirmed jackpot and the gaming state when the jackpot is confirmed (that is, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed). The opening period can be specified by the opening command described above. Therefore, the sub-control unit 90 that has received the opening command can perform the opening performance based on the jackpot type and opening period specified by the opening command.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2001 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S2001), the special figure operation status is set to "1" (S2013), and this process ends.

[Special electric accessory processing (jackpot game)]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the special electric accessory processing (S1107), first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S2101), and if it is determined that the probability variation flag is ON (YES in S2101) , the probability change flag is turned OFF (S2102), and it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON (S2103). If it is determined in S2103 that the time saving flag is ON (YES in S2103), the time saving flag is turned OFF (S2104) and the process proceeds to S2105. In addition, if it is determined in S2101 that the probability change flag is not ON (NO in S2101), the process proceeds to S2103 without performing the process in S2102, and if it is determined in S2103 that the time saving flag is not ON (NO in S2103), The process proceeds to S2105 without performing the process of S2104. In other words, while the jackpot game is being executed, the control is made to a low probability state and a non-time saving state. In this embodiment, since the low base state is always maintained during the non-time saving state, the low base state is also controlled during the execution of the jackpot game.

Next, in S2105, it is determined whether the jackpot end flag is ON (S2105). The jackpot end flag is a flag indicating that all opening processes of the jackpot devices (first jackpot device 31 and second jackpot device 36) have been completed (the jackpot game has ended) in the jackpot game. If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), then it is determined whether it is time to start a round (S2106). This is determined based on the jackpot opening pattern set for each jackpot type described above. For example, if it is before the start of the first round, the determination is made based on whether the opening period has ended and it is time to execute the first release process of the first round. If the first round has already started, the determination is made based on whether the previous round has ended and the predetermined interval period has ended.

If it is determined in S2106 that it is time to start a round (YES in S2106), a round start command for the corresponding round is set (S2107), and a big prize opening opening process is performed (S2108). As a result, the big winning hole (the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35) becomes open and a predetermined round starts. In addition, in S2107, a round start command that can specify the round to start is set, such as "1R start command" for the start of the first round and "2R start command" for the start of the second round. . The set round start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 through the output process in S201. In the big winning hole opening process of S2108, the big winning hole opening pattern (the first big winning hole The opening/closing member is operated (opening operation) in order to open the winning opening 30 or the second big winning opening 35).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2106 that it is not the round start time (NO in S2106), the process moves to S2112. Here, cases where it is determined that it is not the time to start a round include, for example, during the opening period before the start of one round, during the round game, during the interval period after the end of the round game (during the big winning hole closing process), etc. .

In S2112, it is determined whether the big winning hole opening operation is being executed, that is, whether the big winning hole opened by the process of S2108 is still being opened (during a round game) (S2112). As a result, if it is determined that the big winning opening operation is not being executed (during a round game) (NO in S2112), the process moves to S2116 without performing the processing of S2113 to S2115, and the big winning opening opening operation is executed. If it is determined that the round game is in progress (during a round game) (YES in S2112), it is determined whether the end condition (round end condition) of the round game being executed is satisfied (S2113).

Here, the round end conditions of this embodiment are: (1) the opening time of the big prize opening set in the round game being executed (for example, 25 seconds), that is, the execution time of the round game has elapsed, and (2) the execution In the middle round game, two conditions are set: that a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) have entered the big prize opening. When one of the conditions is satisfied, it means that the round end condition is satisfied based on the previously satisfied condition.

If it is determined in S2113 that the round end condition is not satisfied (NO in S2113), the process ends without performing the processes in S2114 to S2121. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2113 that the round end condition is satisfied (YES in S2113), a round end command for the corresponding round is set (S2114), and the process moves to S2115. In S2114, a round end command that can specify the round to end is set, such as a "1R end command" for the end of the first round and a "2R end command" for the end of the second round. The set round end command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 through the output process in S201.

Next, in S2115, the big winning hole closing process is performed (S2115), and the opening/closing member of the big winning hole (the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35) is operated (closing operation), and the big winning hole (the second big winning hole) is closed. The first big winning opening 30 or the second big winning opening 35) is closed. In addition, in the big winning hole closing process, a closing time, ie, an interval time, is set to keep the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) in a closed state.

Next, in S2116, it is determined whether or not the interval time has elapsed (S2116), and if it is determined that the interval time has not elapsed (during the interval period) (NO in S2116), the main processing is performed without performing the processing in S2117 to S2121. Finish processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2116 that the interval time has elapsed (YES in S2116), the value of the round counter is decremented by 1 (S2117), and it is determined whether the value of the round counter is "0" (S2118). ). As a result, if it is determined that the value of the round counter is not "0" (NO in S2118), the process ends without performing the processes in S2119 to S2121. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the round counter is "0" (YES in S2118), a jackpot ending command is set as a jackpot ending process to end the jackpot game (S2119), and a jackpot ending period is started. (S2120), turns on the jackpot end flag (S2121), and ends this process. Note that the value of the round counter becomes "0" when all round games in the jackpot game to be executed are completed.

In S2119, an ending command is selected from a plurality of predetermined ending commands according to the gaming state at the time of the current jackpot occurrence, the type of jackpot, the gaming state after the jackpot game, etc., and the selected command is Set. The ending period (ending time) to be executed (set) is determined by the type of ending command set in this way. During the ending period, after all the opening operations of the big winning openings (the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35) in the jackpot game have been completed, it is possible to perform the variable display of special symbols (production symbols). This is the period set before the end of the period, and is also called the "termination period." In the ending period (end period), the first grand prize opening 30 and the second grand prize opening 35 are in a closed state. The performance executed during this "end period" is also referred to as the "end performance".

The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) transmits the ending command set in S2119 to the sub-control unit 90 at a predetermined timing through output processing (S201), and the sub-control unit that has received the ending command 90 performs execution processing of a predetermined ending effect based on the ending command.

If it is determined that the jackpot end flag is ON in S2105 described above (YES in S2105), the final round in the jackpot game has ended, so it is determined whether or not the ending time of the jackpot has elapsed, that is, in S2120 described above. It is determined whether it is the end timing of the ending period started in the process (S2122). As a result, if it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2122), the process ends without performing the processes in S2123 to S2126. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2122), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2123), and a game state setting process (S2124) to be described later is performed. Next, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2125), the special figure operation status is set to "1" (S2126), and this process is finished. As a result, in the next interrupt processing, the special symbol standby processing (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation processing (FIG. 21). In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above special electric accessory processing (S1108) functions as a "special game execution means".

[Game status setting process]
As shown in FIG. 34, in the game state setting process (S2124), it is first determined whether the jackpot game that has ended this time is related to a variable probability jackpot (S2201). In this example, as mentioned above, 7 types of guaranteed and variable jackpots include 16R 1st jackpot, 6R 2nd jackpot, 16R 6th jackpot, 16R 7th jackpot, 12R 8th jackpot, 6R 9th jackpot, and 2R 10th jackpot. Therefore, in S2201, it is determined whether the condition corresponds to any one of these seven types. As a result, if it is determined that the jackpot game that ended this time is related to a probability variable jackpot (YES in S2201), the probability variation flag is turned ON (S2202), and the probability variation counter is set to "10,000" (S2203). ), and further turns on the time saving flag (S2204), sets the time saving counter to "10,000" (S2205), and ends this process.

Here, the value set in the probability variation counter is the number of times that special symbol validity determination can be executed with high probability. The value "10,000" (10,000 times) set in this example is based on the jackpot probability in a high probability state, the daily business hours of the game parlor, and the special drawing validity judgment that can be executed during the business hours. Considering the number of times, etc., this is essentially the same as guaranteeing a high probability state until the next jackpot occurs or until business hours end. Therefore, when the gaming state is set to a high probability state, it can be said that the high probability state is guaranteed until the next jackpot occurs (substantially the same meaning). In addition, when the probability change flag is ON, the time saving counter is also set to "10,000", so while this high probability state is set, the time saving state (open extension state) is also set. You can say that. In addition, as in this embodiment, the value of "10,000" may be set in the probability change counter and the time saving counter, and the high probability high base state may be set substantially until the next jackpot. When the time saving flag is ON, control may be adopted in which a high-accuracy, high-base state is set until the next jackpot occurs without setting a value in the counter.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot game that ended this time is not related to a probability variable jackpot (NO in S2201), that is, if the jackpot game that ended this time is related to a non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot), the probability variation flag is turned ON. The time-saving flag is turned ON (S2206) and the time-saving counter is set to "100" or "20" (S2207), and the process ends. In this embodiment, as mentioned above, four types of non-probable variable jackpots are the 6R 3rd to 5th jackpot and the 2R 11th jackpot, so when the jackpot game related to any of these 4 types ends, the game The state becomes a low probability state, a time saving state, and a high base state (that is, a low probability high base state). This low-probability-high base state ends when either of the following conditions is met: the special symbol variation display (special symbol validity determination) is performed 100 or 20 times, and the next jackpot occurs. In this embodiment, the number of times the special symbol is displayed as a variation (specified number of variations), which is the condition for ending the low-probability-high base state, is set in accordance with the type of jackpot that is the trigger for setting the low-probability, high-base state. Specifically, the prescribed number of fluctuations in the low probability high base state triggered by the 6R 3rd to 5th jackpot is set to 100 times, and the prescribed number of fluctuations in the low probability high base state triggered by the 2R 11th jackpot is set to 100 times. It is set as "20 times" (see Figure 6). Therefore, if the jackpot game that ended this time is related to any of the 6R 3rd to 5th jackpots, "100" is set in the time saving counter, and if it is related to the 2R 11th jackpot, "100" is set in the time saving counter. 20'' is set (S2207). The time saving counter and the probability change counter count the total number of times the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the number of times the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The gaming control microcomputer 81 that executes the above gaming state setting process (S2124) functions as a "gaming state control means".

[Held pitch count processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball number process (S208) following the special figure operation process (S207). As shown in FIG. 35, in the reserved ball number processing (S208), first, the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls, the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 is read out. (S2501). Next, data on the number of held balls (a held ball number command for transmitting the held ball number information to the sub-control board 90, etc.) is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2502). The data related to the number of pending pitches (number of pending pitches command) is output by the output process (S201) in the next interrupt processing (S105), and the data related to the number of pending pitches (number of pending pitches command) is output for each interrupt processing. Setting to the output buffer (S2502) and output processing (S201) are performed sequentially. When the sub-control unit 90 that has received the held ball number command determines that there has been an increase or decrease in the number of special figure held balls based on the received held ball number command, the sub-control unit 90 changes the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 accordingly. The display contents of the performance pending display area (first performance pending display area 9c, second performance pending display area 9d) are updated. For example, if the number of special figure 1 reserved balls increases by 1 from "3" to "4", the first effect pending 9a corresponding to the increased number of special figure 1 reserved balls "4" will be displayed as the first effect pending. It is additionally displayed in area 9c. In addition, when the number of special figure 1 reserved balls decreases by 1 from "2" to "1" (in other words, when the first special figure reservation is exhausted), the left end of the first effect reservation display area 9c (special figure 1 reservation The first performance hold 9a displayed in the area corresponding to the number of pitches "1" (see Figure 3) is moved to the variable hold display area 9e (see Figure 3), and along with this, the first performance hold is moved. The first effect pending 9a displayed in the display area 9c is moved (shifted) by one position to the left.

In addition, regarding the data of the number of special pattern held balls when the number of special pattern held balls is added, that is, the data of the number of special pattern held balls due to the occurrence of starting balls (starting winnings), please use the above-mentioned starting ball entering command. Alternatively, a number of reserved balls command indicating the number of special pattern reserved balls after addition (after starting balls entered) may be set in the output buffer together with the starting balls command. In addition, regarding the data of the number of reserved balls when the number of reserved balls of special symbols is subtracted, that is, the data of the number of reserved balls of special symbols accompanying the start of fluctuation of special symbols (expiration of special symbol reservation), use the above-mentioned fluctuation start command. Alternatively, a pending ball count command indicating the number of special figure pending balls after subtraction (after the special figure pending consumption) may be set in the output buffer together with the fluctuation start command.

[Power-off monitoring processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a power-off monitoring process (S209) following the pending ball count process (S208). As shown in FIG. 36, in the power-off monitoring process (S209), first, it is determined whether or not a power-off signal is input (S2601), and if there is no input (NO in S2601), this process ends. On the other hand, if a power-off signal is input (YES in S2601), the current state of the gaming machine (whether it is a fixed change or not, whether it is in a winning game or not, how many balls are on hold, and the remaining number of changes in the fixed change/time saving) is determined. etc.) is stored in the RAM (S2602), the power-off flag is turned ON (S2603), and thereafter loop processing is performed without returning to interrupt processing (S105).

[Sub control main processing]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 (control processing by the sub-control unit 90) will be explained based on FIGS. 37 to 42. In addition, the counter, flag, status, buffer, timer, etc. that appear in the explanation of the production control microcomputer 91 are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit). When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 37 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main processing, first, CPU initialization processing is performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack settings, constant settings, CPU 92 settings, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, and various flags, status, and counter resets are performed.

Next, in S4002, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are normal (S4002). If this determination result is NO (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003), and the process proceeds to S4004. On the other hand, if the determination result is YES (YES in S4002), the process proceeds to S4004 without initializing the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized. If the power-off signal is turned ON but the contents of the RAM are maintained normally (YES in S4002), the RAM is not initialized. When the RAM is initialized, various flags, statuses, and counter values are reset.

Note that S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after the power is turned on (when the power is turned on), and are not executed thereafter. In addition, in this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 91 also performs the same process as the power failure monitoring process (S209) by the gaming control microcomputer 81 shown in FIG. Then, the data related to the effect control at that time is stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In other words, data related to performance control in the event of a power outage such as a power outage is backed up. For this reason, unless the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003) when the power is turned on after recovering from a power outage such as a power outage (returning from a power outage), the effect will be controlled by the effect control microcomputer 91. The state returns to the state before the power failure occurred.

Next, in S4004, interrupts are prohibited (S4004), and random number seed update processing is executed (S4005). In the random number seed updating process (S4005), the values of various performance determining random number counters are updated. The updated random number counter value is sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub control board 90. The random number for determining the performance includes a random number for determining the variable performance that determines the mode (variable performance pattern) of the performance symbol game performance (variable performance) to be executed, a random number for determining the preview performance that determines the preview performance, and a random number for determining the performance symbol that determines the performance symbol. There are random numbers etc. for determining the production design. The random number updating method can be the same as the random number updating process performed by the main control board 80 described above. Note that when updating the random numbers, the random numbers may be added in increments of 2 instead of incrementing them in increments of 1. The random number for performance determination is acquired at a predetermined timing. This timing is, for example, when the main control board 80 sends a control signal (starting ball entry command) notifying that a starting ball has arrived, or when the main control board 80 sends a control signal (starting ball entering command) notifying the start of fluctuation. When a start command (start command) is transmitted, when determining a variable effect pattern to be described later, etc. The acquired random number for effect determination is stored in a predetermined random number counter value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

When the random number seed update process (S4005) is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process, various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer (also referred to as "sub output buffer") in the RAM of the sub control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, and the lamp. Among the control boards 107, the command is sent to the control board to which the corresponding command is sent. Each control board (each control unit) that has received the command uses various presentation devices (image display device 7, speaker 67, panel lamp 5, frame lamp 66, movable presentation member 14, etc.) to perform various effects according to the received command. Execute performances (variable performances, special game performances related to jackpot games, etc.).

Next, in S4007, interrupts are permitted (S4007). After that, S4004 to S4007 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S4008), 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010) can be executed. By executing these control processes, display control of performance symbols etc. executed on the display screen 7a (performance symbol display area 7b) of the image display device 7, lighting control of various lamps, operation control of movable decorative members, It becomes possible to control the audio output from the speaker, etc.

[Reception interrupt processing]
In the reception interrupt processing (S4008), as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it has been input (S4101). If it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), various commands sent from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub control board 90 (S4102), and the process ends. . This reception interrupt process (S4008) is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4009, S4010).

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process that is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub control board 90. As shown in FIG. 39, in the 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), first, input processing is performed to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on the detection signals from the production button detection switches 63c and 63d (S4201). ). This switch data indicates whether each of the first performance button 63a and second performance button 63b is operated (ON, OFF), and is used to execute a performance corresponding to the operation based on the operation of the performance button 63. be. Next, a lamp data output process (S4202) that outputs lamp data for causing lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 to emit light, and drive data for driving the movable presentation member 14 (electrical drive source). The drive data output process (S4203) is performed. Note that the lamp data and drive data are created by a 10ms timer interrupt process, which will be described later. Then, watchdog timer processing is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process that is executed every time an interrupt pulse of 10 msec period is input to the sub control board 90. As shown in FIG. 40, in the 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010), first, received command analysis processing (S4302), which will be described later, is performed. Next, a switch state acquisition process is performed in which the switch data created in the 2ms timer interrupt process is stored in the RAM of the sub control board 90 as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt process (S4303), and the switch data stored in the switch status acquisition process is Switch processing is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the data (S4304). Thereafter, other processes such as creating lamp data (data for controlling lighting of the board lamp 5 and frame lamp 66) and updating random numbers for effect determination are executed (S4305).

[Received command analysis processing]
As shown in FIG. 41, in the received command analysis process (S4302), it is first determined whether or not a starting ball entry command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4395), and if a starting ball entry command has not been received, If it is determined (NO in S4395), proceed to the process of S4401, and if it is determined that the starting ball entry command has been received (YES in S4395), perform the production pending information storage process (S4400) and proceed to the process of S4401. do.

In the performance pending information storage process (S4400), various information (pre-judgment results, jackpot type determination error) included in the starting ball command (special chart 1 starting ball command or special chart 2 starting ball command) received in S4395 Game information that can specify numerical values, random fluctuation pattern values, etc.), the type of special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) and the number of special symbol pending balls at the time of sending and receiving the starting ball command (when generating the command) Accordingly, the information is stored in a predetermined effect pending information storage area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 in a shift memory format. For example, if the received starting ball command is a special chart 1 starting ball command that corresponds to the number of reserved balls of special chart 1 "4", the preliminary judgment result and hit type included in the special chart 1 starting ball command The information is stored as special figure 1 performance pending information in an area corresponding to the number of reservations 4 in the special figure 1 performance pending information storage area. The performance pending information stored in this way is used to execute various performances such as a variable performance, a preview performance, and a performance mode, which will be described later. The storage contents (performance pending information) of the production pending information storage area in the sub-control board 90 are stored in the special figure pending storage section (first special figure pending storage section, second special figure pending storage section) in the above-mentioned main control board (main control section) 80. This matches the stored content (obtained information) of the reserved storage unit). From this, it can be said that the effect pending information storage area of the sub-control board 90 also functions as "obtained information storage means."

Next, in S4401, it is determined whether a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4401). As a result, if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (YES in S4401), a fluctuation effect start process (S4402), which will be described later, is performed, and the process moves to S4403, where it is determined that a fluctuation start command has not been received. (NO in S4401), the process moves to S4406 without performing the variable effect start process.

In S4403, it is determined whether a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4403), and if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4403), the effect pattern 8 is stopped and displayed, and the fluctuation effect is produced. Performs variable performance end processing to end the process (S4404). In the fluctuating performance end process (S4404), a fluctuating performance end command for stopping and displaying the performance symbol 8 and ending the fluctuating performance is set in the sub output buffer. When the set variable effect end command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 changes the effect pattern 8 that was being displayed in a variable manner on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The display is stopped and the variable performance (performance symbol game performance) is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4403 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (NO in S4403), the process proceeds to S4405 without performing the fluctuation production end process. Incidentally, the variable performance refers to various performances performed in accordance with the variable display of special symbols, such as the variable display of the performance symbol 8 and the reach performance. It can be said that the performance control microcomputer 91 that executes the above variable performance start process (S4402) and variable performance end process (S4404) also functions as a "variable game execution means".

Next, in S4405, it is determined whether a jackpot game related command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4408). Here, the jackpot game-related commands are commands sent from the main control board 80 when executing a jackpot game, and specifically, the opening command ( (see S2010), round start command sent at the start of the round (see S2107), round end command sent at the end of the round (see S2114), ending command sent at the end of the jackpot game (see S2119) ) etc. are applicable. In S4405, it is determined whether any of these jackpot game related commands have been received, and if not received (NO in S4405), the process moves to S4407, and if received (YES in S4405) , performs processing related to execution of performance (jackpot game related performance) according to the type of the received command (S4406).

For example, if the received command is an opening command, an opening performance command that specifies an opening performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command is set in the sub output buffer, and if the received command is a round start command, the command A round performance command that specifies a round performance according to the round specified based on the round is set in the sub output buffer, and if it is an ending command, an ending that specifies an ending performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command. Set the production command to the sub output buffer. When the various production commands related to the set jackpot are sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes the opening production and round production according to the progress of the jackpot game. Performances related to jackpot games such as the following are executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Next, other processing is performed in S4407, and this processing ends. Other processing (S4407) includes, for example, processing based on other received commands (for example, normal symbol fluctuation start command and normal symbol fluctuation stop command) other than the various commands mentioned above.

[Variable effect start processing]
Next, the variable effect start process (S4402) executed in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in FIG. 42, in the variable performance start process (S4402), first, random number processing for performance determination is performed to obtain various random numbers for performance determination such as a random number for determining variable performance, a random number for determining preview performance, and a random number for determining performance symbols. (S4501) In this embodiment, the process of S4501 is performed at the timing when the fluctuation start command is received from the main control unit 80, and a predetermined value (acquisition information) is acquired from each random number. Based on this acquired value (acquired information), the mode of the effect symbol game effect to be executed (variable effect), the mode of the preview effect, the effect pattern to be stopped and displayed, etc. are determined.

Next, in S4502, the received fluctuation start command is analyzed (S4502). The fluctuation start command includes a fluctuation pattern designation command (information that designates a fluctuation pattern) that designates the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection process of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The fluctuation pattern designation command includes the fluctuation pattern information (P1 to P22) shown in FIG. 9, the game state information that designates the current gaming state, the result of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination, and the jackpot type. It includes design information and the like to be specified (see FIG. 8). In addition, since there are two types of fluctuation pattern designation commands, one corresponding to the first special symbol and the other corresponding to the second special symbol, by analyzing the fluctuation pattern designation command, the production symbol game production to be started this time It is possible to determine whether the (fluctuation display of performance symbols) is related to special figure 1 or special figure 2. Incidentally, the variable pattern information, game state information, symbol information, etc. can also be used in other processes other than the variable performance start process to be executed thereafter.

Next, in S4503, the performance control microcomputer 91 refers to the current mode status (S4503). The mode status is for determining the production mode to be executed. The mode status is set to any value from "1" to "5", and each value is assigned to a production mode A to E. Specifically, mode status "1" corresponds to production mode A, mode status "2" corresponds to production mode B, mode status "3" corresponds to production mode C, and mode status "4" corresponds to production mode C. The mode status "5" corresponds to the production mode D, and the mode status "5" corresponds to the production mode E. By referring to the current mode status, it is possible to specify the current production mode.

Here, the performance mode is a performance mode on the image display device 7, and when the performance mode is different, part or all of the performance mode of the game performance such as the advance notice performance and the reach performance will be different. Specifically, the image (effect display) displayed on the image display device 7 may be different, such as the display mode of the effect pattern 8 (for example, pattern design, number design, etc.) being different, or the appearing characters, items, and background images being different. ) differs depending on the production mode. In addition, the variable effects can also be executed in a manner according to the effect mode, and when providing multiple variable effects (notice effects, reach effects, etc.), it is possible to execute different variable effects depending on the effect mode. be able to.

In this embodiment, production modes A and B are executed when controlled to a low-accuracy low base state, production mode C is executed when controlled to a high-precision high base state, and production modes D and E are executed. is executed when controlled to either the low-probability high base state or the high-probability high base state. Therefore, when the production mode is any of A to C, the player can check whether the current gaming state is a low-probability low-base state or a high-probability high-base state (probability variable gaming state). You can figure out if it is there. In that sense, production modes A to C can be said to be probability notification modes. Production modes A and B are also referred to as "normal mode", and production mode C is also referred to as "variable mode". On the other hand, if the production mode is D or E, even if the player checks the production mode, the player may be unsure whether the current gaming state is a low probability high base state (time saving state) or a high probability high base state (probability variable gaming state). It is difficult to understand whether this is the case. In that sense, production modes D and E can be said to be probability non-notification modes. In this embodiment, after the jackpot game related to any of the 16R 1st jackpot, 16R 6th jackpot, and RUB ends, the mode becomes production mode C, and after the end of the jackpot game related to any of the 6R 2nd to 5th jackpots, the production mode The mode becomes D, and after the end of the jackpot game related to the 2R jackpot, the mode becomes the performance mode E.

Next, in S4504, a variable effect pattern determination table (not shown) is set for determining a variable effect pattern (variable effect pattern) to be performed using the image display device 7, board lamp 5, movable effect member 14, etc. (S4504). Specifically, the variable effect pattern determination table to be used is set based on the mode status (current effect mode) referred to in S4503 and the variable pattern designation command received from the main control unit 80. For example, if the variation pattern information specified by the received variation pattern specification command is "P1 (variation pattern P1)" (see Figure 9), the variation performance pattern determination table will be used to determine when the jackpot corresponding to the current performance mode A variable performance pattern determination table is set. The variable production pattern determination table is mainly used to determine the execution mode of production symbol game production (variation mode of production symbols, etc.), and includes multiple variation production pattern determination tables ( (not shown) is stored in advance in the ROM of the sub control board 90. In S4504, the table corresponding to the mode status (current performance mode) referred to in S4503 is selected and set from among these variable performance pattern determination tables.

Next, in S4505, based on the random number for determining the variable effect obtained in S4501 and the variable effect pattern determination table set in S4504, a variable effect pattern that matches the specified variable pattern is selected and set (S4505). As the variation performance pattern, the variation mode (execution mode of the variation production) of the production pattern 8 displayed in the production pattern display area 7b is mainly set. As a result, in the performance symbol game performance (variable performance), it is determined whether to execute the ready-to-win performance (variable performance with reach) or not to perform the reach-to-reach performance (variable performance without reach). In addition, the variable production pattern includes not only the variation mode of the production pattern 8 but also the execution mode of display effects, sound effects, light effects, movable effects, etc. that are executed in conjunction with the variable display of the effect pattern 8. It is also decided whether or not to perform the performance.

In addition, the reach effect is, for example, a display mode of the effect pattern 8 when the result of the special symbol validity judgment indicates a jackpot, in which three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are all the same (double number). In the case where a mode (jackpot mode, specific mode) is provided, two of the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R (for example, the first stop symbol and the second stop symbol) constitute the jackpot mode. (Also referred to as "reach pattern" or "ready-to-reach mode") is stopped (temporarily stopped) and the remaining one (for example, the third stop symbol) continues to be displayed in a variable manner, and the remaining one production symbol It is an effect that indicates whether or not the symbol will be stopped and displayed to complete the jackpot mode. According to this reach effect, it is possible to effectively arouse the expectations of players who aim to hit the jackpot.

Further, in S4505, based on the random number for effect design determination obtained in S4501 and a stop pattern determination table (not shown), the effect pattern 8 to be stopped and displayed (also referred to as "stop effect pattern") is determined and set. Here, the types of stop display include temporary stop display (temporary stop) and confirmed stop display (determined stop). Temporary stop means that the scrolling display (fluctuating display) of the production design is temporarily stopped (temporarily stopped), and the production design is displayed at a predetermined stop position on the display screen (for example, production design display area 7b), and the number, character, etc. This means that the object is displayed in a state where it moves slightly enough to be recognizable. A state of slight movement is also called "sway fluctuation." On the other hand, a fixed stop means that the scrolling display (fluctuating display) of the production symbols is completed, and the numbers, characters, etc. are recognized when the production symbols reach a predetermined stop position on the display screen (for example, production symbol display area 7b). It means that it is displayed completely stopped when possible. When the performance symbol is fixed and stopped after being fluctuated, the display result of the fluctuating display (result of the fluctuating performance) is definitively displayed (determined display) (derived display). Therefore, the temporary stop of the performance symbols can be performed once or multiple times until the final stop is reached.

The stop effect symbols determined (selected) in S4505 are symbols that temporarily stop (hereinafter also referred to as "temporary stop symbols") and symbols that permanently stop (hereinafter also referred to as "confirmed stop symbols"). Specifically, the effect pattern 8 that is stopped and displayed (determined stop) as a result of the variable effect, that is, the confirmed stop pattern, will be displayed as "787" etc. if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a miss, and if it is a reach or miss. One of the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is considered to be a different design from the other production symbols, and when it is out of reach, the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R such as "635" are selected. At least one of the performance symbols is set as a winning combination in which the other performance symbols are different. On the other hand, the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot, and if it is either the 16R 1st jackpot or the 16R 6th jackpot, it will be counted as "777", and if it is the 6R 2nd to 5th jackpot, it will be "777". ” or an even numbered symbol such as “666”, and in the case of a jackpot corresponding to RUB, it will be a RUB-specific number (dedicated symbol) such as “3★3”. In addition, in the case of a 2R jackpot, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped and displayed in the same manner as in the case of a miss (return). However, for the 2R jackpot, a predetermined chance number such as "135" may be displayed in a stopped state.

In addition, the effect pattern 8 that is temporarily stopped in the middle of the fluctuating display before reaching the fixed stop, that is, the temporary stop pattern, is basically a number other than the above-mentioned double (jackpot mode) (out-of-reach, out-of-reach, (Completely off the mark, etc.) However, for example, in the case of a variable performance pattern in which the so-called "re-lottery" is executed in which the performance symbol 8 is stopped at the zero number and then displayed again in a variable manner, the temporarily stopped symbol is set to the number zero (jackpot mode). In this case, the temporary stop symbol is an outcome corresponding to a jackpot with a relatively low advantage (for example, a normal jackpot with a lower advantage than a probability variable jackpot). In addition, the fixed stop symbol after the re-lottery can again be an outcome corresponding to a jackpot with a relatively low advantage, or an outcome corresponding to a jackpot with a relatively high advantage. Furthermore, since the production pattern 8 is temporarily stopped immediately before the final stop after the fluctuating display ends, the production pattern 8 that temporarily stops immediately before the final stop is also a temporary stop pattern. The temporary stop symbol is the same as the confirmed stop symbol. It should be noted that the stop display mode of the effect pattern 8 described above is just an example, and what is to be stopped and displayed as the stop effect pattern can be set as appropriate.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the variation modes (variable production patterns) of the production pattern 8 include reach A, reach B, reach C, super reach (also referred to as "SP reach") A, super reach B, Super reach C etc. are set. In S4505, based on the fluctuation performance pattern determination table, it is determined which of these reach performances, etc., will be performed or whether these performances will not be performed (this is also referred to as "normal fluctuation"). For example, when a variable effect with reach is executed, any of the ready-to-reach effects is set based on the variable pattern designation command and the variable effect pattern determination table. Here, when a super reach effect (any one of SP reach A to C) is executed, the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when a normal reach effect (any one of SP reach A to C) is executed. is set to be high. In other words, it can be said that the super reach performance is a game performance with a higher possibility of hitting the jackpot (jackpot expectation level) compared to the normal reach performance.

In this embodiment, when the sub control board 90 receives a fluctuation pattern designation command that designates a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 30000 ms or more (see FIG. 9) as a fluctuation pattern designation command from the main control board 80, the corresponding A reach effect (variable effect with reach) can be set (executed) based on the command. If the variation time is 30,000 ms, the normal reach effect is set (executed) (normal reach variation effect), and if the variation time is 45,000 ms or more, the SP reach effect is set (executed) as the reach effect. (SP reach variation effect). In addition, in this embodiment, the types of reach effects are three types of normal reach, reach A to C, and three types of super reach, SP reach A to C, but the types (number) of reach effects are as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may include more reach effects.

Here, the variable display of the production symbols 8 is basically performed as follows. That is, after the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start to fluctuate, the fluctuation speed of all the symbols becomes almost constant at high speed, and then, when a predetermined period of time (for example, 9 seconds) has elapsed, the first stop symbol is displayed. (In this example, the left performance symbol 8L) fluctuates at a reduced speed and the first stop symbol stops (temporarily stops). Next, the fluctuation speed of the second stop symbol (in this example, the right effect symbol 8R) decreases, the second stop symbol stops (temporary stop), and finally the third stop symbol (in this example, the middle effect symbol 8C) The fluctuation speed decreases and the third stop symbol stops (temporarily stops). Thereafter, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fixed and stopped, and the display result of the variable display is derived and displayed, and one time of the variable display ends. Normal fluctuations, reach effects, etc. are performed based on the flow from the start to the end of such fluctuation display.

For example, when the variable time shortening function of the special symbol according to the number of reserved balls or the game state is not activated (when the variable time shortening function is not activated), the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will display a variable display. If it has started, the left production symbol 8L (first stop symbol) will stop (temporary stop) at the timing when a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation, and then the right production symbol 8R (second stop symbol) will stop (temporary stop). symbol) stops (temporarily stops). At this time, if the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R stop (temporarily stop) at the same number symbols (ready-to-reach mode), a ready-to-win effect is established, and thereafter, a ready-to-win effect is developed. On the other hand, if the reach is not established (in other words, if it is a normal fluctuation), the right production symbol 8R (second stop symbol) stops (temporary stop), and then the middle production symbol 8C (third stop symbol) stops ( temporary stop). In this embodiment, in normal variation, the time required from the start of variation of the production symbol 8 until the third stop symbol (medium production symbol 8C in this example) stops (temporary stop) is about 11 seconds. However, in the normal variation when the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the time it takes from the start of the variation display until the left production symbol 8L (first stop symbol) stops (temporary stop) is normally (variation The time taken for the right effect symbol 8R (second stop symbol) and middle effect symbol 8C (third stop symbol) to stop (temporary stop) is also shorter than the time reduction function (when the time reduction function is not activated). Becomes shorter.

In addition, depending on the variable performance pattern set in S4505 and the preview performance pattern set in S4506 described later, for example, after the start of the variable display of the performance pattern 8, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R may be displayed at the same time. The order and timing of the stop display of production symbols, such as stopping all at once (temporary stop), or all symbols continuing to fluctuate even after a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) until the first stop symbol stops, etc. etc. may be different from the above-mentioned aspects.

Next, in S4506, a process related to the setting of a preview effect (preview effect setting process) is performed (S4506). The preview performance is a performance that suggests the possibility that the display result of the currently executed variable display or the display result of the variable display to be executed later will be in a jackpot mode (jackpot expectation level). Preview performances are also called ``suggestive performances.'' In this embodiment, a preview performance (also referred to as a "pending advance notice") based on the performance pending information (prior determination result) stored in S4400 and a preview performance ("the relevant Since it is possible to execute various preview performances such as "variable notice"), S4506 determines whether or not to execute each preview performance (execution or not), and determines whether to execute the preview performance to be executed. Set a pattern (notice performance pattern). Specifically, based on the random number for determining the preview performance acquired in S4501 and the preview performance determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, whether or not to execute the preview performance and the preview performance pattern are determined. A preview performance pattern is set based on the determination result. The preview performance (suggestive performance) is, for example, displaying on the display screen 7a an image that suggests the level of expectation for a jackpot (also referred to as a "preview image" or "suggestion image") (also referred to as a "preview display" or "suggestion display"). ). In addition to such display effects (notice display, suggestion display), the preview performance can also be performed using sound effects, light effects, and movable effects, and can also be performed by a combination of these effects. .

The storage contents of the effect pending information stored in S4400 (the memory contents of the effect pending information storage area) and the result of the special symbol validity judgment identified by the analysis result of the variation start command in S4502 (this special symbol variation display The notice performance pattern set in S4506, based on the variation pattern information of the special symbol (variation pattern and stop symbol related to the current special symbol variation display), which is also specified by the analysis result of the variation start command (result of the appropriateness judgment), , the type (notice type) and mode of the preview performance to be executed, the presence or absence of the preview performance, etc. will be different. When performing a preview performance, one of the multiple preview performances (one type of preview performance) may be executed, or two or more preview performances (multiple types of preview performance) may be executed; That is, during one variable display (during a variable effect), a plurality of types of preview effects may be executed at respective execution timings.

Next, in S4507, a variable effect start command for starting a variable effect based on the variable effect pattern set in S4505 and the preview effect pattern set in S4506 is set in the sub output buffer (S4507), and the variable effect start process is executed. Finish. When the variable effect start command set in S4507 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 transmits the variable effect pattern specified based on the variable effect start command, that is, in S4505 Predetermined image data for variable effects corresponding to the variable effect pattern set in (image data configuring start of variation, during variation, stop of variation, etc. of the effect pattern 8) and a preview effect specified based on the variable effect start command. The pattern, that is, the predetermined preview performance image data corresponding to the preview performance pattern set in S4506 is read from the ROM of the image control board 100, and the image display device 7 displays the variable performance, preview performance, etc. based on the read image data. This is executed on the display screen 7a. Further, a variable display (blinking display) using two LEDs on the effect display 102 is also performed. Further, in accordance with the execution of the variable effects, various effects such as sound effects, light effects, movable effects, etc. are executed via the audio control board 106 and the lamp control board 107.

In this embodiment, a "staged excitement performance" is provided as a performance that can be executed while the performance symbols 8 are being displayed in a variable manner (during a variable performance). The staged excitement performance is executed when a variable performance pattern (also referred to as a "staged excitement performance pattern" or a "specific fluctuation performance pattern") including a staged stimulation performance is set in S4505 described above. The staged agitation effect pattern (specific variation effect pattern) of this embodiment can be set for a variation pattern with a variation time of 45000 ms or more (see FIG. 9). Therefore, the staged excitement effect can be executed with a variable display (fluctuating effect) with a variable time of 45000 ms or more. Further, the staged promotion pattern is more likely to be set when the result of the special symbol validity determination is a jackpot than when the result is a miss. Therefore, it can be said that the staged promotion performance is a game performance that increases the expectation of a jackpot. The staged inciting performance will be explained below. Note that the staged excitement effect corresponds to an example of the "specific effect" of the present invention.

[Stage inciting performance]
The stage inciting performance (specific performance) includes four stages from the first stage to the fourth stage. Specifically, a first stage in which a predetermined display target is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 and the display target is stocked (accumulated), and the stocked display target is displayed on the display screen 7a. A second stage in which the emitted display object is displayed on almost the entire display screen 7a (display area) and covers the entire screen (entire area); and a fourth stage in which the covering display object disappears and a specific display object (in this example, a suggested image) appears there.

The performance performed in the first stage can be called a "stock performance" because the display target displayed on the display screen 7a is stocked (accumulated), and the performance performed in the second stage can be called a "release effect" because it is an effect in which the stocked display objects are released, and the effect executed in the third stage is a mode in which the display screen 7a is covered with the released display objects. This effect can be called a "shielding effect," and the effect executed in the fourth stage is that the display object that covers the entire screen (the emitted display object) disappears and the specific display object (the suggested image) appears. Since it is a performance in the form of an appearance, it can be called an "appearance performance." In addition, the stock performance is also referred to as the "first stage performance," the release performance is also referred to as the "second stage performance," the shielding performance is also referred to as the "third stage performance," and the appearance performance is also referred to as the "first stage performance." It is also called the 4th stage performance.

The staged inciting performance of this embodiment that is developed in stages in this way is, for example, after the start of the fluctuating display of the performance symbol 8, the timing at which the fluctuating display shifts to a developing performance such as SP reach performance (“Development branching”) Variable display (also referred to as "timing"), timing of transition to a performance (also referred to as "win/loss performance") where the result of the fluctuating display (big hit or miss) is known (also referred to as "win/loss branch timing"), etc. It can be executed in accordance with the timing when the variable performance) reaches an important stage.

Next, each stage of the staged excitement effect will be explained with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44. First, when the variable display of the special symbols is started, the variable display of the production symbols 8 (variable production) is started on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and as shown in FIG. 43(A), the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a variable manner. At this time, the effect pattern 8 (variable display image) that is being displayed in a variable manner is slightly (substantially transparent) displayed on the display screen 7a, and the entire background becomes visible on the display screen 7a. In addition, in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, for convenience of explanation, illustrations such as a background image and performance hold (hold pattern) are omitted, but in reality, these are also displayed on the display screen 7a.

Then, at a predetermined time during the variable display of the effect pattern 8, as shown in FIG. 43(B), a plurality of "do" character images 500 (display objects) are displayed on the display screen 7a. In addition, below, the character image of "do" may be simply written as "do" or "the character 'do'". In this embodiment, five "do"s are displayed, including "do"s of different sizes. After that, when about 1 second has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation, an effect display depicting five "do"s being stocked (accumulated) in a predetermined stock area (accumulation area) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 43(C). It is displayed on the display screen 7a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 43(C), the left part of the display screen 7a and near the movable effect member 14 (first position) is the stock area; ) is displayed. A production image 510 (stock image) depicting five "do" characters being sucked into the screen is displayed. In other words, a performance image 510 (stock image) depicting five "do" characters moving toward the movable performance member 14 is displayed. Furthermore, on the left side of the display screen 7a and around the movable performance member 14, a performance image 520 (light-emitting image) depicting how light is generated as "do" is stocked is displayed. . By displaying these effect images 510 and 520, an effect display in which a plurality of "do" (display objects) are stocked (accumulated) (moves toward the first position) is realized. Furthermore, when "do" is stocked, a movable performance (first movable performance) is executed in which the movable performance member 14 in the initial position (initial state) is raised by a predetermined amount. FIG. 43(D) shows a state in which the movable effect member 14 is raised. 43(A) to (C) show a state in which the movable presentation member 14 is at the initial position, whereas FIG. 43(D) shows a state in which the movable presentation member 14 has been raised to the first raised position. ing. In this way, after a plurality of "do" character images 500 are displayed, the effect images 510, 520 are displayed and the movable effect member 14 is raised by a predetermined amount (shown in FIGS. 43(B) to 43(D)). The performance) is the stock performance (first stage performance).

In this embodiment, the display object to be stocked (also referred to as "stock object") is the character "do", but the stock object is not limited to this, and for example, the character or item displayed on the display screen 7a. Display objects other than characters may be stocked. Further, the number of stock objects (in this example, the number of characters "do") may be less than five, or may be more than five. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of "Do" which is the display target (also referred to as "release target") released in the release effect is calculated from the number of "Do" (stock target, display target) that is stocked in the stock effect. Although the number of discharge targets is greater than the number of stock targets, the number of discharge targets may be smaller than the number of stock targets, or may be the same as the number of stock targets. That is, the number of objects to be stocked and the number of objects to be released may be different or the same.

In this embodiment, the execution time of the stock effects shown in FIGS. 43(B) to (C) is about 3 seconds, and this stock effect can be executed up to three times. In other words, the effects shown in FIGS. 43(B) to 43(C) may be repeated up to three times. Each time the stock effect is executed, the movable effect member 14 (and the stock area) is raised by a predetermined amount (the first position changes). FIG. 43(D) shows a state in which the movable performance member 14 has risen to the first raised position in the first stock performance, and if the second stock performance is subsequently performed, the movable performance member 14 moves to the first raised position. When the movable performance member 14 is raised to the second raised position and then the third stock performance is performed, the movable performance member 14 is raised to the third raised position. Furthermore, as the movable presentation member 14 rises, the display position of the presentation image 520 also rises. At this time, the size and color of the effect image 520 are changed. Specifically, when the movable performance member 14 has risen to the first raised position, the performance image 520 is displayed in a small size (see FIG. 43(D)) in blue, and the movable performance member 14 has risen to the second raised position. At times, the effect image 520 is displayed in medium-sized green, and when the movable effect member 14 has risen to the third raised position, the effect image 520 is displayed in large-size red (see FIG. 44(A)). Depending on the position of the movable performance member 14 and the display mode of the performance image 520, the stock status (progress status of stock performance) of "do" (stock target) is shown (notified). That is, the movable performance member 14 and the performance image 520 when the stock performance is executed function as means (situation notification means) for notifying the stock status of the stock target (display target). Note that the effect image 520 displayed when the movable effect member 14 rises to the third raised position includes characters (for example, " power stock", "stock OK", etc.). Further, the display mode of the effect image 520 may not change.

In this example, as the stock performance is executed (repeated) three times as described above, the stock amount of "do" that is the stock target reaches the upper limit (becomes full), and as a result, It is assumed that the execution conditions for the second stage and subsequent stages of the staged inciting performance are satisfied. In other words, when the stock effect is executed three times (the stock amount of "Do" is full), the release effect (second stage effect), the shielding effect (third stage effect), and the appearance effect (fourth stage effect) are performed afterwards. stage effects) are executed in sequence. In this case, the staged excitement effect is executed to the end and ends. On the other hand, if the stock performance is executed only once or twice, the second and subsequent stages of performance are not performed, and the staged stimulation performance is not executed to the end and ends in an incomplete state. Ending in an incomplete state like this is what is called a "fake performance." A variable performance pattern (also referred to as a "false stage stimulation performance pattern") including a false staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged staged performance pattern can be set for a variable pattern whose fluctuation time is 45,000 ms or less (see FIG. 9). The false stage inciting performance pattern is more likely to be set when the result of special symbol validity determination is a miss than when the result is a jackpot. By providing such a false stage promotion pattern, it is possible to enhance the taste of the stage promotion performance.

In this embodiment, the maximum number of times the stock performance is repeated is three times, but the maximum number of times (upper limit number of times) may be greater than three times. Furthermore, in the staged inciting effect pattern of this embodiment, the second and subsequent stages are executed after the third stock effect (after the stock effect is repeated three times); however, in addition to this, Alternatively, a pattern may be provided in which a second or later stage performance is performed following the first stock performance, or a pattern in which a second or subsequent stage performance is performed following the second stock performance. In this case, it is possible to set the jackpot expectation level according to the number of times the stock effect is executed, for example, the more the stock effect is executed, the higher the jackpot expectation level is, or the fewer the number of times the stock effect is executed, the higher the jackpot expectation level is. It is possible to increase the expectation of a jackpot.

When the stock effect is executed (repeated) three times, as shown in FIG. 44(A), the movable effect member 14 rises to the third raised position while the effect pattern 8 continues to be displayed in a fluctuating manner on the display screen 7a. Then, the effect image 520 is displayed in large size (red). Through this state, the player can recognize that the stock amount of "do" has reached the upper limit (has become full). Then, when a predetermined period of time (for example, "3 seconds") has elapsed in this state, as shown in FIG. A display is displayed on the display screen 7a. Specifically, the effect image 530 depicts the fingertip of the movable effect member 14 facing to the right and a flash of light being emitted from the fingertip toward the right side of the screen (the side away from the movable effect member 14, the second position). (flash image) is displayed, and a production image 550 (discharge image) is displayed. At this time, more "do"s are displayed (released) than the number of "dos" that are stocked in the three stock presentations. By displaying these effect images 530 and 550, an effect display in which the character "do" (display target) is released is realized. In addition, in accordance with the start of the display of the effect images 530 and 550, a movable effect (second movable effect) in which the movable effect member 14 tilts (rotates) to the right is executed, and the sound effect of "Dawn" is emitted from the speaker. The sound performance output from 67 is executed. That is, the "do" (display target) that is stocked in the stock performance and released in the release performance is a character representation (visualization) of the "do" that is part of the sound effect "boom". As a result, it is possible to enhance the production effect (visual effect, auditory effect) when the character "do" is released, and to give an impact to the player. In this way, the effect in which the movable effect member 14 is tilted to the right, the effect images 530 and 550 are displayed, and the sound effect is output (the effect shown in FIG. 44(B)) is the release effect (second stage effect). It is. The execution time of the release effect is approximately 2 seconds.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 44(C), a performance display depicting the entire area of the display screen 7a being covered by a large number of "do"s released in the previous release performance is displayed on the display screen 7a. . Specifically, a performance image 560 (shielding image) depicting a large number of "do"s of different sizes covering almost the entire display screen 7a (display area) is displayed. By displaying this effect image 560, an effect display is realized in which the entire area (predetermined area) of the display screen 7a is covered by the display object (emission target) released in the previous emission effect, and includes the effect display. The performance (the performance shown in FIG. 44(C)) is a shielding performance (third stage performance). The execution time of the shielding effect is approximately 2 seconds.

When the shielding effect is executed as described above, substantially the entire display screen 7a (display area) is covered with a large number of "do"s. In this state, when the execution time (approximately 2 seconds) of the shielding effect has passed, the area covered by the character "C" in the previous shielding effect appears, as shown in Figure 44 (D). A performance display is displayed on the display screen 7a. Specifically, the character "C" that had covered almost the entire display screen 7a (display area) is erased from the screen, and the variable display that is currently being executed is displayed in the area that is now visible. A production image depicting the appearance of a suggestion of jackpot expectation level is displayed. In FIG. 44(D), a performance image 570 (character smile image) imitating the character's smile and a performance image 590 imitating the appearance of the first performance button 63a are placed in the visible area (the area where it has appeared). (Production button image) is displayed as an image (suggestion image) that suggests the expectation level of jackpot. The effect images 570 and 590 are also referred to as "specific images," and the specific images are also referred to as "specific display targets." By erasing the character "do" and displaying the effect images 570 and 590, a effect display is realized in which a specific image (specific display target) appears in the area covered by the previous shielding effect, and the effect is The performance including the display (the performance shown in FIG. 44(D)) is the appearance performance (fourth stage performance). The execution time of the appearance effect is about 5 seconds, of which about 4 seconds is the time for displaying the suggestion image.

Here, in this embodiment, four types (four patterns) of suggestion images shown in FIG. 45 are provided as suggestion images that can be displayed in the appearance effect. The number of stars (★) in Figure 45 indicates the level of jackpot expectation suggested by the suggestion image; the more stars (★) there are, the higher the jackpot expectation is, and the smaller the number, the lower the jackpot expectation. It shows that.

Among the suggestion images shown in FIG. 45, the first pattern of suggestion image A is composed of a performance image 570 that imitates a smiling face of a character, and a performance image 590 that imitates the appearance of the first performance button 63a. FIG. 44(D) shows a case where these effect images 570 and 590 (suggestion image A) are displayed. Further, the suggestion image B of the second pattern is a performance image 570 that imitates the character's smiling face, and a performance image that imitates the appearance of the first performance button 63a, and the display size (image size) is smaller than the performance image 590. It is composed of a performance image 591. Of the performance images 590 and 591, the former is a performance button image (large), and the latter is a performance button image (small). Further, the third pattern suggestion image C is composed of a production image 570 that imitates the character's smiling face, and the fourth pattern suggestion image D is composed of a production image 571 (character normal face image) that imitates the character's normal face. configured.

Since the suggestion image A includes the effect image 570 and the effect image 590, and the suggestion image B includes the effect image 570 and the effect image 591, the effect button images are different between the suggestion image A and the suggestion image B. . Since suggestion image A has a higher jackpot expectation than suggestion image B (suggestion image B has a lower jackpot expectation than suggestion image A), the types of production button images included in both suggestion images (large or small) ) can be said to indicate the level of expectations for a jackpot.

In addition, neither suggestion images C nor D include a production button image, suggestion image C is composed of production image 570 (character smiling image), and suggestion image D is composed of production image 571 (character normal face image). Ru. For this reason, the character images in the suggestion image C and the suggestion image D are different. Since suggestion image C has a higher jackpot expectation than suggestion image D (suggestion image D has a lower jackpot expectation than suggestion image C), the types of character images included in both suggestion images (smiling face or normal face) ) can be said to indicate the level of expectations for a jackpot.

In the appearance effect (fourth stage effect), an effect display in which any one of the suggestion images A to D appears is displayed on the display screen 7a. Which of the suggestion images A to D is displayed (appears) in the appearance effect is set (determined) in S4506 described above. That is, when the staged excitement effect pattern is set in the above-mentioned S4505, any of the suggestion images A to D (first to fourth patterns) is selected and set as the corresponding preview effect pattern (S4506 ). When the result of the special symbol validity judgment related to the variable display in which the staged inciting effect pattern is set is a jackpot, the suggestion image A (first pattern) is most likely to be set, and hereafter, the suggestion image B (second pattern) is the most likely to be set. The selection rate of the suggested images is determined so that the possibility of this is lowered in the order of (pattern), suggested image C (third pattern), and suggested image D (fourth pattern). On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol propriety judgment related to the variable display in which the staged inciting effect pattern is set is incorrect, the suggestion image D (fourth pattern) is most likely to be set, and hereafter, the suggestion image C ( The selection rate of the suggested images is determined so that the possibility of such occurrence decreases in the order of suggested image B (third pattern), suggested image B (second pattern), and suggested image A (first pattern). As a result, the suggestion of the jackpot expectation degree in the appearance performance is the highest jackpot expectation degree when suggestion image A is displayed, and the suggestion image B, suggestion image C, and suggestion image D decrease in this order.

Then, when the suggestion image A or B is displayed in the appearance effect, that is, when the suggestion image including the effect button image is displayed, the first effect button 63a is operated while the suggestion image (the effect button image) is displayed. Based on that, a performance corresponding to the operation (operation corresponding performance) is executed. For example, when the operation timing of the first performance button 63a is a development branch timing (when a staged excitement production is executed in accordance with the development branch timing), the operation corresponding production may include the contents of the development production to be executed after this, etc. A performance that foretells expectations etc. is executed. In addition, when the operation timing of the first performance button 63a is the winning/losing branch timing (when the staged promotion production is executed in accordance with the winning/losing branching timing), a winning/losing production that suggests (notifies) the confirmation of a jackpot or a loss is executed. Ru. In addition, if the first effect button 63a is not operated after the suggestion image A or B is displayed in the appearance effect, the above-mentioned operation corresponding effect will not be executed, and the effect after the appearance effect (after the step-up effect) will not be executed. Performances (for example, development performance, win/loss performance, etc.) are executed. The effect image 590 (effect button image (large)) included in the suggestion image A and the effect image 591 (effect button image (small)) included in the suggestion image B are used to control the operation of the first effect button 63a (operation means). It is also an image that encourages users to perform operations.

In addition, if suggestion image C or D is displayed in the appearance effect, that is, if a suggestion image that does not include the effect button image is displayed, when the display time of the suggestion image (execution time of the appearance effect) has elapsed, the appearance effect A subsequent performance (after the stage promotion performance) (for example, a development performance, a win/loss performance, etc.) is executed.

[Effects of Example 1]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, after the character "Do" (display target) displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is stocked in the stock area on the left side of the screen (in the first stage 43(B) and (C)), the stocked character "C" (display target) is released on the screen (second stage presentation, see FIG. 44(B)), and the After almost the entire area of the display screen 7a (display area) is covered by the emitted character "Do" (display target) (see third stage production, FIG. 44(C)), the covered area A stage inciting performance (specific performance) including a series of performance displays such as the appearance of (fourth stage performance, see FIG. 44(D)) may be executed during the variable display of the performance pattern 8. This kind of staged effect creates a visually novel effect. In particular, after a plurality of "do" characters displayed on the display screen 7a are stocked multiple times, the stocked "do" characters are released all at once, and a large number of the released "do" characters Conventionally, an effect in which approximately the entire display screen 7a is covered by the ``do'' character, and then the character "do" that covers approximately the entire display screen 7a disappears, and a character image or a performance button image appears on the display screen 7a is conventional. It provides a new look that is not available in other models. Thereby, it is possible to realize a highly interesting performance that attracts the player's interest, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the appearance performance (fourth stage performance) of the stage inciting performance (specific performance), a suggestive image (specific image, specific display object) appears (see FIGS. 44(D) and 45). Therefore, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the suggestion image that finally appears (in the appearance performance) in the staged promotion performance. This makes it possible to increase the interest when the appearance effect is executed.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the effect button images (effect images 590, 591 ) may be included (suggestive images A and B). For this reason, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the first performance button 63a with the appearance performance of the staged promotion performance, and to lead to the execution of the operation corresponding performance based on the operation. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest in the operation of the first effect button 63a when the appearance effect is executed and the effect corresponding to the operation based on the operation, thereby increasing the player's interest.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stock performance (first stage performance) is executed (repeated) three times in the stage promotion performance, the performance from the second stage onwards, that is, the release performance (second stage performance) is executed (repeated) three times. Stage performance), shielding performance (third stage performance), and appearance performance (fourth stage performance) are to be executed. In other words, the stock effect is executed three times before the release effect is executed. Furthermore, there are cases where the stock performance is executed only once or twice (in the case of a fake). As a result, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the progress of the stock performance (the stock of "do") and to increase interest from the initial stage of the stage-inciting performance.

Further, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, a movable presentation member 14 resembling a hand with its index finger raised is provided on the left side of the center decoration body 10 surrounding the display screen 7a. is configured to rise along the left opening edge of the center decorative body 10 and to tilt (rotate) to the right so that the tip of the index finger faces the right side of the display screen 7a. Then, in the stock performance of the staged excitement performance, the movable performance (first Movable performance) is executed. In addition, in the release performance of the staged excitement performance, the movable performance member 14 is moved as the “do” stocked in the previous stock performance is moved and displayed (released) toward the side away from the movable performance member 14. A movable performance (second movable performance) that tilts (rotates) to the right is executed. Therefore, the stock performance is performed as a performance that links the performance display (display performance) of the manner in which "do" is stocked and the raising of the movable performance member 14 (operation according to the first operation mode), and the release performance is , is performed as a performance in which the performance display (display performance) in which a "C" is released and the tilting of the movable performance member 14 (operation according to the second operation mode) are linked. This makes it possible to enhance the performance effects of the stock performance and the release performance, and to increase the interest when these performances are performed.

Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, in the release performance of the staged excitement performance, the sound effect of "Dawn" is output from the speaker 67 in accordance with the release of the "Do" stocked in the previous stock performance. is executed. The "Do" included in this sound effect "Dawn" is a display target that is stored in the stock effect and released in the release effect. For this reason, the release performance is a combination of a performance display in which "Do" is released (display performance) and the output of a sound effect (sound performance) that includes the released "Do" (visualized sound). It is performed as a performance. This makes it possible to enhance the effect of the release performance and increase the interest when the release performance is performed.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, when the stock effect is executed three times in the staged inciting effect and the stock amount of "do" reaches the upper limit (full tank), the second and subsequent effects (emission effect, shielding effect) However, when the stock amount of "Do" reaches the upper limit, a performance indicating further stock addition (also referred to as "stock addition performance") is executed, and then A pattern may be provided in which the second stage and subsequent effects are performed. For example, when the movable effect member 14 is raised to the third raised position and the effect image 520 is displayed in large size (red) as shown in FIG. Display a production image depicting multiple "do" characters being stocked in the vicinity of 14 (stock area), or move a production image that includes characters indicating addition of stock (e.g. "Stock addition in progress"). This can be done by displaying it near the presentation member 14. In addition, when the stock addition effect is executed, the effects from the second stage onward (emission effect, shielding effect, and appearance effect) are more expected than when the stock addition effect is not executed (for example, The effect image may be displayed in a special color such as gold or rainbow color). According to these configurations, it is possible to further enhance the taste of the staged excitement performance.

Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, each time the stock effect (first stage effect) is executed (when "Do" is stocked), the movable effect member 14 is raised and the display mode of the effect image 520 is changed. Although this makes it possible to notify the stock status, the configuration (status notification means) for notifying the stock status is not limited to this. For example, when a stock effect is executed, numerical information (e.g., percentage display, point display, etc.) representing the stock progress may be displayed on the display screen 7a, or a level meter representing the stock progress may be displayed on the display screen 7a. The stock status may be notified by displaying the information. In addition, the stock status is notified by the lighting mode of the illumination members provided on the game board 2 and the center decoration body 10 (for example, the number of flashes, the flashing speed, the lighting color, etc.), and the sound effects output from the speaker 67, etc. It is also possible to notify the stock status by voice or the like. With these configurations as well, it is possible to show the stock status in an easy-to-understand manner and enhance the performance effect of the stock performance (first stage performance).

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, by making a suggestion image appear (display) in the appearance performance of the staged inciting performance that is executed during the fluctuating display of the performance symbols (special symbols), the expectation level of jackpot related to the fluctuating display is increased. It was meant to be suggestive. In other words, the staged excitement effect of the embodiment functions as a notice of the change that is executed during the display of the first change. On the other hand, the staged inciting performance may function as a pending advance notice. For example, if the variable display corresponding to the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "2" (obtained information of the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "2") is the subject of advance notice, the display corresponding to the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "1" is subject to advance notice. A staged promotion effect is executed with a variable display, and the appearance of the staged promotion effect indicates the expectation level of a jackpot related to the next variable display corresponding to the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "2" (previously targeted pending). It's okay. This makes it possible to increase the player's expectations for the subsequent variable display (variable performance), and it is possible to diversify the preview performance and increase interest.

Further, the staged excitement effect may be executed over a plurality of consecutive variable displays. For example, if the variable display corresponding to the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "4" (obtained information of the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "4") is the subject of advance notice, the number of reserved balls in special drawing 1 "1" to "3" The stock performance (first stage performance) of the staged excitement performance is executed with the corresponding variable display, and the release performance, shielding performance, and appearance performance ( 2nd to 4th stage effects) may be executed to suggest the expected level of jackpot related to the variable display (number of reserved balls in special drawing 1: "4") in the appearance effect. This makes it possible to increase the player's expectations for a jackpot across a plurality of variable displays, and it is possible to diversify the preview performance and increase interest.

In addition, when performing a staged excitement effect across multiple consecutive variable displays, the stock effect will be executed in the variable display that is executed before (before) the variable display corresponding to the pending notice target, and the stock effect will be The jackpot expectation level may be changed depending on the number of times the performance is performed. For example, it is possible to set the expectation level of jackpot to be the highest when the number of executions of the stock performance reaches the maximum number of times (upper limit number of times), and thereafter, the expectation level of jackpot can be configured to decrease as the number of executions decreases. It is. Thereby, it is possible to diversify the stock performance (first stage performance) and increase interest.

Further, in the first embodiment described above, it was assumed that the staged excitement performance was executed during the variable display of the performance symbols (special symbols). In other words, it was assumed that a staged excitement performance was performed as a variable performance. On the other hand, a staged promotion performance may be executed as a jackpot game performance. For example, in the above embodiment, RUB (16R 7th jackpot, 12R 8th jackpot, 6R 9th jackpot) is provided as the jackpot type. This jackpot game related to RUB has a gameplay in which the player completes the round without knowing how long the round will last, and at the round branch of 6R or 12R, the player pays attention to whether or not the round will continue further. It is also possible to configure the staged excitement effect to be executed in accordance with the round branching timing. In this case, for example, the stock performance (first stage performance) is executed in RUB 1R to 3R, the release performance (second stage performance) and shielding performance (third stage performance) are performed in 4R to 5R, and in 6R It is possible to perform an appearance effect (fourth stage effect). In addition, the stock performance (first stage performance) is executed in RUB's 7R to 9R, the release performance (second stage performance) and the shielding performance (third stage performance) are performed in 10R to 11R, and the appearance performance ( It is possible to execute the fourth stage performance). Thereby, it is possible to realize a new appearance of the jackpot game performance and increase the interest of the jackpot game.

Incidentally, when performing a staged promotion performance as a jackpot game performance, it can be executed not only in a special jackpot game such as the above-mentioned RUB but also in a normal jackpot game in which the round situation is clear. In this case, for example, during a jackpot game, it is possible to execute a staged promotion performance as a performance (for example, promotion performance) that indicates whether or not the gaming state after the jackpot game will be in an advantageous state. This also makes it possible to realize a new-looking jackpot game performance and increase the interest of the jackpot game.

Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, in the shielding effect (third stage effect) of the staged inciting effect, the display target (letter "do") released in the previous release effect (second stage effect) causes the display screen 7a to It was assumed that substantially the entire (entire area) of the (display area) was covered. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 46(A), a part of the display screen 7a (display area) may be covered by the display target X (the character "do"). In this case, in the later appearance effect (fourth stage effect), a part of the area covered by the previous shielding effect will appear, and character images, effect button images, item images, character images, etc. will be specified in this area. It is possible to configure so that image Y is displayed (appears) (see FIG. 46(B)).

In addition, in the shielding effect (third stage effect), instead of covering the entire area or a part of the display screen 7a (display area) with multiple display objects (multiple "do"), it is possible to cover it with one display object. You can also do this. In this case, the size (display size) of the display object covering the area may be set according to the size (range) of the area covered in the shielding effect.

In addition, the image (specific image) displayed in the area that appears in the appearance effect (fourth stage effect) is not limited to the suggestion image as in the above-mentioned embodiment, but may also be an image unrelated to the suggestion of the jackpot expectation level (so-called A "lively" image) may be displayed (appear).

Furthermore, if the staged inciting effect (specific effect) includes a shielding effect that displays a effect display in which substantially the entire display screen 7a (display area) is covered by the display object, as in the first embodiment described above, It is also possible to execute the staged excitement effect (specific effect) as a trigger for a background change (background switching) of the display screen 7a. For example, a background image A is displayed as the background of the display screen 7a before the staged inciting performance is executed, and when the staged inciting performance is executed under this background, the display screen 7a is displayed as a shielding performance of the staged inciting performance. It is possible to configure such that the entire background of the display screen 7a is covered by the display object, and in a subsequent appearance effect, the entire background of the display screen 7a appears, and the background image B is displayed as the background. Thereby, it is possible to realize a new appearance of the background change and increase the interest during the variable game. Note that when performing a staged excitement effect as a trigger for a background change, a background image that newly appears in the appearance performance of the staged excitement effect corresponds to an example of a "specific display target (specific image)".

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, the character "Do" which is a part of the sound effect "Dawn" is displayed (visualized) on the display screen 7a, and the single character "Do" (display target) is to be stocked. It was. On the other hand, it is also possible to set the two characters "do" and "n" of "dawn" as stock targets, or to stock all (three characters) of "dawn". That is, for example, two characters "do" and "n" are displayed on the display screen 7a, and the "do" and "n" are stored and then released, thereby filling the entire area or part of the display screen 7a. It is possible to cause the area to be covered. Further, the three characters "Dawn" may be displayed on the display screen 7a, and the "Dawn" may be released after being stocked, thereby covering the entire area or a part of the display screen 7a. It is possible. In addition, when the three characters of "Dawn" are to be stocked, the three characters may be stocked as a whole, or the individual characters that make up the three characters ("Do", "-", "N") may be stocked respectively. Furthermore, text, characters, items, etc. (display targets) that are unrelated to sound effects may be stocked.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the character "C" which covered almost the entire display screen 7a (display area) due to the shielding effect is erased (disappeared) from the screen during the appearance effect, so that it cannot be visually recognized. It was assumed that the effect image 590 (effect button image) etc. would appear (display) in the area where the effect became possible. In contrast, by not erasing (disappearing) the character "do" that covers the display screen 7a (display area), but by displaying (superimposed display) the effect image 590 etc. on the character "do". , an effect display (appearance effect) in which a specific image (specific display target) appears may be executed. In addition, the character "Do" that covers the display screen 7a (display area) is made transparent or semi-transparent in stages during the appearance effect, so that the character "Do" can be seen through the specific image (specific display target). ) may be displayed so that it can be visually recognized, thereby performing an effect display (appearance effect) in which a specific image (specific display target) appears.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the step-inciting effect (specific effect) is configured to include four steps, but the steps may be less than four, or may be five or more. For example, the above-mentioned release performance and shielding performance can be combined into one stage, and three stages can be created: stock performance (first stage performance), release/shielding performance (second stage performance), and appearance performance (third stage performance). A staged inciting performance (specific performance) may be configured based on stages. Alternatively, the appearance effect of the staged excitement effect may be divided into a stage in which a display area covered by the emitted display object appears, and a stage in which a specific image is displayed in the area where it has appeared. In this case, there is a stock effect (first stage effect), a release effect (second level effect), a shielding effect (third level effect), an area appearance effect (fourth level effect), and an image appearance effect (fifth level effect). A staged inciting performance (specific performance) is composed of the following five stages. In other words, it is possible to subdivide or broadly classify the stages constituting the stage inciting performance (specific performance) compared to the embodiment.

Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. In the following, points different from the first embodiment described above will be mainly explained, and explanations of points common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, in the following explanation, for configurations that are different from (replace with) Embodiment 1, symbols, number of control steps, etc. that are different from those in Embodiment 1 will be used, and for common configurations, the same symbols, number of control steps, etc. as in Embodiment 1 will be used. We will use it.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine (so-called "fall lottery") of a type that performs a lottery to determine whether or not to end the high probability state every time the variable display of special symbols starts in the high probability state (so-called "fall lottery"). It is a so-called "falling lottery machine"). In this embodiment, a characteristic effect can be executed in relation to the high base state (high probability high base state and low probability high base state) after the end of the jackpot game. Note that in this embodiment as well, it is possible to execute the staged inciting effect (specific effect) described in the first embodiment.

Since the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a falling lottery machine, the types of jackpot symbols are different from those of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47, "6R 1st jackpot" related to the first special symbol, "10R 2nd jackpot", "10R 3rd jackpot", and "8R 4th jackpot" related to the 2nd special symbol. A total of five types of jackpots are provided: "Jackpot" and "6R 5th Jackpot." All of these five types of jackpots are variable probability jackpots (all symbols variable probability) in which the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to a high probability high base state (probability variable gaming state). Furthermore, among the jackpots related to the second special symbol, the 10R 3rd jackpot, 8R 4th jackpot, and 6R 5th jackpot are "RUB" (rank up bonus).

In the high-accuracy, high-base state, for each variable display of a special symbol (special symbol pending), prior to the special symbol validity determination related to the variable display, the probability variation end determination (also referred to as "fall determination" or "fall lottery"), which will be described later, is performed. .) is executed. In this embodiment, if the determination result (also referred to as "falling result") that the probability change has ended is derived before the number of variations of the special symbol in the high probability high base state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), this Taking this as an opportunity, the jackpot probability state changes to a low probability state, and is controlled to a low probability high base state until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times. Then, when the number of variations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number, the low-probability-high base state ends with this as a trigger, and thereafter, the control is controlled to the low-probability, low-base state (normal gaming state). In other words, the condition for ending the low-probability high base state is satisfied, and based on this, the low-probability low base state is controlled.

On the other hand, if the falling result is not derived before the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the high-accuracy-high base state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), even after the predetermined number of times, the gaming state remains high-accuracy-high. Controlled to base state. Then, if a fall result is derived in the probability change end judgment (fall judgment) executed in the high certainty high base state after a predetermined number of times, the high certainty high base state will end with this as an opportunity, and from then on , is controlled to a low probability low base state (normal gaming state). In other words, the condition for ending the high-accuracy, high-base state is satisfied, and based on this, the control is performed to the low-accuracy, low-base state.

As described above, in this embodiment, after the end of the jackpot game, the special symbol variation display (symbol variation game) that can be performed in a high base state is guaranteed a predetermined number of times, and even if the predetermined number of times is exceeded, the game will not continue. When the state is a high probability high base state, the gaming property (gaming specification) is such that the high base state is maintained until a fall result is derived in the probability change end determination. It should be noted that during the jackpot game, the game is in a low probability low base state, and after the jackpot game is finished, it is always in the high probability high base state.

Here, in this embodiment, the low probability/high base state is also referred to as the "first specific gaming state", the high probability/high base state is also referred to as the "second specific gaming state", and overall (high base state) This is also called a "specific gaming state." In addition, the period after the end of the jackpot game until the number of changes in the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) is also referred to as the "predetermined period", and the period when the number of changes reaches the predetermined number (elapse of the predetermined period) The termination condition (predetermined number of times) when the low-probability-high base state ends based on The termination condition (fall result) when the high-certain high base state ends based on the fall result derived in the variable-probability termination determination (fall determination) is also referred to as the "second termination condition", and the first termination condition The condition and the second termination condition are also collectively referred to as the "termination condition." In other words, the first termination condition and the second termination condition are both termination conditions for terminating the high base state, the first termination condition is a condition that can be satisfied before the second termination condition, and the second termination condition is a condition that can be satisfied before the second termination condition. The end condition is a condition that can be satisfied if the first end condition is not satisfied.

In this embodiment, the random numbers (obtained information) acquired based on the ball entering the starting port (the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21) mainly include the random numbers shown in FIG. 48. This is because, in contrast to the random number obtained based on the ball entering the starting port in Example 1 (see FIG. 7(A)), the random number for determining the end of a variable probability (also referred to as "variable end determination information") is It has been added. The random number for determining the end of variable probability in this embodiment takes a value in the range of "0 to 349". The random number for determining the end of a variable probability is also referred to as "random number for falling lottery" or "information for falling lottery."

Further, in this embodiment, among the determinations of the random numbers obtained based on the ball entering the starting hole, the determination of the random number for determining the jackpot type is performed using the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 49(1). The jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 49(1) replaces the jackpot type determination table of Example 1 shown in FIG. 8(B). Further, the random number for determining the end of variable probability is determined using the variable end determination table shown in FIG. 49(2). In this variable probability end determination table, the variable probability end determination values are set as "7", "127", and "271", and the other values are set as the variable probability continuation determination values.

Next, among various control processes by the game control microcomputer 81 (main control section 80), control processes related to this embodiment will be explained.

[Special figure 2 validity judgment process]
The special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202a) of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202a) shown in the same figure replaces the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202) of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202a) of this embodiment is obtained by adding the processes of S1311 to S1313 to the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202) of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 50, when it is determined in S1302 that the probability variation flag is ON (high probability state) (YES in S1302), a probability variation end determination is performed (S1311). Here, the value (label -TRND-K) of the random number counter for probability variable end determination stored in the lowest area (oldest memory) of the second special figure reservation storage section is read out, and the value (label -TRND-K) of the probability variable end determination table (Fig. 49(2))), the end of probability variation is determined (S1311). This process of S1311 is due to the game control microcomputer 81 (main control unit 80) functioning as a "fall determination means".

In the probability variable end determination (S1311), the determination result of the probability variable end, that is, a falling result that lowers the jackpot probability from a high probability (second probability) to a low probability (first probability) is derived (winning the falling lottery). If so (YES in S1312), the probability change flag is turned OFF (S1313). The probability change flag is a flag that is turned ON in the gaming state setting process (S2124a) described later. By the process of S1313, the high probability state (variable probability state) of the special symbol ends and becomes a low probability state. Then, a determination is made based on the jackpot determination table for the normal state (see FIG. 8(A)) (S1303).

On the other hand, if the determination result (fall result) of the end of definite variation is not derived in the determination of the end of definite variation (S1311) (NO in S1312), that is, the determination result of continuation of definite variation (also referred to as "continuation result") is derived. If the winning lottery is unsuccessful, a success/failure determination is made based on the jackpot determination table for high probability states (see FIG. 8(A)) (S1304).

[Special figure 1 validity judgment process]
The special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207a) of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207a) shown in the same figure replaces the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207) of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207a) of this embodiment is obtained by adding the processes of S1611 to S1613 to the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207) of the first embodiment.

In the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207a), processing is performed in the same flow as the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202a) shown in FIG. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted. However, since this process is related to special figure 1, in S1611, the value of the random number counter for probability variable end determination (oldest memory) stored in the lowest area of the first special figure reservation storage section of the RAM is (Label-TRND-K) is read out, and a probability variable end determination is made based on the probability variable end determination table (see FIG. 49 (2)) (S1611).

[Special symbol fluctuation processing]
The special symbol variation processing (S1104a) of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104a) shown in the same figure replaces the special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104) of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Specifically, in the special symbol variation processing (S1104a) of this embodiment, the processing of S1903a to S1908a is performed in place of the processing of S1903 to S1910 of the special symbol variation processing (S1104) of the first embodiment. .

As shown in FIG. 52, when it is determined in S1901 that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901) and a fluctuation stop command is set (S1902), it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON (S1903a). The time saving flag is turned ON in a game state setting process (S2124a), which will be described later, when the jackpot game ends.

If it is determined in S1903a that the time saving flag is not ON (OFF) (NO in S1903a), that is, if the current gaming state is a low probability low base state, S1911 is executed without performing the processing in S1904a to S1908a. Move to processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1903a that the time saving flag is ON (YES in S1903a), it is determined whether the value of the time saving counter is greater than "0" (S1904a). In this embodiment, when the jackpot game ends, the time saving counter is set to "100" in the game state setting process (S2124a) described later, so in S1904a, the value of the time saving counter is set to "1 to 100". Determine whether it is within the range.

If it is determined in S1904a that the value of the time-saving counter is not greater than "0" (NO in S1904), that is, if the value of the time-saving counter is "0", processing in S1907a is performed without performing the processing in S1905a and S1906a. to move to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1904a that the value of the time-saving counter is greater than "0" (YES in S1904), that is, if the value of the time-saving counter is in the range of "1 to 100", the value of the time-saving counter is subtracted by 1. (S1905a), and it is determined whether the value of the time saving counter after the subtraction is "0" (S1906a). As a result, if it is determined that the value of the time saving counter is not "0" (NO in S1906a), the process proceeds to S1911 without performing the processing in S1907a and S1908a, and if it is determined that the value is "0" (NO in S1906a). YES), it is determined whether the probability change flag is OFF (S1907a). The probability change flag is turned ON in the game state setting process (S2124a) described later when the jackpot game ends, and is turned OFF when a fall result is derived in the above-mentioned probability change end determination (S1311, S1611) (S1313). ,S1613).

If it is determined in S1907a that the probability change flag is not OFF (ON) (NO in S1907a), the process proceeds to S1911 without performing the process in S1908a, and if it is determined that it is OFF (YES in S1907a), the time is saved. The flag is turned OFF (S1908a) and the process proceeds to S1911. The gaming state after the time saving flag is turned OFF in S1908a is "low probability state, non-time saving state and low base state" (low probability low base state).

Through the above processing of S1903a to S1908a, after the end of the jackpot game, until the number of changes in the special symbol reaches 100, regardless of whether the jackpot probability is in a low probability state or a high probability state, "high base state" (YES in S1904a → NO in S1905a → NO in S1906). If the 100th variation display is in a low probability state at the end of the 100th variation display, that is, if a fall result is derived by the probability variation end determination by the 100th variation display (if the fall result is in a low probability state), the 100th variation display The "time saving state and high base state" ends when the fluctuation display ends (YES in S1906a → YES in S1907a → S1908a). This is the case where the specific gaming state (first specific gaming state) ends based on the establishment of the first ending condition.

On the other hand, if it is still in a high probability state at the end of the 100th variation display, that is, if a fall result has not been derived by the probability variation end determination by the 100th variation display, the gaming state from the 101st time onwards will be Controlled to "high probability state, time saving state, and high base state" (NO in S1904a → NO in S1907a). If a fall result is derived from the 101st time or later based on the variable end determination, the "time saving state and high base state" ends at the end of the variation display from which the fall result was derived (NO in S1904a → YES in S1907a → S1908a). This is the case where the specific gaming state (second specific gaming state) ends based on the establishment of the second ending condition.

[Game status setting process]
FIG. 53 shows the gaming state setting process (S2124a) of this embodiment. The gaming state setting process (S2124a) shown in the figure replaces the gaming state setting process (S2124) of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104a) of this embodiment, first the probability change flag is turned ON (S2210), then the time saving flag is turned ON (S2211), and finally the time saving counter is set to "100" (S2212). ), this process ends. As a result, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled to be a "high probability state, time saving state, and high base state" (high probability high base state) regardless of the type of jackpot.

The above is the control processing related to this embodiment by the game control microcomputer 81 (main control section 80). The performance (game performance) related to the game that progresses under the game control by the game control microcomputer 81 is the same as the performance control by the performance control microcomputer 91 (sub-control unit 90) described in the first embodiment. It is executed with.

In this embodiment, the mode status that specifies the production mode managed under the control of the production control microcomputer 91 is set to any value from "1" to "4". Mode status "1" corresponds to production mode A, mode status "2" corresponds to production mode B, mode status "3" corresponds to production mode C, and mode status "4" corresponds to production mode D. do.

Production modes A and B (mode status 1 and 2) are production modes that are set when the gaming state is controlled to a low probability low base state, as in the first embodiment.

Performance mode C (mode status 3) is the first performance mode after the jackpot game is set when the jackpot game ends and the symbol variation game becomes executable. That is, this is an effect mode that is set during a period (predetermined period) after the end of the jackpot game until the variable display of special symbols is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). When the production mode C is set, the gaming state is a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, and while the production mode C is set, the player can confirm that the current gaming state is a high probability high base state. It is difficult (virtually impossible) to grasp whether it is a state (probability variable gaming state) or a low probability high base state (time saving state).

In production mode D (mode status 4), after the end of the jackpot game, when the special symbol is displayed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) (a predetermined period has elapsed), the game state becomes high probability high base. If it is, the production mode is set after the predetermined number of times (for example, after the 101st time). The gaming state when production mode D is set is a high-probability, high-base state, and while the production mode D is set, the player can change the current gaming state to a high-probability, high-base state (variable probability gaming state). It is possible to understand that When a fall result occurs in the probability variable end determination in performance mode D and the game state shifts to a low probability low base state, the performance mode is switched from performance mode D to performance mode A or B.

In this embodiment, presentation modes A and B are collectively referred to as "normal mode," and presentation modes C and D are collectively referred to as "heaven mode." In the heaven mode, the period from the end of the jackpot game until the variable display of special symbols is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) is the performance mode C (until the predetermined period elapses), and during that time, the game state is as described above. is controlled to be a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, and it is difficult (virtually impossible) for the player to distinguish which state is in, so it can be said to be a probability non-notification mode.

Next, the game effects that can be executed in this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, distinctive performances are executed in the ending period (end period) when the jackpot game ends and in the subsequent heaven mode. Specifically, a ``condition suggestion performance'' that suggests game conditions related to the game after the jackpot game (heaven mode) is executed during the ending period. In addition, a "mode branching effect" is performed at a mode branching point to indicate whether the heaven mode ends or continues. Hereinafter, the condition suggestion performance and the mode branch performance will be explained in order.

[Condition suggestion performance]
In this embodiment, even if any of the five types of jackpots mentioned above is won, a condition suggestion performance is executed as an ending performance during the ending period set after the final round of the jackpot game ends.

If the production control microcomputer 91 determines that the ending command from the main control unit 80 has been received in the above-mentioned received command analysis process (S4302) (YES in S4405), it issues a command (ending production command) that specifies the ending production. Set to sub output buffer. When this set ending effect command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 displays the ending effect on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 based on the ending effect command. run on. As this ending effect, in this embodiment, after the end of the jackpot game, a game period during which a symbol fluctuation game in a high base state is guaranteed, that is, a first end that can be satisfied first among the above-mentioned high base state end conditions. A performance that suggests a condition (a condition-suggesting performance) is executed. An example of this effect is shown in FIG. 54(A).

As shown in FIG. 54(A), in the condition-suggesting performance (ending performance), a performance image 710 (advice image) containing, for example, the words "You must not exceed 100 revolutions" (advice message) is displayed. It is displayed on the screen 7a. At this time, in conjunction with the display of the effect image 710, the speaker 67 may output audio (such as dialogue) that reads out the characters included in the image. Furthermore, in accordance with the display of the effect image 710, lamps may be caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, or movable decorative members (movable accessories) may be operated in a predetermined operation pattern.

The text "100 rotations" included in the performance image 710 is the specified number of variations of the special symbol (first ending condition) that defines the gaming period (predetermined period) in which symbol variation games are guaranteed in the high base state (heaven mode). corresponds to By displaying such a performance image 710, the player is made aware that after the end of the jackpot game, it is possible to play in a high base state (heaven mode) until the special symbol is displayed at least 100 times. be able to. Further, if the number of times exceeds 100, the player can be made aware that the game in the high base state (heaven mode) is uncertain (heaven mode may end).

As described above, in this embodiment, during the ending period of the jackpot game, the special symbol must not be changed 100 times in the high base state (heaven mode) that starts after that, that is, the first ending condition is satisfied. A condition-suggesting performance (ending performance) is executed in a manner that instructs the player not to allow the game to occur (to avoid satisfaction of the first ending condition).

[Mode branching effect]
In this embodiment, the game state is controlled to a high-certain high-base state through the above-mentioned condition suggestion performance (ending performance), and thereby a game in the heaven mode (high base state, specific game state) is started. The heaven mode is a game that is advanced by right-handed hitting, and the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly executed.

If the production control microcomputer 91 determines that it has received a variation start command from the main control unit 80 in the above-mentioned received command analysis process (S4302) (YES in S4401), the production control microcomputer 91 executes a special command specified based on the variation start command. A variable production pattern is set based on the symbol validity determination result, variation pattern, etc. (S4505), and a variation production start command is set in the sub output buffer (S4507). When this set variable effect start command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 starts the variable effect etc. based on the variable effect pattern specified based on the variable effect start command. This is executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Under these circumstances, when the special symbol (mainly special symbol 2) is displayed 99 times without a jackpot in heaven mode, a mode branching effect is executed with the variable effect related to the 100th variable display. It is assumed that

In this embodiment, when the special symbol is displayed for the 100th time in heaven mode, a variation pattern with a variation time of 30,000 ms (see FIG. 9) is selected as the variation pattern for the variation display. It is assumed that a mode branching effect is executed in a variable effect related to the 100th variable display based on the variable pattern. That is, the variation time selected (set) at the 100th special symbol variation display, which is the turning point of ending or continuing the heaven mode, is fixed to one variation time. This makes it easier to improve the content of the performance by fixing the execution time of the mode branching performance, and it becomes possible to increase the interest at the mode branching point.

Examples of mode branch effects are shown in FIG. 54(B) and FIGS. 55(A) to (C). The mode branch performance of this embodiment is roughly divided into a branch arrival performance, an operation instruction performance, and a branch destination notification performance. When the 100th special symbol variable display starts in the heaven mode, the branch reaching effect shown in FIG. 54(B) is first executed in the variable effect related to the variable display. The branch reaching performance is a performance that suggests that there is a possibility that the first end condition of the heaven mode (the end condition of the specific game state) will be satisfied.

In this embodiment, the branch arrival effect is executed in a manner that suggests that the instruction (advice) based on the above-mentioned condition suggestion effect has been violated. Specifically, for example, a production image 720 (default image) including the text (default message) such as "I told you not to exceed 100 revolutions...you broke your promise, didn't you?" is displayed on the display screen 7a. be done. At this time, in conjunction with the display of the effect image 720, the speaker 67 may output audio (such as dialogue) that reads out the characters included in the image. Furthermore, in accordance with the display of the effect image 720, lamps may be caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, or movable decorative members (movable accessories) may be operated in a predetermined operation pattern.

Here, when the 100th special symbol fluctuation display (special symbol validity judgment) is performed in the heaven mode, the game state at that time is the falling result in the probability fluctuation end judgment executed up to that time (S1311 or S1611). If it has been derived, it is a low probability high base state, and if it has not yet been derived, it is a high probability high base state. If the 100th variation display is a deviation variation based on the result of the special symbol validity determination in the low-accuracy/high-base state, the low-accuracy/high-base state ends at the end of the variation display. On the other hand, if the 100th variation display is a deviation variation based on the special symbol validity determination result in the high-accuracy/high-base state, the high-accuracy/high-base state does not end with the end of the variation display (continues). In addition, if the 100th fluctuation display is a jackpot fluctuation, a jackpot game will be executed after the end of the fluctuation display, and after the above-mentioned condition suggestion performance (ending performance), the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be a high probability high base state. is controlled, and heaven mode starts.

In this embodiment, when setting a variable effect pattern related to the 100th variable display during the heaven mode, the game state at that time is referred to, and mode branch effects (branch arrival effect, operation instruction effect, branch destination notification effect) are set. ) is determined based on a performance pattern determination table (not shown) and a predetermined random number for performance determination, and is included in the variable performance pattern and set (S4505).

In this embodiment, the type (display mode) of the effect image 720 to be displayed in the branch reaching effect is a normal image in which the character color is a normal color (for example, white) (also called "normal display mode" or "first mode"). ) and a special image (also referred to as a "special display mode" or "second mode") in which the character color is a special color (for example, red). If the game state at the time of setting the mode branch effect is a low probability high base state, the possibility of selecting (setting) the normal color is higher than the special color, and if the game state is a high probability high base state. , the possibility of selecting (setting) a special color is higher than that of a normal color. Therefore, when a mode branch effect is executed in the 100th variable display during heaven mode, if the game state at that time (at the time of judgment) is a low probability high base state, the effect image containing special color characters The effect image 720 containing characters in a normal color is more likely to be displayed than the effect image 720 containing characters in a special color. will be more easily displayed.

In other words, the branch arrival effect may be executed in the normal color (first mode) or in the special color (second mode), and when executed in a low probability high base state, it may be executed in the special color. There is a higher possibility that the execution will be executed in the normal color than in the normal color, and if it is executed in the high-accuracy/high-base state, there is a higher possibility that the execution will be executed in the special color than the normal color. Therefore, the branch reaching effect executed in the normal color (first mode) is an effect that suggests that there is a relatively high probability that the first ending condition of the heaven mode (the ending condition of the specific game state) will be satisfied. I can say that. On the other hand, the branch reaching effect executed in the special color (second mode) is an effect that suggests that the probability of the first ending condition of heaven mode (the ending condition of a specific game state) being satisfied is relatively low. I can say that.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the 100th variation display is executed (started) in the heaven mode, the special symbol is displayed 100 times. The branch arrival effect is executed in a manner that suggests that the instruction to the effect that the change should not be made is violated. In other words, the branch reaching effect is executed in a manner that suggests that there is a possibility that the first end condition of the heaven mode (end condition of the specific game state) cannot be avoided.

Following the branch arrival effect, the operation instruction effect shown in FIG. 55(A) is executed. The operation instruction performance is a performance that instructs the player to operate the first performance button 63a. The operation instruction performance includes a character image of "Press!", a performance button image imitating the first performance button 63a, and an operation valid period image indicating the period (remaining time) during which the operation of the first performance button 63a is valid. A production image 730 (operation instruction image) including and is displayed on the display screen 7a. If the first effect button 63a is operated (pressed) once before the operation validity period (for example, about 5 seconds) of the first effect button 63a has elapsed, the operation will be performed based on the operation shown in FIG. 55(B) or (C). ) is executed. In addition, the operation mode of the first effect button 63a at this time is not only one press (single press), but also continuous press of the first effect button 63a several times in succession, or pressing the first effect button 63a for a predetermined period of time. It may be a long press that continues to be pressed, or a single press, a continuous press, or a long press may be selected when determining the performance pattern of the mode branch performance.

The branch destination notification performance shown in FIG. 55(B) is a performance that notifies the continuation of the heaven mode (also referred to as a "continuation notification performance"). The continuous notification effect is executed when the 100th variation display in the heaven mode is an error variation based on the special symbol validity determination result in the high-accuracy/high-base state. As shown in FIG. 55(B), in the continuous notification effect, for example, a effect image 740 (continuation notification image) including the words "Heaven mode continues!" is displayed on the display screen 7a. At this time, in accordance with the display of the effect image 740, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speaker 67, lamps are made to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and movable decorative members (movable accessories) are made to emit light in a predetermined operation pattern. It may also be activated. Through such continuous notification performance, the player is made aware that the heaven mode (high base state, specific gaming state) will continue (here, the high certainty high base state (second specific gaming state) will continue). I can do it.

The branch destination notification performance shown in FIG. 55(C) is a performance that notifies the end of the heaven mode (also referred to as "end notification performance"). The end notification performance is executed when the 100th variation display in the heaven mode is a failure variation based on the special symbol validity determination result in the low accuracy high base state. As shown in FIG. 55(C), in the end notification performance, a performance image 750 (end notification image) including, for example, the words "End of Heaven Mode" is displayed on the display screen 7a. In addition, the number of jackpots that occurred until the end of heaven mode (so-called "number of successive hits"), including the so-called "first hit" jackpot that triggered the entry into heaven mode, and the number of earned points that indicate the number of prize balls acquired until the end of heaven mode A performance image 760 (game result image) including game results of the heaven mode such as , title, etc. is displayed on the display screen 7a (result display means, result display means). A title is information (rank display) that suggests the rank of the gaming results in Heaven Mode. For example, if the number of jackpots has occurred 1 to 3 times, you are a "third-rate person," and if the number of jackpots has been 4 to 6 times, you are a "third-rate person." Depending on the number of jackpots (playing results) until the end of heaven mode, such as "second-class person" if 7 to 9 times, "first-rate person" if 10 times or more, etc. Its contents change. Through such an end notification performance, the player is made aware that the heaven mode (high base state, specific gaming state) is ending (in this case, the low probability high base state (first specific gaming state) is ending). I can do it.

Note that in accordance with the display of the effect images 750 and 760, a predetermined sound effect may be output from the speaker 67, or lamps may be caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern. In this case, since the end notification performance is a performance that suggests a disadvantageous game development for the player (end of heaven mode), it is desirable to configure it to be executed in a more modest manner compared to the continuation notification performance.

In addition, the branch destination notification effect shown in FIG. 55(B) or (C) is such that the first effect button 63a is operated within the valid operation period indicated by the operation instruction effect (operation valid period image) shown in FIG. 55(A). However, if the first effect button 63a is not operated within the valid operation period, it is executed based on the elapse of the valid operation period.

The mode branching effect is completed by the above-mentioned branching destination notification effect, and after this, the effect pattern 8 is stopped and displayed on the display screen 7a in a mode (deviant mode) according to the result of the variation display (deviant variation) accompanied by the mode branching effect. be done. Then, when the continuous notification effect is executed in the mode branching effect, the heaven mode (high probability high When the base state (base state) continues and a fall result is derived, the heaven mode ends with the end of the variable display from which the fall result was derived, and then the normal mode (low probability low base state) is entered. Further, when an end notification performance is executed in the mode branch performance, the heaven mode ends with the end of the variable display in which the end notification performance was executed, and then the normal mode (low probability low base state) is entered.

In addition, if the 100th fluctuation display in heaven mode is a jackpot fluctuation, the operation instruction performance of the mode branching performance will be executed in the same way as the above-mentioned loss fluctuation, and the operation indicated by the operation instruction performance (operation validity period image) will be valid. Based on the fact that the first performance button 63a is operated within the period, a jackpot suggestion performance (not shown) that suggests that a jackpot is confirmed is executed.

Here, in this embodiment, the condition suggestion effect (see FIG. 54(A)) executed as the ending effect is also referred to as the "first effect", and among the mode branch effects, the branch reaching effect (see FIG. 54(B) ) is also referred to as a "second effect", and among the mode branch effects, the branch destination notification effect (see FIGS. 55(B) and (C)) is also referred to as a "third effect". In addition, a performance control microcomputer 91 (sub-control unit) and an image control microcomputer 101 (image The performance control units such as the control unit) function as "first performance execution means", "second performance execution means", and "third performance execution means".

[Effects of Example 2]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, during the ending period (end period) set at the end of the jackpot game, the first end condition (end condition of the specific game state) of the heaven mode to be started thereafter is suggested (conditional suggestion performance). After that, at a predetermined time during the heaven mode (specific game state), it is suggested that the first end condition suggested in the previous condition suggestion performance may be satisfied (branch reaching performance), and following the suggestion, It is reported whether the heaven mode ends when the first end condition is satisfied, or whether the heaven mode continues when the first end condition is not satisfied (branch destination notification effect).

Since the end of heaven mode is a disadvantageous game development for the player, suggestions related to such disadvantageous game development (condition suggestion performance, branch reaching performance) are sent before the end or continuation of heaven mode is announced (branch destination By doing this before the execution of the notification effect, it is possible to arouse the player's anxiety about the end of the heaven mode and then to notify the end or continuation of the heaven mode. Thereby, it becomes possible to effectively arouse the sense of tension when the termination or continuation of the heaven mode is announced, and by extension, it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, a condition suggestion performance is executed as an ending performance, and during the ending period, the first ending condition of the heaven mode to be started thereafter is suggested. Therefore, the heaven mode (specific game state) is started following the suggestion of the first end condition of the heaven mode (condition suggestion performance). This makes it possible to increase the interest from the end of the jackpot game to the start of the heaven mode.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the condition suggestion performance that suggests the first ending condition of the heaven mode is executed in a manner that instructs the player to avoid the first ending condition (FIG. 54(A) ). Therefore, it is possible to give the player the impression that the first termination condition of the heaven mode must not be satisfied. This makes it possible to provide a novel suggestion that makes the player feel anxious and nervous about the end of the heaven mode, and it is possible to create a new entertainment that is different from the conventional one.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the branch reaching performance that suggests that the first ending condition of the heaven mode may be met indicates that the instruction by the previous condition suggesting performance (ending performance) is contrary to the instruction. (See FIG. 54(B)). For this reason, it is possible to give the player the impression that the instruction issued in the previous condition suggestion performance (avoidance of fulfillment of the first end condition) cannot be followed. This makes it possible to make novel suggestions that are related to the previous conditional suggestion performance. Furthermore, it is possible to effectively arouse the player's anxiety and expectations regarding the termination or continuation of the heaven mode in preparation for the later branch notification performance.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the branch reaching effect that suggests that there is a possibility that the first end condition of the heaven mode will be met is in the first mode that suggests that the probability of the first ending condition being met is relatively high. There are cases in which it is executed, and cases in which it is executed in a second mode that suggests that the possibility of its realization is relatively low. Therefore, depending on whether the branch reaching effect is executed in the first mode or the second mode, it is possible to suggest to the player whether the possibility of ending or continuing the heaven mode is higher. This makes it possible to increase the interest when the branch arrival effect is executed.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the branch arrival effect is executed when the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, the 100th time) after the heaven mode is started (a predetermined period has elapsed). This indicates that there is a possibility that the first termination condition will be satisfied. In addition, the end conditions of the heaven mode include a first end condition and a second end condition, of which the first end condition is the execution of a variable display of special symbols a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the start of the heaven mode. (the passage of a predetermined period). On the other hand, the second end condition is set when the first end condition is not satisfied even after the special symbols are displayed a predetermined number of times in the heaven mode (even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed). (after the passage of time). In the condition suggesting performance (ending performance) executed before the start of the heaven mode, a first end condition that can be satisfied before the second end condition is suggested. For this reason, if a branch arrival effect is executed when the variable display of special symbols is executed for a predetermined number of times after the start of heaven mode (when a predetermined period has elapsed), the first end condition for the branch arrival effect is executed. Although it is suggested that there is a possibility that the following is true, there is also a possibility that the first termination condition is not satisfied at that point. As a result, it is possible to create a sense of expectation in the player for the continuation of Heaven Mode even if the branch reaching effect is executed, and it is possible to increase the interest due to the gameplay of Heaven Mode in which the ending conditions can be met in stages. becomes.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the start of the heaven mode, if the first end condition is satisfied in the variable display of the special symbol a predetermined number of times (for example, the 100th time), that is, the branch reaching effect is executed. If the first end condition is satisfied when the game ends, the end of the heaven mode is announced in the branch notification effect executed thereafter (see FIG. 55(C)). On the other hand, if the first end condition is not satisfied in the predetermined number of variable displays of special symbols after the start of heaven mode, that is, if the first end condition is not satisfied when the branch arrival effect is executed, then In the branch notification effect that is executed, the continuation of the heaven mode is notified (see FIG. 55(B)). For this reason, after a suggestion by a branch arrival effect, players are interested in whether the branch destination notification effect will be executed with content that matches the suggestion or whether the branch destination notification effect will be executed with content that is contrary to the suggestion. It becomes possible to attract This makes it possible to effectively increase the interest from the branch arrival performance to the branch destination notification performance.

Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, an operation instruction performance (see FIG. 55(A)) that instructs the player to operate the performance button is executed following the branch arrival performance. Afterwards, a branch destination notification effect can be executed based on the operation of the effect button. Therefore, it is possible to effectively increase the interest when the termination or continuation of the heaven mode is announced (when the branch destination notification effect is executed).

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called "falling lottery machine", and the gaming state at the time of starting the heaven mode is a high probability high base state (second specific gaming state). After the heaven mode starts, if the jackpot probability falls from a high probability (second probability) to a low probability (first probability) before the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, the 100th time), After this fall, the gaming state becomes a low probability/high base state (first specific gaming state) until the predetermined number of fluctuation displays ends, and the low probability/high base state ends at the end of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays. With this, the heaven mode (specific game state) ends.

On the other hand, after the start of heaven mode, the jackpot probability must fall from a high probability (second probability) to a low probability (first probability) before the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, the 100th time). For example, even if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol exceeds a predetermined number of times, the high-accuracy, high-base state continues (maintained), and then, when the jackpot probability falls to a low probability, the high-accuracy, high-base state ends, and with this, heaven mode ( (specific game state) ends.

In a falling lottery machine that has a gameplay that follows the changes in the game state, by executing the above-mentioned condition suggestion performance, branch arrival performance, and branch destination notification performance (mode branching performance), the game interest of the falling lottery machine is effectively increased. It becomes possible to increase the

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 2, the case where the condition suggestion performance, the branch arrival performance, and the branch destination notification performance (mode branch performance) are executed by the falling lottery machine was exemplified, but these performances can be executed by a gaming machine other than the falling lottery machine. It is also possible to run it with For example, in the pachinko game machine 1 of Example 1, the 6R second to fifth jackpots related to the first special symbol are determined whether the gaming state after the jackpot game is a low probability high base state (low probability state) or a high probability high base. It is not possible to determine whether the game is in a state (high probability state) after the end of the jackpot game until the end of the high base state or a continuation branch (the 100th fluctuating display after the jackpot game). In the ending period related to the second to fifth jackpots of 6R and at the end or continuation of the high base state (the 100th variation display), the condition suggestion performance, branch arrival performance, and branching are performed in the same manner as in Example 2. It is possible to perform advance notification effect (mode branch effect). This also makes it possible to effectively arouse the sense of tension when the end or continuation of the high base state is notified. In this case, the high base state corresponds to a "specific gaming state", and the 100 fluctuation displays in the high base state (low probability high base state or high probability high base state) after the jackpot game are the low probability high base state. This corresponds to the "termination condition (first termination condition)" in the high-certainty, high-base state, and it is the "termination condition (second termination condition)" in the high-certainty, high-base state that the jackpot game will be executed after the 101st fluctuating display after the jackpot game. conditions).

In addition, a gaming machine configured such that the period in which the time saving function and opening extension function operate (number of working hours, number of times of electric support) is different depending on the type of jackpot (jackpot symbol), that is, the operation of the time saving function and opening extension function. In a gaming machine that has a plurality of termination conditions that result in the end of the (high base state), it is possible to execute the above-described condition suggestion performance, branch arrival performance, and branch destination notification performance. Specifically, for example, after the end of the jackpot game, the first jackpot remains in a high base state until the first predetermined number of fluctuation displays (for example, 25 times) are executed, and the second The second jackpot remains in a high base state until the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), and until the variable display is performed a third predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) which is greater than the second predetermined number of times. It is assumed that there is a third jackpot which is considered to be a high base state. In this case, the condition is such that when the third jackpot or the second jackpot occurs, the number of changes in the special symbol must not exceed a second predetermined number (for example, 50 times) in the high base state after the jackpot game. A suggestion effect is executed, and a branch arrival effect that suggests that the instruction by the condition suggestion effect has been violated is executed with a second predetermined number of fluctuation displays, and then a branch destination notification effect (if the third jackpot is reached, a branch destination effect is executed). It is configured to execute a continuation notification performance, and an end notification performance if it is a second jackpot. The same applies when the second jackpot or the first jackpot occurs. This also makes it possible to effectively arouse the sense of tension when the end or continuation of the high base state is notified. In this case, the high base state (low probability high base state or high probability high base state) corresponds to the "specific gaming state", the first to third predetermined times correspond to the "termination condition", and the third jackpot Or, the second predetermined number of times when the second jackpot occurs corresponds to the "first ending condition", the third predetermined number of times corresponds to the "second ending condition", and the second jackpot or the first jackpot occurs. The first predetermined number of times corresponds to the "first termination condition", and the second predetermined number of times corresponds to the "second termination condition".

In addition, in a type of pachinko gaming machine (so-called "ST machine") in which the end condition of a high probability state is determined based on the number of variable display times of a special symbol (for example, 100 times), the above-mentioned condition suggestion performance, branch arrival performance, and branch It is also possible to perform advance notification effects. Specifically, for example, after the end of the jackpot game, the high probability and high base state is maintained until the variable display is performed a first predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), and the state is maintained at a high probability and high base state until the fluctuation display is performed a first predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), and It will be in a high probability low base state until the fluctuation display is executed a large second predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), and if a jackpot does not occur by the second predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), it will be in a low probability low base state. After the first jackpot and the end of the jackpot game, the player will be in a high probability, high base state until the variable display is executed a second predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), and the jackpot will be won by the second predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). It is assumed that there is a second jackpot that will be a low probability low base if it does not occur. In this case, when the first jackpot or the second jackpot occurs, an instruction is given to the effect that the number of changes in the special symbol must not exceed a first predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times) in the high-precision, high-base state after the jackpot game. A condition suggestion performance is executed, a branch arrival performance that suggests that the instruction by the condition suggestion performance has been violated is executed with the first predetermined number of fluctuation displays, and then a branch destination notification performance (with a second jackpot) is executed. If there is, a continuation notification effect is executed, and if there is a first jackpot, an end notification effect) is executed. This also makes it possible to effectively arouse the sense of tension when the end (first jackpot) or continuation (second jackpot) of the high-accuracy, high-base state is announced. In this case, the high base state (high probability high base state or high probability low base state) corresponds to the "specific gaming state", the first predetermined number of times and the second predetermined number of times correspond to the "termination condition", and the One predetermined number of times corresponds to a "first termination condition," and the second predetermined number of times corresponds to a "second termination condition."

Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the condition suggestion performance (first performance) is executed during the ending period (as the ending performance), but the execution timing of the condition suggestion performance is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to perform a conditional suggestion performance as an opening performance when a jackpot game is started, or to execute a conditional suggestion performance as a round performance during a jackpot game. However, since the suggestion by the condition suggestion performance is a suggestion regarding a specific gaming state after the end of the jackpot game, it is desirable to execute it at a timing close to the end of the jackpot game (start of the specific gaming state).

Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, the condition suggesting effect (first effect) suggesting the first end condition of the heaven mode (the end condition of the specific game state) was to be executed in the manner shown in FIG. 54(A). However, the aspect of the conditional suggestion presentation (first presentation) is not limited to the embodiment. For example, while giving the player an impression (negative impression) that will put the player at a disadvantage in playing the game, the player is given conditions for ending the game, such as ``It is dangerous to exceed 100 rotations'' or ``You must not miss 100 times in a row.'' It is possible to make it possible to recognize it.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Example 2, the branch reaching effect (second effect) indicating that the first end condition of the heaven mode (the end condition of the specific game state) may be satisfied is shown in FIG. 54(B). However, the manner of the branch reaching effect (second effect) is not limited to the embodiment. For example, it is possible to satisfy the ending condition while giving the player an impression (negative impression) that the game development is disadvantageous, such as "Unfortunately, you have reached 100 rotations" or "You have continued to miss 99 times." It is possible to provide a mode that allows the player to recognize that there is a sex.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, in the mode branching effect, the operation instruction effect is executed between the branch arrival effect and the branch destination notification effect, but the operation instruction effect is performed according to the first end condition of the heaven mode. It may be executed in a manner that indicates the high or low probability of establishment. For example, the types of operation instruction images displayed in the operation instruction effect (for example, the size and color of the effect button image, the text It is possible to provide a plurality of types (image size, color, etc.) and suggest the high or low probability that the termination condition will be satisfied depending on the type. Furthermore, it is also possible to suggest the high or low probability that the end condition will be satisfied depending on the operation mode of the performance button (single press, repeated press, long press, etc.) instructed by the operation instruction performance. Thereby, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the operation instruction performance and performance button operation related to the execution of the branch destination notification performance, and to further enhance the interest from the branch arrival performance to the branch destination notification performance.

Note that it is not necessary to perform the operation instruction performance in the mode branch performance. In this case, a predetermined connecting effect other than the operation instruction effect may be provided between the branch arrival effect and the branch destination notification effect. Examples of the transition effect include a timer effect that indicates the remaining time until the branch destination notification effect is executed (started), a countdown effect that counts down until the branch destination notification effect is executed (started), and the like. When executing a timer effect or countdown effect as a transition effect, the length of the remaining time indicated by the timer effect and the number of countdowns by the countdown effect indicate the high or low probability that the end conditions of a specific game state will be met. You may also do so. This also makes it possible to increase the interest from the branch arrival performance to the branch destination notification performance.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (falling lottery machine) of the second embodiment, it is of course possible to execute the staged promotion performance (specific performance) described in the first embodiment.

Although Examples 1 and 2 have been described above as embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these Examples, and unless it deviates from the scope stated in each claim, the description of each claim The present invention is not limited to the wording, but can be easily replaced by a person skilled in the art, and it is possible to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge normally possessed by a person skilled in the art.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a type 1 pachinko game machine that determines whether or not to operate the probability variation function based on the type of jackpot symbol (in Embodiment 2, all symbols are variable). is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the big prize opening (V Attacker) is equipped with a specific area (V area) as a probability variable operation opening, and a probability variation function is applied based on whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area (V passage) during a jackpot game. The present invention can also be applied to one type of pachinko game machine (so-called "V-koku machine") in which it is determined whether to operate or not. In addition, in the V-probability machine, there is a jackpot that is scheduled to pass through V during the jackpot game (also referred to as "a jackpot expected to pass through V"), and a jackpot that is scheduled to pass through V in a high probability state (for example, a high probability high base state). Even though a jackpot game has occurred and a jackpot game has been executed, if an irregular event (also referred to as "irregular V non-passing") occurs in which the game ball does not pass the V during the jackpot game, the irregular V Non-passing ends the continuation (consecutive runs) of the high probability state, and can therefore be said to be a condition for ending the high probability state.

In addition, pachinko machines of the type that end the high probability state (probability variable state) when the number of occurrences of the probability variable jackpot or V-passing planned jackpot, which triggers the transition to the high probability state, reach a predetermined limit number of times (so-called "probability variable limit"). The present invention can also be applied to In addition, in the probability variable limit machine, it can be said that it is a condition for ending the high probability state that the number of occurrences of the probability variable jackpot or the V passing planned jackpot reaches a predetermined limit number of times.

In addition, there is a specific area (V area) inside the big winning hole that can be entered when the result of the special symbol correctness judgment becomes a small hit, and the game ball that enters the big winning hole during a small winning game. It is also possible to apply the present invention to type 1 and type 2 pachinko gaming machines in which a jackpot game is executed when the player passes through a specific area (passes V).

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a control process (so-called special pattern 2 priority However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a control process (so-called special figure 1 priority variation) in which the first special figure reservation is prioritized over the second special figure reservation. Alternatively, without setting a priority for extinguishing the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation are consumed in order from the oldest memorized one. It may also be a control process (so-called variation of ball entry order (storage order)). In addition, instead of the special pattern 2 priority variation in the above-mentioned embodiment, a variable display of the first special symbol and a variable display of the second special symbol (extinguishment of the first special symbol reservation and expiration of the second special symbol reservation) are provided. Control processing executed in parallel (so-called special figure 1 and 2 simultaneous variation) may be adopted.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, regarding the advance judgment based on the starting pitch, the latest obtained random number value (obtained information) stored in the special figure reservation storage unit is read out, and the read obtained random number value (obtained information) is determined ( However, the method of the preliminary determination is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the special figure reservation storage section, an area (obtained information storage means) that stores the obtained information that is subject to preliminary judgment (that is, the obtained information obtained based on the starting ball) may be stored in the main control section or the sub-control section. It may also be provided in the RAM of the unit to judge (preliminary judgment) the obtained information stored in the storage area (preliminary judgment storage part). In this case, by storing the results of the preliminary determination in the RAM of the main control unit or the sub-control unit, it is also possible to erase the acquired information used for the preliminary determination (acquired information stored in a separate storage area). Alternatively, instead of making a preliminary determination on the acquired information stored in the special figure reservation storage unit, the preliminary determination may be made on the acquired information acquired based on the starting ball. That is, you may make it pre-determine before storing acquired information in a special figure reservation storage part. In this case, there is no need to provide an area separate from the special figure reservation storage section to store acquired information that is subject to advance determination, and there is no need to read out the acquired information stored in the special figure reservation storage section for advance determination. do not have.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the jackpot probability can be set to a low probability (first probability) or a high probability (second probability) by deactivating or activating the probability fluctuation function, but the type (number) of the jackpot probability is It is not limited to this, and for example, it is possible to set three or more types of probabilities, such as a medium probability (third probability) that is higher than a low probability (first probability) and lower than a high probability (second probability). good. Furthermore, the first low probability and the first high probability (first probability condition), the second low probability and the second high probability (second probability condition), the third low probability and the third high probability (third probability condition), etc. , multiple types of probability conditions that define the relationship between low and high probabilities are provided, and any one of the multiple types of probability conditions can be arbitrarily set (selected), for example, when the gaming machine is powered on. Good too.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) that can advance the game by firing the game ball toward the game board surface is used. Although an example to which the invention is applied has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine (a rotating drum type game machine) in which the game medium used for the game is a game medal. It is also possible.

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

(Reference invention 1)
Conventionally, gaming machines that play games using gaming media such as gaming balls have been widely known. In this type of gaming machine, various effects are performed during the game in order to increase the interest in the game. For example, in a game (variable game) in which identification information such as special symbols is displayed in a variable manner, performances related to the variable display (variable game) such as a reach performance and a preview performance are executed. Furthermore, in special games such as jackpot games, performances related to the special game, such as opening performances and round performances, are executed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-218197).

However, although the contents (for example, motifs, content, characters, etc.) of the effects executed during a game vary depending on the model, the effects techniques (for example, effect development, effect patterns, etc.) tend to be uniform. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in increasing gaming interest through performance.

The present invention 1 has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to realize a highly interesting performance that attracts the interest of the players and to increase the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is
A gaming machine that plays games using predetermined gaming media,
a performance execution means capable of executing a performance related to the game;
Equipped with a display screen that can display a production display,
The performance execution means includes, as the performance,
a first stage effect of displaying, on the display screen, an effect display in which a predetermined display target displayed on the display screen is accumulated;
a second stage performance that displays on the display screen a performance display in which the display target accumulated in the first stage performance is released;
a third stage performance that displays on the display screen a performance display in which a predetermined area is covered by the display target released in the second stage performance;
The present invention is characterized in that it is possible to execute a specific performance including a fourth stage performance in which a performance display in which a specific display object appears in an area covered by the third stage performance is displayed on the display screen.

According to such a gaming machine, after a predetermined display object displayed on the display screen is accumulated (stocked) (first stage effect), the accumulated display object is released (second stage effect), After a predetermined area is covered by the released display object (third stage effect), a specific display object appears in the covered area (fourth stage effect), and so on. Specific effects may be performed on the display screen. Such a specific effect (a series of effect displays) realizes a visually novel effect. Thereby, it is possible to realize a performance that attracts the player's interest and to increase the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 mentioned above,
an identification information display means capable of displaying changing identification information;
a special game execution means capable of executing a special game in which a predetermined profit can be given to a player based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result,
The specific performance is a performance that can be executed during execution of the variable display,
The specific display target is characterized in that it includes a suggestion image that suggests the possibility that the display result of the variable display being executed will be the specific display result.

According to such a gaming machine, a specific performance can be executed while the identification information is being displayed in a variable manner. The specific display target that appears in the fourth stage of the specific performance includes a suggestion image that indicates the possibility that the display result of the variable display being executed will become the specific display result (possibility of executing the special game). It will be done. Therefore, it is possible to suggest to the player in the fourth stage performance of the specific performance the possibility that the display result of the variable display accompanied by the execution of the specific performance will become the specific display result. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest in the specific display object (suggestive image) that appears in the fourth stage performance, thereby increasing the interest when the fourth stage performance is executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 or 1-2 mentioned above,
Equipped with operation means that can be operated by the player,
The performance execution means is capable of executing an operation-compatible performance based on the operation of the operation means,
The specific display target includes an operation promotion image that prompts the player to operate the operation means.

According to such a gaming machine, an operation-responsive performance can be executed based on the operation of the operation means that can be operated by the player. The specific display target that appears in the fourth stage of the specific performance includes an operation promotion image that prompts the player to operate the operating means. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the operating means in the fourth stage performance of the specific performance, leading to the execution of the operation corresponding performance. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest in the operation of the operating means when the fourth stage performance is executed and the performance corresponding to the operation based on the operation, thereby increasing the player's interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is the gaming machine of any one of Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-3 mentioned above,
In the specific performance, the first stage performance may be executed a plurality of times before the second stage performance is executed.

According to such a gaming machine, an effect display (first stage effect) in which the display object is accumulated (stocked) can be executed multiple times before the display object is released (before execution of the second stage effect). . Therefore, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the first stage performance (accumulation of display objects). This makes it possible to increase interest from the initial stage of a specific performance (a series of performance displays).

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 is the gaming machine of any one of the aforementioned Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-4,
comprising a movable presentation member that can be operated near the display screen,
The first stage performance includes a first movable performance in which the movable performance member operates in a first operation mode,
The second stage performance includes a second movable performance in which the movable performance member operates in a second operating mode.

According to such a gaming machine, there are a first movable presentation in which a movable presentation member operates in a first operating mode near the display screen, and a second movable presentation in which the movable presentation member operates in a second operating mode. , the first stage performance includes a first movable performance, and the second stage performance includes a second movable performance. For this reason, the first stage performance is performed as a performance that links the performance display in a manner in which the display target is accumulated (display performance) and the operation of the movable performance member in the first operation mode (first movable performance). is now possible, and the second stage performance is performed as a performance that links the performance display of the mode in which the display target is released (display performance) and the operation of the movable performance member in the second operation mode (second movable performance). becomes possible. This makes it possible to enhance the performance effects of the first stage performance and the second stage performance.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-6 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 mentioned above,
The first stage performance includes a performance display in which the display target moves toward the movable performance member,
The second stage performance includes a performance display in which the display target moves toward a side away from the movable performance member.

According to such a gaming machine, the first stage performance in which a performance display in which the display target is accumulated includes a performance display in which the display target moves toward the side of the movable performance member. In the second stage performance in which the display target is released, the display target moves toward the side away from the movable performance member. Includes a presentation display. Therefore, it is possible to highlight the cooperation between the display performance and the movable performance in the first stage performance and the second stage performance. This makes it possible to further enhance the performance effects of the first stage performance and the second stage performance.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-7 is the gaming machine of any one of Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-6 mentioned above,
Equipped with a sound output means capable of outputting sound effects,
The display target includes a character image expressing at least a part of a predetermined sound effect with characters,
The second stage performance includes a sound performance that outputs the predetermined sound effect.

According to such a gaming machine, the display target accumulated in the first stage performance and released in the second stage performance includes a character image that expresses (visualizes) at least a part of a predetermined sound effect in characters. The second stage performance includes a sound performance that outputs the predetermined sound effect (the sound effect targeted for visualization). For this reason, the second stage production coordinates the production display of the manner in which the display target is released (display production) and the output of the sound effect (sound production) that includes the display target to be released (visualized sound). This makes it possible to perform this as a performance. This makes it possible to enhance the performance effect of the second stage performance.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to realize a highly interesting presentation that attracts the interest of the players, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

(Reference invention 2)
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that provide a specific gaming state that is advantageous to a player other than the special game after the end of a special game such as a jackpot game. In this type of gaming machine, the game state is not announced after the end of the special game (whether or not it is a specific game state), but the performance is announced when the symbol changes are executed a predetermined number of times after the end of the special game. There are some that are configured to be executed (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-110080).

However, it is already well known that the game status is not announced after the end of the special game, but the game status is announced after a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the special game, and there is still room for improvement in order to increase the interest in the game.

This Reference Invention 2 has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase gaming interest through a performance that notifies the gaming status after the end of the special game. .

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is
A variable display execution means capable of displaying a variable display of identification information;
special game execution means capable of executing a special game that can provide a predetermined profit to a player based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result;
A game state control means capable of controlling a game state in which the variable display is enabled to a specific game state more advantageous to the player than usual until a predetermined end condition is satisfied after the end of the special game; ,
A first performance execution means capable of executing a first performance suggesting the ending condition during a period from when the special game is started until the game state is controlled to the specific game state after the end of the special game. and,
After the first performance is executed and the gaming state is controlled to the specific gaming state, a second performance execution means capable of executing a second performance indicating that the end condition may be satisfied;
The present invention is characterized by comprising a third performance execution means capable of executing a third performance that notifies the end or continuation of the specific gaming state after the execution of the second performance.

According to such a gaming machine, the first performance can be executed between the start of the special game and the start of the specific game state after the end of the special game, and the first performance allows Conditions for ending the specific gaming state are suggested. Thereafter, after the specific gaming state is started, a second performance can be executed, and the second performance suggests that there is a possibility that the end condition of the specific gaming state will be satisfied. A third performance can be executed after the second performance is executed, and the third performance notifies the end or continuation of the specific gaming state. Since the end of a specific gaming state is a disadvantageous gaming development for the player, suggestions related to such disadvantageous gaming development (first performance, second performance) are provided before the end or continuation of the specific gaming state is announced ( By doing so (before the execution of the third performance), it is possible to arouse the player's anxiety about the end of the specific gaming state, and then to notify the end or continuation of the specific gaming state. Thereby, it becomes possible to effectively arouse the sense of tension when the end or continuation of a specific gaming state is notified, and by extension, it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 mentioned above,
The first performance is characterized in that it is executed during a predetermined end period that is set when the special game ends.

According to such a gaming machine, in a predetermined ending period that is set at the end of a special game, the ending conditions for a specific gaming state to be started thereafter are suggested. Therefore, the specific gaming state is started following the suggestion of the end condition of the specific gaming state (first performance). This makes it possible to increase the interest from the end of the special game to the start of the specific game state.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or 2-2 described above,
The first performance is characterized in that it is executed in a manner that instructs the player to avoid satisfaction of the termination condition.

According to such a gaming machine, the first performance that suggests the end condition of a specific game state is executed in a manner that instructs the player to avoid fulfilling the end condition. Therefore, it is possible to give the player the impression that the end condition of the specific gaming state must not be satisfied. This makes it possible to provide novel suggestions that tend to make the player feel uneasy about the end of the specific gaming state.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 mentioned above,
The second performance is characterized in that it is executed in a manner that suggests that the instruction given by the first performance has been violated.

According to such a gaming machine, the second performance that suggests that there is a possibility that the end condition of the specific gaming state will be satisfied is executed in a manner that suggests that the instructions given by the previous first performance are violated. For this reason, it is possible to give the player the impression that the instruction issued in the first performance (avoiding the fulfillment of the termination condition) cannot be followed. This makes it possible to make novel suggestions that are related to the first performance. Furthermore, it is possible to effectively arouse the player's anxiety and expectations regarding the end or continuation of the specific game state toward the later third performance.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-5 is the gaming machine of any one of the aforementioned Reference Inventions 2-1 to 2-4,
The second effect may be executed in a first manner that suggests that the possibility of the termination condition being satisfied is relatively high, or in a second manner that suggests that the possibility of the termination condition being satisfied is relatively low. It is characterized by the following:

According to such a gaming machine, the second effect that suggests that there is a possibility that the end condition of the specific gaming state will be satisfied is executed in the first mode that suggests that the possibility of the ending condition being satisfied is relatively high. There are cases in which the situation is executed in a second manner, which indicates that the possibility of its establishment is relatively low. Therefore, depending on whether the second effect is executed in the first mode or the second mode, it is possible to suggest to the player whether the specific game state is more likely to end or continue. . This makes it possible to increase the interest when the second performance is performed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-6 is the gaming machine of any one of the aforementioned Reference Inventions 2-1 to 2-5,
The second performance is executable when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the gaming state was controlled to the specific gaming state,
The termination condition includes a first termination condition and a second termination condition,
The first termination condition is a termination condition that can be satisfied based on the passage of the predetermined period,
The second termination condition is a termination condition that can be satisfied after the predetermined period has elapsed if the first termination condition is not satisfied based on the elapse of the predetermined period;
The end condition suggested by the first effect is the first end condition.

According to such a gaming machine, the second effect indicating that the end condition of the specific gaming state may be satisfied can be executed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the gaming state was controlled to the specific gaming state. It is said that Further, the end conditions of the specific gaming state include a first ending condition and a second ending condition, and the first ending condition can be satisfied based on the passage of a predetermined period after the start of the specific gaming state. If the first termination condition is not satisfied, the second termination condition may be satisfied after the predetermined period has elapsed. In the first performance executed before the start of the specific gaming state, a first ending condition that can be satisfied before the second ending condition is suggested. For this reason, if the second effect is executed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the specific gaming state, it is suggested that the first end condition may be satisfied in the second effect, but at that point There is also a possibility that the first termination condition is not satisfied. As a result, it is possible to create a sense of expectation in the player for the continuation of the specific gaming state even if the second performance is executed, and to increase the interest due to the gameplay of the specific gaming state in which the termination condition can be satisfied in stages. becomes possible.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-7 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-6 mentioned above,
The third effect is executed in such a manner as to notify the end of the specific gaming state when the first end condition is satisfied based on the elapse of the predetermined period, and the third effect is executed in such a manner that the end of the specific gaming state is notified based on the elapse of the predetermined period. If the conditions are not met, the game is characterized in that it is executed in a manner that notifies the continuation of the specific gaming state.

According to such a gaming machine, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the specific gaming state and the first end condition is satisfied based on the elapsed time, that is, when the second performance is executed, the first end condition is satisfied. If it is established, the end of the specific game state is notified in the third performance executed after the second performance. On the other hand, if a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the specific gaming state and the first end condition is not satisfied based on the elapsed time, that is, the first end condition is not satisfied when the second performance is executed (the first end condition is not satisfied). ), the continuation of the specific game state is notified in the third performance executed after the second performance. Therefore, after the suggestion made by the second production, the player is interested in whether the third production will be executed with content that matches the suggestion or whether the third production will be executed with content that is contrary to the suggestion. It becomes possible to attach it. This makes it possible to effectively enhance the interest from the second performance to the third performance.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-8 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-6 or 2-7 described above,
The variable display execution means is capable of executing the variable display based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port,
The starting port has a variable starting port that can change the possibility of the game ball entering the ball,
The specific gaming state includes a high-frequency state in which the frequency of game balls entering the variable starting port is higher than usual,
The specific gaming state is a first specific gaming state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result is a first probability, and the high frequency state is the first specific gaming state, and the probability is higher than the first probability. and a second specific gaming state which is also set to have a high second probability and is set to the high frequency state,
comprising a fall determination means for executing a fall determination as to whether or not the probability is caused to fall from the second probability to the first probability in the second specific gaming state;
The gaming state control means includes:
After the special game ends, the game state is controlled to the second specific game state, and then,
If a fall result is derived that causes the probability to fall to the first probability in the fall determination before the predetermined period elapses, the game is played from the derivation of the fall result until the predetermined period elapses. controlling the state to the first specific gaming state, and terminating the first specific gaming state based on the elapse of the predetermined period;
If the fall result is not derived in the fall determination by the time the predetermined period has elapsed, the second specific gaming state is continued even after the predetermined period has elapsed, and based on the fact that the fall result has been derived. The second specific gaming state is terminated.

According to such a gaming machine, after the special game ends, the second specific gaming state is first started, and after that, the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes the specific display result by the time a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the probability falls from the second probability to the first probability, the gaming state becomes the first specific gaming state until a predetermined period elapses after the fall, and the first specific gaming state ends based on the elapse of the predetermined period. The specific game state ends. On the other hand, if the probability does not fall from the second probability to the first probability by the time a predetermined period has elapsed after the start of the second specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state will continue (maintain) even after the predetermined period has elapsed. ), and then, when the probability falls from the second probability to the first probability, the second specific gaming state ends, and the specific gaming state ends with this. By executing the above-mentioned first performance, second performance, and third performance on a gaming machine that has a gameplay that follows the changes in the gaming state, it becomes possible to effectively increase the gaming interest of the gaming machine. .

According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to increase the interest in the game through the performance of notifying the game status after the end of the special game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Game area, 7 Image display device, 7a Display screen, 8 Performance pattern, 14 Movable performance member, 20 First starting port, 21 Second starting port, 30 First prize winning port, 35 2nd big prize opening, 41a 1st special symbol display device (1st special symbol display section), 41b 2nd special symbol display device (2nd special symbol display section), 80 Main control board (main control section), 81 Game control microcomputer, 90 Sub-control board (sub-control unit), 91 Production control microcomputer, 100 Image control board (image control unit), 101 Image control microcomputer, 500 Character image, 510 Production image (stock image), 520 530 effect image (flash image), 550 effect image (emission image), 560 effect image (shielding image), 570 effect image (character smiling image), 571 effect image (character normal face image), 590 Production image (Production button image (large)), 591 Production image (Production button image (small)), 710 Production image (advice image), 720 Production image (defective image), 730 Production image (operation instruction image), 740 Performance image (continuation notification image), 750 performance image (end notification image), 760 performance image (game result image).

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that plays games using predetermined gaming media,
a performance execution means capable of executing a performance related to the game;
Equipped with a display screen that can display images,
The performance execution means includes, as the performance,
By displaying on the display screen an effect image in which a predetermined stock object displayed on the display screen moves toward one side of the display screen, the stock object is stocked in a predetermined area on the one side. The first stage production depicts how it will be done,
By displaying on the display screen a performance image in which the stock object stocked in the first stage performance moves away from the one side of the display screen, the stock target stocked in the first stage performance is displayed on the display screen. The second stage production depicts the stock target being released,
a third stage performance that displays on the display screen a performance image in which a predetermined area on the display screen is covered by the stock object released in the second stage performance;
a fourth stage performance of displaying on the display screen a performance image in which the stock object covering the predetermined area is erased in the third stage performance and a specific display target appears in the predetermined area; It is possible to perform the production,
The predetermined area covered by the stock target in the third stage performance is a larger area than the predetermined area on the one side where the stock target is stocked in the first stage performance,
The specific display target appearing in the predetermined area in the fourth stage effect may include a first specific image and a second specific image , or the second specific image may not include the first specific image. A gaming machine characterized in that it may be configured to include .

Images