JP7466204B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past that displays an image of an operation button to suggest the operation of the operation button, and then performs an operation display that prompts the player to operate the operation button, as described in Patent Document 1 below (paragraph 2134 of Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6854563

However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that have players operate an operating section (operation buttons), such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, in order to increase the interest of players in the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
When the first element image and the second element image are in a specific overlapping state, an operation presentation can be executed in which an operation unit operable by a player is operated;
Both the first element image and the second element image are images representing an object other than the operation unit,
when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state, the operation unit is vibrated without starting an effective operation period for accepting an operation of the operation unit, and after the vibration of the operation unit is ended, the effective operation period of the operation presentation is started;
This gaming machine is characterized by suggesting that a specific advantageous development will occur that is favorable to the player depending on whether the operation unit is operated during the effective operation period of the operation presentation.

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the excitement of the game through its presentation.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is an example of a hit determination table, (B) is an example of a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an example of an auxiliary game control table. (A) is an example of a jackpot determination table, (B) is an example of a jackpot pattern type determination table, and (C) is an example of a reach determination table. This is an example of a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is an example of a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. 13 is an example of a look-ahead determination table. 13 is an example of a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation modes. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in the special chart fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in a special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object performance. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. This is a jackpot game control table relating to a characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a fluctuation pattern determination table relating to a characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1, and is a fluctuation pattern determination table of special chart 2 in a time-saving state (high-probability time-saving state, low-probability time-saving state). 13 is a presentation mode determination table for flame effect presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a successful horse-and-human fusion performance. A figure showing a specific example of a special promotion effect that is performed after a successful horse-and-human fusion effect. This is a timing chart for explaining the vibration time of the effect button when a success image is displayed in the Celestial-Horse Fusion effect, and the vibration time of the effect button when the 7 symbol is promoted. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a case where the horse-human fusion performance fails. This shows the outcome of the change presentation after the man-horse fusion presentation has failed. This figure shows a case where a normal flame effect is performed when the SP reach is successful. A figure showing a specific example of a normal promotion effect that is performed after a successful SP reach. This is a diagram showing a case where a special flame effect is produced when the SP reach is successful. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the vibration time of the effect button in the pachinko gaming machine of the second type. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the vibration time of the effect button in the pachinko gaming machine of the third type.

Below, an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations of the same parts will be omitted as a general rule. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity, a symbol or code referring to information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. may be written, and the name of the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to the symbol or code may be omitted or abbreviated. In addition, in any of the flowcharts described below, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistency occurs in the process content.

1. Structure of the gaming machine The first type of pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the following description, the left, right, up and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up and down directions (as viewed from the front) of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Furthermore, "forward" refers to the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rearward" refers to the direction approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 has a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game arcade, a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. The transparent plate 23t needs only to allow the playing area 6 to be visible from the front of the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

At the lower right of the front of the front frame 23m, a handle 72k is provided that can be rotated to launch the game balls. The amount by which the handle 72k is operated (rotation angle) corresponds to the magnitude (launch strength) of the force (the amount by which the launching device 72 described below drives the launch solenoid) applied to the game balls to launch them. Thus, the game balls are launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation of the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the front frame 23m, a lower decorative body 36 that protrudes significantly forward is provided. An upper tray 34 is formed on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36 for storing the game balls supplied to the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the lower decorative body 36, a lower tray 35 is provided for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 34.

A first input device (hereinafter, "normal button") 40 that can be pressed downward is provided on the front side of the upper tray 34 on the upper surface of the lower decorative body 36. In addition, a second input device (hereinafter, "special button") 41 that can be pressed downward is provided on the right decorative body 32 that is formed by protruding forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The normal button 40 is configured to be vibrated. That is, the normal button 40 has a built-in vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40, and when a vibration motor included in this vibration mechanism is driven, the normal button 40 vibrates so that it can be visually recognized by the player. Note that a known configuration can be appropriately adopted for the vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40. The normal button 40 is an example of an operation unit and an example of a vibrating body.

A speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which is formed by protruding forward from the top of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Furthermore, frame lamps 53 capable of emitting light are provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower plate 35 on the front of the lower decorative body 36. Furthermore, a movable frame movable device 58 is attached to the upper side of the left and right edges of the front frame 23m as a performance device aimed at increasing interest in the game. The frame movable device 58 consists of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

The positions and number of components and devices installed in the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be described mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 and a presentation unit 1U attached to the back side of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. An opening 1A that is roughly circular when viewed from the front is formed in roughly the center of the game board 1. A roughly ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B is formed to protrude forward along the opening 1A for partitioning a game area 6 into which game balls can flow. In addition, a roughly ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C is formed to protrude forward on the outside of the inner wall portion 1B for partitioning the game area 6.

A play area 6 surrounded by an inner wall portion 1B, an outer wall portion 1C, etc. is formed on the front side of the play board 1. In other words, the front side of the play board 1 is divided by the inner wall portion 1B and the outer wall portion 1C into the play area 6 and the rest of the area.

The play area 6 is an area where game balls released by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing on the pachinko game machine PY1. Note that a large number of game nails (not shown) are protruding from the play area 6. The game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start gate 11, the second start gate 12, the general winning gate 10, the gate 13, the first large winning gate 14, and the second large winning gate 15, which will be described later. Note that the start gates such as the first start gate 11 and the second start gate 12 are referred to as ball entry gates, the large winning gates such as the first large winning gate 14 and the second large winning gate 15 are referred to as special winning gates or specific winning gates, and the gates can be referred to as pass gates or pass areas.

A center frame (center ornament) 61 that decorates the periphery of the opening 1A is provided near the center of the game area 6. The center frame 61 is provided with a stage that can guide the game ball to the first starting hole 11 (described below), and a warp that can guide the game ball to the stage.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first start winning device 11D having a first start hole 11 through which the game ball can enter, and a second start winning device (a so-called "electric chute") 12D that allows or prevents the ball from entering the second start hole 12.

The first start winning device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which the game ball can enter the first start hole 11 remains constant (unchanging). The entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 1, described below; hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 1 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1. In addition, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening/closing member 12k. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position that prevents the game ball from entering the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position that allows the game ball to enter the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the open position is also called the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12 only when it is in the open state. On the other hand, the electric chute opening/closing member 12k in the closed position is also called the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D being in the "open state" is also called "the electric chute 12D is open," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D is closed."

The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 2 related random number described below: hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls. In addition, a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 12 is provided in the game area 6.

The game area 6 is also provided with a general winning opening (normal winning opening) 10 through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of game balls (three in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a gate 13 through which the game ball can pass. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the drawing of a regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol") (i.e., obtaining and determining a regular symbol random number: hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol drawing") and the variable display of the regular symbol. The electric chute 12D is opened by the execution of the auxiliary game. In other words, the auxiliary game is a game that involves the opening of the electric chute 12D.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize winning device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") in which a first large prize winning opening 14 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening and closing member 14k that can be operated in an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the normal AT opening and closing member 14k. The normal AT opening and closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening and closing member 14k operates in an open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, the game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening and closing member 14k is in an open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize winning opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a second large prize winning device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") in which a second large prize winning opening 15 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The second large prize winning device 15D is provided with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize winning opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. A game ball can enter the second large prize winning opening 15 only when the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize winning opening 15 is also referred to as a "closed state." In this way, the second large prize winning opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large prize winning opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The second large prize winning device 15D will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Inside the second large prize winning device 15D, a gate-shaped second large prize winning port sensor 15a is provided that can detect a game ball that has entered the second large prize winning port 15 and allow the game ball to pass downward.

In the downstream area of the second large prize opening sensor 15a, there are a specific area 16 and a non-specific area 17 through which game balls can pass (enter). Game balls that pass through the second large prize opening sensor 15a are sorted by a sorting device 16D into the specific area 16 or the non-specific area 17. The sorting device 16D is equipped with a sorting member 16k made of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and a sorting solenoid 16s that drives the sorting member 16k. The sorting member 16k is configured to be slidable left and right by the drive of the sorting solenoid 16s.

When the distribution solenoid 16s is not energized, the distribution member 16k is in a first state (passage prevention state: in a front view of FIG. 3(A), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the right of the left end of the specific area 16, and the distribution member 16k covers the specific area 16 directly above) that prevents the game ball from passing through to the specific area 16. When the distribution member 16k is in the first state, after a game ball enters the second large prize opening 15 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, it cannot pass through the specific area 16, and passes through the non-specific area 17. The route of the game ball flowing down from the second large prize opening 15 to the non-specific area 17 is called the first route.

On the other hand, when the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, the distribution member 16k is in a second state that allows the game ball to pass (enter) the specific area 16 (passage-allowing state: when viewed from the front in FIG. 3(B), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the left of the right end of the specific area 16, the distribution member 16k does not cover the specific area 16 directly above, and the area directly above the specific area 16 is open). When the distribution member 16k is in the second state, a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 can easily pass through the specific area 16 after passing through the second large prize opening sensor 15a. The route of the game ball that flows down from the second large prize opening 15 to the specific area 16 is called the second route.

In principle, the distribution member 16k is held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 16R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the state can change to the second state. The operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate.

Specific area 16 and non-specific area 17 are provided with specific area sensors 16a and non-specific area sensors 17a that detect game balls that pass through (enter) each area 16, 17 and allow the game balls to pass downward.

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with the game. Also, depending on the gameplay, it is possible to provide two large prize winning devices, such as the first large prize winning device 14D, that do not have a specific area or a distribution device. Also, although the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D are provided, it is possible to use only the first large prize winning device 14D or only the second large prize winning device 15D, depending on the gameplay. Note that if only the first large prize winning device 14D is used, processing related to the second large prize winning device 15D is not performed, and if only the second large prize winning device 15D is used, processing related to the first large prize winning device 14D is not performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, two outlets 19 are provided at the bottom of the game area 6 to discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. The game board 1 is also provided with an illuminating board lamp 54.

The game area 6 through which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area 6A (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6B (second game area) on the right side. The operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the left game area 6A is called "left hit". On the other hand, the operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the right game area 6B is called "right hit". In the pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by right hit is called the second flow path R2. The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are also composed of a large number of game nails, etc.

On the first flow path R1, there is a first start port 11 and two general winning ports 10. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the first start port 11 or the general winning port 10 by hitting the game ball from the left so that it flows down the first flow path R1. On the other hand, on the second flow path R2, there are a second start port 12, a general winning port 10, a gate 13, a first large winning port 14, and a second large winning port 15. Therefore, a player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the second start port 12, the general winning port 10, the first large winning port 14, or the second large winning port 15 by hitting the game ball from the right so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

In addition, game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12, general winning hole 10, first large winning hole 14, and second large winning hole 15) are guided to the outlet hole 19 and discharged. In addition, the number of winning balls that enter each winning hole can be set appropriately.

In addition, displays 8 are arranged to the lower left of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (part other than the play area 6). As shown in FIG. 4, the displays 8 include a special chart 1 display 81a that variably displays special chart 1, a special chart 2 display 81b that variably displays special chart 2, and a general chart display 82 that variably displays general charts. The displays 8 also include a special chart 1 reserved display 83a that displays the special chart 1 reserved number (U1: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 1 by the special chart 1 display 81a) described below, and a special chart 2 reserved display 83b that displays the special chart 2 reserved number (U2: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 2 by the special chart 2 display 81b) described below.

The variable display of special chart 1 is executed when a special chart 1 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the first starting hole 11. The variable display of special chart 2 is executed when a special chart 2 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the second starting hole 12. In the following explanation, special chart 1 and special chart 2 are collectively referred to as special charts or special patterns, and special chart 1 lottery and special chart 2 lottery are collectively referred to as special chart lottery. Furthermore, special chart 1 display 81a and special chart 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as special chart display 81. Furthermore, special chart 1 reserve display 83a and special chart 2 reserve display 83b are collectively referred to as special chart reserve display 83.

The variable display of the special chart notifies the result of the special chart lottery. In the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed variably and then displayed still. The special chart that is displayed still (the stopped special chart, the special pattern that is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one special chart selected from multiple types of special charts by the special chart lottery. If the stopped special chart is a specific special chart (a special chart with a specific stopping mode, i.e., a jackpot pattern), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14 and second jackpot opening 15) are opened. The game state in which the jackpot game is being played is called the jackpot game state. The jackpot game state is an example of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

The special chart display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special chart according to the result of the special chart lottery according to the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the result of the special chart lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), the special chart display 81 displays a jackpot pattern consisting of the lighting of the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). Also, if the result of the special chart lottery is a loss, the special chart display 81 displays a loss pattern consisting of only the lighting of the rightmost LED, such as "■■■■■■■□". Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special chart lottery is not limited and can be set appropriately. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to represent a loss pattern.

In addition, in the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed for a predetermined variable time before the special chart is displayed in a stopped state. The mode of variable display of the special chart is, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. Note that the mode of variable display of the special chart is not particularly limited, and if each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (illuminated display in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at once.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, various random numbers (one example of judgment information) for performing a special drawing lottery, etc., may be obtained. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reservations in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105 described below. In the following, the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the first start hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the second start hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2 related random numbers." Here, the special drawing 1 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reservations in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. On the other hand, the special drawing 2 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 2 reservations in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (four in this embodiment) is set for the number of reserved special drawings 1 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 1 storage unit 105a and the number of reserved special drawings 2 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 2 storage unit 105b. The upper limit for the reserved special drawing number and the reserved special drawing number can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be "none." In the following, reserved special drawings 1 and reserved special drawings 2 are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawings," and the reserved special drawing number and reserved special drawing number are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawing number." In addition, the random numbers related to the random drawing 1 and the random numbers related to the random drawing 2 are collectively referred to as "random numbers related to the random drawing."

In the pachinko game machine PY1, if the variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately after the game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, specifically, if a prize is won while the variable display of the special chart is being performed or while a jackpot game is being played, the variable display of the special chart for that prize (or the right to draw a special chart) can be reserved. The reserved special chart stored in the reserved special chart memory unit 105 is consumed when the variable display of the special chart based on that reserved special chart becomes possible. In other words, consuming the reserved special chart means determining the special chart-related random number, etc., that corresponds to that reserved special chart, and executing the variable display of the special chart to show the result of that determination.

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. Each of the reserved special drawing 1 display 83a and the reserved special drawing 2 display 83b is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings can be displayed by lighting up the LEDs in accordance with the number of reserved special drawings.

The variable display of the regular map also notifies the result of the regular map lottery. In the variable display of the regular map, the regular map is displayed variably and then stopped. The regular map that is stopped (stop regular map, regular map derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one regular map selected from multiple types of regular maps by the regular map lottery. If the regular map that is stopped is a specific regular map that has been determined in advance (a regular map with a predetermined stopping pattern, i.e. a winning pattern), an auxiliary game is played in which the second starting hole 12 (electric chute 12D) is opened.

The regular map display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, the regular map display 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A mode in which all LEDs are off may also be adopted to represent a losing pattern. Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate.

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display mode of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the variable display mode of the normal map is not particularly limited, and if the LEDs are not displayed as stopped (lit in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the game ball passes through the gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of judgment information) for performing a normal pattern lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 described below, provided that the variable display of the normal pattern or the auxiliary game is not being executed. The number of normal patterns reserved (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 is set to an upper limit (four in this embodiment). The upper limit of the number of normal patterns reserved can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be set to "none". In the following, the normal pattern random number obtained by the game ball passing through the gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number". In addition, in this embodiment, a normal pattern reserve display that displays the normal pattern reserve number is not provided, but a normal pattern reserve display may be added to the display unit 8. As the normal pattern reserve display, for example, one with a configuration similar to that of the special pattern reserve display 83 can be adopted.

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the presentation unit 1U attached to the back of the game board 1. The presentation unit 1U is a unit made up of multiple devices that mainly perform presentations. The presentation unit 1U is equipped with an image display device 50, a first board movable device (hereinafter "above-board movable device") 55, and a second board movable device (hereinafter "below-board movable device") 56.

The image display device 50 is, for example, configured with a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, and is equipped with a display unit 50a capable of displaying 3D images. Note that the image display device 50 may be another display device, such as one configured with multiple liquid crystal displays or one configured with an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, as long as it is capable of displaying images.

The above-board movable device 55 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

Figure 5 (A) shows a schematic diagram of the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k being held in a normal standby state (initial position) when not in operation. When the drive source of the above-board movable device 55 is driven, the above-board movable body 55k moves downward (descends), and when the drive source of the below-board movable device 56 is driven, the below-board movable body 56k moves upward (rises). At this time, the image display device 50 is covered by the lowered above-board movable body 55k or the raised below-board movable body 56k, making the image display device 50 difficult to see.

The positions and number of components and devices installed on the game board unit YU can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 to 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls game profits such as special drawing, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of game state to be described later, regular drawing, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game (progress of game), a performance control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub control board") 120 that controls game performances (special drawing variable performances, reserved performances, operation performances, big win game performances, etc.) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and performances such as customer waiting performances, and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., on the rear side further than the image display device 50 of the game board 1. The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit (main control unit) that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit (sub-control unit) that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, the lamp control circuit 151, and the sound control circuit 161 described later. The performance control unit only needs to have at least the sub-control board 120 and be capable of controlling various performances using the performance means (the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc.).

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. In addition, a power switch 191 is connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is turned on and off by turning the power switch 191 on and off. In addition, a backup power circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for game control") 101 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for game control 101 includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs and tables for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 used as a work memory, and a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103.

The gaming ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control main processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 may be external. The gaming RAM 104 also includes the special symbol reservation memory unit 105 and the regular symbol reservation memory unit 106, which have been described above.

The main control board 100 also includes a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and a RAM clear switch 119 for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear information stored in the gaming RAM 104.

In addition, various sensors and actuators are connected to the main control board 100 via a predetermined relay board (not shown). Therefore, signals output by the various sensors are input to the main control board 100. In addition, the main control board 100 outputs signals to the various actuators.

The various sensors connected to the main control board 100 include a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 12a, a general prize port sensor 10a, a gate sensor 13a, a first large prize port sensor 14a, a second large prize port sensor 15a, a specific area sensor 16a, and a non-specific area sensor 17a.

The first start opening sensor 11a detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 12. The general winning opening sensor 10a detects a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 10. The general winning opening sensor 10a is provided for each general winning opening 10. The gate sensor 13a is provided at the gate 13 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13. The first large winning opening sensor 14a detects a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14. The second large winning opening sensor 15a detects a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15. The specific area sensor 16a detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16). The non-specific area sensor 17a detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17). When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal according to the detection result to the main control board 100.

The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid 12s, a first large prize opening solenoid 14s, a second large prize opening solenoid 15s, and a distribution solenoid 16s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The first large prize opening solenoid 14s drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D. The second large prize opening solenoid 15s drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D. The distribution solenoid 16s drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D.

The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, displays 8 (special chart display 81, regular chart display 82, and special chart reserved display 83) are connected to the main control board 100. The display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY1, which enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card) and a prize ball payout device 73, as well as to a launching device 72 via a launch control circuit 175. The launching device 72 includes a handle 72k (see Figure 1).

Based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU, the payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls. The paid-out game balls are detected by a prize ball sensor 73a for counting, and a detection signal from the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170.

The launching device 72 is also provided with a touch switch 72a capable of detecting contact with the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) by a person such as a player. When the player operates the handle 72k, the touch switch 72a detects the player's contact with the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170. A launch volume knob 72b capable of detecting the rotation angle (operation amount) of the handle 72k is also connected to the launching device 72. The launching device 72 drives the launch solenoid 72s so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 72k detected by the launch volume knob 72b. In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the rotation operation of the handle 72k is maintained, one game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands containing information related to the game to the sub-control board 120 as the game progresses. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (control contents of the game) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 120 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling presentations (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for controlling presentations") 121, which controls the presentations of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for controlling presentations 121 includes a ROM for presentations 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the main control board 100, a RAM for presentations 124 used as a work memory, and a CPU for presentations 122 that executes the programs stored in the ROM for presentations 123.

The performance ROM 123 also stores programs for performing sub-control main processing, reception interrupt processing, 1 ms timer interrupt processing, and 10 ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be external.

The sub-control board 120 also includes an I/O port 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 139. The RTC 139 measures the current date and time. The RTC 139 operates on power when the pachinko game machine PY1 is supplied with power from a specified island power supply device (not shown), and operates on power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided on the power supply board 190 when power is not supplied from the island power supply device. Therefore, the RTC 139 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is not turned on. A backup power circuit for the RTC 139 may be provided on the sub-control board 120. The backup power circuit may include a circuit including a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the sub-control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the sub-control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100. The connection between the sub-control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows both the transmission of signals from the sub-control board 120 to the image control board 140 and the transmission of signals from the image control board 140 to the sub-control board 120.

The image control board 140 includes an image ROM 142 that stores programs for image control, an image RAM 143 that is used as a work memory, and an image CPU 141 that executes the programs stored in the image ROM 142. The image control board 140 also includes a CGROM 145 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display device 50, a VRAM 146 that is used to expand the image data stored in the CGROM 145, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144. Of course, all or part of these electronic components may be configured on a single chip. The CGROM 145 stores, for example, image data (still image data and video data, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns) and background images) for displaying images to be displayed on the image display device 50.

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and displays it in the display area in the VRAM 146 according to a display list created by the image CPU 141 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. The VDP 144 then appropriately synthesizes the displayed image data to draw an image in the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. The image drawn in the frame buffer is then output to the image display device 50 as an RGB signal. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The display list is made up of a set of commands that instruct the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains various parameter information such as the type of image to be drawn, the position at which the image is to be drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the transparency of the image.

The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100.

Audio data such as the sound output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120. The audio control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and audio data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 52 may also be connected to the image control board 140 and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The sub-control board 120 is also connected to various switches that serve as input units, various actuators that serve as drive sources, and various lamps via a specified relay board (not shown). Signals output by the various switches are input to the sub-control board 120. The sub-control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators. The sub-control board 120 also controls the lighting of various lamps via a lamp control circuit 151 based on commands received from the main control board 100.

The various switches connected to the sub-control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. The normal button detection switch 40a detects when the normal button 40 is pressed. The special button detection switch 41a detects when the special button 41 is pressed. Each detection switch 40a, 41a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 include an upper board drive motor 55m that drives the upper board movable device 55, a lower board drive motor 56m that drives the lower board movable device 56, and a frame drive motor 58m that drives the frame movable device 58. The performance control microcomputer 121 can drive these motors to cause each movable device to perform a specified operation. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The sub-control board 120 is also connected to a vibration motor (not shown) for vibrating the normal button 40. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not interfere with the game.

The various lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 include a frame lamp 53, a board lamp 54, etc. The performance control microcomputer 121 is capable of lighting up each lamp. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the light pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the lamp control circuit 151 as a circuit board. In this case, the CPU may be made to control the lighting of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the circuit board and data relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 may be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 15. The tables shown in Figures 8 to 15 are general ones for the purpose of the description of this section, and if a different table is shown in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table is used in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. However, for configurations that do not show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section is used, and also for configurations that show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section can be changed to the table shown in this section.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is performed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a static display after a variable display). Here, the statically displayed normal figures include winning figures and losing figures. The losing figures of the normal figures are also called "losing normal figures" to distinguish them from the losing figures of the special figures described later. When a winning figure is statically displayed, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing normal figure is statically displayed, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, hereinafter, the passing of the game ball through the gate 13 is referred to as "establishment of the normal figure start condition."

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular game lottery, variable display of regular games, auxiliary games), it acquires regular game-related random numbers when the regular game start conditions are met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (A). Regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers used to determine whether a win has occurred. The random numbers are also called determination information. Appropriate ranges are set for the random numbers.

3-1-1. Hit Judgment Hit judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not a win has occurred (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) according to a hit judgment table as shown in FIG. 9(A). The hit judgment table is associated with the game state described later. That is, the hit judgment table includes a hit judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a hit judgment table for non-time-saving) and a hit judgment table used in a time-saving state (a hit judgment table for time-saving). In each hit judgment table, the judgment value of the normal pattern random number (normal pattern random number value) is allocated to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges the acquired normal pattern random number according to the hit judgment table, thereby judging whether it is a hit or a miss. Then, based on the result of the hit judgment, a normal pattern variation pattern judgment is performed for performing a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, a winning pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the hit judgment is a miss, a miss normal pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. The probability of winning may be changed as appropriate. Also, the win determination table does not need to be divided for each game state.

3-1-2. Map fluctuation The map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the map fluctuation pattern according to the map fluctuation pattern judgment table as shown in Fig. 9 (B). The map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the map, such as the map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). In other words, the normal map fluctuation pattern determination table includes a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) used in the non-time-saving state and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) used in the time-saving state. Note that the normal map fluctuation pattern determination table does not have to be divided for each game state.

In each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table, a normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, is stored for each normal map that is stopped. That is, the pachinko game machine PY1 can make the normal map fluctuation time different in the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map (losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds is determined. Also, in the time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds is determined. The variable display of the normal map corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the normal map display device 82. In addition, the time for these map fluctuations can be changed as appropriate. In this way, hit determination and map fluctuation pattern determination are performed, and the map is displayed variably on the map display 82.

Auxiliary games are played when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (a result of a lottery for a regular symbol) in the variable display of the regular symbol.

The elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components) include various elements such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game according to an auxiliary game control table such as that shown in FIG. 9 (C) based on the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The auxiliary game control table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening can be changed as appropriate.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is different between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary game". In addition, in the auxiliary game in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.0 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary game". Note that the opening time of the electric chute 12D may be the same between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state.

3-2. Games related to special figures Next, games related to special figures will be explained. When the launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special figure 1 lottery. When the special figure 1 lottery is performed, the special figure 1 display 81a performs a variable display of the special figure 1 (a stop display after performing a variable display) to notify the result of the special figure 1 lottery. Here, the special figure 1 that is stopped and displayed has a jackpot pattern and a loss pattern. In other words, the results of the special figure 1 lottery include a jackpot and a loss. When the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is ended. On the other hand, when a loss pattern is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on the winning is ended.

Similarly, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special drawing for the 2nd drawing when the released game ball enters the second starting hole 12. When the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is performed, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is variably displayed (variably displayed and then stopped) on the special drawing for the 2nd drawing device 81b to notify the result of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing. Here, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing that is stopped includes a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. In other words, the results of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing include a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. When a jackpot pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is not performed and the game based on the winning is terminated.

In the following, the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbol is also referred to as the "losing special symbol" to distinguish it from the losing normal symbols described above.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met, and performs various judgments on the random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (B). The special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. The special symbol change pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol change pattern judgments. The random numbers are also called judgment information. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) according to a jackpot determination table as shown in FIG. 10(A). The jackpot determination table is associated with the game state, specifically, whether it is a normal probability state or a high probability state. That is, the jackpot determination table includes a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (normal probability jackpot determination table) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (high probability jackpot determination table).

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY1 determines whether the acquired special symbol random number is a jackpot or a miss by judging it according to the jackpot determination table. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be a jackpot than the normal probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination The jackpot symbol type determination is a determination for determining the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) according to a jackpot symbol type determination table as shown in Fig. 10(B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. Each type of jackpot symbol is associated with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot that are composed of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that is variably displayed; in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. That is, the jackpot symbol type determination table includes a jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1, and a jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2.

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, the determination value of the jackpot symbol type random number (jackpot symbol type random number value) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type, which is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 determines the type of jackpot symbol by determining the acquired jackpot symbol type random number according to the jackpot symbol type determination table. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number value is appropriately assigned to various jackpot symbols. The allocation rate of the jackpot symbol type can be changed as appropriate. Also, the types of jackpot symbols can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type for special chart 1 can be 50% for jackpot pattern A and 50% for jackpot pattern B, and the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type for special chart 2 can be 100% for jackpot pattern C. In this way, it is possible to make the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type different for the special chart 1 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11, and the special chart 2 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12.

Reach judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later according to a reach judgment table as shown in FIG. 10 (C) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss.

The reach judgment table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are reach judgment tables, one for use in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving reach judgment table) and one for use in the time-saving state (time-saving reach judgment table). Note that it is not necessary to separate the reach judgment tables for each game state.

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "no reach (reach does not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges the acquired reach random number according to the reach judgment table to judge whether it is reach or not (whether or not to generate a reach). As shown in FIG. 10 (C), the number of reach random number values judged as "reach (reach occurs)" is different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that the probability of judging as reaching can be changed appropriately. In the following, "reach (reach occurs)" performed on the premise that the result of the jackpot judgment is "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "no reach (reach does not occur)" is also referred to as "no reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern change pattern determination The special pattern change pattern determination is a determination for determining the change pattern (special pattern change pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using a change pattern determination table (special pattern change pattern determination table) of the special pattern as shown in FIG. 11 to FIG. 12, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern change pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance described later. In addition, the special pattern change pattern includes identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination, in addition to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance. The identification information included in the special pattern change pattern can be changed as appropriate. In addition, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern change patterns with different identification information as the special pattern change pattern, and the number of them can be changed as appropriate.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table is associated with the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2) that performs the variable display to be judged, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the special pattern variation pattern judgment was made. That is, the special pattern variation pattern judgment table includes a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 11) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1, and a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 12) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2. Note that the special pattern variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2).

And each special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table includes a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). On the other hand, the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table also includes a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). It is not necessary to separate the special chart fluctuation pattern judgment tables for each game state.

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) is further associated with a jackpot determination result and a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be divided according to the jackpot determination result and the reach determination result.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, there is a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Furthermore, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. Specifically, there is a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4. Note that the special chart variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the reserved number of special charts.

Then, the special chart display 81 performs a variable display of the special chart for the special chart variation time according to the special chart variation pattern determined by each special chart variation pattern judgment. Then, when the jackpot pattern is displayed as a static display result (the result of the special chart lottery) in the variable display of the special chart, the next variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately, and the jackpot game is executed next.

In addition, each special chart change pattern is associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the table of Figures 11 and 12. Note that it is not necessary to associate a special chart change pattern with a special chart change presentation flow.

Also, as shown in the rightmost column of the tables in Figures 11 and 12, the special chart variation patterns are sometimes called by names related to the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a miss is called a "miss variation." Among the jackpot variations, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "SP jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach is performed is called an "L jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach is called an "N jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern in which the same numbers line up as soon as a reach is established is called an "instant jackpot variation." On the other hand, among misses with reach, the special chart change pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called "SP miss change", the special chart change pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called "L miss change", the special chart change pattern in which the special chart change performance ends with an N reach, which is a type of reach, is called "N miss change", and the special chart change pattern related to misses without reach is called "normal miss change". There are three types of normal miss changes with different change times (normal A miss change, normal B miss change, normal C miss change). In addition, the special chart change pattern related to misses without reach that has a shorter change time than the "normal miss change" is called "shortened miss change". There are two types of shortened miss changes with different change times (shortened A miss change, shortened B miss change). In addition, when SP big wins and SP miss changes are collectively referred to as SP changes or SP reach changes.

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs a pre-reading judgment according to a pre-reading judgment table as shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. The pre-reading judgment is performed before the jackpot judgment (specifically, for example, at the time of winning in the start hole). The pre-reading judgment includes, for example, a judgment of whether or not the special symbol random number is judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, a judgment of which jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be a jackpot pattern type in the jackpot symbol type judgment, and a judgment of which special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be a special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The pre-reading judgment table is associated with the type of start hole (first start hole 11/second start hole 12) related to the start winning. That is, the pre-reading judgment table includes a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) when the first start hole 11 is won, and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) when the second start hole 12 is won. Since the first starting hole 11 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1, the first look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 1 look-ahead judgment table. Also, since the second starting hole 12 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2, the second look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 2 look-ahead judgment table. Note that the look-ahead judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of starting hole (first starting hole 11/second starting hole 12).

The look-ahead judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are look-ahead judgment tables used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and look-ahead judgment tables used in the time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, the look-ahead judgment tables include a first look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, and a third look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced. Note that the look-ahead judgment tables do not need to be separated for each game state. Also, the types of judgments to be included in the look-ahead judgment can be changed as appropriate.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, the jackpot game will be described. The jackpot game includes multiple round games involving the opening and closing of the jackpot winning hole (first jackpot winning hole 14 or second jackpot winning hole 15), an opening (also written as OP) from the start of the jackpot game to the start of the first round game, and an ending (also written as ED) from the end of the final round game to the end of the jackpot game. Each round game starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game or the start of the ending. It is also possible not to provide an OP or an ED. In the following, a predetermined number of round games (predetermined order) is simply called a "round". For example, the first (first) round game is called "1st round (1R)" and the tenth round game is called "10th round (10R)".

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14, second jackpot opening 15) are opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time for each opening, the time it is closed until the next opening (closing time or interval time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special chart is stopped and displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game in accordance with a jackpot game control table such as that shown in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, the jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game (e.g., for each jackpot game A to C). In each jackpot game, from 1R to 15R, a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. Then, in 16R (the final round), a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. In each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensors 14a and 15a, the round game is ended even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14 and 15 has elapsed.

It is possible to configure the jackpot game A shown in FIG. 14 to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern A (see FIG. 10(B)), the jackpot game B to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern B, and the jackpot game C to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern C.

The number of times and the time for each jackpot game component can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or only one of them. In a configuration in which only the first jackpot opening 14 is used for jackpot games, or in which only the second jackpot opening 15 is used for jackpot games, the unused jackpot opening may not be provided. The types of jackpot games that can be played may be multiple or only one type.

The specific area 16 will now be described in detail. The specific area 16 is placed in a closed state, in which winning is not possible, and an open state, in which winning is possible, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be said to be the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In addition, the open state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-open", and the closed state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-closed".

The distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (i.e., the specific area 16 is controlled in a certain opening/closing mode). For example, for 15 seconds after the second large prize opening 15 starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled in the second state (FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16). On the other hand, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing during which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to make the game ball enter the specific area 16). In this way, by combining a certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (a certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 in a jackpot game, it is possible to set the difficulty (ease) of making the game ball enter the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. The operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate. If another operating mode is shown in the description of "Characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the pachinko game machine PY1 adopts that operating mode.

Note that during a jackpot game, a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern) in which it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing") is called a "V-long jackpot", and a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern) in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 is called a "V-short jackpot".

3-4. Game state Next, the game state will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state". The "low probability low base game state" may be abbreviated as "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" as "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" as "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" as "high probability high base state". The game state includes a state related to the probability of being determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability low base game state" or a "low probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability low base game state" or a "high probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1, the normal probability state is set. Then, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state by winning a jackpot. For example, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot pattern. Whether the trigger for switching to the high probability state is V passing or the type of jackpot pattern is determined in advance according to the gameplay to be realized. In the high probability state, a certain number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning the jackpot, or it is possible to switch from the high probability state to the normal probability state by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state", "high probability low base game state" or "jackpot game state". The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or "high probability high base game state", and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary game is likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g. 3.0 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g. 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, the special chart change pattern is determined according to a special chart change pattern determination table that is determined so that a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 11 to 12). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special chart reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special chart reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal map change time is more likely to be shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a normal map change time (5 seconds) is determined that is shorter than the normal map change time (30 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state (Figure 9 (B)). Therefore, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time is greater.

In addition, the time-saving state is more likely to be judged as a hit in the hit judgment than the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a hit is judged with a higher probability (e.g., 59936/65536) than the probability of a hit being judged as a hit in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6600/65536) (Figure 9 (A)). Therefore, the time-saving state is judged as a hit more often per unit time.

In this way, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time per unit time compared to the non-time-saving state, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, where the base is high, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls in the player's possession. Therefore, it can be said that the time-saving state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the non-time-saving state.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 is first powered on, the non-time-saving state is set. Then, for example, the time-saving state can be set by winning a jackpot. In the time-saving state, a predetermined number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning a jackpot, or the time-saving state can be changed to the non-time-saving state by winning the next jackpot.

In addition, in the time-saving state, compared to the non-time-saving state, it is easier to win a prize, the normal chart change time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one auxiliary play is more likely to be longer. In other words, three points regarding the game related to the normal chart are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points set to be advantageous to the player may only be part of these. Furthermore, the special chart change pattern determination table in the time-saving state does not have to be one in which a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state.

The game state after the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1 is a "low probability low base game state" in which the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state are set. This game state is also called the "normal game state." In the "jackpot game state," a normal drawing (a hit determination for a normal drawing) is performed but a special drawing (a jackpot determination) is not performed, so the non-time-saving state is set with the start of the jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the game states described above for the game state. In addition, the various game states described in this specification can be arbitrarily expressed in the form of an "nth game state" (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1).

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4-1. Presentation mode First, the presentation mode will be described. Presentation mode is a category of presentation (or a higher conceptual attribute). The pachinko game machine PY1 can set the following presentation modes: a customer waiting presentation mode, a normal presentation mode, a probability variation presentation mode, a time-saving presentation mode, and a big win presentation mode.

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart change performance is not being performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart change performance is not being performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 16 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a, and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed.

The normal presentation mode can be set when the special chart variation presentation is being performed in the "low probability low base game state" or the "high probability low base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image (daytime normal background image G102) showing a daytime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-1), a second normal presentation mode in which a background image (evening normal background image G103) showing an evening mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-2), and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image (nighttime normal background image G104) showing a nighttime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-3), and can be switched under the condition that the special chart variation presentation is performed once or multiple times without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The special probability mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in a "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the special probability mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-4), a background image representing space (special probability background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the special probability mode includes a special probability pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special chart change presentation, and a special probability post-stage presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the special probability pre-stage presentation mode, the special probability background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the special probability post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in the normal probability state and the time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a first stage of time-saving presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a second stage of time-saving presentation mode after a reach is established. In the first stage of time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the second stage of time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the round of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-2), a round presentation is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the ending of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-3), a jackpot ending presentation is performed in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode to be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total prize ball number paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The types of presentation modes can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-2. Special chart change performance Next, the special chart change performance (also simply called "change performance") will be explained. When the pachinko game machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special chart, it executes the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (the jackpot determination result, the jackpot pattern type determination result, the reach determination result, and the special chart change pattern determination result). In the special chart change performance, the display unit 50a displays the change of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. In the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern stops after changing. That is, after the special chart change time and the change display of the performance pattern are performed, the change stops and the stop display of the performance pattern is performed. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is announced by the stop display of the performance pattern.

In addition, in the special chart change performance, in addition to the changing display of the performance pattern, it is possible to perform other performances using various performance devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, it is possible to continue other performances even after the display of the performance pattern has stopped.

4-2-1. Performance pattern display area As shown in FIG. 17(A), the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a left performance pattern area 50b1, a middle performance pattern area 50b2, and a right performance pattern area 50b3 on the left, center, and right sides of the display unit 50a, which are divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts. The left performance pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left performance pattern EZ1 when the performance pattern is stopped in the special pattern change performance. Similarly, the middle performance pattern area 50b2 and the right performance pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle performance pattern EZ2 and the right performance pattern EZ3.

As shown in FIG. 17(A), a small pattern area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display unit 50a. The small pattern area 50c is an area that variably displays the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when the special pattern is being variably displayed.

In FIG. 17(A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed two-dot lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed. Also, the range of each area can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-2. Normal Variation In the special chart variation presentation, the pachinko game machine PY1 can first perform normal variation. The normal variation functions as a presentation that suggests that the variable display of the special chart has started.

When the variable display of the special chart is started, for example, as shown in Figure 17 (A), on the display unit 50a, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen, while the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2 and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special chart is not being performed and the state is waiting for the variable display of the special chart.As shown in Figure 17 (B), with the start of the variable display of the special chart, the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2 and EZ3 is started, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2 and KZ3 is started. Then, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss change", as shown in FIG. 17 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped in different stop modes, and then, as shown in FIG. 17 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are stopped and displayed in a stop mode (so-called barrage) that suggests a miss. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also stopped and displayed all at once in a stop mode that suggests a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, a special pattern change pattern with a reach such as "N miss change", as shown in FIG. 17 (C-2), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped in the same stop mode, and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are continuously displayed, and a reach performance according to the special pattern change pattern is performed. The stopping order and stopping patterns of the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-3. N Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform N Reach when a reach is achieved in normal variation. N Reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination may be a "jackpot" and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the N reach, as shown in FIG. 18(A), the state in which the reach is established is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 18(B), the speed of change of the middle performance pattern EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N miss change", as shown in FIG. 18(C-1), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called barrages). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N jackpot change", as shown in FIG. 18(C-2), the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (so-called double numbers). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot. In addition, the content of the N Reach effect is not limited to the middle effect pattern EZ2 gradually slowing down, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

In addition, with regard to the stopping mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that indicate a miss, the spread when the reach is not established is called a "non-reach spread" or a "non-reach miss" and the spread when the reach is established is called a "reach spread" or a "reach miss". The combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the non-reach spread (for example, "2, 3, 1" or "5, 8, 6") and the combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the reach spread (for example, "2, 1, 2" or "5, 4, 5") are selected by the performance control microcomputer 121. In addition, the combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the stopping pattern (double number) that indicates a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the type of jackpot symbol that has been selected.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an SP reach after an N reach. The SP reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination is more likely to be a "jackpot" than the N reach, and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (SP reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 19(B), a performance dedicated to the SP reach (for example, a battle performance) is performed. Then, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP jackpot change", a performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character (one of the ally characters) has won the battle and is standing with his/her arms crossed) is performed on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 19(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopping state (so-called double numbers) suggesting a jackpot. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a big win. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP miss variation," then as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), a performance that suggests a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character standing with its arms crossed after winning a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner that suggests a miss (so-called barake eyes). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a miss. Note that the performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

Here, we will explain in detail the possibility (jackpot expectation) that the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 for each reach will stop in a manner indicating a jackpot. The jackpot expectation for each reach is determined by the execution probability based on the result of the jackpot determination. For example, if the execution probability of an N reach is set to 10% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," and the execution probability of an SP reach is set to 4% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," it is possible to set the jackpot expectation for an SP reach higher than the jackpot expectation for an N reach. Furthermore, by making SP reach A and SP reach B executable as SP reaches, and setting the execution probability of SP reach A to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 30% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", and setting the execution probability of SP reach B to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 20% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", it is possible to set the jackpot expectation of SP reach A higher than the jackpot expectation of SP reach B. In this way, it is possible to set the jackpot expectation by appropriately setting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination.

4-2-5. L Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an L reach after an N reach. The L reach is a performance that suggests that the possibility that the result of the special chart lottery was a "jackpot" is lower than that of the SP reach but higher than that of the N reach, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a jackpot. The execution time of the reach performance of the L reach is shorter than that of the reach performance of the SP reach (FIGS. 11 and 12). Therefore, in the reach performance of the L reach, for example, a video shorter than that of the reach performance of the SP reach is displayed on the display unit 50a. The content of the reach performance of the L reach can be changed as appropriate. In addition, a special chart variation pattern in which the reach performance of the SP reach is executed in a developed manner after the reach performance of the L reach may be provided.

4-3. Hold icon display area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 20 (A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4, and the hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, and 50d4 according to the number of reserved special figures 1 or the number of reserved special figures 2. For example, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "1", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e is capable of displaying the icon TA (also called the reserved icon TA) that is the same as the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance. Note that an icon different from the reserved icon HA may be displayed as the icon TA.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. The reserved icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the reserved number of special chart 1 and the reserved number of special chart 2, or a display area that displays only one of them. It is also possible to provide the reserved icon display area 50d but not the icon display area 50e, or to provide neither.

4-3-1. Hold performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a hold performance in response to the game ball entering the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. The hold performance can notify the player of the number of special chart 1 holds or special chart 2 holds.

In the reserved performance, when the number of reserved special chart 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the special chart change performance starts, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, for example, as shown in Fig. 20 (B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change performance, the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d, as shown in Fig. 20 (C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change presentation ends and a new special chart change presentation starts, as shown in FIG. 20(D), the reserved icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserved icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a notice performance at any timing during the special chart change performance. The notice performance is a performance using the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, the movable devices 55, 56, 58, the input device (the normal button 40, the special button 41), etc., and can suggest the result of the jackpot determination or the result of the special chart change pattern determination.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a movable body effect as a preview effect using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58. The movable body effect is an effect in which the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 are operated, and functions as an effect that makes the player expect a big win.

In the movable body performance, for example, when the N reach develops into the SP reach, as shown in FIG. 21(A), the movable device on the board 55 and the movable device below the board 56 are operated, and the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move so as to overlap on the display unit 50a, suggesting the development into the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k. After that, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state (initial position) and develop into the SP reach. This movable body performance is an example of a development performance. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of development into the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the movable device operated in the movable body performance can be changed as appropriate. Also, if the performance does not progress (for example, in the case of an N miss variation), it is possible to perform a moving body performance as a so-called false performance. A moving body performance is also called a moving body drive performance.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an operation performance as a preview performance using the normal button 40 or the special button 41. The operation performance is a performance that makes the player operate the normal button 40 or the special button 41, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a big win.

In the operation presentation, for example, in the SP reach, a period (operation valid period) occurs during which the pressing operation of the input device (special button 41) is valid, and with the occurrence of this operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), a presentation (operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41. In the operation promotion presentation, an operation promotion image G30 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The operation promotion image G30 includes an image (special button image G31) that imitates the special button 41, an image (operation method instruction image G32) that shows the operation method of the special button 41 (i.e., pressing operation), and an image (valid period image G33) that shows the remaining time of the operation valid period. The valid period image G33 is generally composed of a curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the valid operation period, or after the valid operation period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated during the valid operation period, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 22(B), and the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operation presentation is not limited to the operation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation promotion presentation that encourages the operation of the operation means (operation unit) such as the special button 41 or the normal button 40 is also referred to as an operation instruction presentation.

4-4-3. Pre-reading performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a pre-reading performance for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve for which the special chart lottery has not been performed as a notice performance. The pre-reading performance functions as a performance to suggest in advance the lottery result of the special chart lottery for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve.

In the pre-reading performance, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reservation is a "jackpot", the reservation icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle" in the reservation icon display area 50d, may be displayed as a "☆" as shown in FIG. 20 (C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss", the reservation icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. In this way, the pre-reading performance in which the reservation icon HA or the icon TA is displayed in a special mode (in this embodiment, "☆") rather than in the normal mode (in this embodiment, "circle") is called a reservation change performance. Also, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are collectively called a reservation display. In this embodiment, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are displayed as a reservation display, but it is also possible to configure it so that only the reservation icon HA is displayed and the icon TA is not displayed. In addition, the timing for the special mode of the hold display in the hold change performance may be when the start winning occurs, which is the trigger for the hold display, or when the hold display shifts (when the display area of the hold icon HA is changed), or when the special chart change corresponding to the hold display is in progress (when it is displayed as the icon TA). Also, there may be multiple types of special modes of the hold display.

Note that the look-ahead effect can be performed on both or either of the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Furthermore, the look-ahead effect is not limited to a change in the display mode of the reserve icon HA, but can be changed or added as appropriate. Examples of look-ahead effects other than the reserve change effect include so-called continuous previews.

5. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 Next, the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 24. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 23 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, settings for permission to access the game RAM 104, settings for the game CPU 102, settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 8 (A) and 8 (B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Also, at least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) to the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that, if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[2. Main side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, the output process (S101) is executed. In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, and the like.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the game control microcomputer 101, for example, takes in a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores this in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of FIG. 23. That is, the update process of the counter values of the various random numbers shown in FIG. 8 (A) and FIG. 8 (B) is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S106). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S106), a sorting device control process is performed to control the sorting device 16D (S107). The sorting device 16D is operated when a special game using the second big prize device 15D is played. However, the sorting device 16D may be operated in a constant manner from the time the power is turned on.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S108) and ends the main timer interrupt processing (S005). Other processing (S108) includes power off monitoring processing when the power is turned off, and updating of the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Another other processing (S108) is a payout control processing for paying out prize balls to the player. In the payout control processing, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process (see FIG. 23) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt process (S005). In the output process (S101) of the main timer interrupt process (S005) that has been executed again, the gaming control microcomputer 101 outputs the commands, etc. that were set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S005).

[2-1. Sensor detection process]
In the sensor detection process (S104), the general winning hole sensor process, the gate sensor process, the second starting hole sensor process, the first starting hole sensor process, the first large winning hole sensor process, the second large winning hole sensor process, and the specific area sensor process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

The general prize opening sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the general prize opening sensor 10a. In addition, a command for the general prize opening sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

In the gate sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the gate sensor 13a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, a normal pattern random number indicated by the counter value of the normal pattern random number counter is obtained, and the obtained normal pattern random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 provided in the gaming RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal pattern random numbers (e.g., four) are stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106, the newly obtained normal pattern random number is not stored. In addition, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the result of the process.

In the second start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 12a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 2 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 2 related random number is stored in the special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 2 related random number is not stored. In addition, a second look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 2 related random number and the second look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the second start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 2 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reserved number) stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a second start winning command representing the result of the second look-ahead judgment.

In the first start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 1 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 1 related random number is stored in the special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 1 related random number is not stored. In addition, a first look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 1 related random number and the first look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the first start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 1 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reserved number) stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a first start winning command representing the result of the first look-ahead judgment.

In the first large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first large prize opening sensor 14a. In addition, a command for the first large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the second large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second large prize opening sensor 15a. In addition, a command for the second large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the specific area sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 16a. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the result of this process.

[2-2. Normal Operation Processing]
In the normal operation process (S105), a normal symbol waiting process, a normal symbol variation process, a normal symbol determination process, and an auxiliary game control process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The normal pattern standby process is a process that is performed during standby when no variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is being performed. In the normal pattern standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal pattern random number stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal pattern change pattern is determined by making a normal pattern change pattern determination based on the current game state. Then, a normal pattern change start command is generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal pattern change pattern. Then, the normal pattern display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern change time associated with the determined normal pattern change pattern.

The normal pattern change process is a process that is performed during the variable display of the normal map. In the normal pattern change process, the normal map is stopped based on the result of the hit determination as the normal map change time elapses from the start of the variable display of the normal map being executed. Then, a normal map change stop command is generated, which indicates the end of the variable display of the normal map.

The normal symbol determination process is a process that is performed when a normal symbol is displayed stationary. In the normal symbol determination process, whether or not the normal symbol displayed stationary is a winning symbol is determined depending on the lapse of a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) from the start of the stationary display of the ongoing normal symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed stationary, an auxiliary game is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command indicating the start of the auxiliary game is generated.

The auxiliary game control process is a process that is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. In the auxiliary game control process, the auxiliary game is controlled based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. In addition, a command for controlling the auxiliary game is generated according to the result of the process.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S106), a special symbol waiting process, a special symbol variation process, a special symbol determination process, a big win game control process, and a game state setting process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

[2-3-1. Special symbol waiting process]
The special symbol standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the special symbol is not being displayed variably, not in a jackpot game state. In the special symbol standby process, a special symbol 2 determination process and a special symbol 2 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 2 related random number stored in the special symbol 2 reserved memory unit 105b, and a special symbol 2 reserved memory unit shift process is performed. In addition, a special symbol 1 determination process and a special symbol 1 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 1 related random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a, and a special symbol 1 reserved memory unit shift process is performed.

In the special chart 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers and the special chart 2 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 2 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 2 determination process. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 2 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reservation number) stored in the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b. Then, a special chart 2 variation start command representing the determined special chart 2 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 2 variation start command includes information that it is a special chart 2, information about the result of the jackpot determination, information about the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information about the result of the reach determination, information about the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 2 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 2 display 81b starts variable display of the special chart 2 based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 2 change pattern.

The special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 2 determination process and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 2 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b. In this way, the special chart 2 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 2 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 2 reserved number after the process.

In the special chart 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers and the special chart 1 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 1 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 1 determination process. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 1 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reservation number) stored in the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a. Then, a special chart 1 variation start command representing the determined special chart 1 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 1 variation start command includes information regarding the special chart 1, information regarding the result of the jackpot determination, information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information regarding the result of the reach determination, information regarding the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 1 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 1 display 81a starts to display the special chart 1 in a variable manner based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 1 change pattern.

The special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 1 determination process and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 1 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a. In this way, the special chart 1 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 1 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 1 reserved number after the process.

When both the number of reserved special charts 2 and the number of reserved special charts 1 are present, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel. In other words, when there is a reserved special chart 2, the game control microcomputer 101 will not perform the special chart 1 determination process even if there is a reserved special chart 1. The variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 may be configured to be performed in the order of winning, or to be performed simultaneously.

[2-3-2. Special symbol variation processing]
The special symbol variation process is a process performed during the variable display of the special symbol. In the special symbol variation process, as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol display device 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol and stops displaying the special symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the miss symbol indicating a miss is stopped and displayed. Then, a special symbol variation stop command indicating the end of the variable display of the special symbol is generated.

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special pattern determination process is a process performed when the special pattern is stopped. In the special pattern determination process, if the currently stopped special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the game is transitioned to a jackpot game state. Then, an opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the high probability state is to be terminated, a normal probability state is set. Then, a high probability end command indicating a transition to a normal probability state is generated. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the time-saving state is to be terminated, a non-time-saving state is set. Then, a time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is generated. Note that if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the number of reserved special patterns 2 and the number of reserved special patterns 1 are "0", a customer waiting command indicating that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a standby state is generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The jackpot game control process is a process carried out in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played according to a jackpot game control table. After transition to the jackpot game state, each round of play is started according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round game is generated. Also, an ending is started according to the end of the final round game. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot symbol type determination.

[2-3-5. Game status setting process]
The game state setting process is a process performed when the jackpot game state ends. In the game state setting process, when changing from a normal probability state to a high probability state, the high probability state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the high probability state, the duration of the high probability state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the high probability state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a high probability setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the high probability state. Also, when changing from a non-time-saving state to a time-saving state, the time-saving state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the time-saving state, the duration of the time-saving state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the time-saving state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a time-saving setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the time-saving state.

The commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 in each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 27. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Fig. 25 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and a random number update process is executed (S4003). In the random number update process (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make decisions regarding various effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number update process is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that receives the command displays an image on the display unit 50a according to the received command (executes various performances using images). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to emit light via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes various light-emitting performances using light), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executes various movable body performances using operations). In this way, various performances (special chart change performances, reserved performances, operation performances, pre-reading performances, other advance notice performances, big win game performances, customer waiting performances, control of performance modes, etc.) are realized.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S101) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[2.1 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011), as shown in Fig. 26, an input process (S4101), a light emission data output process (S4102), a movable device control process (S4103), and a watchdog timer process (S4104) are sequentially performed.

In the input process, the operation of the normal button detection switch 40a, the special button detection switch 41a, and other operation parts that can be operated by the player are detected, and commands are set and performance data is created according to the detection results. In the light emission data output process, light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to make lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 light up at a timing that matches the image performance, etc., based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 makes the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and other lamps light up in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable device control process, drive data is output to perform a movable body performance that operates movable devices such as the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at a predetermined timing based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer process, the watchdog timer is reset.

[3. 10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012), as shown in Fig. 27, a received command analysis process (S4201), a performance timer update process (S4202), a sound control process (S4203), and a performance data creation process (S4204) are sequentially performed.

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process, a timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process, the start timing and end timing of the effective operation period of the operation parts such as the normal button 40 and the special button 41 are measured. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the processing results of the input process and the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process.

Here, an example of processing when the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a command from the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The command received by the performance control microcomputer 121 is a special chart fluctuation start command (special chart 1 fluctuation start command or special chart 2 fluctuation start command). When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a special chart fluctuation start command, it selects a special chart fluctuation performance performance pattern (sub-fluctuation pattern) based on the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the command as a processing at the time of receiving the fluctuation start command, sets information on the sub-fluctuation pattern, and sets a fluctuation performance start command including information on the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart fluctuation start command is SP fluctuation (SP big win fluctuation or SP miss fluctuation), it selects a sub-fluctuation pattern that performs SP reach, and sets a fluctuation performance start command corresponding to the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. After that, each process (such as command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), and audio control process (S4203)) is executed to realize a special chart change effect corresponding to the selected sub-change pattern. The process flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects such as big win game effects, customer waiting effects, pre-reading effects, and so-called advance notice effects associated with the change.

7. Characteristics of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1 The characteristics of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described in detail below. One of the characteristics of the pachinko game machine PY1 is the horse-human fusion performance described below.

First, we will explain the jackpot games that can be executed by the game control microcomputer 101. The game control microcomputer 101 can execute various jackpot games (jackpot games 1 to 4) shown in the jackpot game control table in FIG. 28.

As shown in FIG. 28, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot pattern 1" or "jackpot pattern 2" in the jackpot pattern type determination in the special pattern 1 determination process (special pattern determination process based on winning the first starting hole 11). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot pattern 1" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot pattern 2" at a rate of 40%. Also, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot pattern 3" or "jackpot pattern 4" in the jackpot pattern type determination in the special pattern 2 determination process (special pattern determination process based on winning the second starting hole 12). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot pattern 3" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot pattern 4" at a rate of 40%.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a jackpot game according to the type of the determined jackpot symbol. Specifically, in "jackpot game 1" executed when "jackpot symbol 1" is determined, and in "jackpot game 2" executed when "jackpot symbol 2" is determined, 16 rounds of play are played. Then, from 1R to 8R, the first jackpot winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round play, and from 9R to 16R, the first jackpot winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds per round play. From 9R to 16R in this jackpot game, the opening time of the first jackpot winning hole 14 is extremely short, and in reality, it is a round in which winning in the first jackpot winning hole 14 is not expected. In other words, although the total number of rounds in this jackpot game is 16, the actual number of rounds is 8.

In addition, in "jackpot game 3," which is executed when "jackpot pattern 3" is determined, and in "jackpot game 4," which is executed when "jackpot pattern 4" is determined, 16 rounds of play are played. In all of rounds 1 through 16, the first large prize opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round of play. In other words, the total number of rounds and the actual number of rounds of play in this jackpot game are 16.

Therefore, it can be said that "jackpot game 3" and "jackpot game 4", which have an effective number of rounds of play of 16, are jackpot games that are more advantageous to the player than "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 2", which have an effective number of rounds of play of 8, and the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 3" or "jackpot game 4" is played is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 2" is played.

Next, the game states that can be controlled by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The game control microcomputer 101 sets the game state after a jackpot game to a time-saving state (high base state) regardless of whether a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1," "jackpot game 2," "jackpot game 3," or "jackpot game 4" is executed. In addition, when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a high probability state, whereas when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a normal probability state. In other words, after "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3", the game state is controlled to a high probability high base game state (high probability state and time-saving state), and after "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4", the game state is controlled to a low probability high base game state (normal probability state and time-saving state).

In this embodiment, when a jackpot that is controlled to a high-probability, high-base game state upon the end of a jackpot game (called a probability jackpot) is won, the final stopping mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the variable performance is displayed as a repeat of odd symbols (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9). On the other hand, when a jackpot that is controlled to a low-probability, high-base game state upon the end of a jackpot game (called a time-saving jackpot) is won, the final stopping mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the variable performance is displayed as a repeat of even symbols (2, 4, 6, or 8).

In this embodiment, the "high probability high base game state" can continue until the next big win game is executed. On the other hand, the "low probability high base game state" can continue until the number of times the special chart is displayed variably reaches 100 times (a predetermined upper limit number of times it is executed).

Therefore, it can be said that "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3", which is then set to a high probability state, is a jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4", which is not then set to a high probability state. Also, it can be said that the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed.

The jackpot gaming state can be said to be a more advantageous gaming state than the normal gaming state, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol. Also, the "high probability high base gaming state," which is one of the high probability states, can be said to be a more advantageous gaming state to the player than the "low probability high base gaming state," which is one of the normal probability states. In this specification, a gaming state that is advantageous to the player may be referred to as an advantageous gaming state or a special gaming state. Also, the jackpot gaming state is an example of an advantageous development. Also, a jackpot gaming state based on a time-saving jackpot is an example of a first advantageous development, and a jackpot gaming state based on a special jackpot is an example of a second advantageous development and a specific advantageous development.

Next, we will explain how to determine the variation pattern of the special chart 2 in the time-saving state (high-probability time-saving state (high probability state and time-saving state), low-probability time-saving state (normal probability state and time-saving state)). In the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the variation pattern of the special chart 2 using the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 29.

In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process when the time-saving state is set, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the special chart 2 variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot determination, the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, the result of the reach determination, and the special chart variation pattern random number performed in the special chart 2 determination process. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination, if the result of the jackpot pattern type determination is "jackpot pattern 3" (probable jackpot), it is possible to determine either "THP001" or "THP002" as the special chart 2 variation pattern. The special chart variation pattern random number determines which special chart 2 variation pattern to select. The distribution rate is as shown in FIG. 29. The distribution rate (selection rate) of the special chart variation pattern can be changed as appropriate within a range that does not interfere with the game. This also applies to special chart variation patterns other than "THP001" to "THP002".

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination and the result of the jackpot pattern type determination is "jackpot pattern 4" (time-saving jackpot), it determines "THP011" as the special pattern 2 variation pattern.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot is a miss in the jackpot judgment and the result of the reach judgment is "reach", it can determine either "THP031" or "THP032" as the special chart 2 variation pattern.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot has been lost in the jackpot judgment and the result of the reach judgment is "no reach", it is possible to determine either "THP041" or "THP042" as the special chart 2 variation pattern. The allocation rate for which of these two types of special chart 2 variation patterns is determined depends on the number of reserved special charts 2. Specifically, when the number of reserved special charts 2 is 0 to 1, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long special chart variation time is likely to be determined, and when the number of reserved special charts 2 is 2 to 4, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short special chart variation time is likely to be determined.

The special chart 2 variation pattern "THP001" is a variation in which the horse-human fusion effect is successful and a special promotion effect is executed (a specific guaranteed jackpot variation). Also, the special chart 2 variation pattern "THP031" is a variation in which the horse-human fusion effect fails (a specific miss variation).

The human-horse fusion performance is a performance in which a human character image G1 (an example of a first element image) representing a human character (an example of a first object) is displayed on the left end side of the display unit 50a, a horse character image G2 (an example of a second element image) representing a horse character (an example of a second object) is displayed on the right end side of the display unit 50a, and the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are moved toward the center of the display unit 50a, respectively, so that the two images G1 and G2 are overlapped (see FIG. 31). The human-horse fusion performance (corresponding to an image movement performance) has a success mode in which, when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 overlap to a certain extent, a success image G4 representing Cerberus, whose upper body is human and whose lower body is horse, is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a (see FIG. 31), and a failure mode in which the human character image G1 is moved to the right end of the display unit 50a without displaying the success image G4 and the horse character image G2 is moved to the left end of the display unit 50a and is not displayed (see FIG. 34). In other words, the successful version represents the successful fusion of a human and a horse, resulting in the birth of Cerberus, while the unsuccessful version represents the unsuccessful fusion of a human and a horse, resulting in the failure of Cerberus to be born.

When a successful horse-and-human fusion effect is executed, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are first displayed as a double number of any even number (2, 4, 6, or 8) to notify the player of a big win (FIG. 32 (A)), and then the special promotion effect is executed. The special promotion effect includes an operation effect that causes the player to operate the normal button 40, and is an effect that displays a double number of 7 (7) in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation effect (see FIGS. 32 (B) to (D)). The special promotion effect definitely notifies the player that he or she has won a special big win. On the other hand, when a failed horse-and-human fusion effect is executed, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as a random number (missing number) to notify the player of a miss (see FIG. 35).

In the special promotion effect (corresponding to a specific effect), a human character image G11 representing the same human character as that represented by the human character image G1 and a horse character image G21 representing the same horse character as that represented by the horse character image G2 are displayed, and while these human character images G11 and horse character images G21 change poses, they prompt the player to operate the normal button 40 (see Figures 32 (B) (C)) and congratulate the player on the promotion of the performance patterns that make up the doublet (see Figures 32 (C) (D)).

As shown in FIG. 29, the special chart 2 variation pattern "THP002" is a variation in which a reach is established and develops into an SP reach, and as a result of the SP reach, a success presentation (a winning notification presentation) is executed, and then a normal promotion presentation is executed and a double number of odd-numbered symbols is displayed (SP guaranteed jackpot variation). The special chart 2 variation pattern "THP011" is a variation in which a reach is established and develops into an SP reach, and as a result of the SP reach, a success presentation (a winning notification presentation) is executed, and then a normal promotion presentation is executed and a double number of even-numbered symbols is displayed (SP time-saving jackpot variation). The special chart 2 variation pattern "THP032" is a variation in which a reach is established and develops into an SP reach, and as a result of the SP reach, a failure presentation (a losing notification presentation) is executed (SP miss variation).

The special chart 1 variation pattern "THP041" is a "shortened A miss variation" in which the variation ends in 6 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach, and "THP042" is a "shortened B miss variation" in which the variation ends in 3 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach. A reach is a state in which there is only one of the multiple variation symbols remaining, and depending on which of the variation symbols stops being displayed, it is a combination of symbols (for example, a "7↓7" state) that indicates a game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game state).

In this embodiment, a battle reach is executed as an SP reach. A battle reach is a reach effect in which an ally character and an enemy character battle each other. A battle reach has a win/lose branch, and branches into a success effect (victory effect) in which the ally character defeats the enemy character, or a failure effect (defeat effect) in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character. A success effect functions as an effect suggesting to the player that he or she has won a jackpot. A failure effect functions as an effect suggesting to the player that he or she has not won a jackpot. In this embodiment, the reach effect shown in FIG. 19 is executed as a battle reach based on the lottery of special chart 2 in the time-saving state. The performance control microcomputer 121 displays performance images on the display unit 50a for each performance that constitutes the special chart change performance (normal change, horse-and-human fusion performance, SP reach, special promotion performance, normal promotion performance, etc.), and can execute light-emitting performances using the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54, sound performances using the speaker 52, movable body performances using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58, and operation performances using the input devices (normal button 40, special button 41) according to the display of the performance images.

Here, the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment executes a flame effect effect when the success image G4 is displayed in the human-horse fusion effect, and when the game branches to a success effect in the SP reach (see Fig. 31 (D), Fig. 36 (B), Fig. 38 (B)). The flame effect effect (corresponding to a predetermined effect) is an effect in which an effect image (flame effect image G5) representing a flame is displayed on the display unit 50a. The effect mode of the flame effect effect includes a normal mode (mode shown in Fig. 36 (B)) in which a blue flame effect image G51 representing a blue flame is displayed, and a special mode (mode shown in Fig. 31 (D) or Fig. 38 (B)) in which a red flame effect image G52 representing a red flame is displayed. The flame effect effect of the normal mode is executed whether the player wins a special jackpot (jackpot pattern 3) or a time-saving jackpot (jackpot pattern 4), but the flame effect effect of the special mode is executed only when the player wins a special jackpot (jackpot pattern 3).

The selection of the performance mode of the flame effect performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 is performed based on the table shown in FIG. 30. As shown in FIG. 30, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 2 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "specific probability variable jackpot change" (THP001), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the "special mode" at a rate of 100%. Also, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 2 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP probability variable jackpot change" (THP002), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the "normal mode" at a rate of 70% and the "special mode" at a rate of 30%. Also, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 2 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP time-limited jackpot change" (THP011), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the "normal mode" at a rate of 100%.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the special flame effect effect is not executed when a time-saving jackpot is won, but may be executed only when a probability-changing jackpot is won. Therefore, in this embodiment, the special flame effect effect functions as an effect that suggests to the player that a probability-changing jackpot has been won. In other words, it functions as an effect that suggests a transition to a high-probability state (more specifically, a high-probability time-saving state) will occur upon the end of the jackpot game. Also, in the case of a specific probability-changing jackpot fluctuation, that is, when a successful human-horse fusion effect is executed, the special flame effect effect is always executed. When a successful human-horse fusion effect is executed, a probability-changing jackpot has been won, and a time-saving jackpot has not been won, so by always executing the special flame effect effect, the sense of exhilaration that comes from winning a probability-changing jackpot is heightened.

Next, examples of the execution of characteristic effects (human-horse fusion effects, special promotion effects, SP reach, normal promotion effects, flame effect effects, etc.) in this pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained with reference to Figures 31 to 38.

＜Horse-man fusion performance＞
A specific example of the horse-human fusion performance will be described. When the "specific guaranteed jackpot variation" (THP001) or the "specific miss variation" (THP031) is selected as the special chart variation pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 executes the horse-human fusion performance immediately after starting the variation display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 31(A)). In the horse-human fusion performance, first, a human character image G1 representing a human character is displayed at the left end of the display unit 50a, and a horse character image G2 representing a horse character is displayed at the right end of the display unit 50a. At this time, the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 do not overlap at all.

In the horse-human fusion performance, the human character image G1 is then moved to the right and the horse character image G2 is moved to the left (FIG. 31(B)). As a result, the two images G1 and G2 begin to overlap, and the amount of overlap gradually increases. If this horse-human fusion performance is being performed based on a specific jackpot variation, the performance control microcomputer 121 will hide the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 at the timing when the amount of overlap between the two images G1 and G2 reaches a certain amount, in other words, when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 reach a specific overlapping state (the state shown in FIG. 31(C)) in the center of the display unit 50a, and will display a success image G4 representing Cerberus in the center of the display unit 50a, and will execute a special flame effect performance (FIG. 31(D)). It should be noted that the time it takes from when the screen shown in FIG. 31(C) appears until it switches to the screen shown in FIG. 31(D) is about a few milliseconds, and the timing at which the image shown in FIG. 31(C) and the image shown in FIG. 31(D) are displayed is approximately the same as seen by the player.

The Cerberus represented by the success image G4 is a combination of the upper body of the human character represented by the human character image G1 and the torso (part below the neck) of the horse character represented by the horse character image G2. That is, the success image G4 includes a human part image G41, which is part of the human character image G1, and a horse part image G42, which is part of the horse character image G2. Therefore, the success image G4 is an image representing the human character represented by the human character image G1, and an image representing the horse character represented by the horse character image G2. In this embodiment, the overlapping state between the part of the human character image G1 other than the spear and the part of the horse character image G2 from the head to the front legs, as shown in FIG. 31(C), is referred to as a "specific overlapping state," and the success image G4 shown in FIG. 31(D) is also referred to as a "specific overlapping state" between the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2.

As shown in FIG. 31(D), when the success image G4 is displayed in the human-horse fusion performance, the red flame effect image G52 is displayed so as to hide the boundary between the human partial image G41 and the horse partial image G42 (see the dashed line in FIG. 31(D)). In other words, the red flame effect image G52 is displayed superimposed in front of the boundary between the human partial image G41 and the horse partial image G42. By displaying the red flame effect image G52 in this way (executing a special type of flame effect performance), it is possible to make the human partial image G41 and the horse partial image G42 feel naturally connected, and to give the player a premonition of a "high probability jackpot", further increasing the sense of elation when the human-horse fusion performance is successful.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are displayed in a specific overlapping manner in the horse-human fusion presentation and a success image G4 is displayed (FIGS. 31(C)(D)), the presentation control microcomputer 121 vibrates the normal button 40. The vibration of the normal button 40 is noticeable to the naked eye, and this vibration of the normal button 40 also enhances the sense of elation when the horse-human fusion presentation is successful. In addition to this effect, the vibration of the normal button 40 also functions as a notice of the occurrence of the operation presentation that will be performed thereafter. In other words, the vibration of the normal button 40 serves to smoothly transition the presentation to the operation presentation by drawing the player's attention in advance to the normal button 40, which will need to be operated later.

When the success image G4 is displayed in the horse-human fusion effect and the normal button 40 is vibrated, the effect control microcomputer 121 then stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 as a repeat of even numbers (a repeat of 6 in this case) (more precisely, a so-called temporary stop display) as shown in FIG. 32(A). At this time, a text image saying "Success!" is also displayed on the display unit 50a. This effect (FIG. 32(A)) reliably conveys to the player that the success of the horse-human fusion effect meant that he had won the jackpot.

Then, the effect control microcomputer 121 executes a special promotion effect. As shown in Fig. 32 (B) to (D), the special promotion effect includes an operation effect that has the player operate the normal button 40, and is an effect in which a repeat number of even numbers is promoted to a repeat number of 7 numbers, which is one of the odd numbers, in response to the operation of the normal button 40. This notifies the player that he or she has won a special jackpot.

The special promotion effect also introduces the human character and horse character that appeared in the human-horse fusion effect. Specifically, in the special promotion effect, as shown in FIG. 32(B), first, a human character image G11 representing the same human character as the human character image G1 in the human-horse fusion effect, a horse character image G21 representing the same horse character as the horse character image G2 in the human-horse fusion effect, and a normal button image G60 representing the normal button 40 are displayed on the display unit 50a.

Then, as shown in FIG. 32(C), when the valid operation period of the normal button 40 begins, the human character image G11 and the horse character image G21 are changed so that the human character and the horse character are posed as if they are peering into the normal button, and the image of a progress bar indicating the valid operation period (valid period image G61) begins to be displayed.

When the player operates the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 32(D), the normal button image G60 and the valid period image G61 are hidden, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as a double digit number of seven, and the human character image G11 and the horse character image G21 are changed so that the human character and the horse character are in a happy pose. Finally, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as a double digit number of seven, and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed as a double digit number of seven. Note that even if the player does not operate the normal button 40 during the valid period of operation of the normal button 40, the effect shown in FIG. 32(D) is executed.

In addition, in the special promotion effect, a dialogue image G7 showing the dialogue of the human character is displayed near the head of the human character represented by the human character image G11 (see Figs. 32(B)-(D)). The content of the dialogue shown in the dialogue image G7 changes from "Press the button" to "Press" to "Yeah!" in accordance with the change in the pose (i.e., movement) of the human character. That is, the content of the dialogue shown in the dialogue image G7 encourages the player to operate the normal button 40 with the dialogue image G71 for "Press the button" and the dialogue image G72 for "Press" (see Figs. 32(B) and (C)), and congratulates the player on the promotion to a repeat number of 7s with the dialogue image G73 for "Yeah!" (see Fig. 32(D)).

In this way, in this embodiment, when the human-horse fusion effect is successful, the normal button 40 vibrates, and then an operation effect is executed in which the normal button 40 is operated. Therefore, the player's attention is directed to the normal button 40 once before the operation effect starts, and then the operation effect starts. This results in a smooth connection between the two effects, which is expected to increase the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the human-horse fusion presentation in which a human character and a horse character appear, when a human character image G1 representing a human character and a horse character image G2 representing a horse character overlap in a specific manner (success image G4 is displayed), a special promotion presentation in which the same human character and horse character appear is then executed. As a result, the two presentations are strongly linked in content and are smoothly connected to each other, which is expected to increase interest in the game.

Here, when the player operates the normal button 40 during the operation presentation in the special promotion presentation, the presentation control microcomputer 121 vibrates the normal button 40 (Fig. 32 (D)). Since the normal button 40 vibrates when operated, the vibration of the normal button 40 is transmitted to the player. This further enhances the sense of excitement of promotion to the 7 symbol. It can also be said that the vibration of the normal button 40 is performed when the human character and the horse character are displayed in a predetermined display mode (both in a happy pose, see Fig. 32 (D)) during the special promotion presentation.

Comparing the vibration time of the normal button 40 during the operation performance (in other words, the vibration of the normal button 40 when the pattern promotion is successful) and the vibration time of the normal button 40 during the successful human-horse fusion performance (in other words, the vibration of the normal button 40 when the success image G4 is displayed), as shown in FIG. 33, the vibration time t2 of the normal button 40 when the pattern promotion is executed is longer than the vibration time t1 of the normal button 40 when the success image G4 is displayed. Specifically, in this embodiment, the vibration time t1 is about 4 seconds, and the vibration time t2 is about 8 seconds. In other words, the vibration time t2 is about twice the vibration time t1. In this way, in this embodiment, the vibration time t2 of the normal button 40 when the pattern promotion is executed is longer than the vibration time t1 of the normal button 40 when the success image G4 is displayed. This is because the vibration of the normal button 40 executed first is merely a notice of the execution of the subsequent operation performance, and the vibration of the normal button 40 executed later is a congratulatory message for winning the special jackpot. In other words, by making the vibration time t2 of the normal button 40, which is executed later, longer than the vibration time t1 of the normal button 40, which is executed first, it becomes easier for the player to grasp the significance of these two vibrations, and the player's psychology gradually becomes more excited. This is expected to increase the player's interest in the game.

Next, a case where the human-horse fusion performance fails will be described. In the human-horse fusion performance, the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are first displayed apart, and then gradually move closer to each other and overlap, which is the same as in the successful case (FIG. 34 (A) (B)). When the human-horse fusion performance is performed based on a specific failure variation, the movement of both images G1 and G2 does not end at the position shown in FIG. 31 (C), and as shown in FIG. 34 (C), the human character image G1 slips through to the right, and the horse character image G2 slips through to the left. Finally, as shown in FIG. 34 (D), the human character image G1 is cut off by the right end of the display unit 50a and becomes invisible, and the horse character image G2 is cut off by the left end of the display unit 50a and becomes invisible. In other words, the human-horse fusion performance in such a failed mode expresses the state in which the human character and the horse character have failed to fuse. In the human-horse fusion performance in the failed mode, the success image G4 is not displayed, and the normal button 40 does not vibrate.

When a failed horse-and-human fusion performance is performed, the performance control microcomputer 121 then stops and displays the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 as missing numbers (more specifically, a reach missing number, in this case, the result of "6, 7, 6") as shown in Figure 35. At this time, the text image "Too bad..." is also displayed on the display unit 50a. This performance (the performance shown in Figure 35) reliably conveys to the player that the failure of the horse-and-human fusion performance meant a miss. In this case, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are definitely stopped and displayed as missing numbers in the variable performance.

<SP Reach>
The microcomputer 121 for controlling the performance executes the reach performance of the battle reach shown in Fig. 19 as the SP reach based on the lottery of the special chart 2 in the time-saving state. Specifically, in this SP reach (battle reach), a video of an ally character battling an enemy character is displayed on the display unit 50a (see Figs. 19(A) and (B)), and finally branches to a success performance indicating a win (a victory performance in which the ally character wins, see Fig. 19(C-1)), or a failure performance indicating a loss (a defeat performance in which the ally character is defeated, see Fig. 19(C-2)).

More specifically, in a battle reach, as shown in FIG. 36(A), a masked character image G81 representing a masked character who is an ally character, and a devil character image G82 representing a devil character who is an enemy character are displayed on the display unit 50a, and a scene in which the two characters begin a battle is shown. Then, as shown in FIG. 36(B), when a successful performance is executed in this battle reach, the performance control microcomputer 121 executes a flame effect performance (display of flame effect image G5) superimposed in front of an image of a masked character (masked character image G83) who is delighted with both fists raised high in the air.

As mentioned above, there are normal and special modes for the flame effect performance (see FIG. 30). If the normal mode is selected as the performance mode for the flame effect performance associated with the SP reach (battle reach), the performance control microcomputer 121 displays the blue flame effect image G51 superimposed in front of the masked character image G83 when executing the successful performance (see FIG. 36 (B)). The display of the blue flame effect image G51 (normal mode flame effect performance) may be executed when a sure-variant jackpot (jackpot pattern 3) is won or when a time-limited jackpot (jackpot pattern 4) is won. Therefore, even if the blue flame effect image G51 is displayed, the player cannot tell which jackpot it is. However, the display of the blue flame effect image G51 in addition to the masked character image G83 creates a more flashy image expression than a configuration that simply displays the masked character image G83, and the sense of exhilaration of a successful battle reach is enhanced. In this embodiment, if a successful SP reach (battle reach) performance is achieved, the normal button 40 will not vibrate, unlike when a successful man-horse fusion performance is achieved.

The flame effect presentation (display of flame effect image G5) ends after a specified time, and then, as shown in FIG. 36(C), the presentation control microcomputer 121 stops and displays the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 as even-numbered repeats while still displaying the masked character image G83 (more precisely, a so-called provisional stop display). This ensures that the player knows that a successful battle reach (win) meant that he or she had won the jackpot.

Then, the microcomputer 121 for controlling the performance executes the normal promotion performance. As shown in FIG. 37(A), in the normal promotion performance, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed variably while forming the repeated numbers of each number pattern. If the type of the jackpot won is a time-saving jackpot, as shown in FIG. 37(B), in the normal promotion performance, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are finally displayed as a repeated number of even numbers (here, "6-6-6"), and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed as a stopped pattern with the same number. This notifies the player that he or she has won the time-saving jackpot. On the other hand, if the type of jackpot that is won is a probability jackpot, as shown in FIG. 37(C), in the normal promotion effect, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are finally displayed as odd numbers (here, "7-7-7"), and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed as odd numbers. This notifies the player that he or she has won a probability jackpot.

In addition, if a special mode is selected as the mode of the flame effect associated with the SP reach (battle reach), the effect control microcomputer 121 displays the red flame effect image G52 superimposed in front of the masked character image G83 when a successful effect is executed in the battle reach, as shown in Figures 38 (A) and (B). In this form, the display of the red flame effect image G52 (special mode flame effect effect) is executed when a sure-variable jackpot (jackpot pattern 3) is won, but is not executed when a time-limited jackpot (jackpot pattern 4) is won (see Figure 30). Therefore, the display of the red flame effect image G52 (special mode flame effect effect) is a hint to the player that he or she has won a sure-variable jackpot. This further enhances the sense of elation in the successful effect of the SP reach. In this case, the normal button 40 is not vibrated, as in the case of the blue flame effect image G51 being displayed during the successful effect of the SP reach.

When the red flame effect image G52 is displayed during a successful SP reach, as shown in Figures 38(C) and (D), the normal promotion effect ends with the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 definitely stopped with a repeat of odd numbers, and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also definitely stopped with the same numbers. This definitely indicates to the player that they have won a special jackpot.

8. Effects of the embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (FIG. 31(C)(D)), an operation effect is executed in which the normal button 40 is operated (FIG. 32(B)-(D)), which stimulates anticipation for the execution of the operation effect and is expected to increase interest due to the effect. In particular, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (FIG. 31(C)(D)), the normal button 40 vibrates, which makes it possible to give the player a premonition that an operation effect is to be executed in which the normal button 40 is operated.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the normal button 40 also vibrates when it is operated (see Figures 32 (C) and (D)), which can increase the excitement of operating the normal button 40.

In addition, with the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the vibration time t2 of the normal button 40 when it is suggested that a jackpot game state based on a special jackpot will be entered in response to operation of the normal button 40 is longer than the vibration time t1 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (FIGS. 31(C)(D)) (see FIG. 33), making it possible to enhance the sense of exhilaration that comes from entering a jackpot game state based on a special jackpot.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the human character image G1 representing a human character and the horse character image G2 representing a horse character are in a specific overlapping state (Fig. 31 (C) (D)), a special promotion effect (Fig. 32 (B)-(D)) in which the human character and the horse character appear is executed. Therefore, when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state, it is possible to give the player a premonition that a special promotion effect in which the human character and the horse character appear will be executed later, which is expected to increase the interest of the series of effects.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the human character image G1 representing a human character and the horse character image G2 representing a horse character are in a specific overlapping state (Figure 31 (C) (D)), the normal button 40 (vibrator) vibrates, emphasizing that a specific overlapping state has been reached, and this makes it possible for the player to have a stronger sense that a special promotion performance in which a human character and a horse character appear will be executed later.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the normal button 40 also vibrates when the human character and horse character are displayed in a predetermined manner (for example, the manner shown in FIG. 32(D)) during the special promotion performance, so it is possible to further increase interest in the performance using the human character and horse character.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the vibration time t2 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (Figure 31 (C) (D)) is longer than the vibration time t1 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (Figure 31 (C) (D)), so it is possible to further enhance the effect of increasing interest by the special promotion effect.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the display of a success image G4 in the horse-and-human fusion presentation (image movement presentation) indicates that a jackpot game state (advantageous development) has been reached, and at the same time that the success image G4 is displayed, a flame effect presentation that displays a flame effect image G5 is executed, suggesting the type of jackpot game state (see FIG. 31 (D)), so it is expected that the player's sense of elation will be heightened when the success image G4 is displayed in the horse-and-human fusion presentation.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the human character image G1 representing the human character and the horse character image G2 representing the horse character gradually overlap, and as a result, a success image G4 representing both the human character and the horse character is displayed, and further, a flame effect image G5 is displayed superimposed in front so as to hide the boundary between the part of the success image G4 representing the human character (human portion image G41) and the part representing the horse character (horse portion image G42) (see FIG. 31 (D)). This enhances the sense of unity of the presentation from the human-horse fusion presentation to the flame effect presentation, and makes it possible to make the success image G4 look natural, further increasing the interest of the presentation.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the normal button 40 vibrates when the special flame effect presentation (display of red flame effect image G52) is executed (see FIG. 31 (D)), which further enhances the sense of excitement when a jackpot game state based on a guaranteed jackpot is reached.

9. Modifications Below, we will explain modifications (including the second and third forms) of the pachinko game machine PY1. Of course, the configurations of the modifications may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, technical features in the above forms and the following modifications may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

<Second Form>
The second form of the pachinko game machine differs from the first form of the pachinko game machine PY1 in the vibration time of the normal button 40. Specifically, in the second form of the pachinko game machine, as shown in Fig. 39, the vibration time t3 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state in the human-horse fusion performance and a success image G4 is displayed is longer than the vibration time t4 of the normal button 40 in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation performance. In the second form, the vibration time t3 is about 8 seconds, and the vibration time t4 is about 4 seconds.

According to such a pachinko game machine of the second form, the vibration time t3 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (FIG. 31 (C) (D)) in the human-horse fusion performance is longer than the vibration time t4 of the normal button 40 in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation performance, so it is possible to enhance the sense of elation caused by the success of the human-horse fusion performance more than the pachinko game machine PY1 of the first form. In addition, since the player is more likely to notice the vibration of the normal button 40 when the human-horse fusion performance is successful, it is possible to fully play the role of suggesting the execution of the operation performance to be performed thereafter. In addition, in the second form, the vibration time t4 of the normal button 40 in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation performance can also be said to be the vibration time of the normal button 40 when the human character and the horse character are displayed in a predetermined display mode (display mode shown in FIG. 32 (D)) in the special promotion performance.

<Third Form>
The third form of pachinko game machine differs from the first form of pachinko game machine PY1 and the second form of pachinko game machine in the vibration time of the normal button 40. Specifically, in the third form of pachinko game machine, as shown in Fig. 40, the vibration time t5 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state in the human-horse fusion performance and the success image G4 is displayed, and the vibration time t6 of the normal button 40 in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation performance are configured to be the same length. Note that in the third form, both the vibration time t5 and the vibration time t6 are about 4 seconds.

In this third form of pachinko game machine, the vibration time t5 of the normal button 40 when the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2 are in a specific overlapping state (FIGS. 31(C)(D)) in the human-horse fusion presentation and the vibration time t6 of the normal button 40 in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation presentation are the same length, so that it is possible to easily configure the control of the vibration time of the normal button 40. Note that in the third form, the vibration time t6 of the normal button 40 in response to the operation of the normal button 40 in the operation presentation can also be said to be the vibration time of the normal button 40 when the human character and the horse character are displayed in a specified display state (the display state shown in FIG. 32(D)) in the special promotion presentation.

<Other changes>
In the above embodiment, the special flame effect presentation (display of the red flame effect image G52) is configured to be executable only when the second advantageous development, which is more advantageous than the first advantageous development, is achieved (when the player wins the special jackpot) (see FIG. 30). However, if the special flame effect presentation (display of the red flame effect image G52) is executed more often than the normal flame effect presentation (display of the blue flame effect image G51) to be executed, the special flame effect presentation may be executed when the player wins the first advantageous development (when the player wins the time-saving jackpot). Even with this configuration, the execution of the special flame effect presentation makes the player feel that he or she will probably win the special jackpot, which can sufficiently increase the player's interest in the game. In addition, in this case, the special promotion presentation may be provided with a failure mode (a mode in which the player finally stops and displays the double numbers of even numbers without being promoted to the 7 symbols). In other words, in a fluctuation based on a lottery result indicating the first favorable development (winning the time-saving jackpot), a case may be provided in which a successful mode of a horse-and-human fusion effect and an unsuccessful mode of a special promotion effect are executed.

In the above embodiment, the first advantageous development is an advantageous development based on winning a time-saving jackpot (execution of a jackpot game and subsequent control to a low-probability time-saving state), and the second advantageous development is an advantageous development based on winning a guaranteed jackpot (execution of a jackpot game and subsequent control to a high-probability time-saving state), but the contents of the first and second advantageous developments can be changed as appropriate if the second advantageous development is more advantageous to the player than the first advantageous development. Specifically, for example, the first advantageous development may be the execution of a jackpot game of substantially 3R, and the second advantageous development may be the execution of a jackpot game of substantially 10R. Also, the first advantageous development may be a development in which an N reach is executed with a first jackpot expectation rate, and the second advantageous development may be a development in which an SP reach is executed with a second jackpot expectation rate greater than the first value.

In the above embodiment, the human character and horse character change to different poses in response to the operation of the normal button 40 during the special promotion performance (see Figures 32 (C) and (D)), but the human character and horse character may be displayed only up to the scene shown in Figure 32 (C) during the special promotion performance, and may not be displayed in the scene shown in Figure 32 (D). Even with this configuration, it can be said that the normal button 40 is vibrating when the human character and horse character are displayed in the specified display mode shown in Figure 32 (C) during the special promotion performance.

In the above embodiment, two modes, a normal mode and a special mode, are provided as the performance modes of the flame effect performance, but other performance modes may be provided as the performance modes of the flame effect performance in addition to the two normal mode and special mode.

In the above embodiment, the human character image G1 representing the human character and the horse character image G2 representing the horse character are configured to be able to execute an effect in which a success image G4 is displayed in a specific overlapping manner (see FIG. 31), but the content of the effect can be changed as appropriate. Specifically, for example, a car image representing a car may be displayed as a first element image representing a first object, and a motorcycle image representing a motorcycle may be displayed as a second element image representing a second object, and an effect may be executed in which these images move to a specific overlapping manner or not. If the effect content of the image movement effect is changed, the effect content of the special promotion effect may also be changed in accordance with the change in the effect content. In other words, if an effect in which the car image and the motorcycle image are moved and overlapped is executed as the image movement effect, an effect in which the car and the motorcycle change their poses as appropriate may be executed in the special promotion effect.

In addition, as the first element image and the second element image that become a specific overlapping pattern in the image movement performance, an arbitrarily designed performance pattern may be adopted, or an arbitrarily designed reserved icon (reserved pattern) may be adopted. In other words, as the image movement performance, a performance may be executed in which the performance pattern used in the variable performance may become a specific overlapping pattern, or a performance may be executed in which the reserved icon may become a specific overlapping pattern. In addition, the same image may be adopted for the first element image and the second element image.

In addition, a presentation in which the first and second element images may overlap in a specific manner (image movement presentation, see FIG. 31) may be one in which the first and second element images repeatedly overlap and shift from the specific overlap. In this case, if the first and second element images ultimately overlap in a specific manner, the presentation is successful, and if they do not ultimately overlap in a specific manner, the presentation is unsuccessful.

In addition, as a pattern in which the first element image (human character image G1) and the second element image (horse character image G2) become a specific overlapping state in the image movement performance (see FIG. 31), the first element image and the second element image may be temporarily not made to have a specific overlapping state, making it seem like a failure state (for example, by displaying up to the state shown in FIG. 34(C)), and then the first element image and the second element image may be made to have a specific overlapping state (for example, returning to the state shown in FIG. 31(C)), thereby providing a pattern indicating a successful state. In this case, a pattern may also be provided in which the first element image and the second element image deviate from the specific overlapping state, thereby indicating that the state is a failure state after all (a pattern in which the specific overlapping state does not end up being achieved). In other words, a so-called revival pattern or a false revival pattern may be provided in the image movement performance.

In the above embodiment, the image movement effect and the special promotion effect are configured to be executed in the time-saving state (low-probability time-saving state and high-probability time-saving state). However, the game state in which the image movement effect and the special promotion effect can be executed can be changed as appropriate. Specifically, for example, the image movement effect and the special promotion effect may be configured to be executable only in the normal game state, or only in the low-probability time-saving state, or only in the high-probability time-saving state. By making the image movement effect and the special promotion effect executable only in a certain game state, it is possible to greatly increase the interest in that game state. Of course, if such an effect is not expected, the image movement effect and the special promotion effect may be configured to be executed in any game state. Note that the game state in which the SP reach (battle reach) and the normal promotion effect can be executed may be the same game state as the game state in which the image movement effect and the special promotion effect can be executed, or may be a different game state.

In the above embodiment, the normal button 40 is used as the operation unit that vibrates when the human-horse fusion performance (image movement performance) is successful, and as the operation unit that the player operates in the operation performance after the human-horse fusion performance is successful, but an operation unit other than the normal button 40 may be used as these operation units. Specifically, for example, the special button 41 may be used. In this case, a known vibration mechanism is appropriately adopted to configure the special button 41 to be able to vibrate. Also, the special button 41 is configured to vibrate not only when the human-horse fusion performance is successful, but also when the special button 41 is operated.

In the above embodiment, the normal button 40 is configured to vibrate both when the horse-human fusion performance (image movement performance) is successful and when the normal button 40 is operated in the subsequent operation performance, but the normal button 40 may be configured to vibrate only when the horse-human fusion performance is successful.

Also, as in the above embodiment, when the first object (human character) represented by the first element image (human character image G1) in the horse-human fusion performance (image movement performance) and the second object (horse character) represented by the second element image (horse character image G2) also appear in the special promotion performance (specific performance) after the horse-human fusion performance is successful, the special promotion performance may not include an operation performance. Specifically, for example, as the special promotion performance, an image of the human character and the horse character moving appropriately may be displayed, and the type of performance pattern that constitutes the double number may be promoted accordingly. In such a configuration, the normal button 40 may not be vibrated in response to the success of the horse-human fusion performance. In addition, in such a configuration, a vibrating body (for example, a movable body for a performance that can vibrate) that can vibrate may be provided in addition to the operation unit such as the normal button 40, and this vibrating body may be vibrated.

In the above embodiment, the effect after the successful completion of the human-horse fusion effect (image movement effect) is configured to execute an effect that upgrades the type of effect pattern that makes up the doublet, but as long as the effect involves a first object (human character) and a second object (horse character) that appear in the human-horse fusion effect, the effect after the successful completion of the human-horse fusion effect does not have to be an effect that upgrades the type of effect pattern that makes up the doublet. Specifically, for example, it may be a preview effect that suggests a high probability of winning if successful.

In the above embodiment, the success of the horse-human fusion effect (image movement effect) signifies a big win, but as long as the horse-human fusion effect is an effect in which the first element image and the second element image may overlap in a specific manner, the effect does not have to indicate a big win. Specifically, for example, the success of the horse-human fusion effect may indicate a high probability of winning the big win.

In the above embodiment, the successful image G4 in the human-horse fusion performance (image movement performance) is configured to display an image including a human part image G41 representing a human character and a horse part image G42 representing a horse character, but the successful image does not necessarily have to include a part representing the first object (human character) shown by the first element image (human character image G1) and a part representing the second object (horse character) shown by the second element image (horse character image G2). In this case, the display position of the flame effect performance (display position of the flame effect image G5) may be set to an appropriate position.

In the above embodiment, if the human-horse fusion effect is successful, the series of effects shown in Figs. 31(C) and (D) are performed and the normal button 40 is vibrated, but it is also possible to perform only the effect shown in Fig. 31(C) and vibrate the normal button 40. In the above embodiment, both the effect shown in Fig. 31(C) and the effect shown in Fig. 31(D) correspond to a "specific overlapping effect" for the human character image G1 and the horse character image G2, but when configured as in this modified example, only the effect shown in Fig. 31(C) corresponds to a "specific overlapping effect."

In addition, in the above embodiment, the vibration duration of the normal button 40 can be changed as appropriate within a range that satisfies the role that the vibration plays.

In the above embodiment, the special promotion effect is always configured to promote to a repeat number of 7 symbols, but it may also be configured to promote to a repeat number of odd symbols other than 7 symbols. In the above embodiment, the special promotion effect is configured to display a repeat number of even symbols before the special promotion effect is executed (see FIG. 32(A)), but it may also be configured to display a repeat number of odd symbols other than 7 symbols in addition to the repeat number of even symbols.

In the above embodiment, a first starting hole 11 (fixed starting hole) in which the ease of entry of the game ball does not change, and a second starting hole 12 (variable starting hole, starting hole related to the electric chute 12D) in which the ease of entry of the game ball can change are provided, but only one of them may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority over the special chart 1 determination process (the change display of special chart 2 is performed with priority over the change display of special chart 1), but the special chart 1 determination process may be performed with priority over the special chart 2 determination process (the change display of special chart 1 is performed with priority over the change display of special chart 2). In this case, it is preferable to make the special chart 1 lottery a lottery that is more likely to win a jackpot than the special chart 2 lottery.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured so that the transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol that is won, but it may also be a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a gaming machine that controls to a high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the jackpot opening). In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured so that once it is controlled to a high probability state, it continues to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called guaranteed loop type gaming machine), but it may also be configured as a so-called ST machine (a guaranteed loop type gaming machine with a limited number of times). It may also be configured as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine or a swing type gaming machine. In other words, the invention shown in this specification can be suitably adopted for gaming machines with various game characteristics, regardless of the game characteristics of the gaming machine.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball game machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball game machines.

In the above embodiment, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed in a variable manner in approximately synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, but instead of being composed of three symbols like the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, they may be composed of two symbols other than three. For example, two symbols may be provided, one for special symbol 1 and one for special symbol 2. Also, one symbol common to special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 may be provided. In these cases, the display may be displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the sub-control board 120 may control it. Also, an LED device that displays the symbols may be provided in an area other than the play area 6 of the game board 1. In this case, the LED device may be controlled by the main control board 100 or the sub-control board 120.

In the above embodiment, the main control board 100 performs basic control over the progress of the game, and the sub-control board 120 performs basic control over the progress of the presentation according to the progress of the game (game control), so that game control and presentation control are performed on different boards, but they may also be configured to be performed on a single board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that single board, or may be provided separately from that single board.

In addition, all jackpot game states do not have to be configured to correspond to "advantageous game states advantageous to the player (special game states advantageous to the player)". For example, a jackpot game state that is scheduled to be controlled to a high probability state afterwards may be configured to correspond to an "advantageous game state advantageous to the player", or a jackpot game state in which a relatively large number of prize balls can be obtained, such as 16R, may be configured to correspond to an "advantageous game state advantageous to the player". In addition, the "advantageous game state advantageous to the player" may not be a jackpot game state, but may be a high probability state, or may be a high base state (time-saving state). When the "advantageous game state advantageous to the player" is defined as a high probability state or a high base state (time-saving state), various effects that give the player hope for an advantageous game state (special game state) may be effects that are performed at other times, such as effects during a jackpot game, and are not limited to effects during the variable display of special symbols.

In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 may count the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots since the power was turned on, and when the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots reaches a certain number (for example, +120,000 balls), the game may be stopped at a predetermined activation timing (even if various game ball detection sensors such as the first start hole sensor 11a and the second start hole sensor 12a detect a game ball, it is invalidated and no lottery or prize balls are drawn). In this case, it is preferable that the timing of the game stop is the end of the big win game when the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots reaches a certain number. Also, instead of stopping the game, the firing may be stopped (even if the handle 72k is operated, the game balls are not fired), or both the game and the firing may be stopped. The total number of shots from when the power is turned on is counted based on the detection of an outlet sensor provided on one passage through which the game balls shot into the game area 6 and passed through the various winning holes (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12, first large winning hole 14, second large winning hole 15, general winning hole 10) and the outlet 19 finally pass. The total number of shots may be obtained by counting the detection of each of the sensors that detect winning into the various winning holes (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12, first large winning hole 14, second large winning hole 15, general winning hole 10) and the sensor that detects passage through the outlet 19. Alternatively, if a return ball prevention section is provided at the end of the inner wall section 1B (rail member) and a sensor capable of detecting game balls is provided in this return ball prevention section, the total number of shots may be obtained by counting the detection of this sensor. The count of the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots is cleared when the power is turned on (i.e., when the power switch 191 is turned on). When play is stopped or shooting is stopped, the power is cut off and then the RAM clear operation (turning the power switch 191 on while pressing the RAM clear switch 119) is performed, and the machine is restored to a playable state. Such a configuration that stops play or shooting when the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots since power was turned on reaches a certain number (for example, +120,000 balls) is called an over-winning ball prevention means. The over-winning ball prevention means is a function for preventing the inconvenience of excessive winning balls being shot in one day's play by the pachinko game machine PY1. The difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots, which is the condition for stopping play or shooting, can be changed as appropriate.

Here, when the game control microcomputer 101 is provided with an excessive prize ball prevention means, it is preferable to add the following configuration. For example, when the difference between the total number of prize balls and the total number of shots since the power was turned on (hereinafter referred to as the "specific difference balls") reaches a certain number (for example, +120,000 balls), a predetermined signal indicating this is output from the external terminal board to the hall computer. The external terminal board is a board for outputting various signals from the pachinko game machine PY1 to the outside, such as a hall computer installed in the game center, and the pachinko game machine PY1 is capable of outputting the signal set by the game control microcomputer 101 to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1 via the external terminal board. With such a configuration, it is possible for the employees of the game center to confirm that the specific difference balls have reached a certain number through the hall computer. Alternatively, or in addition to this configuration, a configuration may be used in which, when the specific difference balls reaches a predetermined number (e.g., +110,000 balls) that is smaller than a certain number (e.g., +120,000 balls), an outer end signal (a signal output from an external terminal board to the outside) indicating this is output. This outer end signal functions as a signal indicating that the specific difference balls are about to reach a certain number.

In addition, when the excessive prize ball prevention means stops play or the release of balls is stopped, an image indicating this may be displayed on the image display device 50, the frame lamp 53 or the board lamp 54 may be illuminated in a light-emitting manner indicating this, or a sound indicating this may be output from the speaker 52. This is because such notifications allow the employees of the arcade and players to understand the situation (that a certain number of specific difference balls has been reached).

In addition, when the difference between the total number of winning balls since power-on and the total number of balls fired reaches a certain number, a notification that gameplay or firing will stop can be given as a presentation during gameplay (for example, as one of the advance notice presentations accompanying the variable presentation) or during the customer waiting presentation. This is because it is possible to inform the player in advance that gameplay or firing may stop.

In addition, when the power is turned on (i.e., when the power switch 191 is turned on), if the count of the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots (specific difference balls) is cleared, an image indicating this may be displayed on the image display device 50, the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 may be illuminated in a light-emitting mode indicating this, and a sound indicating this may be output from the speaker 52. This is because it is possible to inform the employees of the amusement facility, players, etc. that the count of the specific difference balls has been cleared.

The count of the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots (specific difference balls) may not be cleared by simply turning on the power, but may be cleared when the RAM clear switch 119 is operated when the power is turned on, or a switch for clearing the count of specific difference balls different from the RAM clear switch 119 may be provided and cleared when this switch is operated when the power is turned on. Alternatively, the count of specific difference balls may be cleared when the setting key cylinder provided on the main control board 100 is operated when the power is turned on. Alternatively, the count of specific difference balls may be cleared simply by operating the switch for clearing the count of specific difference balls regardless of when the power is turned on. Also, the count of the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots may be cleared when a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed since the machine entered a customer waiting state (a state in which neither special play (big win play, small win play) nor special chart change is being performed and there is no special chart reserved). The count of the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots may be cleared when the game state is changed from a game state other than the normal game state to the normal game state. Alternatively, the count of the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots may be cleared when the normal game state continues for a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) or when a state in which game balls are not shot in the normal game state continues for a specific time (e.g., one hour). In the case of a configuration in which the count of specific difference balls is cleared by a method other than the RAM clear operation, the count of specific difference balls may not be cleared when the RAM clear operation is performed. In this case, the memory information of the specific difference balls may be stored in a non-volatile memory means (e.g., FRAM (registered trademark)) or may be stored in a non-erasable memory area of the memory area of the game RAM 104 that is not erased when the RAM clear operation is performed.

In addition, if the configuration is equipped with an excessive prize ball prevention means, the counting of the difference between the total number of prize balls and the total number of shots (specific difference balls) may start from the so-called first win (a big win based on a win in normal gameplay). With such a configuration, the negative amount of specific difference balls up to the first win will not be counted, and it is possible to make the number of specific difference balls that triggers the game to stop the same as the number of balls that have increased after the first win.

In addition, if the system is configured with an excessive prize ball prevention means, the timing for stopping play or stopping firing may be set to the end of a consecutive winning period when the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots (specific difference balls) reaches a certain number. A consecutive winning period is the playing period from the start of a jackpot game based on a win in the normal playing state until the normal playing state is restored (or until the normal playing state is restored and there are no reserved special charts 2). In such a configuration, if the specific difference balls exceed a certain number during the consecutive winning period, a notification that play will be stopped or firing will be stopped when the consecutive winning period ends may be displayed as an image on the display unit 50a, a lamp (frame lamp 53, board lamp 54) lights up, or a sound is output from the speaker 52.

In the above, gameplay was stopped or firing was stopped based on the difference between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots (specific difference in balls) reaching a certain number, but gameplay and firing may also be stopped based on other specific measurement values. For example, the specific measurement value may be a base that is the ratio between the total number of winning balls and the total number of shots (for example, a base during a winning streak), or simply the total number of winning balls (total number of winning balls during a winning streak), and any measurement value based on the total number of winning balls may be changed as appropriate.

10. Inventions Disclosed in This Specification The following inventions have been disclosed up to the preceding paragraph in this [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. In the following description, the names and expressions of corresponding configurations in the embodiments and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions. Note that invention A is a general term for inventions A1 to A6 below. Invention B is a general term for inventions B1 to B6 below. Invention C is a general term for inventions C1 to C3 below.

Invention A1:
When the first element image (human character image G1) and the second element image (horse character image G2) are in a specific overlapping state (the state shown in FIG. 31(C)(D)), an operation effect (the effect shown in FIG. 32(B)(C)) can be executed to operate an operation unit (normal button 40) that can be operated by the player.
A gaming machine characterized in that, in response to the operation of the operation unit during the operation presentation, a specific advantageous development (a jackpot game state based on a guaranteed jackpot) that is favorable to the player is suggested to occur (see Figure 32 (D)).

With this type of gaming machine, when the first and second element images overlap in a specific way, an operation presentation is executed that prompts the player to operate the operation unit, which can stimulate anticipation for the execution of the operation presentation and is expected to increase interest through the presentation.

Invention A2:
The gaming machine according to the invention A1,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state, the operation unit is vibrated (see Figure 31 (D)).

With this gaming machine, the control unit vibrates when the first element image and the second element image overlap in a specific way, allowing the player to sense that an operation that requires the player to operate the control unit will occur.

Invention A3:
The gaming machine according to the invention A2,
A gaming machine characterized in that the operation unit can be vibrated when a specific advantageous development is suggested in response to operation of the operation unit (see Figure 32 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the operating section vibrates when it is operated, which can increase the excitement of operating the operating section.

Invention A4:
A gaming machine according to the invention A3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time (t2 shown in Figure 33) of the operation unit when the operation of the operation unit suggests that the specific advantageous development will occur is longer than the vibration time (t1 shown in Figure 33) of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image enter the specific overlapping state.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the vibration time of the control unit is longer when a specific advantageous development is suggested in response to the operation of the control unit than when the first element image and the second element image are in a specific overlapping state, making it possible to enhance the sense of exhilaration that comes from a specific advantageous development.

Invention A5:
A gaming machine according to the invention A3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time (t3 shown in Figure 39) of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image enter the specific overlapping state is longer than the vibration time (t4 shown in Figure 39) of the operation unit when it is suggested that the specific advantageous development will occur in response to the operation of the operation unit.

With this gaming machine, the vibration time of the control unit when the first and second element images are in a specific overlapping state is longer than the vibration time of the control unit when a specific advantageous development is suggested in response to the operation of the control unit, so it is possible to enhance the sense of excitement caused by the first and second element images being in a specific overlapping state.

Invention A6:
A gaming machine according to the invention A3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image enter the specific overlapping state (t5 shown in Figure 40) is the same as the vibration time of the operation unit when the specific advantageous development is suggested in response to operation of the operation unit (t6 shown in Figure 40).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the vibration time of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image are in a specific overlapping state is the same as the vibration time of the operation unit when a specific advantageous development is suggested in response to the operation of the operation unit, so that it is possible to easily configure the control of the vibration time.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past, which displays an image of an operation button to suggest operation of the operation button, and then performs an operation operation that prompts the player to operate the operation button, as described in Patent No. 6854563 (paragraph 2134 of Patent No. 6854563). However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that perform an operation operation that prompts the player to operate an operation unit (operation button), such as the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6854563, in order to increase interest in the game.

The above-mentioned invention A differs from the gaming machine described in Patent Publication No. 6854563 in that "when the first element image and the second element image are in a specific overlapping state, it is possible to execute an operation presentation that causes the player to operate an operation unit that can be operated by the player." This makes it possible for invention A to solve the problem of "improving the entertainment value of the game" (achieve the effect of doing so).

Invention B1:
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a first element image (human character image G1) representing a first object (human character) and a second element image (horse character image G2) representing a second object (horse character) are in a specific overlapping state (the state shown in Figures 31 (C) and (D)), a specific effect (special promotion effect, see Figures 32 (B) to (D)) in which the first object and the second object appear can be executed.

With this gaming machine, the first element image representing the first object and the second element image representing the second object overlap in a specific manner, which gives the player a sense that a specific presentation in which the first object and the second object appear will be executed later, which is expected to increase the interest of the series of presentations.

Invention B2:
A gaming machine according to the invention B1,
A gaming machine characterized in that when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state, a vibrating body (normal button 40) capable of vibrating is vibrated (see Figure 31 (D)).

With this gaming machine, when a first element image representing a first object and a second element image representing a second object overlap in a specific manner, the vibrator vibrates, emphasizing the specific overlapping manner, and it is possible to more strongly anticipate the execution of a specific performance in which the first object and the second object appear.

Invention B3:
A gaming machine according to the invention B2,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibrator is vibrated (see Figure 32 (D)) even when the first object and the second object are displayed in a predetermined display mode (for example, the mode shown in Figure 32 (D)) during the specific performance.

With this gaming machine configuration, the vibrator also vibrates when the first and second objects are displayed in a specific manner during a specific presentation, making it possible to further increase interest in the presentation using the first and second objects.

Invention B4:
A gaming machine according to the invention B3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time (t2 shown in FIG. 33) of the vibrator when the first object and the second object are displayed in the specified display mode is longer than the vibration time (t1 shown in FIG. 33) of the vibrator when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlap mode.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the vibration time of the vibrator when the first and second objects are displayed in a predetermined display mode in a specific presentation is longer than the vibration time of the vibrator when the first and second element images are in a specific overlapping mode, so it is possible to further enhance the presentation effect of the specific presentation.

Invention B5:
A gaming machine according to the invention B3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time (t3 shown in Figure 39) of the vibrator when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state is longer than the vibration time (t4 shown in Figure 39) of the vibrator when the first object and the second object are displayed in the specified display state.

With this gaming machine, the vibration time of the vibrator when the first and second element images are in a specific overlapping state is longer than the vibration time of the vibrator when the first and second objects are displayed in a specific display state in a specific presentation, making it possible to enhance the sense of excitement caused by the first and second element images being in a specific overlapping state.

Invention B6:
A gaming machine according to the invention B3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time of the vibrator when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state (t5 shown in Figure 40) is the same as the vibration time of the vibrator when the first object and the second object are displayed in the specified display state (t6 shown in Figure 40).

With this gaming machine, the vibration time of the vibrator when the first and second element images are in a specific overlapping state is the same as the vibration time of the vibrator when the first and second objects are displayed in a specific display state during a specific presentation, making it possible to easily configure the control of the vibration time.

Meanwhile, as an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past that is capable of executing an effect in which one character is displayed apart from another character, and the two characters are brought closer together until finally the two characters hold hands, as described in Patent No. 6881630. It is said that with this gaming machine, the more the effect progresses, the more favorable the perception of the game situation can be given. However, with the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6881630, the content of the effect of bringing the characters closer together is not related to the content of subsequent effects, and there is room for improvement in order to increase interest in the game.

The above-mentioned invention B differs from the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6881630 in that "when a first element image representing a first object and a second element image representing a second object overlap in a specific manner, a specific presentation in which the first object and the second object appear can be executed." This makes it possible for invention B to solve the problem of "improving the entertainment value of the game" (achieve the effect of doing so).

Invention C1:
an image movement effect (human-horse fusion effect, see FIGS. 31A-D) which notifies the player that a favorable development (jackpot game state) will occur by moving a first element image (human character image G1) and a second element image (horse character image G2) so as to overlap each other, and displaying a predetermined success image (success image G4 representing Cerberus) when the overlap between the first element image and the second element image reaches a certain amount (see FIG. 31C);
A predetermined effect (a flame effect effect displaying a flame effect image G5, see Figs. 31(D), 36(B), and 38(B)) can be executed in any of a plurality of modes, including a normal mode (blue flame effect image G51) that can be executed when the first advantageous development (a jackpot gaming state based on a time-saving jackpot) occurs among the advantageous developments, and a special mode (red flame effect image G52) that can be executed when the second advantageous development (a jackpot gaming state based on a certain probability jackpot) occurs, which is more advantageous than the first advantageous development.
A gaming machine characterized in that the specified presentation can be executed at the timing when the specified success image is displayed in the image movement presentation (see Figure 31 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a predetermined success image is displayed during the image movement presentation to indicate a favorable development, and the type of favorable development is also suggested by executing a predetermined presentation at the timing when the predetermined success image is displayed, so it is expected that the player's sense of elation will be heightened when the predetermined success image is displayed during the image movement presentation.

Invention C2:
A gaming machine according to invention C1,
The predetermined success image (success image G4 representing Cerberus) is an image including a portion (human character portion image G41) representing a first object (human character) represented by the first element image and a portion (horse character portion image G42) representing a second object (horse character) represented by the second element image,
A gaming machine characterized in that the specified performance is displayed superimposed in front of the specified success image so as to hide the boundary portion between the part representing the first object and the part representing the second object in the specified success image (see Figure 31 (D)).

With this gaming machine configuration, the first element image representing the first object and the second element image representing the second object gradually overlap, causing a predetermined success image representing both the first object and the second object to be displayed, after which a predetermined effect is displayed at the boundary between the first object and the second object in the predetermined success image, thereby enhancing the sense of unity of the effects from the image movement effect to the predetermined effect and increasing interest in the effects.

Invention C3:
The gaming machine according to Invention C1 or Invention C2,
A gaming machine characterized in that when the specified performance of the special mode (a flame effect performance displaying a red flame effect image G52) is executed at the timing when the specified success image (success image G4 representing Cerberus) is displayed, a vibrating body (normal button 40) capable of vibrating is vibrated (see Figure 31 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the vibrator vibrates when a specific special mode presentation is executed, further enhancing the sense of excitement when the second advantageous development may occur.

Invention C4:
The gaming machine according to Invention C1 or Invention C2,
In a specific effect (SP reach, see FIG. 36) different from the image movement effect, the advantageous development may be notified.
When it is notified that the specific performance will be advantageous, the predetermined performance of the normal mode (a flame effect performance displaying a blue flame effect image G51) may be executed (see FIG. 36(B) ).
When the predetermined performance of the normal mode is executed, the vibrator capable of vibrating (the normal button 40) is not vibrated,
This gaming machine is characterized in that when a specified performance of the special mode (a flame effect performance displaying a red flame effect image G52) is executed at the timing when the specified success image (success image G4 representing Cerberus) is displayed, the vibrator is vibrated (see Figure 31 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when an advantageous development is notified in a particular presentation and a predetermined presentation in a normal mode is executed, the vibrator does not vibrate, but when an advantageous development is notified by the display of a predetermined success image in the image movement presentation and a predetermined presentation in a special mode is executed, the vibrator vibrates, further enhancing the sense of excitement when a second advantageous development may occur.

Incidentally, there has been known a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, capable of executing an effect in which a certain character is displayed apart from another character, and the two characters are brought closer together until finally the two characters hold hands, as described in Patent No. 6881630. It is said that with this gaming machine, the more the effect progresses, the more favorable the perception of the game situation can be given. However, in order to increase interest in the game, there is still room for improvement in the effect described in Patent No. 6881630, in which one image (one character) and another image (another character) are brought closer together and displayed in a specific form (the two characters hold hands).

The above-mentioned invention C differs from the gaming machine described in Patent No. 6881630 in that "in an image movement presentation that notifies the player of an advantageous development that will be favorable to the player by moving a first element image and a second element image so that they overlap, and displaying a predetermined success image when a certain amount of overlap between the first element image and the second element image is reached, a predetermined presentation is executed in one of a number of ways that can suggest the type of advantageous development at the time the predetermined success image is displayed." This makes it possible for invention C to solve the problem of "improving the enjoyment of the game" (achieve the effect of doing so).

PY1... Pachinko game machine 40... Normal button (operation unit, vibrator)
50a: Display unit 50: Image display device 101: Game control microcomputer 121: Performance control microcomputer G1: Person character image (first element image)
G2... Horse character image (second element image)
G4...Successful image G41...Human part image G42...Horse part image G5...Flame effect image G51...Blue flame effect image G52...Red flame effect image

Claims (5)

When the first element image and the second element image are in a specific overlapping state, an operation presentation can be executed in which an operation unit operable by a player is operated;
Both the first element image and the second element image are images representing an object other than the operation unit,
when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state, the operation unit is vibrated without starting an effective operation period for accepting an operation of the operation unit, and after the vibration of the operation unit is ended, the effective operation period of the operation presentation is started;
A gaming machine which suggests that a specific advantageous development will occur to the player in response to the operation of the operation unit during the effective operation period of the operation presentation. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the operation unit can be vibrated even when a specific advantageous development is suggested in response to operation of the operation unit. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time of the operation unit when the operation of the operation unit suggests that the specific advantageous development will occur is longer than the vibration time of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state is longer than the vibration time of the operation unit when it is suggested that the specific advantageous development will occur in response to the operation of the operation unit. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 ,
A gaming machine characterized in that the vibration time of the operation unit when the first element image and the second element image are in the specific overlapping state is the same as the vibration time of the operation unit when the specific advantageous development is suggested in response to the operation of the operation unit.

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