JP7486802B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, pachinko gaming machines, which are an example of gaming machines, have been capable of executing step-up effects that can progress over multiple steps. In step-up effects, the further the step progresses, the higher the chance of winning a jackpot, giving players a sense of exhilaration.

JP 2010-136951 A

However, in the step-up presentation described in Patent Document 1, if the progression to the next step is successful, an image is displayed suggesting that the progression to the next step has been successful, and if the progression to the next step is unsuccessful, only an image is displayed suggesting that the progression to the next step has failed. As a result, the player is forced to focus only on what image is displayed depending on whether the progression to the next step has been successful, which lacks a sense of tension. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the interest of the step-up presentation.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances. In other words, the objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the entertainment value of the step-up performance.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A first movable body movable from a first standby position ;
A second movable body movable from a second standby position ;
In a gaming machine having a performance control means capable of controlling a performance ,
The production control means is
When the probability of winning increases after a predetermined first branch point, the first movable body is moved from the first standby position in a successful manner while the second movable body is made to wait at the second standby position,
When the predetermined first branch point indicates that the winning expectation rate is not high, the second movable body is moved from the second standby position in a failure mode while the first movable body is made to wait at the first standby position,
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when it indicates that the probability of winning will increase after passing through a predetermined second branch point after the predetermined first branch point, the two movable bodies are moved from the second waiting position in a special manner different from the success manner or the failure manner .
The gaming machine of the present invention further comprises:
A first movable body movable from a first standby position;
A second movable body movable from a second standby position;
In a gaming machine having a performance control means capable of controlling a performance,
The production control means is
When the probability of winning increases after a predetermined first branch point, the first movable body is moved from the first standby position in a successful manner while the second movable body is made to wait at the second standby position,
When the predetermined first branch point indicates that the winning expectation rate is not high, the second movable body is moved from the second standby position in a failure mode while the first movable body is made to wait at the first standby position,
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when it indicates that the probability of winning will increase after passing through a predetermined second branch point after the predetermined first branch point, the first movable body is moved from the first waiting position in a special manner different from the success manner or the failure manner.

The present invention makes it possible to increase the interest of step-up performances.

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. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance 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 a winning determination table, (B) is a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an auxiliary game control table. (A) is a big win determination table, (B) is a big win symbol type determination table, and (C) is a reach determination table. This is a table for determining the fluctuation pattern of special chart 1. This is a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is a look-ahead determination table. This is 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 sub-side timer interrupt process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of an enemy character SP reach. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the first enemy character SP reach. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the second enemy character SP reach. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the third enemy character SP reach. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the fourth enemy character SP reach. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the start of an enemy character step-up effect. A diagram showing the flow of the second step success presentation or the second step failure presentation. A diagram showing the flow of the third step success presentation or the third step failure presentation. A diagram showing the flow of the fourth step success presentation or the fourth step failure presentation. A figure showing the case where a fourth enemy character silhouette image is displayed after displaying a fourth step background image. This is a lottery table for determining the enemy character step-up effects. (A) is a lottery table for selecting the enemy character performance content for a big win, and (B) is a lottery table for selecting the enemy character performance content for a losing win. This is a table showing the expected winning probability for each enemy character SP reach. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the first enemy character SP reach in the second form. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the second enemy character SP reach in the second form. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the third enemy character SP reach in the second form. A diagram showing the flow of introducing the fourth enemy character SP reach in the second form. A diagram showing the flow of the second step success presentation, the second step failure presentation, or the fourth step success presentation in the third form. A diagram showing the flow of the third step success presentation, the third step failure presentation, or the fourth step success presentation in the third form.

The first embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions 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 A pachinko gaming machine PY1, which is a first embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figs. 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 an outer frame 22 and a front door 23 that can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 22. Furthermore, the front door 23 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. It is sufficient that the game area 6 can be seen from the front of the pachinko game 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.

An operable first input device (hereafter "normal button") 40 is provided on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36, forward of the upper tray 34. The normal button 40 is, for example, a button with a surface to be pressed, a lever with a grip, etc. In addition, an operable second input device (hereafter "special button") 41 is provided on the right decorative body 32, which is formed by protruding forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The special button 41 is, for example, a button with a surface to be pressed, a lever with a grip, etc.

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 (sound output means) is composed of a left speaker 52L arranged on the left side and a right speaker 52R arranged 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 is composed of a left frame movable device 58L arranged on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R arranged 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. In addition, 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 opening 11, the second start opening 12, the general winning opening 10, the gate 13, the first large winning opening 14, and the second large winning opening 15, which will be described later.

The game area 6 is provided with a first start winning device 11D having a first start hole 11 through which a game ball can enter, and a second start winning device (a.k.a. "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 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 (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening and closing member 12k. The electric chute opening and closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position where it is impossible or extremely difficult to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position where it is possible to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening and 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 only when it is in the open state is it possible for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, the electric chute opening and 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 opens," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D closes."

The entry of a gaming 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 random number related to Special Symbol 2, described below; hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a general winning opening 10 into which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., three) 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 device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") that has a first large prize hole 14 through which game balls can enter.

The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/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/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/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, a game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/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 (for example, 14 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting port 12. The game ball rolling on the upper surface of the guide stage 12g can flow down toward the second starting port 12.

In addition, the game area 6 is 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, making it impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball to enter the second large prize winning opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. When the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter the second large prize winning opening 15. 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 winning hole 15, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 balls) 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, it is impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 to pass through the specific area 16 after passing through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, and it 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.

Basically, 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., 9R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and can change to the second state.

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 device 14D and the second large prize device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Also, at approximately the bottom of the game area 6, two outlets 19 are provided for discharging 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. Also, the game board 1 is provided with a board lamp 54 that can emit light.

The game area 6 through which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area (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 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 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.

A first starting port 11 and two general winning ports 10 are provided on the first flow path R1. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the first starting port 11 or the general winning port 10 by hitting the ball from the left so that the ball flows down the first flow path R1. On the other hand, a second starting port 12, a gate 13, a first large winning port 14, and a second large winning port 15 are provided on the second flow path R2. Therefore, a player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the second starting port 12, the first large winning port 14, or the second large winning port 15 by hitting the ball from the right so that the ball 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, 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 that has been determined in advance (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 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 (an example of numerical information or 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 (for example, 4) can be set for the number of special drawing 1 reservations (special drawing 1 reservation number) that can be stored in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a and the number of special drawing 2 reservations (special drawing 2 reservation number) that can be stored in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b. In the following, special drawing 1 reservations and special drawing 2 reservations are collectively referred to as "special drawing reservations," and the special drawing 1 reservation number and special drawing 2 reservation number are collectively referred to as "special drawing reservation number." In addition, special drawing 1 related random numbers and special drawing 2 related random numbers are collectively referred to as "special drawing related random numbers."

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 a game ball passes through the gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of numerical information or 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, on the condition that the variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is not being performed. It is possible to set an upper limit (for example, 4) on the number of normal pattern reserves (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In the following, the normal pattern random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number".

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 (display means), 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 equipped with a display screen 50a that is configured, for example, with a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, a dot display, a 7-segment display, or the like, and is capable of displaying patterns, etc.

The above-board movable device 55 is disposed in front of the display screen 50a, can move along the display screen 50a, and has a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is disposed in front of the display screen 50a, can move along the display screen 50a, and has 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 also referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls (progress of the game) game profits such as special drawing lottery, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of the game state described later, regular drawing lottery, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game, a performance control board (hereinafter also referred to as the "performance control board") 120 that controls performances such as game performances (special drawing variable performances, reserved performances, big win game performances) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100, customer waiting performances, and operation promotion performances that encourage operation during the period when the operation of the normal button 40 or the special button 41 is valid (operation valid period), 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 that controls the game. The performance control board 120 can be positioned as a performance 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 is required to have at least the performance control board 120 and to be able to control the game performance, customer waiting performance, and operation promotion performance using the performance means (image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 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 performance 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 performance 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 performance 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 switched on and off by turning the power switch 191 on or off. In addition, a backup power supply 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 supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 may be provided on the performance 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.

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

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the first start gate 11, a second start gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the second start gate 12, a general prize gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the general prize gate 10, a gate sensor that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13, a first large prize gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the first large prize gate 14, a second large prize gate sensor 15a that detects a game ball that has entered the second large prize gate 15, a specific area sensor 16a that detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16), and a non-specific area sensor 17a that 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 to the main control board 100 according to the detection content. 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 MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid that drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D, a first large prize opening solenoid that drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D, a second large prize opening solenoid that drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D, and a distribution solenoid 16s that 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).

The payout control board 170 uses the prize ball payout device 73 and the loan ball payout device 74 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU. The number of game balls to be paid out is output to the payout control board 170.

The launching device 72 is also provided with a touch switch 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 detects the player's contact with the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170. A launch volume knob 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 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. 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 presentation control board 120 according to the progress of the game. Based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100, the presentation control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (the content of the game control) by the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the presentation control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the presentation 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 presentation control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

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

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

The performance control board 120 also includes a performance 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 (date and time). The RTC 139 operates on the power supplied from a specified island power supply device (not shown) to the pachinko game machine PY1, and operates on the power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided in 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 performance control board 120. The backup power circuit can be a circuit including a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the performance control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the performance 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 performance control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows signals to be sent both from the performance control board 120 to the image control board 140 and from the image control board 140 to the performance 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 screen 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 performance control board 120. The sound control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the sound control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and the sound 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 sound control. In this case, the sound data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

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

The various switches connected to the performance 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 performance control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators SA connected to the performance control board 120 include motors that drive the above-board movable device 55, below-board movable device 56, frame movable device 58, etc., and can drive the 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 operating mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The type and number of actuators connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various lamps SL connected to the performance control board 120 include frame lamps 53, board lamps 54, etc., and cause each lamp to emit light. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light pattern data (data that determines the on/off status and light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the emission of each lamp according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance 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 board and data related to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the performance 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, main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the game ball that was launched 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 variable display followed by a stationary display). Here, the stationary display of the normal figure includes a winning figure and a losing figure. The losing figure of the normal figure is also called a "losing normal figure" to distinguish it from the losing figure of the special figure described later. When the winning figure is displayed stationary, 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 displayed stationary, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, in the following, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 when the variable display of the normal figure or the auxiliary game is not being performed, it is called "establishment of the normal figure variation 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 variation start conditions are met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (A). The regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers (judgment information) used to judge whether a win has occurred. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

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) using one or more hit judgment tables as shown in FIG. 9(A). The hit judgment table can be associated with the game state described later. That is, the game state includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state, and it is possible to distinguish between 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 (normal pattern random number value) of the normal pattern random number is assigned to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 compares the acquired normal pattern random number with the hit judgment table to judge 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 to perform a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, the winning pattern is basically stopped and displayed in the variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the winning judgment is a loss, the loss normal map is basically displayed as a stop in the variable display of the normal map. Also, the probability of winning can be changed appropriately.

3-1-2. Normal map fluctuation The normal map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the normal map fluctuation pattern using one or more normal map fluctuation pattern judgment tables as shown in Figure 9 (B). The normal map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the normal map, such as the normal map fluctuation time.

The regular map fluctuation pattern determination table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a regular map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving regular map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a regular map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a time-saving state (time-saving regular map fluctuation pattern determination table).

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 auxiliary game includes various elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components), namely 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. The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game using one or more auxiliary game control tables as shown in FIG. 9 (C) based on the game state. The auxiliary game control tables are associated with the game state. Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times each of these elements opens and the opening time can be changed as appropriate.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can make the opening time of the electric chute 12D different between the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary play in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary play 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 play in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary play." In addition, in the auxiliary play 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., 3.00 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary play in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary play."

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. An appropriate range is set for each random number. The random numbers are also sometimes called judgment information.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination The jackpot determination (first determination) is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) using one or more jackpot determination tables as shown in FIG. 10(A). The game state includes a normal probability state and a high probability state, and the jackpot determination table is associated with whether the state is a normal probability state or a high probability state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a jackpot determination table used in a normal probability state (a jackpot determination table for normal probability) and a jackpot determination table used in a high probability state (a jackpot determination table for high probability) as the 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 checks the acquired special symbol random number against the jackpot determination table to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. 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) using one or more jackpot symbol type determination tables as shown in Fig. 10(B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. It is possible to associate each type of jackpot symbol with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot consisting of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table can be associated with the type of special symbol that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of starting hole from which the winning combination that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (that generated the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 1 and the jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 2, as the jackpot symbol type determination table.

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, a 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 checks the acquired jackpot symbol type random number against the jackpot symbol type determination table to determine the type of jackpot symbol. 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. Also, 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 X and 50% for jackpot pattern Y, 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 Z. 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 the game ball enters the first starting hole 11, and the special chart 2 lottery, which is held when the game 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 when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss, using one or more reach judgment tables as shown in FIG. 10(C).

The reach determination table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a reach determination table used in a non-time-saving state (a reach determination table for non-time-saving) and a reach determination table used in a time-saving state (a reach determination table for time-saving).

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 checks the acquired reach random number against the reach judgment table to judge whether it is reach or not (whether or not a reach will occur). As shown in FIG. 10(C), it is possible to make the number of reach random numbers judged as "reach (reach occurs)" different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that in the following, "reach (reach occurs)" which is performed on the assumption that the result of the jackpot judgment is a "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "no reach (reach does not occur)" is sometimes referred to as "no-reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern variation The special pattern variation pattern determination is a determination for determining the variation pattern (special pattern variation pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using one or more special pattern variation pattern determination tables (special pattern variation pattern determination tables) as shown in Figures 11 to 12, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern variation pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern variation performance described later. In addition to the special pattern variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern variation performance, it is possible for the special pattern variation pattern to include identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination. As the special pattern variation pattern, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern variation patterns each having different identification information, and the number of them can be changed appropriately.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table can be associated with the type of special pattern that performs the variable display that is the subject of judgment, in other words, the type of starting gate where the winning that is caused by the special pattern variation pattern judgment occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the special pattern variation pattern judgment table used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1 (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 11) and the special pattern variation pattern judgment table used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2 (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 12) as the special pattern variation pattern judgment table.

And each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table can also be associated with the game state. That is, as the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table, it is possible to distinguish between the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for time-saving). On the other hand, for the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table, it is similarly possible to distinguish between the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for time-saving).

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with the game state can be further associated with a jackpot determination result, a jackpot pattern type determination result, or 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 include a jackpot (by jackpot pattern type), a reach with miss, and a reach without miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each include a jackpot (by jackpot pattern type), a reach with miss, and a reach without miss.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss can also be associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss 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 no-reach miss that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Also, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss can also be associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a no-reach miss 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 no-reach miss that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4.

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 can be associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the table in Figures 11 and 12.

As shown in the rightmost column of the table in Fig. 11-Fig. 12, the special chart variation patterns may be given names in association with 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." On the other hand, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among a reach and miss is called an "SP miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among a reach and miss is called an "L miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an N reach, which is a type of reach, ends the special chart variation presentation among a reach and miss is called an "N miss variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a miss without a reach is called a "normal miss variation."

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs a pre-reading judgment using one or more pre-reading judgment tables as shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. The pre-reading judgment (second 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 symbol 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 can be associated with the type of start port related to the start winning. That is, as the pre-reading judgment table, it is possible to distinguish between a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) in the case of winning in the first start port 11 and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) in the case of winning in the second start port 12.

The look-ahead judgment table can also be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a look-ahead judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and a look-ahead judgment table used in a time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the first look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, the first look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect, the second look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the second look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect. Note that it is possible to change as appropriate what judgments are included in the look-ahead judgment.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, the jackpot game will be described. The jackpot game includes a plurality of round games accompanied by 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 opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15) is opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time (opening pattern) for each opening, the time to close until the next opening (closing 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 using one or more jackpot game control tables as shown in FIG. 14. The jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game. It is possible to control one or more types of jackpot games as the jackpot game.

14, in the case of jackpot game X, the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds from 1R to 8R, the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds in 9R, and the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds in 10R (final round). In addition, in the case of jackpot game Y, the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds from 1R to 8R, the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds in 9R, and the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds in 10R. In the case of the jackpot game Z, the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds from the 1st round to the 9th round, and the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds in the 10th round. In each round, when a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensor, the round ends even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14 and 15 has elapsed.

The number of times and the time for each element can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can also be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or just one of them.

The specific area 16 will now be described in detail. The specific area 16 can be in a closed state where a prize cannot be won and an open state where a prize can be won, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be called the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k is also referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In this way, the distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (the specific area 16 is in a certain opening and closing mode), but the difficulty (ease) of the game ball entering the specific area 16 in the jackpot game is set by combining the certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (the certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 in the jackpot game. Hereinafter, the specific area 16 being in an open state is also referred to as "V open".

For 15 seconds after the second large prize opening starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled to 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, it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (the game ball enters the specific area 16) due to 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. 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, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (the game ball enters the specific area 16) due to 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. In this way, it is possible to execute a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a 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"), and a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a 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. In this way, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a V long opening pattern is called a "V long jackpot". On the other hand, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a V short opening pattern 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" can be abbreviated to "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" to "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" to "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" to "high probability high base state". The game states include 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 a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination 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 a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state 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. The high probability state can be switched from the high probability state to the normal probability state by performing a predetermined number of jackpot determinations without winning a jackpot, or 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. 3.00 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g. 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, it is also possible to make the special chart change pattern judgment using a special chart change pattern judgment 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, it is possible to make the normal map change time 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. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time is greater.

In addition, it is possible to make the time-saving state 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 being judged as a hit in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6600/65536). 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 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. The time-saving state can be changed from the time-saving state to the non-time-saving state by a predetermined number of jackpot determinations being made without winning a jackpot, or 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 map fluctuation time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one supplementary play is more likely to be longer. There are three points about the game related to the normal map that are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points that are set to be advantageous to the player may be only a part of these.

The gaming state after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on is a "low probability, low base gaming state" in which a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state are set. This gaming state is also called the "normal gaming state." In the "jackpot gaming state," a hit determination is made but a jackpot determination is not made, so a non-time-saving state is set with the start of a jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the gaming states described above as the gaming state.

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 screen 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 screen 50a ("light amount setting"), and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed ("performance setting").

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 screen 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 screen 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 screen 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 screen 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 probability change presentation 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 probability change presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-4), a background image representing space (probability change background image G105) is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the probability change presentation mode includes a probability change pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a probability change post-stage presentation mode after a reach is established. In the probability change pre-stage presentation mode, the probability change background image G105 is displayed on the display screen 50a, while in the probability change 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 screen 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 screen 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 screen 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 screen 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 screen 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 big win judgment result, the big win pattern type judgment result, the reach judgment result, and the special chart change pattern judgment result). In the special chart change performance, the display screen 50a displays the change of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. The performance pattern is composed of, for example, number patterns of 1 to 9, and in the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern changes with the start of the variable display of the special chart, and the performance pattern stops with the end of the variable display of the special chart. 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 notified 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 screen 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 screen 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 symbol area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the top edge of the display screen 50a. The small symbol area 50c is an area that variably displays small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when a variable display of a special symbol is being performed. The small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are composed of, for example, number symbols 1 to 9.

In addition, in Figure 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 double-dashed 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.

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 starts, for example, as shown in FIG. 17(A), the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 (hereinafter also referred to as "performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3" or "performance pattern EZ") are displayed frozen on the display screen 50a, and 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 variable display of the special chart is waiting, as shown in FIG. 17(B), the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts with the start, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 starts. Note that the "↓" in FIG. 17 indicates that the pattern is being displayed in a variable manner. And, when the special pattern variation pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss variation", as shown in Fig. 17 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in Fig. 17 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. There are several types of stop modes suggesting a miss, such as "1, 1, 2" and "2, 4, 6", where the left and right patterns are not the same. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a special chart 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 temporarily stop in the same stopping state (so-called reach eyes), and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to be displayed, and a reach performance according to the special chart change pattern is performed. The stopping order and stopping state of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 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 an N reach, as shown in FIG. 18(A), the reach-established state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 18(B), the speed of change of the middle performance symbol EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special symbol change pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N miss change," the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stopping state suggesting a reach miss (a so-called reach miss pattern) as shown in FIG. 18(C-1). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping state suggesting a reach miss. There are several types of stopping states suggesting a reach miss, such as "7-6-7" and "5-3-5," where the left and right symbols are the same but the middle symbol is different from the left and right symbols. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "N jackpot change," it is displayed stopped in a stopping mode (so-called repeated numbers) that suggests a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-2). There are several types of stopping modes that suggest a jackpot, such as "7-7-7" and "2-2-2," in which the left, right, and center symbols are the same. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping mode that suggests a jackpot. Note that the performance content of the N reach is not limited to the gradual deceleration of the center performance symbol EZ2, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

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 G113 for the SP reach) is displayed on the display screen 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (for example, the first enemy defeat title image TI described later) is displayed in the center of the display screen 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 is happy about winning the battle) is performed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 19(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state (so-called double numbers) that suggests a jackpot. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed in a stopped state that suggests a jackpot all at once. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP miss change," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), a performance suggesting a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character rejoicing at having won a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a miss. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner suggesting a miss. The performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

4-3. Pending icon display area The display screen 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a pending icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 20 (A). The pending 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 a pending 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 pending icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the pending 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 can display an icon TA that is the same as or different from the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. Also, 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.

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 buttons 40, 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 progresses to 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 moves downward and the movable body below the board 56k moves upward. Then, the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move to overlap the center of the display screen 50a as seen by the player, suggesting the progress to the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space of the display screen 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 progress to the SP reach. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of progress to the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate.

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 in which the player operates 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 (button operation valid period) occurs during which the pressing operation of the special button 41 is valid, and with the occurrence of this button operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), a presentation (button operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41. In the button operation promotion presentation, a button operation promotion image G3 is displayed on the display screen 50a. The button operation promotion image G3 includes an image (special button image G31) that imitates the special button 41, an image (press operation image G32) that shows the operation mode of the special button 41 (i.e., the pressing operation), and an image (operation valid period remaining time image G33) that shows the remaining time of the button operation valid period. The operation valid period remaining time image G33 is composed of a roughly 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 button operation valid period, or after the button operation valid period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated, the on-board movable device 55 is actuated and the on-board movable body 55k moves downward as shown in FIG. 22(B). Then, as seen by the player, the on-board movable body 55k moves so as to overlap with the center of the display screen 50a, suggesting the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operation presentation is not limited to the actuation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

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 reserve is a "jackpot," the reserve icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle," may be displayed as a "☆" in the reserve icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 20 (C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss," the reserve icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. Note that the pre-reading performance can be performed for both or either the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Also, it is not limited to changing the display mode of the reserve icon HA, and it can be changed or added as appropriate. For example, it is also possible to change the stopping mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the special chart change performance.

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 that are 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, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and 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 set in the output buffer provided in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each process described below are output to the performance control board 120, the payout control board 170, etc.

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).

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. 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. 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. Also, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the result of this 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. 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 of 2 or more), 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. 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 of 2 or more), 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 pre-reading judgment.

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

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

The specific area sensor process determines whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the results 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, a determination is made as to whether or not the normal symbol displayed stationary is a winning symbol when a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since 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 is generated to indicate the start of the auxiliary game.

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 corresponding 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 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 to indicate the determined jackpot pattern type. If the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command indicating a miss is generated.

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 table corresponding to the current game state. 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 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 is caused to start variable display of the special chart 2 based on the special chart variation time associated with the determined special chart 2 variation 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 result 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 corresponding 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 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 to indicate the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command indicating a miss is generated.

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 numbers 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 table corresponding to the current game state. 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 that it is a special chart 1, information on the result of the jackpot determination, information on the result of the reach determination, information on the result of the jackpot type determination, information on the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 1 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 1 display 81a is caused to start variable display of the special chart 1 based on the special chart variation time associated with the determined special chart 1 variation 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.

In this embodiment, if both the special chart 2 reserved number and the special chart 1 reserved number exist, 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.

[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 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 performed in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played using a jackpot game control table. After transition to the jackpot game state, each round game 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 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 Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. 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 performance control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main processing shown in Fig. 25 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing 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 random number seed update processing is executed (S4003). In the random number seed update processing (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make judgments regarding various effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update processing 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 normal and special symbol main random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number seed update process is completed, the 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 performance control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140, which has received the command, displays an image on the display screen 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 performance control board 120 also outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), lights up the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 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 movement).

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, reception interrupt processing (S4010) and sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011) can be executed.

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).

[2. Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
The sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a predetermined period (for example, 1 msec period) is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in Fig. 26, the sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) sequentially performs input process (S4101), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), watchdog timer process (S4104), received command analysis process (S4105), performance timer update process (S4106), sound control process (S4107), and performance data creation process (S4108).

In the input process, the operation of the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a that can be operated by the player is detected. In the light emission data output process, light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to light up lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 at a timing that matches the image-based performance, etc., based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to 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 performance data creation process. 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.

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 carried out. In the performance timer update process, the timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. 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 results of the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the results of the received command analysis process.

7. Description of Features of the First Form The features of the pachinko game machine PY1 of the first form (present form) will be described in further detail below. In the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present form, an enemy character SP reach may be executed as the SP reach. The enemy character SP reach is a battle SP reach in which the main character and the enemy character fight, and when the main character wins against the enemy character, a win is suggested, whereas when the main character loses against the enemy character, a miss is suggested. This enemy character SP reach is set to be executed when the special chart fluctuation pattern P01 indicating a SP jackpot fluctuation or the special chart fluctuation pattern P04 indicating a SP miss fluctuation (see FIG. 11) is selected. In addition to the enemy character SP reach, the SP reach may include a story reach, a mini character SP reach, etc.

As shown in Figure 27, there are four types of enemy character SP reach: first enemy character SP reach, second enemy character SP reach, third enemy character SP reach, and fourth enemy character SP reach, depending on the type of enemy character the main character fights. Each enemy character SP reach has a different chance of winning a jackpot, and basically, the chances of winning a jackpot are set to increase in the following order: first enemy character SP reach < second enemy character SP reach < third enemy character SP reach < fourth enemy character SP reach.

In addition, in each enemy character SP reach, before the main character fights the enemy character, an enemy character introduction image showing the enemy character that will be fought is displayed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27 (A-1), in a first enemy character SP reach, a first enemy character introduction image T1 showing the first enemy character is displayed. In addition, when the first enemy character introduction image T1 is displayed, a first win expectation suggestion image X1 showing "win expectation 1★ (one star)" is also displayed. The display of the first enemy character introduction image T1 and the first win expectation suggestion image X1 makes it easy for the player to understand that, among the four types of enemy character SP reaches, this is an enemy character SP reach with the lowest win expectation.

As shown in FIG. 27 (A-2), in a second enemy character SP reach, a second enemy character introduction image T2 showing the second enemy character is displayed. When the second enemy character introduction image T2 is displayed, a second win expectation suggestion image X2 showing "Win expectation rate 2★★ (two stars)" is also displayed. The display of the second enemy character introduction image T2 and the second win expectation suggestion image X2 makes it easier for the player to understand that this is an enemy character SP reach with the second lowest win expectation rate among the four types of enemy character SP reaches.

As shown in FIG. 27 (A-3), in a third enemy character SP reach, a third enemy character introduction image T3 showing the third enemy character is displayed. When the third enemy character introduction image T3 is displayed, a third win expectancy suggestion image X3 showing "Win expectancy 3 ★★★ (three stars)" is also displayed. The display of the third enemy character introduction image T3 and the third win expectancy suggestion image X3 makes it easier for the player to understand that, among the four types of enemy character SP reaches, this is an enemy character SP reach with the second highest win expectancy.

As shown in FIG. 27 (A-4), in a fourth enemy character SP reach, a fourth enemy character introduction image T4 showing the fourth enemy character is displayed. When the fourth enemy character introduction image T4 is displayed, a fourth win expectancy suggestion image X4 showing "Win expectancy 4 ★★★★ (four stars)" is also displayed. The display of the fourth enemy character introduction image T4 and the fourth win expectancy suggestion image X4 makes it easy for the player to understand that, among the four types of enemy character SP reaches, this is the enemy character SP reach with the highest win expectancy.

When each enemy character SP reach is executed, if the main character wins against the enemy character in the corresponding enemy character SP reach, as shown in FIG. 27 (B-1), a victory image WI indicating that the main character has won against the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 50a as a battle victory effect. Then, as shown in FIG. 27 (C-1), the effect pattern EZ is displayed in a jackpot stopping state (e.g., "444") that is a repeat number. In this way, the display of the victory image WI and the display of the effect pattern EZ in the jackpot stopping state can allow the player to understand that they have won a jackpot.

On the other hand, when the main character is defeated by the enemy character in the corresponding enemy character SP reach, as shown in FIG. 27 (B-2), a defeat image LO indicating that the main character has been defeated by the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 50a as a battle defeat effect. Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (C-2), the effect pattern EZ is displayed stopped in a losing stop mode (for example, "434"). In this way, the display of the defeat image LO and the stopping of the effect pattern EZ in a losing mode makes it possible for the player to understand that he or she has lost.

When an enemy character SP reach is executed, the enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL are displayed before the enemy character introduction images T1, T2, T3, T4 are displayed on the display screen 50a. The enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL indicate the title of the enemy character SP reach, and the title (text) makes it easy to understand which type of enemy character SP reach is being started.

Therefore, when a first enemy character SP reach is executed, a first enemy defeat title image TI indicating "Defeat the first enemy!" is displayed as shown in FIG. 28(A) before the first enemy character introduction image T1 (see FIG. 27(A-1)) is displayed. The display of this first enemy defeat title image TI makes it possible for the player to be strongly aware of the start of a first enemy character SP reach.

When a second enemy character SP reach is executed, a second enemy defeat title image TJ indicating "Defeat the second enemy!" is displayed as shown in FIG. 29(A) before the second enemy character introduction image T2 (see FIG. 27(A-2)) is displayed. The display of this second enemy defeat title image TJ makes it possible for the player to be strongly aware of the start of the second enemy character SP reach.

When a third enemy character SP reach is executed, a third enemy defeat title image TK indicating "Defeat the third enemy!" is displayed as shown in FIG. 30(A) before the third enemy character introduction image T3 (see FIG. 27(A-3)) is displayed. The display of this third enemy defeat title image TK makes it possible for the player to be strongly aware of the start of the third enemy character SP reach.

When a fourth enemy character SP reach is executed, a fourth enemy defeat title image TL indicating "Defeat the fourth enemy!" is displayed as shown in FIG. 31(A) before the fourth enemy character introduction image T4 (see FIG. 27(A-4)) is displayed. The display of this fourth enemy defeat title image TL makes it possible for the player to be strongly aware of the start of the fourth enemy character SP reach.

When an enemy character SP reach is executed, the effect of displaying enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title images) on the display screen 50a is already commonplace. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to increase the interest while the enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL are displayed, a title addition effect can be executed. The title addition effect is an effect that indicates that the player's chances of winning a jackpot have increased while allowing the player to understand the type of enemy character SP reach. There are two types of title addition effects: a first title addition effect and a second title addition effect, and the difference between these will be described later.

Specifically, based on FIG. 28, a case where the title addition performance is not performed and a case where the title addition performance is performed when the first enemy defeat title image TI is displayed will be described. First, regardless of whether the title addition performance is performed or not, the first enemy defeat title image TI is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 28(A). At this time, the characters "Defeat the first enemy!" shown in the first enemy defeat title image TI are black. Then, when about 0.5 seconds have elapsed since the display of the first enemy defeat title image TI started, the first enemy defeat title image TI flashes white for a moment (not shown). After that, if the title addition performance is not performed, the first enemy defeat title image TI showing the black characters "Defeat the first enemy!" is displayed again as shown in FIG. 28(B-1). That is, in FIG. 28(B-1), the same first enemy defeat title image TI as in FIG. 28(A) is displayed. In this way, if the title addition effect is not executed, there is no indication that the chances of winning the jackpot will increase, and the player is simply informed that the first enemy character SP reach has begun.

In contrast, the case where the first title addition performance is executed will be described. As shown in FIG. 28(A), when about 0.5 seconds have elapsed since the display of the first enemy defeat title image TI has started, the first enemy defeat title image TI flashes white for a moment (not shown). Thereafter, when the first title addition performance is executed, as shown in FIG. 28(B-2), the first enemy defeat title image TI showing the green (first color) characters "Defeat the first enemy!" is displayed. Note that the first enemy defeat title image TI showing the green characters "Defeat the first enemy!" will be called the "green first enemy defeat title image TIa" or simply the "first enemy defeat title image TIa" to distinguish them. Then, together with the start of the display of this first enemy defeat title image TIa, the first sword additional image KFa showing a green (first color) sword (hereinafter also referred to as the "green first sword additional image KFa") is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 50a. In addition, in the first sword additional image KFa, not only the sword but also the borders and background of the image are green. This first sword additional image KFa (first additional image) is displayed over the first enemy defeat title image TIa (the "!" portion) so that it can be seen that it is displayed in addition to the first enemy defeat title image TIa. In this way, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-2), when the first title addition effect is executed, the green first sword additional image KFa is displayed together with the green first enemy defeat title image TIa, making it possible for the player to understand that the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than when the title addition effect is not executed.

Next, a case where the second title addition performance is executed will be described. As shown in FIG. 28(A), when about 0.5 seconds have elapsed since the display of the first enemy defeat title image TI has started, the first enemy defeat title image TI flashes white for a moment (not shown). Thereafter, when the second title addition performance is executed, as shown in FIG. 28(B-3), the first enemy defeat title image TI showing the red (second color) characters "Defeat the first enemy!" is displayed. Note that the first enemy defeat title image TI showing the red characters "Defeat the first enemy!" will be called the "red first enemy defeat title image TIb" or simply the "first enemy defeat title image TIb" to distinguish it from the other. Then, together with the start of the display of this first enemy defeat title image TIb, a second sword additional image KFb showing a red (second color) sword (hereinafter also referred to as the "red second sword additional image KFb") is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 50a. In addition, in the second sword additional image KFb, not only the sword but also the border and background of the image are red. This second sword additional image KFb (second additional image) is displayed over the first enemy defeat title image TIb (part marked with "!") so that it can be seen that it is displayed in addition to the first enemy defeat title image TIb. Also, the second sword additional image KFb showing a red sword is a larger image than the first sword additional image KFa showing a green sword, making it easier to understand that the expectation of winning the jackpot is higher than that of the first sword additional image KFa. Thus, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-3), when the second title additional performance is executed, the red second sword additional image KFb is displayed together with the red first enemy defeat title image TIb, making it possible to understand that the expectation of winning the jackpot is higher than when the title additional performance is not executed and when the first title additional performance is executed.

Next, based on FIG. 29, when the second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, the case where the title addition effect is not executed and the case where the title addition effect is executed will be described. However, since it is similar to the description of FIG. 28, it will be described briefly below. When the title addition effect is not executed, as shown in FIG. 29(A), the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 29(B-1), the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed again. Also, when the first title addition effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 29(A), the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 29(B-2), the green second enemy defeat title image TJa is displayed, and the green first sword additional image KFa is displayed. Also, when the second title addition effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 29(A), the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 29(B-3), the red second enemy defeat title image TJb is displayed, and the red second sword additional image KFb is displayed.

Next, based on FIG. 30, when the third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, the case where the title addition effect is not executed and the case where the title addition effect is executed will be described. However, since it is the same as the description of FIG. 28, it will be described briefly below. When the title addition effect is not executed, as shown in FIG. 30(A), the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 30(B-1), the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed again. Also, when the first title addition effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 30(A), the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 30(B-2), the green third enemy defeat title image TKa is displayed, and the green first sword additional image KFa is displayed. Also, when the second title addition effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 30(A), the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 30(B-3), the red third enemy defeat title image TKb is displayed, and the red second sword additional image KFb is displayed.

Finally, based on FIG. 31, when the fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, the case where the title addition effect is not executed and the case where the title addition effect is executed will be described. However, since it is similar to the description of FIG. 28, it will be described briefly below. When the title addition effect is not executed, as shown in FIG. 31(A), the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 31(B-1), the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed again. Also, when the first title addition effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 31(A), the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 31(B-2), the green fourth enemy defeat title image TLa is displayed, and the green first sword additional image KFa is displayed. Also, when the second title addition effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 31(A), the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 31(B-3), the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is displayed, and the red second sword additional image KFb is displayed.

As can be seen from the above explanation, in this embodiment, even if any of the default black first enemy defeat title image TI, black second enemy defeat title image TJ, black third enemy defeat title image TK, and black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, the enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, and TL may change to green or red immediately thereafter. Therefore, when the green enemy defeat title images TIa, TJa, TKa, and TLa are displayed, it is possible to give the player a sense of elation due to the high probability of winning the jackpot. Also, when the red enemy defeat title images TIb, TJb, TKb, and TLb are displayed, it is possible to give the player a great sense of elation due to the extremely high probability of winning the jackpot.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL changes to green or red, the sword additional image KFa, KFb corresponding to the changed color is additionally displayed. Therefore, when the green enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa is displayed, the first sword additional image KFa of the same color, green, is displayed, making it possible to more clearly indicate to the player that the expectation of winning the jackpot has increased. Also, when the red enemy defeat title image TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb is displayed, the second sword additional image KFb of the same color, red, is displayed larger than the first sword additional image KFa, making it more clearly indicate to the player that the expectation of winning the jackpot has increased significantly.

Here, when the black first enemy defeat title image TI shown in FIG. 28(A) or the black second enemy defeat title image TJ shown in FIG. 29(A) is displayed, the player is likely to be disappointed because he/she knows that the first enemy character SP reach and the second enemy character SP reach, which have a relatively low expectation of winning the big win, have started among the four types of enemy character SP reach. However, in this embodiment, even when the black first enemy defeat title image TI shown in FIG. 28(A) or the black second enemy defeat title image TJ shown in FIG. 29(A) is displayed, the first title addition effect or the second title addition effect may be executed immediately thereafter, as described above. In this way, even when the enemy defeat title images TI and TJ, which have a relatively low expectation of winning the big win, are displayed, it is possible to provide the player with a novel gaming interest in expecting the first sword addition image KFa or the second sword addition image KFb to be additionally displayed. Furthermore, the additional display of the red second sword additional image KFb suggests a higher chance of winning the jackpot than the additional display of the green first sword additional image KFa, making it possible to provide the player with a novel gaming interest by drawing their attention to the types of additional sword additional images KFa and KFb that are displayed.

Next, the enemy character step-up performance (step-up performance), which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described. The enemy character step-up performance is a performance that shows the player which step from the first step to the fourth step will be reached, and the enemy character SP reach is executed according to the step reached. In other words, in the enemy character step-up performance, if the first step does not progress to the second step (if it remains at the first step), the first enemy character SP reach is executed afterwards. Also, if the first step progresses to the second step but the second step does not progress to the third step, the second enemy character SP reach is executed afterwards. Also, if the first step progresses from the second step to the third step but the third step does not progress to the fourth step, the third enemy character SP reach is executed afterwards. Also, if the first step progresses from the second step to the third step, the third enemy character SP reach is executed afterwards. In this way, the higher the step, the more likely it is that an SP reach will be executed, which increases the chance of winning the jackpot, gradually increasing the player's sense of anticipation.

In this embodiment, an enemy character step-up effect may be executed after a reach, and when an enemy character step-up effect is executed, one of the four types of enemy character SP reach is always executed afterwards. However, after an enemy character step-up effect is executed, a reach effect other than an enemy character SP reach (for example, a story reach or a mini character SP reach) may be executed.

The details of the enemy character step-up performance are explained below with reference to Figures 32 to 36. When the enemy character step-up performance is executed, the enemy character step-up introduction performance shown in Figure 32 (A) is executed after a reach. As shown in Figure 32 (A), in the enemy character step-up introduction performance, an introduction image DN showing the words "See enemy character" is displayed on the display screen 50a. This introduction image DN makes it possible for the player to understand that the enemy character step performance has started.

After the enemy character step-up introduction performance shown in FIG. 32(A), a first step background image SU1 is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 32(B). The first step background image SU1 is a background image showing a blue flame effect, suggesting that the player is in the first step. Next, as shown in FIG. 33(A), a first enemy character silhouette image T1a is displayed on the display screen 50a. The first enemy character silhouette image T1a is an image showing the silhouette (shadow) of the first enemy character, suggesting that the player is in the first step and that a first enemy character SP reach may be executed afterwards. In this way, the display of the first step background image SU1 and the first enemy character silhouette image T1a allows the player to understand that he or she is in the first step.

Then, after the first enemy character silhouette image T1a shown in FIG. 33(A) is displayed, the process branches to either the second step success presentation shown in FIG. 33(B-1) or the second step failure presentation shown in FIG. 33(B-2).

In the second step success presentation shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), the on-board movable body 55k (first movable body) moves downward from the initial position (a position above the display screen 50a) and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the top of the display screen 50a. At this time, as the on-board movable body 55k moves downward, the second step background image SU2 is displayed on the display screen 50a. The second step background image SU2 is a background image showing a green flame effect, suggesting that the player is staying in the second step. In this way, the downward movement of the on-board movable body 55k and the display of the second step background image SU2 make it possible for the player to understand that he or she has succeeded in progressing from the first step to the second step.

On the other hand, in the second step failure presentation shown in FIG. 33 (B-2), the under-board movable body 56k (second movable body) moves upward from the initial position (a position below the display screen 50a) and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the bottom of the display screen 50a. Also, at this time, as the under-board movable body 56k moves upward, the second step background image SU2 is not displayed on the display screen 50a, and the first enemy character silhouette image T1a remains displayed. In this way, the upward movement of the under-board movable body 56k and the maintenance of the display of the first enemy character silhouette image T1a make it possible for the player to understand that the progression from the first step to the second step has failed. In other words, it is possible for the player to understand that the first step has been confirmed. After that, the first enemy character SP reach is started, and the first enemy defeat title image TI shown in FIG. 28 (A) is displayed.

Furthermore, after the second step success presentation shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), a second enemy character silhouette image T2a is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 34 (A). The second enemy character silhouette image T2a is an image showing the silhouette (shadow) of the second enemy character, and indicates that the second enemy character is staying in the second step and that a second enemy character SP reach may be executed thereafter. Note that before the second enemy character silhouette image T2a is displayed, the on-board movable body 55k has moved upward and returned to its initial position (a position above the display screen 50a). In this way, the display of the second step background image SU2 and the second enemy character silhouette image T2a allows the player to understand that he or she is staying in the second step.

Then, after the second enemy character silhouette image T2a shown in FIG. 34(A) is displayed, the process branches to either the third step success presentation shown in FIG. 34(B-1) or the third step failure presentation shown in FIG. 34(B-2).

In the third step success presentation shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), the on-board movable object 55k moves downward from its initial position (a position above the display screen 50a) and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the top of the display screen 50a. At this time, as the on-board movable object 55k moves downward, the third step background image SU3 is displayed on the display screen 50a. The third step background image SU3 is a background image showing a red flame effect, suggesting that the player is staying in the third step. In this way, the downward movement of the on-board movable object 55k and the display of the third step background image SU3 make it possible for the player to understand that they have successfully progressed from the second step to the third step.

On the other hand, in the third step failure presentation shown in FIG. 34 (B-2), the under-board movable body 56k moves upward from the initial position (a position lower than the display screen 50a) and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the bottom of the display screen 50a. Also, at this time, as the under-board movable body 56k moves upward, the third step background image SU3 is not displayed on the display screen 50a, and the second enemy character silhouette image T2a remains displayed. In this way, the upward movement of the under-board movable body 56k and the maintenance of the display of the second enemy character silhouette image T2a make it possible for the player to understand that the progression from the second step to the third step has failed. In other words, it is possible for the player to understand that the second step has been confirmed. After that, the second enemy character SP reach is started, and the second enemy defeat title image TJ shown in FIG. 29 (A) is displayed.

Furthermore, after the second step success presentation shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), a third enemy character silhouette image T3a is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 35 (A). The third enemy character silhouette image T3a is an image showing the silhouette (shadow) of the third enemy character, and indicates that the third enemy character is staying in the third step and that a third enemy character SP reach may be executed thereafter. Note that before the third enemy character silhouette image T3a is displayed, the on-board movable body 55k has moved upward and returned to its initial position (a position above the display screen 50a). In this way, the display of the third step background image SU3 and the third enemy character silhouette image T3a allows the player to understand that he or she is staying in the third step.

Then, after the display of the third enemy character silhouette image T3a shown in FIG. 35(A), the process branches to either the fourth step success presentation shown in FIG. 35(B-1) and FIG. 35(C), or the third step failure presentation shown in FIG. 35(B-2).

In the fourth step success performance shown in FIG. 35 (B-1), the under-board movable body 56k moves significantly upward from the initial position (a position lower than the display screen 50a) and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the top of the display screen 50a. At this time, the first screen cracked background image SA1 is displayed on the display screen 50a as the on-board movable body 55k moves upward. The first screen cracked background image SA1 is a background image indicating that the screen is beginning to crack a little, and is an image different from the image indicating the flame effect. Then, following FIG. 35 (B-1), as shown in FIG. 35 (C), the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly downward from the top of the display screen 50a and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the bottom of the display screen 50a. At this time, the second screen cracked background image SA2 is displayed on the display screen 50a as the on-board movable body 55k moves downward. The second cracked screen background image SA2 is a background image that shows that the screen is widely cracked, and is a different image from the image showing the flame effect.

After the fourth step success performance shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) and FIG. 35 (C), the fourth step background image SU4 is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 36 (A). The fourth step background image SU4 is a background image showing a golden flame effect, suggesting that the player is in the fourth step. Note that before the fourth step background image SU4 is displayed, the under-board movable body 56k moves downward and returns to the initial position (a position lower than the display screen 50a). Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (B), the fourth enemy character silhouette image T4a is displayed on the display screen 50a. The fourth enemy character silhouette image T4a is an image showing the silhouette (shadow) of the fourth enemy character, suggesting that the player is in the fourth step and that a fourth enemy character SP reach may be executed after that. In this way, the display of the fourth step background image SU4 and the fourth enemy character silhouette image T4a allows the player to understand that the player is in the fourth step. Thus, since the fourth step is the final step in the enemy character step-up performance, the fourth enemy character SP reach will then begin, and the fourth enemy defeat title image TL shown in Figure 31 (A) will be displayed.

On the other hand, in the fourth step failure presentation shown in FIG. 35 (B-2), the under-board movable body 56k moves upward from the initial position (a position lower than the display screen 50a) and moves so as to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the bottom of the display screen 50a. Also, at this time, as the under-board movable body 56k moves upward, the first screen cracked background image SA1 is not displayed on the display screen 50a, and the third enemy character silhouette image T3a remains displayed. In this way, the upward movement of the under-board movable body 56k and the maintenance of the display of the third enemy character silhouette image T3a make it possible for the player to understand that the progression from the third step to the fourth step has failed. In other words, it is possible for the player to understand that the third step has been confirmed. After that, the third enemy character SP reach is started, and the third enemy defeat title image TK shown in FIG. 30 (A) is displayed.

The enemy character step-up presentation of this embodiment described above differs from conventional step-up presentations in the following ways. In the enemy character step-up presentation, when progressing from the first step to the second step (predetermined step), as shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), a second step background image SU2 (predetermined step image) corresponding to the second step (suggesting that the player is staying in the second step) is displayed. Similarly, when progressing from the second step to the third step (predetermined step), as shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), a third step background image SU3 (predetermined step image) corresponding to the third step (suggesting that the player is staying in the third step) is displayed.

In contrast, when progressing from the third step to the fourth step (specific step), as shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) and FIG. 36 (C), the fourth step background image SU4 (see FIG. 36 (A)) corresponding to the fourth step (suggesting that the player is staying in the fourth step) is not displayed, but the first cracked screen background image SA1 (special image) and the second cracked screen background image SA2 (special image) which do not correspond to the fourth step are displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (A), the fourth step background image SU4 corresponding to the fourth step is displayed. In this way, only when progressing to the fourth step, the first cracked screen background image SA1 and the second cracked screen background image SA2 are displayed before the fourth step background image SU4 is displayed, thereby giving the player a different impression from when progressing to the second and third steps. In particular, the first cracked screen background image SA1 and the second cracked screen background image SA2 are images that make it difficult (or impossible) to see the display screen 50a, and therefore can attract attention to the next image that appears (the fourth step background image SU4). In this way, when progressing to the fourth step, it is possible to give the player a special feeling that is different from when progressing to the second and third steps, and to give the player a great sense of elation at having reached the fourth step.

In addition, in the enemy character step-up performance of this embodiment, when progressing from the first step to the second step, when progressing from the second step to the third step, or when progressing from the third step to the fourth step, the movable body (on-board movable body 55k, under-board movable body 56k) moves. However, when progressing to the second step as shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), and when progressing to the third step as shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), the on-board movable body 55k moves slightly downward, whereas when progressing to the fourth step as shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) (C), the under-board movable body 56k, which is different from the on-board movable body 55k, moves significantly upward. Thus, when progressing to the fourth step, in addition to the special feature that a background image (first screen broken background image SA1 and second screen broken background image SA2) that does not correspond to the progressing step is displayed as described above, there is also the special feature that a different movable body (under-board movable body 56k) moves. This makes it possible to highlight the uniqueness of progressing to the fourth step, giving the player a great sense of elation at having reached the fourth step.

In addition, in the enemy character step-up performance of this embodiment, when the first step progresses to the second step, the on-board movable body 55k moves slightly downward as shown in FIG. 33 (B-1). Also, when the second step progresses to the third step, the on-board movable body 55k moves slightly downward as shown in FIG. 34 (B-1). Here, the operation mode of the on-board movable body 55k shown in FIG. 33 (B-1) is the same as the operation mode of the on-board movable body 55k shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), and will be referred to as the "successful operation mode" below. In contrast, when progressing from the third step to the fourth step, first, as shown in FIG. 35 (B-1), the under-board movable body 56k moves significantly upward, and then, as shown in FIG. 35 (C), the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly downward. Thus, the operation mode of the below-board movable body 56k shown in Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C) is different from the successful operation mode of the above-board movable body 55k, and will be referred to as the "special operation mode" hereinafter.

Here, in the special operation mode of the underboard movable body 56k, the underboard movable body 56k moves upwards a large distance and then moves downwards a small distance, whereas in the successful operation mode of the onboard movable body 55k, the onboard movable body 55k only moves downwards slightly. Therefore, the movement time of the underboard movable body 56k in the special operation mode is longer than the movement time of the onboard movable body 55k in the successful operation mode. Therefore, when progressing to the fourth step, the movement of the movable body (underboard movable body 56k) is shown to the player for a longer period of time than when progressing to the second and third steps, which can further attract the player's interest in the next image (fourth step background image SU4). Note that, when progressing to the fourth step, the fourth step background image SU4 is not displayed while the underboard movable body 56k is moving. Thus, when progressing to the fourth step, not only is the moving movable body different, but the moving time of the movable body is also lengthened, making it possible to further highlight the uniqueness.

In addition, in the enemy character step-up performance of this embodiment, the movable bodies (above-board movable bodies 55k, below-board movable bodies 56k) move regardless of whether progression to the next step is successful or unsuccessful. In other words, the timing at which the movable bodies (above-board movable bodies 55k, below-board movable bodies 56k) move always determines whether progression to the next step will be successful or not. Therefore, it is possible to impart a great sense of tension to the movements of the movable bodies (above-board movable bodies 55k, below-board movable bodies 56k) in the enemy character step-up performance.

Specifically, when the progression to the second step is successful, and when the progression to the third step is successful, the on-board movable body 55k moves slightly downward (in a successful operation mode) as shown in FIG. 33(B-1) and FIG. 34(B-1). In contrast, when the progression to the second step is unsuccessful, and when the progression to the third step is unsuccessful, the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly upward as shown in FIG. 33(B-2) and FIG. 34(B-2). Note that the operation mode of the under-board movable body 56k shown in FIG. 33(B-2) is the same as the operation mode of the under-board movable body 56k shown in FIG. 34(B-2), and will be referred to as the "failed operation mode" below. Thus, the success or failure of the progression to the second step and the success or failure of the progression to the third step are completely linked to the successful operation mode of the on-board movable body 55k and the failed operation mode of the under-board movable body 56k. Therefore, by drawing the player's attention to which of the two alternative action modes is selected, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the enemy character step-up performance.

As described above, if the progression to the second step is successful, or if the progression to the third step is successful, the movable body that will be in the successful operation mode is the on-board movable body 55k. On the other hand, if the progression to the second step is unsuccessful, or if the progression to the third step is unsuccessful, the movable body that will be in the unsuccessful operation mode is the below-board movable body 56k. In this way, by differentiating the movable body that will be in the successful operation mode (on-board movable body 55k) from the movable body that will be in the unsuccessful operation mode (below-board movable body 56k), attention is drawn to which of the on-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k will start moving. In this way, it is possible to clearly show the success or failure of progression to the next step (second step, third step) using two types of movable bodies.

As described above, if progression to the second step fails, or if progression to the third step fails, the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly upward (in a failed motion mode) as shown in Figures 33 (B-2) and 34 (B-2). Therefore, at the branching point of whether or not to progress to the next step (second step, third step), if the under-board movable body 56k moves, the player gets the impression that progression to the next step will fail.

However, in the enemy character step-up presentation of this embodiment, only if progression to the fourth step is successful, the under-board movable body 56k moves significantly upward as shown in FIG. 35(B-1), and then moves downward as shown in FIG. 35(C). In other words, if progression to the fourth step is successful, the under-board movable body 56k moves, and not the on-board movable body 55k, as in the case of successful progression to the previous second step (see FIG. 33(B-1)) or successful progression to the third step (see FIG. 34(B-1)).

Therefore, for players who have the impression that progression to the next step will fail if the under-board movable body 56k moves, it is possible to give them a surprise in that, if progression to the fourth step is successful, the under-board movable body 56k moves in a special motion mode, as shown in Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C). In other words, by moving the under-board movable body 56k, which is in the previously unsuccessful motion mode, rather than the on-board movable body 55k, which is in the previously successful motion mode, it is possible to give the player a sense of surprise when progressing to the fourth step.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 35(B-2), if the progression to the fourth step fails, the underboard movable body 56k moves slightly upward from the initial position (a position below the display screen 50a). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 35(B-1), if the progression to the fourth step is successful, the underboard movable body 56k moves significantly upward from the initial position. Therefore, whether the progression to the fourth step fails or succeeds, the underboard movable body 56k starts to move upward from the initial position, which is common to both cases. Therefore, from the player's point of view, even if the progression to the fourth step is successful, the underboard movable body 56k starts to move upward from the initial position, which makes it seem for a moment that the progression to the fourth step has failed. Then, immediately after that, as shown in FIG. 35(B-1), the underboard movable body 56k moves significantly to the upper position of the display screen 50a, which allows the player to understand that the progression to the fourth step has succeeded. In this way, the special action mode of the underboard movable body 56k when the progression to the fourth step is successful includes a failure action mode of the underboard movable body 56k when the progression to the fourth step is unsuccessful, which gives the player the impression that the progression has failed for a moment before allowing the player to grasp the success of the progression, providing a novel gaming experience.

Next, the control for executing the enemy character step-up performance and the enemy character SP reach will be described. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process, the game control microcomputer 101 refers to the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 11 and determines the special chart variation pattern P01 indicating the SP jackpot variation or the special chart variation pattern P04 indicating the SP miss variation. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a special chart 1 variation start command including information on the special chart variation pattern P01 indicating the SP jackpot variation or the special chart variation pattern P04 indicating the SP miss variation in the reception interrupt process (S4010). As a result, when the performance control microcomputer 121 determines that the special chart 1 variation start command includes information on the special chart variation pattern P01 indicating the SP jackpot variation or the special chart variation pattern P04 indicating the SP miss variation based on the analysis of the special chart 1 variation start command, it refers to the enemy character step-up performance lottery table shown in FIG. 37 and determines by lottery whether or not to execute the enemy character step-up performance. Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 121 acquires an enemy character step-up performance random number and determines whether or not to execute an enemy character step-up performance by judging the acquired enemy character step-up performance random number using the enemy character step-up performance selection table shown in FIG. 37.

In this way, when the effect control microcomputer 121 determines to execute an enemy character step-up effect, if the special chart change pattern is special chart change pattern P01 indicating an SP jackpot change, it refers to the jackpot enemy character effect content selection table shown in FIG. 38(A) and determines by lottery one of the change presentation patterns Q1 to Q12. Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 121 obtains an enemy character effect content selection random number, and judges the obtained enemy character effect content selection random number by the jackpot enemy character effect content selection table shown in FIG. 38(A) to determine the change presentation pattern.

On the other hand, when the effect control microcomputer 121 determines to execute an enemy character step-up effect, if the special chart change pattern is special chart change pattern P04 indicating an SP miss change, it refers to the miss enemy character effect content selection table shown in FIG. 38(B) and determines by lottery one of the change presentation patterns Q21 to Q32. Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 121 obtains an enemy character effect content selection random number, and judges the obtained enemy character effect content selection random number by the miss enemy character effect content selection table shown in FIG. 38(B) to determine the change presentation pattern.

Thus, for example, the effect control microcomputer 121 refers to the jackpot enemy character effect content lottery table shown in FIG. 38(A) and determines the variable effect pattern Q12 indicating the effect content of "fourth enemy character SP reach + second sword added image." In this case, when a variable effect start command including information on the variable effect pattern Q12 is sent to the image control board 140, the enemy character step development effect and fourth enemy character SP reach will be executed on the display screen 50a as follows.

That is, on the display screen 50a, after the reach is reached, the enemy character step-up introduction effect shown in FIG. 32 (A) is executed. Next, the first step background image SU1 shown in FIG. 32 (B) is displayed, and the first enemy character silhouette image T1a shown in FIG. 33 (A) is displayed. Then, at the branching timing of whether or not to progress to the second step, the second step success effect is executed as shown in FIG. 33 (B-1). Next, the second enemy character silhouette image T2a shown in FIG. 34 (A) is displayed. Then, at the branching timing of whether or not to progress to the third step, the third step success effect is executed as shown in FIG. 34 (B-1). Next, the third enemy character silhouette image T3a shown in FIG. 35 (A) is displayed. Then, at the branching timing of whether or not to progress to the fourth step, the fourth step success effect is executed as shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) and FIG. 35 (C). In this way, when the fourth step, which is the final step, is reached, the fourth step background image SU4 shown in FIG. 36(A) is displayed, and the fourth enemy character silhouette image T4a shown in FIG. 36(B) is displayed. This ends the enemy character step development performance.

Then, on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 31(A), a black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed. Immediately after that, as shown in FIG. 31(B-3), a second sword additional image KFb is additionally displayed together with a red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb. Then, as shown in FIG. 27(A-4), a fourth enemy character introduction image T4 and a fourth winning expectation indication image X4 are displayed. Then, a battle performance between the main character and the fourth enemy character is started, and as shown in FIG. 27(B-1), a battle victory performance is executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 27(C-1), the performance pattern EZ is displayed in a jackpot stop state (for example, "444") that is a repeat number. The above has been described in the case where the variable performance pattern Q12 is determined among the variable performance patterns Q1 to Q12 and Q21 to Q32, but the description will be omitted for the cases where other variable performance patterns are determined, as they can be understood in the same way.

Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, the probability of winning a jackpot is set when a sword addition image is not displayed in each enemy character SP reach (when a title addition effect is not executed). Also, the probability of winning a jackpot is set when a first sword addition image KFa is displayed in each enemy character SP reach (when a first title addition effect is executed). Also, the probability of winning a jackpot is set when a second sword addition image KFb is displayed in each enemy character SP reach (when a second title addition effect is executed).

As shown in FIG. 39, in the case of the presentation content of "first enemy character SP reach + second sword added image", the expected probability of winning the jackpot is 70%. In addition, in the case of the presentation content of "second enemy character SP reach + second sword added image", the expected probability of winning the jackpot is 75%. Thus, in the case of the presentation content of "first enemy character SP reach + second sword added image" or the presentation content of "second enemy character SP reach + second sword added image", the expected probability of winning the jackpot is higher than in the case of the presentation content of "fourth enemy character SP reach + no sword added image" or the presentation content of "fourth enemy character SP reach + first sword added image". In other words, even if the first enemy defeat title image TI (see FIG. 28(A)) or the second enemy defeat title image TJ (see FIG. 29(A)), which suggests that the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively low, is displayed, if the second sword additional image KFb is additionally displayed (see FIG. 28(B-3), FIG. 29(B-3)), the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than the fourth enemy character SP reach in which no sword additional image is displayed, or the fourth enemy character SP reach in which the first sword additional image KFa is additionally displayed. Therefore, when the second sword additional image KFb is displayed together with the first enemy defeat title image TIb (see FIG. 28(B-3)), or when the second sword additional image KFb is displayed together with the second enemy defeat title image TJb (see FIG. 29(B-3)), it is possible to give the player a great sense of elation due to the extremely high probability of winning a jackpot.

8. Effects of the First Form As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this form (first form), in the enemy character step-up performance, when the game progresses to the second step, as shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), the second step background image SU2 corresponding to the second step (suggesting that the game is staying in the second step) is displayed on the display screen 50a. Also, when the game progresses to the third step, as shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), the third step background image SU3 corresponding to the third step (suggesting that the game is staying in the third step) is displayed on the display screen 50a. On the other hand, when the game progresses to the fourth step, before the fourth step background image SU4 (see FIG. 36 (A)) corresponding to the fourth step (suggesting that the game is staying in the fourth step) is displayed on the display screen 50a, the first screen cracked background image SA1 shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) and the second screen cracked background image SA2 shown in FIG. 35 (C) are displayed. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a special feeling when progressing to the fourth step, and provide a novel and entertaining effect with the enemy character step-up presentation.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the fourth step, in which the first screen cracked background image SA1 shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) and the second screen cracked background image SA2 shown in FIG. 35 (C) are displayed, is a higher step than the second and third steps. Therefore, when progressing to the fourth step, it is possible to give the player a sense of something special, along with the sense of elation that comes with the increased likelihood of winning the jackpot.

According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the game progresses to the second step, as shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), the second step background image SU2 is displayed on the display screen 50a, and the movable body 55k on the board moves slightly downward. When the game progresses to the third step, as shown in FIG. 34 (B-1), the third step background image SU3 is displayed on the display screen 50a, and the movable body 55k on the board moves slightly downward. On the other hand, when the game progresses to the fourth step, the first screen cracked background image SA1 shown in FIG. 35 (B-1) and the second screen cracked background image SA2 shown in FIG. 35 (C) are displayed, and the movable body 56k below the board moves upward and then downward, and then the fourth step background image SU4 shown in FIG. 36 (A) is displayed. In this way, when the game progresses to the fourth step, not only the display timing of the corresponding step background image (fourth step background image SU4) but also the moving movable body is different, so that the player can have a greater sense of specialness. In other words, when progressing to the fourth step, a different movable body (below-board movable body 56k) moves than the movable body (on-board movable body 55k) that moves when progressing to the second or third step, and cracked screen images SA1 and SA2 are displayed, making it difficult to see the background image, giving the player a sense of surprise while also giving the impression that the fourth step is special.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the movement time of the underboard movable body 56k when progressing to the fourth step (see FIG. 35(B-1) and FIG. 36(C)) is longer than the movement time of the onboard movable body 55k when progressing to the second or third step (see FIG. 33(B-1) or FIG. 34(B-1)). Furthermore, the movement distance of the underboard movable body 56k when progressing to the fourth step (see FIG. 35(B-1) and FIG. 36(C)) is longer than the movement distance of the onboard movable body 55k when progressing to the second or third step (see FIG. 33(B-1) or FIG. 34(B-1)). Therefore, in that the movement of the movable body is conspicuous, it is possible to further emphasize the special feeling when progressing to the fourth step.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the fourth step is the final step in the enemy character step-up performance. Therefore, for a player who has progressed to the fourth step, it is possible to give a great sense of accomplishment for having reached the final step through the special feeling described above.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, if the progression to the second step is successful, or if the progression to the third step is successful, the above-board movable body 55k moves in a successful operation mode (see FIG. 33 (B-1), FIG. 34 (B-1)). On the other hand, if the progression to the second step is unsuccessful, or if the progression to the third step is unsuccessful, the below-board movable body 56k moves in a failed operation mode (see FIG. 33 (B-2), FIG. 34 (B-2)). In this way, the player is directed to focus on whether the above-board movable body 55k or the below-board movable body 56k moves in response to the success or failure of the progression to the second step and the success or failure of the progression to the third step, making it possible to easily understand the points of interest.

In addition, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, if the progression to the second step fails, or if the progression to the third step fails, the under-board movable body 56k moves in a failed motion mode (see Figures 33 (B-2) and 34 (B-2)), giving the player the impression that it is undesirable for the under-board movable body 56k to move. On top of that, if the progression to the fourth step is successful, the under-board movable body 56k is moved in a special motion mode, as shown in Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C). In this way, it is possible to give the player the surprise that, when the progression to the fourth step occurs, it is the under-board movable body 56k that moves, rather than the on-board movable body 55k.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a red first enemy defeat title image TIb is displayed in the first enemy character SP reach, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-3), this suggests a higher chance of winning the jackpot than when a green first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-2). This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the color of the enemy defeat title image, thereby increasing the interest in the first enemy character SP reach.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-2), when a green first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed, a first sword additional image KFa is additionally displayed, and as shown in FIG. 28 (B-3), when a red first enemy defeat title image TIb is displayed, a second sword additional image KFb different from the first sword additional image KFa is additionally displayed. In this way, it is possible for the player to enjoy wondering what additional image (first sword additional image KFa, second sword additional image KFb) will be displayed while the enemy defeat title image TI is displayed.

However, the color distinction between the green first enemy defeat title image TIa and the red first enemy defeat title image TIb may make it difficult to understand the high probability of winning the big win. Therefore, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the green first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed, the green first sword additional image KFa is additionally displayed, and when the red first enemy defeat title image TIb is displayed, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-3), the red second sword additional image KFb is additionally displayed. In this way, by linking the color attached to the enemy defeat title image TI and the color attached to the sword additional image, it is possible to more clearly indicate the probability of winning the big win suggested during the display of the enemy defeat title image TI. In particular, the red second sword additional image KFb is added as an image larger than the green first sword additional image KFa. Therefore, it is possible to clearly show the relationship that the first enemy defeat title image TIb to which the red second sword additional image KFb has been added has a higher chance of winning the jackpot than the first enemy defeat title image TIa to which the green first sword additional image KFa has been added.

In the above, the effects of the case where a green first sword additional image KFa is additionally displayed to a green first enemy defeat title image TIa as shown in Figure 28 (B-2) and the case where a red second sword additional image KFb is additionally displayed to a red first enemy defeat title image TIb as shown in Figure 28 (B-3) have been described. However, the effects of the case where a green first sword additional image KFa is additionally displayed to a green second enemy defeat title image TJa as shown in Figure 29 (B-2) and the case where a red second sword additional image KFb is additionally displayed to a red second enemy defeat title image TJb as shown in Figure 29 (B-3) are similar, so the description will be omitted. In addition, as shown in FIG. 30 (B-2), the effect of the case where the green third enemy defeat title image TKa is additionally displayed with the green first sword additional image KFa is the same as that of the case where the red third enemy defeat title image TKb is additionally displayed with the red second sword additional image KFb is the same as that of the case where the green fourth enemy defeat title image TLa is additionally displayed with the green first sword additional image KFa is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is additionally displayed with the red second sword additional image KFb is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is additionally displayed with the green first sword additional image KFa is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is additionally displayed with the red second sword additional image KFb is the same as that of the case where the green fourth enemy defeat title image TLa is additionally displayed with the red second sword additional image KFb is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is additionally displayed with the red second sword additional image KFb is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is additionally displayed with the red second sword additional image KFb is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is additionally displayed with the green first sword additional image KFa is the same as that of the case where the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb ...

9. Modifications Next, modifications of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be described. In the description of the modifications, the same components as those of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. Of course, the components of the modifications may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, technical features in the first embodiment and the following modifications may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

<Second Form>
In the first mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-2), the image displayed in addition to the first enemy defeat title image TIa was a first sword additional image KFa showing a green sword (item). Also, as shown in FIG. 28 (B-3), the image displayed in addition to the first enemy defeat title image TIb was a second sword additional image KFb showing a red sword (item). In contrast, in the second mode, as shown in FIG. 40 (B-2), the image displayed in addition to the first enemy defeat title image TIa is a first character additional image MFa showing the characters "opportunity" (first characters) in green (hereinafter also referred to as "green first character additional image MFa"). Note that not only the characters "opportunity" but also the edges and background of the first character additional image MFa are green. As shown in FIG. 40 (B-3), the image displayed in addition to the first enemy defeat title image TIb is a second character added image MFb (hereinafter also referred to as a "red second character added image MFb") showing the characters "great opportunity" (second characters) in red. Note that the second character added image MFb has not only the characters "great opportunity" but also the edges and background of the image in red.

Comparing the first character added image MFa shown in FIG. 40 (B-2) with the second character added image MFb shown in FIG. 40 (B-3), the second character added image MFb is larger than the first character added image MFa. This is because the second character added image MFb includes the character "opportunity" shown in the first character added image MFa as a part of it, and is larger than the first character added image MFa by the amount of the character "大". Furthermore, the character "大おおかず (big chance)" suggests a higher expectation of winning the jackpot than the character "おかず (chance)". Thus, not only the difference between red and green, but also the difference in the number of characters and the content of the characters indicate that the second character added image MFb has a higher expectation of winning the jackpot than the first character added image MFa.

In this way, in the second form, as shown in FIG. 40(A), if the title addition performance is not executed after the black first enemy defeat title image TI is displayed, the black first enemy defeat title image TI is displayed again, as shown in FIG. 40(B-1). Also, if the first title addition performance is executed after the black first enemy defeat title image TI is displayed, the green first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed and the green first character addition image MFa (first additional image) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 40(B-2). Also, if the second title addition performance is executed after the black first enemy defeat title image TI is displayed, the red first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed and the red second character addition image MFb (second additional image) is displayed, as shown in FIG. 40(B-3).

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 41(A), if the title addition performance is not executed after the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed again, as shown in FIG. 41(B-1). Also, if the first title addition performance is executed after the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, the green second enemy defeat title image TJa is displayed and the green first character addition image MFa is displayed, as shown in FIG. 41(B-2). Also, if the second title addition performance is executed after the black second enemy defeat title image TJ is displayed, the red second enemy defeat title image TJb is displayed and the red second character addition image MFb is displayed, as shown in FIG. 41(B-3).

As shown in FIG. 42(A), if the title addition performance is not executed after the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed again as shown in FIG. 42(B-1). As shown in FIG. 42(B-2), if the first title addition performance is executed after the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, the green third enemy defeat title image TKa is displayed and the green first character addition image MFa is displayed. As shown in FIG. 42(B-3), if the second title addition performance is executed after the black third enemy defeat title image TK is displayed, the red third enemy defeat title image TKb is displayed and the red second character addition image MFb is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 43(A), if the title addition performance is not executed after the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed again, as shown in FIG. 43(B-1). As shown in FIG. 43(B-2), if the first title addition performance is executed after the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, the green fourth enemy defeat title image TLa is displayed and the green first character addition image MFa is displayed. As shown in FIG. 43(B-3), if the second title addition performance is executed after the black fourth enemy defeat title image TL is displayed, the red fourth enemy defeat title image TLb is displayed and the red second character addition image MFb is displayed.

As described above, according to the second form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a green first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed as shown in FIG. 40 (B-2), a first character added image MFa showing the characters "Good Opportunity" is additionally displayed, and when a red first enemy defeat title image TIb is displayed as shown in FIG. 40 (B-3), a second character added image MFb showing the characters "Great Opportunity" is additionally displayed. In this way, it is possible for the player to enjoy wondering what characters will be displayed in the character added images (first character added image MFa, second character added image MFb) while the enemy defeat title image TI is displayed.

In addition, according to the second form of pachinko game machine PY1, as shown in FIG. 40 (B-2), when the green first enemy defeat title image TIa is displayed, the green first character addition image MFa is additionally displayed, and as shown in FIG. 40 (B-3), when the red first enemy defeat title image TIb is displayed, the red second character addition image MFb is additionally displayed. In this way, by linking the color attached to the enemy defeat title image TI with the color attached to the character addition image, it is possible to more clearly show the winning expectancy of the jackpot suggested during the display of the enemy defeat title image TI. In particular, the character "Great Opportunity" included in the second character addition image MFb includes the character "Good Opportunity" included in the first character addition image MFa as a part, and the second character addition image MFb is a larger image than the first character addition image MFa. And the character "Great Opportunity" is also a character (meaning) that suggests a higher expectation of the jackpot than the character "Good Opportunity". In this way, it is possible to more clearly show the relationship that the likelihood of winning a jackpot is higher when the second character addition image MFb showing the characters "great opportunity" in red is displayed than when the first character addition image MFa containing the characters "great opportunity" in green is displayed.

<Third Form>
In the first form, as shown in Fig. 33(A), after the first enemy character silhouette image T1a is displayed in the first step, the second step success performance shown in Fig. 33(B-1) or the second step failure performance shown in Fig. 33(B-2) is branched. In contrast, in the third form, as shown in Fig. 44(A), after the first enemy character silhouette image T1a is displayed in the first step, the second step success performance shown in Fig. 44(B-1), the second step failure performance shown in Fig. 44(B-2), and the fourth step success performance shown in Fig. 44(B-3)(C) may be executed.

In this way, in the third form, it is set so that the first step may suddenly progress to the fourth step without passing through the second and third steps. Therefore, as described above, after the first enemy character silhouette image T1a is displayed in the first step as shown in FIG. 44(A), the under-board movable body 56k moves significantly upward from the initial position (a position below the display screen 50a) as shown in FIG. 44(B-3), and moves to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the top of the display screen 50a, and the first screen cracked background image SA1 is displayed on the display screen 50a. Then, as shown in FIG. 44(C), the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly downward from the top of the display screen 50a, and moves to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the bottom of the display screen 50a, and the second screen cracked background image SA2 is displayed on the display screen 50a. In this way, after the fourth step success performance is executed, the fourth step background image SU4 corresponding to the fourth step is displayed as shown in FIG. 36(A).

In the third form, the second step may suddenly progress to the fourth step without passing through the third step. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 45(A), after the second enemy character silhouette image T2a is displayed in the second step, the under-board movable body 56k moves significantly upward from the initial position (a position below the display screen 50a) and moves to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the top of the display screen 50a, and the first screen cracked background image SA1 is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 45(B-3). Then, as shown in FIG. 45(C), the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly downward from the top of the display screen 50a and moves to overlap in the front-to-back direction at the bottom of the display screen 50a, and the second screen cracked background image SA2 is displayed on the display screen 50a. In this way, after the fourth step success performance is executed, the fourth step background image SU4 corresponding to the fourth step is displayed, as shown in FIG. 36(A).

As described above, according to the third form of pachinko game machine PY1, there are cases where the game progresses suddenly from the first step to the fourth step, and cases where the game progresses suddenly from the second step to the fourth step. Therefore, in these cases, it is possible to give the player a great sense of elation and a special feeling that the probability of winning a jackpot suddenly increases. In particular, when the game progresses from the first step to the fourth step, a movable body (under-board movable body 56k (see FIG. 44(B-3)) different from the movable body (on-board movable body 55k (see FIG. 44(B-1)) that moves when the game progresses from the first step to the second step moves, and the fourth step background image SU4 shown in FIG. 36(A) is displayed via the first screen cracked background image SA1 (see FIG. 44(B-3)) and the second screen cracked background image SA2 (see FIG. 44(C)). Similarly, when the game progresses from the second step to the fourth step, ...2 (see FIG. 44(C)). Similarly, when the game progresses from the second step to the fourth step, the fourth step background image SU4 shown in FIG. 36(A) is displayed via the first screen cracked background image SA1 (see FIG. As the movable body (below-board movable body 56k (see FIG. 45(B-3)) which is different from the movable body (on-board movable body 55k (see FIG. 45(B-1))) moves, the fourth step background image SU4 shown in FIG. 36(A) is displayed via the first cracked screen background image SA1 (see FIG. 45(B-3)) and the second cracked screen background image SA2 (see FIG. 45(C)). In this way, when progressing suddenly to the fourth step, not only is the display timing of the corresponding step background image (fourth step background image SU4) different, but the moving movable body is also different, which can give the player a greater sense of specialness.

<Other Modifications>
In each of the above forms, the enemy character step-up development effect (step-up effect) was a step-up effect that could develop from the first step to the fourth step. However, the final step that can be developed is not limited to the fourth step and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the final step may be the third step, the fifth step or more. It is also possible that when the final step is developed, the winning of the jackpot is confirmed.

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance, if the stage progresses to the second step (predetermined step), the second step background image SU2 (predetermined step image) is displayed (see FIG. 33(B-1)), and if the stage progresses to the third step (predetermined step), the third step background image SU3 (predetermined step image) is displayed (see FIG. 34(B-1)). In contrast, if the stage progresses to the fourth step (specific step), the screen crack background images SA1, S2 (special image) are displayed (see FIG. 36(A)) before the fourth step background image SU4 (specific step image) is displayed (see FIG. 35(B-1), FIG. 35(C)). However, the relationship is not limited to the predetermined step in which the predetermined step image is displayed is the second step and the third step, and the specific step in which the special image is displayed is the fourth step. Therefore, the specific step may be a step lower than the predetermined step, for example, the specific step in which the special image is displayed may be the second step, and the step in which the predetermined step image is displayed may be the third step. In other words, the specific step may be a step that is not the final step.

In each of the above forms, the step-up effect that displays the cracked screen background image SA1, S2 (special image) when progressing to the fourth step (specific step) is an enemy character step-up effect. However, the step-up effect that displays a special image when progressing to a specific step is not limited to an enemy character step-up effect and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the step-up effect described above may be a character step-up effect, a story step-up effect, an item step-up effect, etc.

In each of the above forms, the special image displayed when progressing to the fourth step (specific step) in the enemy character step-up presentation was a cracked screen image SA1, SA2 (see Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C)) that makes it difficult to see the background image. However, the special image displayed when progressing to a specific step is not limited to the cracked screen image SA1, SA2, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the special image can be a blackout image that makes the background image unnoticeable, or a shake image that makes the background image appear to be shaking. In other words, the special image can be changed as appropriate as long as it is an image that does not suggest to the player that he or she is in a specific step (does not make the player aware of it).

In each of the above forms, when the enemy character step-up performance progresses to the second step (predetermined step), a second step background image SU2 (predetermined step image) corresponding to the second step is displayed (see FIG. 33 (B-1)). Also, when the enemy character progresses to the third step (predetermined step), a third step background image SU3 (predetermined step image) corresponding to the third step is displayed (see FIG. 34 (B-1)). However, the predetermined step image displayed when the enemy character progresses to the predetermined step is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 33 (B-1) or FIG. 34 (B-1), and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is an image that corresponds to a predetermined step (suggests that the player is staying at the predetermined step). Therefore, for example, when the enemy character progresses to the second step, an image showing "2" may be displayed as the predetermined step image, and when the enemy character progresses to the third step, an image showing "3" may be displayed as the predetermined step image.

In each of the above forms, when the enemy character step-up performance progresses to the fourth step (specific step), a fourth step background image SU4 (specific step image) corresponding to the fourth step is displayed (see FIG. 36(A)). However, the specific step image displayed when progressing to a specific step is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 36(A) and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is an image that corresponds to a specific step (suggests that the player is staying in a specific step). Thus, for example, when progressing to the fourth step, an image showing "4" may be displayed as the specific step image.

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance, when the game progresses to the second step (predetermined step), the on-board movable body 55k (first movable body) moves (see FIG. 33(B-1)), and when the game progresses to the third step (predetermined step), the on-board movable body 55k (first movable body) moves (see FIG. 34(B-1)), whereas when the game progresses to the fourth step (specific step), the under-board movable body 56k (second movable body) moves (see FIG. 35(B-1), FIG. 35(C)). However, the first movable body when the game progresses to the predetermined step and the second movable body when the game progresses to the specific step are not limited to the on-board movable body 55k and the under-board movable body 56k, and can be changed as appropriate as long as they are different movable bodies. For example, the first movable body when the game progresses to the predetermined step is a movable body that has a function as an operating means that can be operated by the player, and the second movable body when the game progresses to the specific step may be a frame movable body attached to the gaming machine frame 2, or the reverse relationship may be used. The movable body when progressing to a predetermined step and the movable body when progressing to a specific step may be the same. In this case, the operation mode of the movable body when progressing to a predetermined step (predetermined operation mode) may be different from the operation mode of the movable body when progressing to a specific step (specific operation mode).

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance, the movement time of the below-board movable body 56k (second movable body) when progressing to the fourth step (specific step) (see FIG. 35(B-1), FIG. 35(C)) was set to be longer than the movement time of the above-board movable body 55k (first movable body) when progressing to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step) (see FIG. 33(B-1), FIG. 34(B-1)). However, the movement time of the second movable body when progressing to the specific step may be set to be the same as or shorter than the movement time of the first movable body when progressing to the predetermined step.

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance (step-up performance), if the progression to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step) is successful, the on-board movable body 55k is moved in a successful motion mode (see FIG. 33(B-1), FIG. 34(B-1)), and if the progression to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step) is unsuccessful, the below-board movable body 56k is moved in a failed motion mode (see FIG. 33(B-2), FIG. 34(B-2)). However, the step-up performance in which the movable body is moved in a special motion mode when the progression to the predetermined step is successful, and the movable body is moved in a failed motion mode when the progression to the predetermined step is unsuccessful, is not limited to the enemy character step-up performance and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the above step-up performance may be a character step-up performance, a story step-up performance, an item step-up performance, etc.

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance, the movable body that is moved when the progression to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step) is successful is the on-board movable body 55k (first movable body), and the movable body that is moved when the progression to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step) is unsuccessful is the under-board movable body 56k (second movable body). However, the movable body (first movable body) that moves when the progression to the predetermined step is successful and the movable body (second movable body) that moves when the progression to the predetermined step is unsuccessful are not limited to the on-board movable body 55k and the under-board movable body 56k, and can be changed as appropriate as long as they are different movable bodies. For example, the first movable body that moves when the progression to the predetermined step is successful may be a movable body that has a function as an operating means that can be operated by the player, and the second movable body that moves when the progression to the predetermined step is unsuccessful may be a frame movable body attached to the gaming machine frame 2, or the opposite relationship may be true. In addition, the movable body that moves when progression to the specified step is successful and the second movable body that moves when progression to the specified step is unsuccessful may be the same. In this case, the successful motion mode of the movable body that moves when progression to the specified step is successful and the unsuccessful motion mode of the movable body that moves when progression to the specified step is unsuccessful may be made different.

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance, if the progression to the fourth step (specific step) is successful, the under-board movable body 56k (second movable body) moves in a special motion mode (see Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C)). However, the specific step at which the movable body becomes in a special motion mode when the progression is successful is not limited to the fourth step and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the specific step may be a step lower than a predetermined step (e.g., the third step) at which the movable body becomes in a successful motion mode when the progression is successful. In other words, the specific step does not have to be the final step. Note that the special motion mode is not limited to the motion modes shown in Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C), and may be a vibration motion mode in which the movable body vibrates, a rotation motion mode in which the movable body rotates, a design formation mode in which the movable body forms a specific design, or the like, as long as it is a motion mode different from the successful motion mode and the unsuccessful motion mode, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the movable body that becomes the special operating mode may be a movable body that also functions as an operating means that can be operated by the player, a movable body that also functions as a speaker 52, or a frame movable body that is provided in the gaming machine frame 2.

In each of the above forms, in the enemy character step-up performance, if progression to the fourth step (specific step) is successful, the movable body below the board 56k (second movable body) moves (see FIG. 35(B-1) and FIG. 35(C)), while the movable body above the board 55k (first movable body) does not move. However, if progression to the specific step is successful, the second movable body that moves if progression to the specific step fails may not move, and the first movable body (movable body above the board 55k) that moves if progression to the specific step is successful may move in a special motion mode that is different from the successful motion mode. Alternatively, if progression to the specific step is successful, both the first movable body (movable body above the board 55k) that moves if progression to the specific step is successful and the second movable body (movable body below the board 56k) that moves if progression to the specific step fails may move in a special motion mode.

In each of the above forms, when the enemy character step-up performance is successful in progressing to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step), the successful motion of the on-board movable body 55k (first movable body) is a motion in which the on-board movable body 55k moves slightly downward. However, the successful motion is not limited to the above motion, and may be a vibration motion in which the movable body vibrates, a rotation motion in which the movable body rotates, a design formation motion in which the movable body forms a specific design, and the like. The movable body in the successful motion may also be a movable body that also functions as an operating means that can be operated by the player, a movable body that also functions as a speaker 52, or a frame movable body provided in the gaming machine frame 2.

In each of the above forms, when the enemy character step-up performance fails to progress to the second step (predetermined step) or the third step (predetermined step), the failure motion of the under-board movable body 56k (second movable body) is a motion in which the under-board movable body 56k moves slightly upward. However, the failure motion is not limited to the above motion, and may be a vibration motion in which the movable body vibrates, a rotation motion in which the movable body rotates, a design formation motion in which the movable body forms a specific design, and the like. The movable body in the failure motion may also be a movable body that also functions as an operating means that can be operated by the player, a movable body that also functions as a speaker 52, or a frame movable body provided in the gaming machine frame 2.

In the first form, during the display of the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image) showing the characters "Defeat the 0th enemy!" in the enemy character SP reach (predetermined reach performance), the first sword additional image KFa (first additional image) or the second sword additional image KFb (second additional image) may be additionally displayed (see Figures 28 to 31). Also, in the second form, during the display of the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image), the first character additional image MFa (first additional image) or the second character additional image MFb (second additional image) may be additionally displayed (see Figures 40 to 43). However, the predetermined title image to which the first additional image or the second additional image is added is not limited to the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is an image showing the title of the predetermined reach performance (an image showing characters (title) that can recognize the type of predetermined reach performance). Therefore, the specified title image may be, for example, an image showing the title of the story reach performance, or an image showing text indicating which reach performance (branch performance) has branched to when branching to multiple types of reach performance.

In the first form, the first additional image or the second additional image displayed in addition to the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL was the first sword additional image KFa or the second sword additional image KFb. In the second form, the first additional image or the second additional image displayed in addition to the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL was the first character additional image MFa or the second character additional image MFb. However, the first additional image or the second additional image is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate as long as they are different images. For example, the first additional image may be an image showing a first character, and the second additional image may be an image showing a second character suggesting that the expectation of winning the jackpot is higher than that of the first character. Also, the first additional image may be an image showing a first effect, and the second additional image may be an image showing a second effect suggesting that the expectation of winning the jackpot is higher than that of the first effect.

In the first form, a green (first color) first sword added image KFa (first additional image) is displayed against a green (first color) enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa (predetermined title image). In the second form, a green (first color) first character added image MFa (first additional image) is displayed against a green (first color) enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa (predetermined title image). However, the first color applied to the predetermined title image and the first color applied to the first additional image are not limited to green, and may be blue, purple, red, etc., and can be changed as appropriate. The color applied to the predetermined title image and the color applied to the first additional image do not have to be the same.

In the first form, a second sword additional image KFb (second additional image) in red (second color) was displayed against a red (second color) enemy defeat title image TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb (predetermined title image). In the second form, a second character additional image MFb (second additional image) in red (second color) was displayed against a red (second color) enemy defeat title image TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb (predetermined title image). However, the second color attached to the predetermined title image and the second color attached to the second additional image are not limited to red, and may be gold or rainbow, etc., and can be changed as appropriate. However, in order to make it easy to understand that the second additional image is an image suggesting a higher expectation of winning a jackpot than the first additional image, it is preferable that the second color is a color suggesting a higher expectation of winning a jackpot than the first color. Note that the color applied to the specified title image and the color applied to the second additional image do not have to be the same.

In the above first form, after a black enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image) is displayed as the default (see Figures 28(A), 29(A), 30(A), 31(A)), the black enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL may be displayed as is, or a green enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa and a green first sword additional image KFa may be displayed, or a red enemy defeat title image TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb and a red second sword additional image KFb may be displayed. However, as a default, the black enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL may not be displayed, and instead the black enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL may be displayed immediately, the green enemy defeat title images TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa and the green first sword additional image KFa may be displayed, or the red enemy defeat title images TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb and the red second sword additional image KFb may be displayed. In the first embodiment, the types of additional images displayed in addition to the predetermined title image were two types, the green first sword additional image KFa and the red second sword additional image KFb, but there may be three or more types, or only one type.

In the first form described above, even if the sword additional image KFa, KFb (additional image) was additionally displayed to the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image), it did not mean that a jackpot had been confirmed. However, it may be possible that a jackpot has been confirmed when a sword additional image is additionally displayed to the enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image). In this case, for example, a rainbow-colored sword additional image may be additionally displayed to the rainbow-colored enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image) to confirm that a jackpot has been confirmed.

In the second form described above, even if the text-added images MFa, MFb (additional images) were added and displayed to the enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title images), this did not mean that a jackpot had been confirmed. However, it would also be acceptable to make it possible for a jackpot to be confirmed when a text-added image is added and displayed to the enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title images). In this case, for example, a rainbow-colored text-added image may be added and displayed to the rainbow-colored enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title images) to confirm that a jackpot has been confirmed.

In the second form described above, after a black enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL (predetermined title image) is displayed as the default (see Figures 40 (A), 41 (A), 42 (A), 43 (A)), the black enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL may be displayed as is, a green enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa and a green first character added image MFa may be displayed, or a red enemy defeat title image TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb and a red second character added image MFb may be displayed. However, as a default, the black enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL may not be displayed, and instead the black enemy defeat title images TI, TJ, TK, TL may be displayed immediately, the green enemy defeat title images TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa and the green first character added image MFa may be displayed, or the red enemy defeat title images TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb and the red second character added image MFb may be displayed. In the second form, the types of additional images displayed in addition to the predetermined title image were two types, the green first character added image MFa and the red second character added image MFb, but there may be three or more types, or only one type.

In the second form, the first character-added image MFa (first additional image) including the character "opportunity" (first character) is displayed while the green enemy defeat title images TIa, TJa, TKa, and TLa are displayed, and the second character-added image MFb (second additional image) including the character "great opportunity" (second character) is displayed while the red enemy defeat title images TIb, TJb, TKb, and TLb are displayed. However, the first character included in the first additional image and the second character included in the second additional image are not limited to the above-mentioned characters ("opportunity" and "great opportunity") and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first character included in the first additional image may be "hope" and the second character included in the second additional image may be "fortune," and it is preferable that the second character is a character that suggests a higher expectation of winning a jackpot than the first character. And it is even more preferable that the second character includes the first character as a part, such as, for example, the second character is "great chance" and the first character is "chance." This is because it is easy to see that the second character, which includes the first character as part of it, suggests a higher chance of winning than the first character.

In each of the above embodiments, the machine is configured as a gaming machine (so-called V-guaranteed machine) that controls the state to a high probability state based on the passage of the specific area 16 into the second large prize opening 15. However, the machine may be configured as a gaming machine in which the transition to the high probability state is determined only by the type of jackpot (jackpot pattern) that is won, or as a gaming machine in which the transition to the high probability state is determined based on the type of jackpot that is won and the gaming state at the time of the win. The machine may also be configured as other types of gaming machines, such as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine, a type 2 type gaming machine (a pin-type gaming machine), or a falling machine that falls from a high probability state to a normal probability state by a lottery.

In each of the above forms, the special symbol lottery was set so that the small prize could not be won. However, it may be possible to win a small prize and play a small prize game in which the large prize openings (first large prize opening 14, second large prize opening 15) can be opened. In the small prize game, the opening time of the large prize openings can be changed as appropriate as long as it is long enough for at least one ball to win. However, it is desirable to keep the total opening time of the large prize openings to 1.8 seconds or less to prevent an unintended amount of winning balls.

In the above first, second and modified forms, the pachinko game machine PY1 is configured as a pachinko game machine, but it may be configured as a slot machine (reel type game machine, pachislot game machine). Here, in the case of a slot machine, any type may be used. In the case of a so-called normal machine (A-type slot machine) that increases the number of medals acquired by winning a big bonus or a regular bonus, the state in which a bonus such as a big bonus or a regular bonus is being executed corresponds to the special game state. In addition, in the case of a so-called ART machine or AT machine that increases the number of medals acquired during a special game period such as ART (assist replay time) or AT (assist time) in which small roles can be frequently won, the state during ART or AT corresponds to the special game state. In addition, in the case of a normal machine, the control condition for the special game state is that after winning a big bonus or a regular bonus, a combination of symbols that will be a transition trigger to a big bonus or a regular bonus is derived and displayed as a display result of each reel on the activated winning line. In addition, in ART and AT machines, the control conditions for entering the special game state are, for example, winning the ART or AT execution lottery and then reaching the timing for activating the ART or AT by playing a specified number of games.

10. Inventions shown in the above embodiments The above embodiments show the inventions of the following means. In the explanation of the means described below, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above 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.

<Means A>
The invention according to Means A1 is as follows:
A display means (image display device 50);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a step-up performance (enemy character step-up performance) that can develop over a plurality of steps,
The performance control means includes:
When the step-up performance progresses to a predetermined step (second step, third step), a predetermined step image (second step background image SU2, third step background image SU3) corresponding to the predetermined step is displayed by the display means;
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the step-up presentation progresses to a specific step (fourth step), the display means displays a special image (first screen broken background image SA1, second screen broken background image SA2) different from the specific step image corresponding to the specific step (fourth step background image SU4) (see Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C)).

According to a gaming machine with this configuration, when the step-up performance progresses to a predetermined step, a predetermined step image is displayed on the display means. On the other hand, when the step-up performance progresses to a specific step, a special image is displayed before the specific step image is displayed on the display means. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with a special feeling when progressing to a specific step, and provide a novel interest in the step-up performance.

The invention according to Means A2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the specific step (fourth step) is a step higher than the predetermined step (second step, third step).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the game progresses to a specific step that is higher than the predetermined step, it is possible to give the player a sense of exhilaration from the increased chances of winning, as well as a sense of something special.

The invention according to Means A3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1 or A2,
A movable first movable body (on-board movable body 55k);
A movable second movable body (under-board movable body 56k),
The performance control means includes:
When the process progresses to the predetermined step (second step, third step), the first movable body is moved,
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the game progresses to the specific step (fourth step), the second movable body is moved.

With this gaming machine configuration, when a game progresses to a predetermined step, a predetermined step image is displayed and the first movable body moves. On the other hand, when a game progresses to a specific step, a special image is passed through and a specific step image is displayed and the second movable body moves. In this way, when a game progresses to a specific step, not only is the display timing of the corresponding step image different, but the moving movable body also differs, making it possible to give the player a greater sense of specialness.

The invention according to Means A4 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means A3,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that the movement time of the second movable body when progressing to the specific step is made longer than the movement time of the first movable body when progressing to the specified step (see Figures 35 (B-1) and 35 (C)).

With this gaming machine, the movement time of the second movable body when progressing to a specific step is longer than the movement time of the first movable body when progressing to a predetermined step. This makes it possible to further accentuate the special feeling when progressing to a specific step.

The invention according to Means A5 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means A3 or A4,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that while it is possible for the step-up presentation to progress up to the specific step (fourth step), it does not progress to a step higher than the specific step.

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the specific step is the final step in the step-up presentation. Therefore, it is possible to give a player who has progressed to the specific step a special feeling and a great sense of accomplishment for having reached the final step.

The gaming machine described in JP 2010-136951 A is capable of executing a step-up effect that can progress over multiple steps. However, in this step-up effect, when progressing to the next step, the image corresponding to the next step is simply switched and displayed, and there is no surprise when progressing to the next step. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the interest of the step-up effect. Therefore, the invention according to means A1 to A5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2010-136951 A in that, when progressing to a specific step in the step-up effect, a special image different from the specific step image is displayed on the display means before displaying the specific step image corresponding to the specific step. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can provide novel interest in the step-up effect (achieve the effect of working).

<Method B>
The invention according to means B1 is as follows:
A movable body (an on-board movable body 55k, a below-board movable body 56k) that can be moved;
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a step-up performance (enemy character step-up performance) that can develop over a plurality of steps,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that, in the step-up presentation, if progression to a specified step (second step, third step) is successful, the movable body is moved in a successful operation mode (see Figures 33 (B-1) and 34 (B-1)), while if progression to the specified step is unsuccessful, the movable body is moved in a failed operation mode (see Figures 33 (B-2) and 34 (B-2)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, whether or not the progression to a predetermined step is successful is determined by whether the movable body moves in a successful motion mode or an unsuccessful motion mode. In this way, by completely linking the success or failure of progression to a predetermined step with the motion mode of the movable body, a sense of urgency can be created in the success or failure of progression to a predetermined step, making it possible to increase the interest of the step-up presentation.

The invention according to means B2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B1,
The movable body includes a first movable body (an on-board movable body 55k) and a second movable body (a below-board movable body 56k),
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that, in the step-up presentation, if the progression to the specified step is successful, the first movable body is moved in a successful operation mode (the above-board movable body 55k is moved slightly downward), while, if the progression to the specified step is unsuccessful, the second movable body is moved in an unsuccessful operation mode (the below-board movable body 56k is moved slightly upward).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, if the progression to the specified step is successful, the first movable body moves in a successful motion mode, whereas if the progression to the specified step is unsuccessful, the second movable body moves in an unsuccessful motion mode. In this way, the player is directed to focus on whether the first or second movable body moves depending on whether the progression to the specified step is successful, making it easier for the player to understand the focus of attention.

The invention according to means B3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B2,
The step-up effect includes a specific step (fourth step) higher than the predetermined step (second step, third step),
The performance control means includes:
If the progression to the specific step is successful, at least one of the first movable body or the second movable body (under-board movable body 56k) is moved in a special operation mode different from the successful operation mode and the unsuccessful operation mode (the under-board movable body 56k is moved upward and then downward, see Figure 35 (B-1) ⇒ Figure 35 (C)).

With this gaming machine, when the game progresses to a specific step that is higher than the predetermined step, at least one of the first movable body or the second movable body moves in a special operating manner. Therefore, it is possible to give a player who has progressed to the specific step a sense of exhilaration as the probability of winning increases, as well as a sense of specialness.

The invention according to means B4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B3,
The performance control means includes:
This is a gaming machine characterized in that, when the progression to the specific step (fourth step) is successful, the first movable body (above-board movable body 55k) is not moved, but the second movable body (below-board movable body 56k) is moved in the special operating mode (see Figure 35 (B-1) ⇒ Figure 35 (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, if the progression to the predetermined step fails, the second movable body moves in a failed motion mode, giving the player the impression that it is undesirable for the second movable body to move. Furthermore, if the progression to a specific step higher than the predetermined step occurs, the second movable body moves in a special motion mode. In this way, it is possible to provide the player with the unexpected experience that, when the progression to the specific step occurs, it is the second movable body that moves, not the first movable body.

The invention according to means B5 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B3 or B4,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that while it is possible for the step-up presentation to progress up to the specific step (fourth step), it does not progress to a step higher than the specific step.

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the specific step is the final step in the step-up presentation. Therefore, a player who has progressed to the specific step can be given a special feeling that at least one of the first movable body or the second movable body moves in a special operating mode, and can be given a great sense of accomplishment by having reached the final step.

The gaming machine described in JP 2010-136951 A is capable of executing a step-up performance that can progress over multiple steps. However, in this step-up performance, if the progress to the next step is successful, an image suggesting that the progress to the next step has been successful is displayed, and if the progress to the next step is unsuccessful, only an image suggesting that the progress to the next step has failed is displayed. Therefore, the player is forced to pay attention only to what image is displayed depending on whether the progress to the next step is successful or not, and there is a lack of tension. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the interest of the step-up performance. Therefore, the invention according to means B1 to B5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2010-136951 A in that, in the step-up performance, if the progress to the specified step is successful, the movable body is moved in a successful operation mode, whereas if the progress to the specified step is unsuccessful, the movable body is moved in a failed operation mode. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can increase the interest of the step-up performance (achieve the effect of working).

<Method C>
The invention according to means B1 is as follows:
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a predetermined reach performance (enemy character SP reach) is provided,
The performance control means is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) capable of displaying a predetermined title image (enemy defeat title image TI, TJ, TK, TL) indicating a title of the predetermined reach performance during execution of the predetermined reach performance,
the effect control means may apply a first color (green) to the predetermined title image, or may apply a second color (red) different from the first color to the predetermined title image;
This gaming machine is characterized in that the predetermined title image given the second color (red enemy defeat title images TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb) suggests a higher probability of winning than the predetermined title image given the first color (green enemy defeat title images TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the predetermined title image is given the second color in a predetermined reach performance, it suggests that there is a higher chance of winning than when the predetermined title image is given the first color. This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the color given to the predetermined title image, thereby increasing the interest of the predetermined reach performance.

The invention according to Means C2 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C1,
The performance control means includes:
While the predetermined title image (green enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa) to which the first color is applied is being displayed, a first additional image (first sword added image KFa, first character added image MFa) is displayed,
This gaming machine is characterized in that while the specified title image (green enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa) to which the second color is applied is displayed, a second additional image (second sword additional image KFb, second character additional image MFb) different from the first additional image is displayed.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, additional images (first additional image, second additional image) are additionally displayed while a predetermined title image is being displayed, providing a novel interest. While a predetermined title image with a first color is being displayed, a first additional image is displayed, while a predetermined title image with a second color is being displayed, a second additional image different from the first additional image is displayed. This allows the player to enjoy wondering what additional image will be displayed while the predetermined title image is being displayed.

The invention according to Means C3 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C2,
The first additional image (first sword-added image KFa, first character-added image MFa) is given the first color (green),
This gaming machine is characterized in that the second additional images (second sword additional image KFb, second character additional image MFb) are given the second color (red).

There may be cases where the likelihood of winning is difficult to understand just by distinguishing the colors applied to the predetermined title images. Therefore, with a gaming machine of this configuration, while a predetermined title image with a first color is displayed, a first additional image with a first color is displayed, while a predetermined title image with a second color is displayed, a second additional image with a second color is displayed. In this way, by linking the colors applied to the predetermined title images and the colors applied to the additional images, it is possible to more clearly indicate the likelihood of winning suggested while the predetermined title image is displayed.

The invention according to Means C4 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C2 or C3,
The first additional image (first character added image MFa) is an image including a first character ("opportunity");
The second additional image (second character added image MFb) is an image including second characters ("great opportunity") different from the first characters.

With this gaming machine, a first additional image containing a first character is displayed while a predetermined title image with a first color is displayed, while a predetermined title image with a second color is displayed, and a second additional image containing a second character is displayed while a predetermined title image with a second color is displayed. This allows the player to enjoy guessing what characters are included in the additional image that is added while the predetermined title image is displayed.

The invention according to Means C5 is
In the gaming machine according to the means C4,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the second character ("great opportunity") includes the first character ("good opportunity") as a part thereof.

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the second character included in the second additional image includes as a part the first character included in the first additional image. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the relationship that the display of the second additional image suggests a higher probability of winning than the display of the first additional image.

In the gaming machine described in JP2018-043099A, when an enemy character SP reach (predetermined reach performance) in which a predetermined enemy character is fought is started, a predetermined title image showing the title "Defeat the Predetermined Enemy Character" is displayed on the display means. This makes it easier for the player to understand that an enemy character SP reach in which a predetermined enemy character is fought is starting among various types of reach performances. However, displaying a predetermined title image during the execution of a predetermined reach performance has already become a common performance. Therefore, there is room for improvement in improving the interest of the predetermined reach performance. Therefore, the invention of means C1 to C5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2018-043099A in that the performance control means applies a first color to the predetermined title image and applies a second color different from the first color to the predetermined title image, and the predetermined title image with the second color suggests a higher probability of winning than the predetermined title image with the first color. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players in specific reach performances (achieve the effect of doing so).

50...Image display device 55k...On-board movable body 56k...Under-board movable body 121...Performance control microcomputer PY1...Pachinko game machine SU2...Second step background image SU3...Third step background image SU4...Fourth step background image SA1...First screen cracked background image SA2...Second screen cracked background image TI, TJ, TK, TL...Enemy defeat title image TIa, TJa, TKa, TLa...Green enemy defeat title image TIb, TJb, TKb, TLb...Red enemy defeat title image KFa...First sword added image KFb...Second sword added image MFa...First character added image MFb...Second character added image

Claims (2)

A first movable body movable from a first standby position ;
A second movable body movable from a second standby position ;
In a gaming machine having a performance control means capable of controlling a performance ,
The production control means is
When the probability of winning increases after a predetermined first branch point, the first movable body is moved from the first standby position in a successful manner while the second movable body is made to wait at the second standby position,
When the predetermined first branch point indicates that the winning expectation rate is not high, the second movable body is moved from the second standby position in a failure mode while the first movable body is made to wait at the first standby position,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when it is indicated that the probability of winning increases after passing through a predetermined second branch point after the predetermined first branch point, the second movable body is moved from the second waiting position in a special manner different from the success manner or the failure manner . A first movable body movable from a first standby position ;
A second movable body movable from a second standby position ;
In a gaming machine having a performance control means capable of controlling a performance ,
The production control means is
When the probability of winning increases after a predetermined first branch point, the first movable body is moved from the first standby position in a successful manner while the second movable body is made to wait at the second standby position,
When the predetermined first branch point indicates that the winning expectation rate is not high, the second movable body is moved from the second standby position in a failure mode while the first movable body is made to wait at the first standby position,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when it is indicated that the probability of winning increases after passing through a predetermined second branch point after the predetermined first branch point, the first movable body is moved from the first waiting position in a special manner different from the success manner or the failure manner .

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