JP7486809B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

An example of this type of gaming machine is a slot machine, and some slot machines have a gaming state called AT (Assist Time) that is advantageous to the player and assists (navigates) the player to achieve a small winning combination or a replay winning combination.
In addition, among such slot machines, there are also known ones that are controlled to a normal zone when the gaming state is unfavorable to the player, and are controlled to an advantageous zone when the gaming state is favorable to the player (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-140311 A

However, there was room for improvement in conventional gaming machines.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a control means capable of control between a normal zone and a first gaming state, an advantageous zone and the first gaming state, and a second gaming state that is advantageous to the advantageous zone and is more advantageous than the first gaming state, and a notification means capable of notifying game result information regarding a gaming result in the advantageous zone and the second gaming state, wherein the control means is capable of executing specific control to transition from the advantageous zone and the second gaming state to the normal zone and the first gaming state, and is capable of executing a first control to transition to the advantageous zone and the first gaming state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal zone and the first gaming state transitioned to by the execution of the specific control, and is capable of executing a second control to transition to the advantageous zone and the second gaming state when a specific condition is satisfied in the normal zone and the first gaming state transitioned to by the execution of the specific control, and the notification means is configured to be capable of notifying the game result information when the first control is executed, and is unable to notify the game result information when the second control is executed .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the gaming machine of the first embodiment as viewed from the front side, and a perspective view showing the internal configuration. 1 is a diagram illustrating reel patterns according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating various tables according to the first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating various tables according to the first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating various tables according to the first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating various tables according to the first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating various tables according to the first embodiment. A figure explaining the transitions between the RT state and the bonus state in the first embodiment, and a figure explaining the transitions between the normal zone and the advantageous zone. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a transition between stages in the first embodiment. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the display screen of a normal stage and the display screen of an AT challenge in the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a pseudo bonus A in the first embodiment. A figure showing the display screen (lottery method selection) of pseudo bonus A in the first embodiment. A figure showing the display screen of pseudo bonus A in the first embodiment (when a power outage occurs). A figure showing the display screen of pseudo bonus A in the first embodiment (lottery method ``stable''). A figure showing the display screen of pseudo bonus A in the first embodiment (lottery method ``turbulence''). A figure showing the display screen of the pseudo bonus B, episode stage, difference number management AT stage, and character acquisition specialization zone in the first embodiment. A figure explaining EP selection in the episode stage in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display screen of a battle stage in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display screen of a battle stage in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of the battle result announcement stage in the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating states of endings A and B in the first embodiment in the form of a time chart. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen for endings A and B in the first embodiment. A figure explaining the presentation control when transitioning from a game state other than Ending A to Ending B in the first embodiment. A diagram explaining the relationship between Ending B and the advantageous zone in the first embodiment. A figure showing the result screen when the favorable zone ends before reaching the favorable zone limiter in the first embodiment. A figure explaining the transition of the display screen when the favorable zone ends by reaching the favorable zone limiter in the first embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating states of endings A and B in the second embodiment in the form of a time chart. 13 is a diagram showing a payout table and an internal lottery table according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram of the game state in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a mode selection table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a ceiling game number lottery table in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a Pt display lottery table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a quiz option number continuation lottery table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an additional Pt lottery table in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a Pt specialized stage transition lottery table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a quiz execution lottery table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a quiz selection table according to the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an additional Pt lottery table in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a quiz-related performance execution lottery table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a special stage transition lottery table in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a privilege awarding lottery table in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a Bernavi right lottery table of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a special stage continuation lottery table in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an added difference number lottery table in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a quiz presentation in the third embodiment. A figure showing an example of a correct answer suggestion display in the third embodiment. A figure showing an example of the option subtraction presentation in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a quiz presentation in the third embodiment. A diagram showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of a special stage in the third embodiment. A diagram showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of a special stage in the third embodiment. A diagram showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of a special stage in the third embodiment. A diagram showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of a special stage in the third embodiment. A state transition diagram of the game state in variant example 1 of the third embodiment. A figure showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of the special stage in variant example 1 of the third embodiment. A figure showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of the special stage in variant example 1 of the third embodiment. A figure showing the transition of the game state and the display content regarding the continuation of the special stage in variant example 1 of the third embodiment. A state transition diagram of the game state in variant example 2 of the third embodiment. A diagram showing a lottery table for transition to the difference number addition stage for variant example 2 of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an added difference number lottery table for variant example 2 of the third embodiment. A diagram showing a trigger-addition stage transition lottery table for variant example 2 of the third embodiment. A diagram showing an additional trigger number lottery table for variant example 2 of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a scenario lottery table for variant example 2 of the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a scenario table of the second modified example of the third embodiment. A chart showing a table of added numbers by trigger for variant example 2 of the third embodiment. A figure showing an example of the trigger-adding stage presentation in variant example 2 of the third embodiment. A figure showing an example of the trigger-adding stage presentation in variant example 2 of the third embodiment.

(Embodiment)
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27.
[Configuration of gaming machine 10]
The gaming machine 10 is a slot machine installed in an amusement arcade or the like.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 10b having an opening on the front side, and a front door 10a that opens and closes the opening.
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gaming machine 10 is equipped with a medal insertion slot 11, BET buttons 12 (12a, 12b, 12c), a start lever 13, stop buttons 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) (stop operation means), advantageous zone lamp 16, a display unit 17, lamps 18, a speaker 19 (output means), reels 20 (20L, 20C, 20R) (variable display means), a drum unit 21, a medal payout device 22, a setting button 24, a main control board 25, and a sub-control board 26.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a memory unit and a control unit provided on the main control board 25 and the sub-control board 26, and is a device capable of various calculation processes and various controls, and is included in the concept of a computer. Each memory unit is equipped with a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element that stores programs, information, etc. necessary for the operation of the gaming machine 10. Each control unit is equipped with a CPU, etc. Each control unit realizes the various functions of the embodiment by appropriately reading and executing various programs, etc. stored in each memory unit.

The medal insertion slot 11 is where the player inserts a medal (game medium). Inside the medal insertion slot 11, a medal selector 11a (medal detection means) is provided. The medal selector 11a is a sensor or the like that detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 11, and outputs a detection signal to the main control unit 25b (described later).

The BET button 12, the start lever 13, the effect button 14, and the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are operation units that are operated by the player to play a game.
The BET buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are examples of operation means capable of receiving a player's operation for setting the bet number. By operating the BET buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c, the bet numbers are set to 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the embodiment, games with bet numbers of 1, 2, and 3 medals are also referred to as 1 BET game, 2 BET game, and 3 BET game, respectively.
The start lever 13 receives a tilt operation from the player to spin the reels and start the game.
The effect button 14 receives an operation for executing an effect from the player. By operating the effect button 14, for example, an effect for suggesting or outputting various information is executed.

The stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are an example of an operation means (stop operation means) for performing a stop operation of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R. The stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are provided corresponding to each of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R, and can accept an operation for stopping the changing patterns displayed. The stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R become operable when a light-emitting means such as an LED built into each button lights up, for example.

The advantageous zone lamp 16 is controlled to be lit while staying in an advantageous zone (described later). Note that, instead of the advantageous zone lamp 16, the gaming machine 10 may control to light up, for example, a "dot" portion of a 7-segment display (also called "7-seg") constituting a payout number display unit that displays the number of medals to be paid out.
The display unit 17, the lamp 18, the speaker 19, etc. can be used as a notification means, a presentation means, etc. by outputting various information.
The display unit 17 is a liquid crystal display device, etc. The display unit 17 performs various effects using images, displays various information in the game, etc. As described later, the display unit 17 also navigates (informs) the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R by displaying push order navigations 30L, 30C, and 30R.
The lamps 18 and speakers 19 emit light and produce sounds, etc.
In addition, the speaker 19 navigates the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R in the same manner as the push order navigation 30L, 30C, and 30R on the display unit 17.

The reels 20 (20L, 20C, 20R) are an example of a variable display means (identification information display means) that variably displays symbols (identification information).
A plurality of (for example, 20) symbols are displayed on the periphery of each of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R.
As shown in FIG. 2, the types of symbols include, for example, "watermelon,""cherry,""bell,""blue 7 (blue letter 7)," and "white 7 (white letter 7)."
The drum unit 21 is a device that rotates the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R, and is provided inside the housing 10b.
In the above-described embodiment, some of the symbols on the periphery of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R that are driven to rotate are visible through the window portion on the front surface of the front door 10a, and the symbols are displayed in a variable manner.
The form of the variable display means is not limited to this, and for example, the number of symbols on the periphery may be other than 20. Also, the form of the variable display means may not be a mechanical reel, but may be a form in which symbols are displayed on a liquid crystal display device or the like.
The medal payout device 22 is a device that pays out medals stored in a hopper 22a to a medal payout outlet 22b.

The setting button 24 functions as a probability setting means (setting means) and is used to select and set the winning probability setting for each winning role (i.e., the degree of advantage of the game) from among multiple probability values (setting values) by accepting a selection operation by the manager of the game center, etc.

As shown in Figure 3, the main control board 25, the medal selector 11a, the BET button 12, the start lever 13, the stop button 15, the advantageous zone lamp 16, the drum unit 21, the medal payout device 22 and the setting button 24 are connected by communication cables and are capable of communication.
The main control board 25 includes a memory unit 25a (memory means) and a main control unit 25b.
The memory unit 25a stores various information such as game programs relating to games, tables for conducting various lotteries (see FIGS. 4 to 8), and the like.

The main control unit 25b operates according to the program stored in the storage unit 25a. As a result, the main control unit 25b performs processes related to the progress of the game on the gaming machine 10.
In addition, the main control unit 25b realizes game play on the gaming machine 10 by controlling game progress processing involving internal lottery processing, management of various information stored in the memory unit 25a, and devices such as the medal payout device 22 in response to the operation of operating units such as the start lever 13.
The detailed processing of the main control unit 25b will be described later.

The sub-control board 26 is connected to the display unit 17, the lamp 18, and the speaker 19 by communication cables, enabling communication therebetween.
The sub-control board 26 includes a memory unit 26a and a sub-control unit 26b.
The storage unit 26a stores various information such as game programs related to games.
The sub-controller 26b processes and controls effects and the like synchronized with play on the gaming machine 10, based on information transmitted in one direction from the main controller 25b of the main control board 25. The sub-controller 26b controls the display unit 17, the lamps 18, the speakers 19, and the like to produce effects such as video output, lamp illumination, and fanfare sound output. These outputs and effects include, for example, those that notify the transition of game states, those that correspond to each game state, and the like.
The detailed processing of the sub-control unit 26b will be described later.

4 to 8 are diagrams for explaining various tables according to the first embodiment.
These tables are stored in the memory unit 25a of the main control board 25, but some tables (such as the push order display pattern table 35) may be appropriately modified to be stored in the memory unit 26a of the sub-control board 26.
(Odds of winning)
The internal lottery table 31a and the payout table 31b shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are referred to when a 3-BET game is executed, and the internal lottery table 32a and the payout table 32b are referred to when a 2-BET game is executed.
The internal lottery tables 31a and 32a define the probability of winning each winning combination in each game. The internal lottery tables 31a and 32a store each winning combination in association with the winning probability. The internal lottery tables 31a and 32a have information corresponding to settings 1 to 6.
The lowest setting is setting 1, and the highest setting is setting 6. The higher the setting, the more advantageous it is for the player.
The setting may be five or less stages or seven or more stages, and the allocation rates of the various winning roles may be the same for some or all of them, or may be different.
The payout tables 31b and 32b store the combinations of symbols that will be displayed in each game in association with the number of medals to be paid out.
The other tables and the games played on each table will be described in detail later.

[Basic Operation of Gaming Machine 10]
The main control unit 25b of the main control board 25 and the sub-control unit 26b of the sub-control board 26 perform the basic operations of the game as follows.
At the start of each game (in the embodiment, also referred to as the game in question or the current game), a bet amount is set using medals (including credit medals).
The bet number can be set by directly inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 11, by pressing the BET button 12, or the like.

When medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 11, a predetermined number of bets corresponding to the number of medals inserted (however, the upper limit of the bets is "3", which corresponds to three medals) is set.
In the method using the BET button 12, when the BET buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are operated, one, two, and three medals are subtracted from the credit medals, respectively, and the subtracted amount is set as the bet. The credit medals are added by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 11 or winning, and up to 50 medals can be credited (stored) as internal data, for example.

The bet amount set by inserting a medal or operating the BET button 12 is stored in the memory unit 25a. Then, when the bet amount reaches a predetermined number, the player is in a state in which the player has the right to play one round and can start playing the game.

In the above-mentioned game startable state, the operation of the start lever 13 is valid. In this valid state, when the start lever 13 is tilted (game start operation), the game starts. In the embodiment, the operation of the start lever 13 in this valid state is also referred to as "lever operation". In response to the lever operation, the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R start to move, and an internal lottery process is executed to determine the lottery result of the current game from among a plurality of winning roles (including losing roles) such as replay roles and small roles before the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R stop. As a result, the main control unit 25b performs a determination by internal lottery as to whether or not to award a game value (for example, a game medium) (game value awarding means).
In the internal lottery process, a winning combination for the current game is determined by lottery from among a plurality of winning combinations based on a predetermined probability of winning (winning combination determining means).
In the embodiment, the internal lottery process is completed before the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R reach steady rotation, but it may be completed before the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R start to rotate.

The reels 20L, 20C, and 20R gradually increase their rotation speed from a stopped state, and then reach a steady state where they rotate at a constant speed. When the reels reach this steady state, the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R provided corresponding to the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R become operable to be pressed (stop button operation is enabled).
In this state, when each stop button 15L, 15C, 15R is pressed, each reel 20L, 20C, 20R is controlled to stop with a combination of symbols allowed by the timing of the operation and the lottery result of the internal lottery process.

In the embodiment, when the three stop buttons 15 are operated once each for a total of three times to stop the three reels 20, the operated buttons are also referred to as the first stop button, the second stop button, and the third stop button in the order of operation, and the reels 20 stopped by the first stop button, the second stop button, and the third stop button are also referred to as the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel, respectively. In addition, the operation of each stop button by the player to stop the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel is also referred to as the first reel stop operation, the second reel stop operation, and the third reel stop operation. Furthermore, the time after it is detected that the player's finger or the like has been removed from the stop button operated to stop the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel is also referred to as after the first reel stop operation, after the second reel stop operation, and after the third reel stop operation, respectively.

After the third reel is stopped, the combination of symbols that have stopped on the winning line is judged to be a winning combination. If the combination is a predetermined combination, it is judged to be a winning combination, and a game value according to the combination of symbols is awarded.

As an example of game value, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a small prize stops, a small prize is determined to have been won, and the medal payout device 22 is driven and controlled to pay out a predetermined number of medals to the medal payout outlet 22b (see payout tables 31b, 32b in Figures 4 and 5).
The payout of medals can be configured so that only the amount exceeding the upper limit of credit medals is paid out, but it can also be configured so that medals corresponding to a winning prize are paid out each time a winning prize is won by operating a specified button or the like in advance.

In the stopped state, three consecutive symbols displayed in the vertical direction on each of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R are stopped so as to be visible from outside the machine (also called "stopped display"). As a result, the main control unit 25b controls the changing displayed symbols so as to be stopped in a manner based on the result of the internal lottery.
Then, the main control unit 25b determines whether or not a win has been made based on the stopped display state at this time.
The main control unit 25b judges whether or not a prize has been won based on the combination of symbols that have stopped on the winning line in the middle row (the center of the three symbols that are consecutive in the vertical direction). Note that the winning lines are not limited to this, and may be, for example, five lines in total, consisting of three lines in the upper row, middle row, and lower row and two diagonal lines, or any one or more of these five lines.

(Winning role)
The winning combination includes, for example, a "small combination," a "replay combination," a "bonus combination," and the like.
The combination of symbols corresponding to the "small winning combination" is, for example, a bell combination, a rare combination, a chance combination, a losing combination, and the like.
The symbol combination corresponding to the "Bell role" is "Bell, Bell, Bell" in the order of "reel 20L (left), reel 20C (center), reel 20R (right)" on the winning line.
Furthermore, the "Bell role" includes a "Common Bell role" and a "Push Order Bell role 1 to 6".
When you win the "Common Bell Role", the combination of symbols will be completed regardless of the push order. When you win any of the "Push Order Bell Roles 1 to 6 (described later)", the combination of symbols will be completed by following the push order.

The rare combination includes a cherry and a watermelon. The symbol combination of the cherry is "cherry, ANY, ANY" (where ANY is any symbol), and the symbol combination of the watermelon is "watermelon, watermelon, watermelon."
In a game in which a rare combination is won, the sub-controller 26b displays images of symbols corresponding to the rare combination or images suggesting the symbols on the display unit 17. The player performs an operation involving eye-pressing in accordance with this display, that is, stops the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R at the timing when the same symbols as those displayed on the display unit 17 and the like stop on the winning line. In response to this stopping operation, the main controller 25b stops and displays the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination.
The symbol combination for the "Chance Eye Role" is "Bell, Watermelon, Watermelon", etc.

When a combination of symbols corresponding to a "replay role" stops, a replay win is determined, and the player is able to play the next game without inserting a medal, i.e., without spending a medal.
The symbol combination corresponding to the "replay role" is "replay, replay, replay" (regular replay), etc.
The bonus role (a replay role and a bonus role overlap) includes bonus roles 1 and 2.
The symbol combination corresponding to the "bonus role 1" is "white 7, cherry, blank" and the like. The symbol combination corresponding to the "bonus role 2" is "blue 7, cherry, blank" and the like. When this symbol combination stops, the game state transitions to the bonus state. The bonus state will be described in detail later.

(Push order)
The pressing order refers to the order in which the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are operated.
In this embodiment, the winning roles associated with push orders include push order bell roles 1 to 6.
As described below, when the result of the internal lottery determination is that the push order is bell role 1 to 6 and the operation manner of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is in accordance with the push order, the main control unit 25b executes control to stop and display the patterns in the combination of "Bell Bell Bell" corresponding to the bell role.

In the AT state (described later), when "push order bell role 1 to 6" is won, the sub-controller 26b controls the display unit 17 and the speaker 19 to notify the push order. For example, if the winning role is "push order bell role 1", the push order navigations 30L, 30C, and 30R of "1", "2", and "3" are displayed in order from left to right on the display unit 17 (see FIG. 1A), and the sounds "left", "middle", and "right" are output from the speaker 19 to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 15, "15L→15C→15R".
In this way, the display unit 17 and the speaker 19 output information (specific information) relating to the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R.
In addition to or instead of the display unit 17 and the speaker 19, a lamp or the like that lights up in the order in which the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are operated may be provided.

When the player operates the stop button 15 in accordance with this navigation, the combination of symbols corresponding to the "Push Order Bell Role 1" is displayed in a stopped state, and the player is given game value (payout of a specified number of medals, transition of game state, etc.).
On the other hand, when the "Push Order Bell Role 1-6" is won, if the stop button 15 is operated without following the push order, the combination of symbols corresponding to the "Push Order Bell Role 1-6" will not be stopped. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, in the embodiment, when such an operation of missing bells is performed, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed, and one medal is paid out.

[Game Flow of Gaming Machine 10]
An example of the flow of play on the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment will be described.
The main control unit 25b of the main control board 25 and the sub-control unit 26b of the sub-control board 26 are capable of controlling the gaming machine 10 into multiple gaming states, and perform various processes in each gaming state, control of transitions between gaming states (also referred to as "transitions" in the embodiments), etc. as follows.
Unless otherwise specified below, the transition from each game state to another game state is basically after the third reel stop operation of the game in which the transition condition is satisfied. However, this is not limited to this, and the transition may be made from the next game after the transition condition is satisfied.

(RT state, bonus state)
As shown in Fig. 9(A), the game state is controlled to be transitionable between the RT0 state, the RT1 state (bonus transition waiting state), and the bonus state. Note that, although there are two RT states in this embodiment, there may be one or three or more RT states.
The RT state and the bonus state are the basic gaming states of the gaming machine 10.
RT is an abbreviation of replay time. The RT state in this embodiment has an RT0 state and an RT1 state in which the winning probability of a replay role is determined.
As shown in the internal lottery tables 31a and 32a in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the bonus roles that can be won in the RT0 state are different in the 3-BET game and the 2-BET game. That is, in the RT0 state, of the two bonus roles, only the bonus role 1 can be won in the 3-BET game, whereas only the bonus role 2 can be won in the 2-BET game.
Also, the bonus state is, for example, a gaming state in which only the common bell role is won.

At RT0, control is performed after resetting settings, clearing RAM, etc.
The state transitions from RT0 to RT1 when the bonus role 1 is won in the 3-BET game, or when the bonus role 2 is won in the 2-BET game.
For this reason, the RT1 state has two states: a state in which the bonus role 1 is internally won, and a state in which the bonus role 2 is internally won.
In the RT1 state, when the bonus role 1 is internally won, if a combination of "white 7, cherry and blank" corresponding to the bonus role 1 stops by placing 3 BETs (winning the bonus role 1), the game transitions to the bonus state 1 based on this.
On the other hand, in the RT1 state where the bonus role 2 is internally won, if a 2 BET is played and the combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus role 2, "Blue 7, Cherry, Blank", stops (Bonus role 2 is won), the game will transition to the bonus state 2 based on this.
In addition, when the bonus role 2 is internally won during the RT1 state, and the push order bell role is won during the AT state (described later), the combination of symbols corresponding to the bell role is stopped by stopping the machine according to the push order. Also, when the push order bell role is won, if the machine is stopped without following the push order, a predetermined combination of symbols corresponding to the spilled numbers is stopped and one medal is paid out.

A transition from bonus state 1 to RT0 state occurs when the end condition of bonus state 1 is met while in bonus state 1. The end condition of bonus state 1 is that the number of medals paid out exceeds 40. During bonus state 1, only the common bell role can be won in a 3-BET game. Therefore, when six 3-BET games are played, 48 medals (8 medals paid out x 6 times) are paid out, and the state transitions to RT0 state.
A transition from bonus state 2 to the RT0 state occurs when the end condition of bonus state 2 is met while in bonus state 2. The end condition of bonus state 2 is that the number of medals paid out exceeds five. While in bonus state 2, only the common bell role can be won in a 2-bet game. Therefore, when three 2-bet games are played, six medals (two medals paid out x three times) are paid out, and the state transitions to the RT0 state.

Through the above process, the gaming machine 10 is basically designed to be played in a state where the bonus role 2 is internally won during the RT1 state.
That is, even if a transition to the bonus state 1 or 2 occurs, the expectation of an increase in the number of medals acquired is low, so normally a player will not play with the aim of transitioning to the bonus state 1 or 2.
In addition, the gaming machine 10 is assumed to be prepared for operation in a state where an internal win for the bonus role 2 in the RT1 state is obtained by a store clerk or the like placing a 2 BET game while in the RT0 state before the store opens, etc. Even in this state, the player does not aim to win the bonus role 2, which is unlikely to increase the number of medals won. In addition, as described later, the gaming machine 10 is designed to progress in each stage and further transition between stages by placing a 3 BET game while in the RT1 state and placing an internal win for the bonus role 2.
Therefore, the gaming machine 10 basically has a gameplay in which, in the RT1 state, when the bonus role 2 is internally won, the bonus role 1 is not won but the player can continue playing the game.

(Normal area, advantageous area)
As shown in Fig. 9(B), the gaming area of the gaming machine 10 has a normal area and an advantageous area. Each stage shown in Fig. 9(B) will be described in detail later.
The normal section is a play section during the normal stage and the result stage. In this case, the normal stage is a play after changing the setting, after replaying the same setting, after clearing the RAM, and after the end of the AT challenge.

The advantageous zone is the normal stage after transition from the normal zone (i.e., the game state can transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone while remaining in the normal stage) or the game zone during which the player remains in the AT state after transition from the normal stage.
The condition for transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone is that a combination other than a losing combination is won during the normal zone while in the RT1 state (while the bonus combination 2 that is won during a 2-BET game is carried over). If a combination other than a losing combination is won, the zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone after the third reel of the winning game is stopped.

In the AT state, you first stay in the AT challenge, and while you are in the AT challenge, a lottery is held to transition to a pseudo bonus. If you do not win the lottery to transition to the pseudo bonus, you will transition to the normal stage, which is the normal section.

After the transition to the game state after the pseudo bonus, the game transitions to the normal stage, which is an advantageous zone, via the result stage.
Therefore, the conditions for transitioning from the advantageous zone to the normal zone are not winning the lottery for transitioning to the pseudo bonus while in the AT challenge, or transitioning to the game state after the pseudo bonus and then transitioning to the result stage.
In addition, even if the player does not win the lottery for transitioning from the AT challenge to the pseudo bonus, the player may transition to the normal stage, which is an advantageous zone, by passing through a stage similar to the result stage, etc.

(Game-related counter)
As shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 25b counts the game results and stores the following counter information in the counter table 33.
Counter A1: Count value of the number of games played during the favorable zone Counter B1: Count value of the number of coins won (difference in number of coins) during the favorable zone Counter A2: Count value of the number of games played during 3-bet play during the favorable zone Counter B2: Count value of the number of coins won (difference in number of coins) during 3-bet play during the favorable zone

That is, the counters A1 and B1 are counters related to the favorable zone limiter (the upper limit number of games in the favorable zone). When the value indicated by the counter A1 reaches 1500 or the value indicated by the counter B1 reaches 2400, the main control unit 25b forcibly ends the favorable zone.
The counters A2 and B2 are counters for game information related to a 3-BET game. When the value indicated by the counter A2 reaches 1460 or the value indicated by the counter B2 reaches 2220, the main control unit 25b transitions to ending B.
The number of games played during Ending B is 31G, and the maximum number of coins won is 155. Therefore, if a 3-BET game is played during the advantageous zone, the advantageous zone ends before the advantageous zone limiter is reached. The gaming machine 10 is designed to allow the game to proceed with such 3-BET games.

Although detailed explanation is omitted, the gaming machine 10 is equipped with multiple types of counters that are updated as the game progresses (counters that manage the number of games played in the AT stage (described later), counters that manage the difference in number of coins in the difference number management stage, and counters that manage the number of STs (described later), etc.). These counters are updated when a 3-BET game is played, but are controlled not to be updated when a 2-BET game is played. In this way, the gaming machine 10 prevents AT-related games from progressing with fewer coins than bets.

(Non-AT state, AT state)
AT is an abbreviation of assist time. In the AT state, when the push order bell role 1 to 6 is won, the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is notified, and the winning of the push order bell role is assisted. Therefore, in the AT state, the ball output speed is faster than in the non-AT state.
In the non-AT state, the order of pressing the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is not announced even if the lottery result of each game is the push order bell role 1 to 6. Therefore, it is basically difficult for the player to stop and display the combination of symbols corresponding to the push order bell role.
For this reason, the playability of the gaming machine 10 is basically such that the player can increase the number of balls dispensed by staying in the AT state for a long period of time.

(Details of each stage)
Each stage will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
In the embodiment, the characters used in the game effects are referred to simply as "characters" (for example, a support character is referred to as a "support character"), and the number of games is referred to as "G".
Here, the main control unit 25b can independently control the transition between the normal zone and the advantageous zone, the transition between the RT0 state, the RT1 state, and the bonus state, and the transition between the stages shown in Fig. 10. However, as described above, the game in this embodiment is basically played in the RT1 state, so the game in each stage is basically played while staying in the RT1 state.

As shown in FIG. 10, the game state is broadly divided into a normal stage, an AT stage, and a result stage.
The normal stage and result stage are controlled as non-AT. Therefore, while staying in these stages, it is difficult for the player to increase the number of medals he/she has acquired. Also, since the normal stage is stayed in until it transitions to the AT challenge, the longer the player stays in the normal stage, the longer the period during which it is difficult to increase medals, which is disadvantageous for the player.

The AT stage is further divided into many stages. Of these stages, only the battle stage is partially controlled by the AT, and the other stages are controlled by the AT. Therefore, while staying in the AT stage, medals tend to increase, which is advantageous for the player.
Therefore, the player will play the game aiming to transition from the normal stage to the AT stage, and also aiming to stay in the AT stage for as long as possible after the transition.
In addition, the process related to the game progress of each AT stage (for example, the lottery process for acquiring a support character, the lottery for adding the difference number, etc.) is executed only in the 3 BET game. Therefore, the gaming machine 10 can encourage the player to play the game in the 3 BET game.

The transition control of the game state is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 10, and may be modified as appropriate.
(Normal stage)
The normal stage is played for a predetermined number of cycle games (for example, any of 30 to 70 G) as one cycle.
During the normal stage, after the transition to the advantageous zone, the game basically proceeds in the order of "1st cycle → cycle judge → 2nd cycle → cycle judge ... → 10th cycle → cycle judge." As shown in FIG. 11(A), the display unit 17 displays information about the cycle.
The transition from the normal stage to the AT challenge is made when one of the following three conditions is met:
・Winning the AT lottery ・Reaching the 10th cycle judgment ・The number of games consumed in the advantageous zone in 3-BET play (counter A2 count value) reaches 700G

We will now explain the AT lottery.
The AT lottery is executed after the end of each period. The more points (Pt) accumulated during each period and the higher the setting, the higher the probability of winning the AT lottery. It is not necessary to provide a difference in the setting for the probability of winning. As shown in FIG. 11 (A), the display unit 17 displays information regarding the acquired Pt.
After each cycle ends, the cycle judgment effect is executed for a predetermined number of games (for example, 10G). The result of the AT lottery is displayed on the display unit 17 in the final game of the cycle judgment effect.

Pt is awarded to the player (i.e., stored in the memory unit) as follows.
During each period of the normal stage, a lottery is held to transition to the Pt specialized zone when a rare role is won (which may include the winning of a chance role, etc.). If this transition lottery is won, the game state transitions to the Pt specialized zone. Pt is awarded to the player during play in the Pt specialized zone, for example, each time a rare role is won. The Pt specialized zone continues for a predetermined number of games (e.g., 5G), and after the Pt specialized zone ends, the state returns to the state before the transition to the Pt specialized zone.
It should be noted that the number of periodic games is not subtracted while in the Pt specialization zone, but it may be subtracted.

(Common Stock)
During the normal stage, the main control unit 25b executes a common stock lottery at the start of each cycle. The winning probability is a constant probability (e.g., 10%) for all cycles, but is not limited to this. For example, the common stock lottery may be won with a 30% probability in a specific cycle (e.g., the fifth cycle), and with a 10% probability in other cycles. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the display unit 17 displays information on the presence or absence of a common stock.
If the common stock is not consumed, it will be carried over to the next stage (i.e., across game states).

During the normal stage, the common stock is consumed if the periodic judgement fails (i.e., at the end of the final game of the periodic judgement of the period in which the AT lottery was not won). By consuming the common stock, the Pt acquired in the current period is carried over to the next period. Therefore, the probability of success in the periodic judgement of the next period (i.e., the probability of winning the AT lottery) is improved compared to the previous period.
In addition, if the periodic judgment is successful without consuming the common stock, the common stock will be carried over to the AT challenge and thereafter, and will be consumed in the AT challenge or converted into a different type of stock, such as a revived character (described below).
The form of managing the common stock is not limited, and for example, both the main control board 25 and the sub-control board 26 may convert the type of the common stock. Also, the main control board 25 may manage the number of owned common stocks, and the sub-control board 26 may convert the type of the common stock (i.e., convert the name of the common stock, control how it is used, etc.).

In this way, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment can carry over the common stock (right) acquired in the normal stage to the subsequent stage, so that it is possible to prevent the stock from disappearing based on the stage transition, and to prevent a decline in interest. In addition, the gaming machine 10 can consume the carried-over stock in other game states (AT challenge, battle stage, etc., described later), so that it is possible to improve interest.
In contrast, in conventional gaming machines, stocks disappear when the game state changes, which can reduce interest.

(AT Challenge)
The AT Challenge is a transition from the normal stage and continues for 15G. As described later, the AT Challenge may be executed again by consuming the common stock. As shown in FIG. 11B, the display unit 17 displays information on the presence or absence of the common stock.
By transitioning from the normal stage to the AT challenge, the player is controlled to the AT state while remaining in the AT challenge.
When transitioning to the AT challenge, the reels 20 are controlled so that an automatic stop of "BAR, BAR, BAR" occurs in the game following the ending game of the normal stage (not shown).
The destination of the transition from the AT Challenge is either the normal stage, pseudo bonus A, or pseudo bonus B.

The main control unit 25b executes a lottery for transition to pseudo bonuses A and B at the start of the AT challenge (at the first lever operation after transition to the AT challenge).
If the player does not win the transition lottery, the game will move to the normal stage after 15 games.
On the other hand, if the player wins this transition lottery, the game will transition to the pseudo bonus A or B after 15 games. Furthermore, if the transition to the pseudo bonus A or B is confirmed, the game state will basically be confirmed to transition to the battle stage, so the game will remain in the AT state for a long period of time. For this reason, in order to win a large number of medals, the player will first play the game with the aim of winning the transition lottery to the pseudo bonus A or B.

The probability of winning the lottery for transitioning to pseudo bonus A or B increases the higher the setting, for example, 35% for settings 1 and 2, 40% for setting 3, 45% for settings 4 and 5, and 50% for setting 6. When a pseudo bonus is won, there is an 80% chance of transitioning to pseudo bonus A, and the remaining 20% chance of transitioning to pseudo bonus B, but other transition rates are also possible.

As shown in FIG. 11(B), during the AT challenge, the pseudo bonus transition expectation level is displayed on the display unit 17 to create a sense of anticipation for the pseudo bonus. The main control unit 25b controls the pseudo bonus transition expectation level so that it is more likely to be higher when the pseudo bonus is won than when it is not won.

In addition, even if the result of the transition lottery at the start of the AT challenge is a non-win, an overwrite lottery will be executed while the player is in the AT challenge based on the winning of a rare role. In other words, even if the result of the transition lottery at the start of the AT challenge is a non-win, if the overwrite lottery during the player's stay in the AT challenge is won, the lottery result will be overwritten from a non-win to a win. For this reason, the player can always play with a sense of anticipation while the player is in the AT challenge.

If there is no transition to the pseudo bonus at the end of the AT challenge and a common stock is held (i.e., if a common stock is stored in the memory unit), the main control unit 25b executes the pseudo bonus transition lottery again. The main control unit 25b then notifies the player of the lottery results by executing one set of AT challenge. In other words, if there is no transition to the pseudo bonus and there is a common stock, the main control unit 25b executes the AT challenge again.

In addition, the main control unit 25b makes the winning probability of the transition lottery to the pseudo bonuses A and B at the start of the AT challenge higher when the common stock is consumed and the AT challenge is executed again than when the transition to the AT challenge is made via the periodic judgement during the normal stage stay. For example, the winning probability when the common stock is consumed is 55% for setting 1, 60% for setting 3, 65% for settings 4 and 5, and 70% for setting 6. However, the winning probability is not limited to this, and may be the same for both, for example.
In this way, the common stocks acquired in the normal stage are carried over to the AT challenge and consumed in a manner advantageous to the player.
If the player wins the lottery for moving to the pseudo bonus without consuming the common stock, the common stock will be carried over from the AT challenge to the battle stage described below. In this case, the common stock will be converted into the form of a revival character, which is one of the support characters. The details of the support character will be described later.

(Pseudo Bonus A)
The pseudo bonus A is a stage consisting of one set of 4G. During the pseudo bonus A stay, there is a chance to add the difference in the number of coins in the difference number management AT stage described later.
The transition destination from pseudo bonus A is the episode stage.

As mentioned above, a transition to Pseudo Bonus A occurs when Pseudo Bonus A is won in the AT Challenge. When Pseudo Bonus A is won, the reels 20 are controlled so that an automatic stop of "Blue 7, Blue 7, Blue 7" occurs in the game following the end game of the AT Challenge (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 12(A) and other figures, when the player owns a revived character, the display unit 17 displays the ownership information.
In the games following the S7 matching game, the display unit 17 continues to display the standby screen until the push order bell role is won. In the games in which the push order bell role is won, the player can select the lottery method for the number of continuous sets of the pseudo bonus A by operating the stop button 15 as follows.

(Push order navigation for pseudo bonus A)
The method for drawing lots for the number of continuing sets will be explained.
The set number lottery table 34 shown in FIG. 6 is a table for determining the number of sets during the pseudo bonus A stay.
The set number selection table 34 stores the number of sets, a stable winning probability, and a turbulent winning probability in association with each other.
The number of sets is set to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 16, or 32 sets.
The highest stable probability of winning is for set numbers 2 and 3, at 84/256 each. Next are set numbers 3 and 4, at 34/256 each. The highest set numbers, 16 and 32, have the lowest probability of winning, at 1/256 each. The lowest set number, 1 set, has a relatively low probability of winning, at 10/256. In this way, the stable probability of winning is set so that while a large number of sets and the minimum number of sets make it difficult to win, set numbers 2 to 5 provide a stable chance of winning.

The highest probability of winning for a turbulent lottery is 1 set, which is the minimum number of sets, and is 230/256, which is extremely high. The lowest probability of winning for a turbulent lottery is 16 or 32 set numbers, which are 13/256, but these are still significantly higher than the probability of winning for a stable lottery (1/256). There is no winning probability for any other set number (0/256 winning probability). In this way, the probability of winning for a turbulent lottery is set so that a larger number of sets makes it easier to win than a stable lottery, but if you do not win, only set number 1 will be a winning probability, and this probability is extremely high.

Therefore, if the player selects "Stable," the number of sets in the pseudo bonus A is determined based on an allocation rate that makes it more likely that two or more sets will be selected, but less likely that 16 or more sets will be selected. On the other hand, if the player selects "Unpredictable," the number of sets in the pseudo bonus A is determined based on an allocation rate that makes it more likely that one set will be selected, but more likely that 16 or more sets will be selected than in "Stable."

The push order display pattern table 35 shown in FIG. 6 stores the push order bell role type, push order display pattern, payout number, and lottery method ("stable", "turbulent") in association with each other.
The push order display pattern is the display mode of the push order navigations 30L, 30C, and 30R on the display unit 17 when the push order bell role is won. The push order display pattern displays only the operation order of the first stop button of the winning push order bell role, and the remaining two second and third stop buttons are set to display "stable" and "turbulent" from left to right, regardless of the operation order.
That is, when the first stop button for the push order bell role is stop button 15L (left) (i.e., "left → center → right" or "left → right → center"), the push order display pattern is "1/stable/turbulent". When the first stop button for the push order bell role is stop button 15C (center) (i.e., "center → left → right" or "center → right → left"), the push order display pattern is "stable/1/turbulent". When the first stop button for the push order bell role is stop button 15R (right) (i.e., "right → left → center" or "right → center → left"), the push order display pattern is "stable/turbulent/1".

As shown in Figures 12 (B) and 12 (C), when the push order bell role is won, the control units 25b and 26b display a push order notification screen and then display a selection operation acceptance screen on the display unit 17.
The push order notification screen displays a push order display pattern based on the push order display pattern table 35. That is, the push order notification screen displays the foreground navigation 51 (51a, 51b, 51c). The term "foreground" is used to distinguish the foreground navigation 51 from the background navigation 52 described later.
The foreground navigation 51 includes a push order navigation 51a for the first stop button, and selection navigations 51b, 51c for navigating the selection of the lottery method "stable" or "turbulent." That is, the characters "1, stable, turbulent" are displayed in the foreground navigations 51a, 51b, 51c, respectively.

The selection operation acceptance screen is displayed in response to the first stop button being operated in accordance with the push order navigation 51a when the push order notification screen is displayed.
In addition, in this scene, if the first stop button is not operated in accordance with the push order navigation 51a (i.e., if the stop button corresponding to the "stable" or "turbulent" navigation is operated first), all of the foreground navigations 51a, 51b, and 51c will disappear.
The selection operation reception screen displays background navigation 52 (52a, 52b, 52c). The background navigation 52 is a part of three large areas arranged in the left-right direction. The appearance of the background navigation 52a, 52b, 52c is the same regardless of the type of push order bell role (see Figure 12 (C), Figure 13 (B), Figure 13 (D)).

The background navigation 52a (operation instruction area) is an area including an area where the push order navigation for the first stop button was displayed on the push order notification screen. For convenience, the background navigation 52a is called "navigation", but the background navigation 52a is an area that displays information such as "Select with the button!" to encourage the player to select "Stable" or "Unpredictable" as the lottery method by operating the stop button 15.
The background navigation 52b is a background area of the foreground navigation 51b, that is, an area surrounding the display area of the foreground navigation 51b. The background navigation 52b has a red background, and the character "stable" is further displayed within the background.
The background navigation 52c is a background area of the foreground navigation 51c, that is, an area surrounding the display area of the foreground navigation 51c. The background navigation 52c has a blue background, and the character "haran" is further displayed within the background.

Therefore, the arrangement of "Stable" and "Turmoil" on the selection operation acceptance screen can also be distinguished by the color of the background navigation 52b, 52c. Also, as mentioned above, the arrangement of "Stable" and "Turmoil" is always from left to right, regardless of the winning push order bell role. This allows the gaming machine 10 to prevent players from making incorrect selection operations (i.e., mistakenly selecting the lottery methods "Stable" and "Turmoil").

If the player wants to select stability in the scene of Figure 12 (C), he or she can operate the stop button 15C when operating to stop the second reel, whereas if the player wants to select turbulence, he or she can operate the stop button 15R.
Then, when operating to stop the third reel, the player need only operate the remaining stop buttons.

In addition, when the second reel is stopped (when the control unit detects the operation information of the reel stop operation), the remaining navigation disappears. For example, in the scene of Fig. 12 (C), when the stop button corresponding to stability is operated, the display unit 17 disappears the navigations 51b and 52b (one of the navigations) corresponding to stability, and at the same time, disappears the navigations 51c and 52c (the other navigations) corresponding to turbulence.
However, without being limited thereto, for example, the display unit 17 may continue to display one navigation after a stop operation of a stop button corresponding to the other navigation.
In addition, when a stop button corresponding to one of the navigation systems is operated to stop, the display unit 17 may change the display content of the other navigation system to that of the one navigation system and continue to display it. That is, for example, in the scene of Fig. 12(C), when a stop button corresponding to stability is operated to stop, the display unit 17 may switch the display content of the navigation systems 51c and 52c (the other navigation system) corresponding to turbulence to that of the navigation systems 51b and 52b (one navigation system) corresponding to stability.

The main control unit 25b can determine whether “stable” or “turbulent” has been selected by referring to the push order display pattern table 35, based on the type of push order bell role and the number of coins paid out in the winning game of that push order bell role.
That is, in the example of Figure 12 (C), if the winning role is a bell role with the correct push order of "left → center → right", and the result of the stopping operation is the payout of 8 coins, it can be determined that the player performed the stopping operation in the order of "left → center (stable) → right", while on the other hand, if the result is the payout of 1 coin, it can be determined that the player performed the stopping operation in the order of "left → right (turbulent) → center".
In addition, the main control unit 25b can also determine whether "stable" or "turbulent" has been selected regardless of the number of coins paid out. In other words, the main control unit 25b may make a determination based on the type of push order bell role and the operation button at the time of the second reel stop operation by referring to the push order display pattern table 35.

Whether a player chooses "stable" or "turbulent" may vary from player to player depending on the player's personality, preferences, etc. In other words, the options may be biased, with one player only choosing "stable" and another player only choosing "turbulent." In such a case, if the number of coins paid out varies depending on the option, it will be unfair between players. In this regard, since the probability of winning the push order bell role is the same for "left → center → right" and "left → right → center" (see internal lottery table 31a in Figure 4), when "1, stable, turbulent" is displayed, the probability of paying out one coin is the same as the probability of paying out eight coins, even if the options are biased to one side. As a result, there is no difference in the number of coins paid out between players.

Figures 13(A) and 13(B) are examples of the display screen when the first stop button for the push order bell role is the center stop button 15C, and Figures 13(C) and 13(D) are examples of the display screen when the first stop button for the push order bell role is the right stop button 15R. In these cases, the control units 25b and 26b can process in the same way as the examples in Figures 12(B) and 12(C).

(Navigation when power goes out during pseudo bonus A stay)
Incidentally, during a game, a power outage (stopping of the power supply to the gaming machine 10) may occur unexpectedly by the player.
If a power outage occurs during a game in which the player is in pseudo bonus A and the selection operation for "stable" or "turbulent" is performed (i.e., the game in which the push order bell role is first won after the transition to pseudo bonus A), the gaming machine 10 performs the following control.
Figures 14(A) to 14(C) are diagrams explaining the transition of the display screen when a power outage occurs after the first reel stopping operation wins the push order bell role, which is the stop button 15L, and before the first reel is stopped.
14(A) and 14(B), if a power outage occurs before the first reel is stopped, the main control unit 25b backs up (stores) information at the time of the power outage (such as the fact that the winning combination is a push order bell combination, and that the stop operation state is before the first reel is stopped) in the memory unit 25a. The power required for the backup is supplied from a backup power source (not shown) such as a capacitor.

As shown in Fig. 14(C), after power is restored, the main control unit 25b reads out information at the time of power failure from the storage unit 25a and refers to the push order display pattern table 35. In the example of Fig. 14(A) to Fig. 14(C), since the power failure occurred before the first reel was stopped, the main control unit 25b transmits information on the push order display pattern of the three stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R at the time of power failure, "1/Stable/Unsettled", to the sub-control unit 26b.
Based on the information received from the main control unit 25b, the sub-control unit 26b displays on the display unit 17 the foreground navigations 51a, 51b, and 51c that reflect the winning combination and the stop operation state at the time of the power failure. In this case, the display unit 17 displays the push order navigation 51a for the first reel stop operation and the selection navigations 51b and 51c (stable, turbulent) as stop button navigation, but does not display the background navigations 52a, 52b, and 52c. Moreover, instead of the background navigations 52a, 52b, and 52c, the display unit 17 displays text display, characters, etc., such as "play the game" to encourage the restart of the game, and performs a different performance from normal times.

In addition, Figures 14 (D) to 14 (F) are figures that explain the transition of the display unit 17 when a power outage occurs after the push order bell role is won, after the first reel is stopped (after the control unit detects the operation information of the reel stop operation) and before the second reel is stopped.
As shown in Figures 14(D) and 14(E), in this case, as in the above case, the main control unit 25b backs up information at the time of power outage (such as that the winning role is a push order bell role, that the stopping operation state is that the first reel has been stopped and before the second reel has been stopped) in the memory unit 25a.

As shown in Fig. 14(F), even after power is restored, the main control unit 25b reads out the information at the time of power failure from the memory unit 25a and refers to the push order display pattern table 35 in the same manner as described above. However, in the examples of Fig. 14(D) to Fig. 14(F), the first reel is stopped when the power failure occurs, and the state is before the second reel is stopped. Therefore, the main control unit 25b transmits to the sub-control unit 26b the push order display pattern information "none (operated)/stable/turbulent", which is obtained by deleting the push order navigation information for the first stop button from the push order display pattern information "1/stable/turbulent".
As shown in FIG. 14(F), the sub-controller 26b displays the selection navigations 51b and 51c of "none (operated)/stable/turbulent" reflecting the winning combination and the stop operation state at the time of the power failure on the display unit 17 based on the information received from the main controller 25b. However, even in this case, the display unit 17 displays the selection navigations 51b and 51c (stable, turbulent) as navigation of the stop button, but does not display the background navigations 52a, 52b, and 52c. Moreover, instead of the background navigations 52a, 52b, and 52c, the display unit 17 displays text display, characters, etc., such as "play the game" to encourage the restart of the game, and performs a different performance from normal times. The background image is the same as that in FIG. 14(C).

Although not shown in the figures, when the power is cut off during the pseudo bonus A period, the gaming machine 10 also performs navigation and presentation corresponding to other winning roles other than the push order bell role.
In addition, when a power outage occurs, the display mode of the remaining navigation after the first reel stop operation or the second reel stop operation can be controlled in the same manner as the display mode during normal times described above.

By carrying out the above control, when a power outage occurs while the lottery methods "stable" and "turbulent" are selectable, the gaming machine 10 can perform an effect that reflects the game before the power outage when the power is restored. In other words, since the display unit 17 displays the foreground navigation 51, even if a power outage occurs before a selection operation, the player can select a lottery method after the power is restored. As a result, even if a power outage occurs during the progress of a game involving navigation, the gaming machine 10 takes over the game situation at the time of the power outage after the power is restored, so that the game before the power outage and the game after the power is restored can be played as a series. As a result, the gaming machine 10 can prevent a decrease in interest due to a power outage.
In addition, the display unit 17 displays different background images when a power outage does not occur and when a power outage does occur, so that the player can be notified that a power outage has occurred and that the game is to begin after the power has been restored.

In contrast, conventional gaming machines were unable to provide navigation that reflected the game situation at the time of the power outage after the power was restored. This meant that there was no continuity between the game before the power outage and the game after the power was restored, which could reduce the interest in the game.

The above-mentioned navigation method that reflects the game status at the time of the power outage is just an example. As long as a similar navigation can be performed, the method is not limited.
For example, the push order display pattern table 35 in Figure 6 and the operation state at the time of power outage are stored in the memory unit 26a of the sub-control board 26, and when power is restored, the main control unit 25b transmits information indicating the winning role, information indicating the currently changing reel, and information indicating that the state is for selecting a lottery method to the sub-control unit 26b, and the sub-control unit 26b can use this information to navigate after power is restored in a manner that reflects the game status in the same manner as described above.
The form of the foreground navigation 51 and background navigation 52 when power is restored may be changed as appropriate, for example, the sub-controller 26b may store the background navigation 52 when power is restored in the memory 26a, and display the background navigation 52 indicating "stable" and "turbulent" when power is restored. Furthermore, the display unit 17 may display at least one of the foreground navigation 51 and the background navigation 52 as an image dedicated to when power is restored when power is restored, allowing the selection of the lottery methods "stable" and "turbulent".

The gaming machine 10 may be configured without the function for when power is restored after a power outage, and even in this configuration, during normal times when no power outage has occurred, the above-mentioned actions and effects can be achieved with regard to the selection of the "Stable" or "Unsettled" lottery methods.

(Increase in the difference in number of coins during the pseudo bonus A stay)
During the pseudo bonus A period, from the game following the game in which the push order bell role was won, a lottery for adding the difference in the number of coins during the difference number management AT stage to which the player will move later is executed based on the lottery method (stable or turbulent) selected by the player. The lottery for adding the difference is executed every game. This allows the player to increase the difference in the number of coins during the difference number management AT stage to which the player will move after the pseudo bonus A while during the pseudo bonus A period.

In the embodiment, the number of added difference sheets is added with a winning probability of 10 sheets at 78%, 20 sheets at 16%, and 30 sheets at 6% when a combination other than a rare combination is won, and with a winning probability of 20 sheets at 70%, 30 sheets at 15%, 50 sheets at 10%, and 100 sheets at 5% when a combination is won, but is not limited to this. Note that the specification may be such that no addition is made as a result of the addition lottery.
In the pseudo bonus A, the presentation style differs depending on the type of lottery method ("stable" or "turbulent").

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the presentation of the "stable" selection method.
Since the pseudo bonus A game lasts for 4 games per set, the presentation of the "stable" lottery method is controlled so that the presentation may be different between the first to third games in one set and the fourth game.
15A, during the pseudo bonus A, the display unit 17 displays a dog character in the center in response to the lever operation for each game. To the left of the dog character, a number "+10 coins" is displayed, which indicates the number of coins added to the difference, and to the right of the dog character, the word "Continue" is displayed, which indicates the continuation.
As shown in Figures 15(B) and 15(C), in the first to third games of one set, a presentation in which the difference number is selected is executed in response to the third reel stopping operation. Note that this example is an example in which an additional 10G is won as a result of a lottery.

As shown in Figures 15(D) and 15(E), in the fourth game of a set, if pseudo bonus A continues, a presentation indicating that pseudo bonus A will continue is selected and that presentation is executed. On the other hand, if pseudo bonus A does not continue because all sets have been played, a presentation in which the difference in number of coins is selected (Figures 15(B) and 15(C)) is executed, even in the fourth game.

In addition, even if the pseudo bonus A continues (i.e., continues to the next set), the lottery for adding the difference in the number of coins is performed, but the effect of selecting "continue" takes precedence. Therefore, in the effect of selecting the difference in the number of coins for the first game of the next set, the add-on number for the first game of the next set and the add-on number for the game that displayed "continue" are added together and displayed.
For example, if the result of the lottery for adding the difference in the number of coins in the fourth game of one set is "+10 coins" and the pseudo bonus A continues, the effect of "difference in the number of coins +10 coins" is not executed in the fourth game, but the effect of "continuation" is executed. Then, if the result of the lottery for adding the difference in the number of coins in the first game of the next set is "+20 coins", an effect is executed suggesting the addition of "+30 coins", which is the sum of this "+20 coins" and the "+10 coins" in the fourth game.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the presentation of the lottery method "turbulence."
As shown in Fig. 16(A) and Fig. 16(B), when the selected lottery method is "Turmoil", the display unit 17 displays a clown character inflating a balloon (a role-playing device) in response to the lever operation for each game. The difference in number of coins to be added is displayed inside the balloon. Then, as shown in Fig. 16(C), after the third reel is stopped, the display unit 17 displays an image indicating that the difference in number of coins to be added has been determined.
16(D) and 16(E), the display unit 17 executes an effect to determine whether or not the pseudo bonus A will continue only in the first set and the 16th set. If the pseudo bonus A will continue, the display unit 17 notifies the user that the pseudo bonus A will continue by executing an effect to display an exploding balloon. On the other hand, if the pseudo bonus A will not continue, the display unit 17 executes an effect to display a balloon deflating after displaying the screen of FIG. 16(D) (not shown).
In addition, in the "turbulent" lottery method, the display unit 17 may execute the effect (FIG. 16(D) and FIG. 16(E)) indicating whether or not to continue when another set has been completed, or may execute it every game.

(Pseudo Bonus B)
The pseudo bonus B is entered when the pseudo bonus B is won in the AT challenge.
The transition destination from pseudo bonus B is the episode stage.
The number of times that the pseudo bonus B is played is a fixed number of 20G, and after the completion of these 20G, the game moves to the episode stage.
When pseudo bonus B is won, the reel 20 is controlled so that an automatic stop of a double line of "white 7, white 7, white 7" occurs in the game following the ending game of the AT challenge (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 7, when a bell role or a rare role is won, the main control unit 25b executes a lottery to acquire a support character or the right to move to a character acquisition specialized zone based on the winning probability specified in the character acquisition lottery table 36a.
This allows the player to stock support characters and the right to move to a character acquisition specialized zone while in pseudo bonus B.
As shown in Fig. 17(A), the display unit 17 displays information (type, number, etc.) on the support characters and character acquisition specialized zone transition rights owned by the player. Note that the display unit 17 continues to display this information until the battle stage is reached (see Fig. 17(C), Fig. 17(D), etc.).

Support characters are consumed in the battle stage, which will be described later. The more support characters stocked in the battle stage, the more advantageous it is for the player (the action of each support character in the battle stage will be described later). In addition, the right to move to the character acquisition specialized zone, as will be described later, is the right to move from the difference number management AT stage to the character acquisition specialized zone. Support characters can be stocked even after moving to the character acquisition specialized zone.
Therefore, by stocking up on support characters and stocking up on the right to move to the character acquisition specialized zone while in pseudo bonus B, the player will be at an advantage after moving to the battle stage.

(Episode Stage)
First, the production of the episode stage will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 18 (A), when the pseudo bonus A or the pseudo bonus B ends, that is, after the third reel is stopped in the ending game of each pseudo bonus A or B, the display unit 17 displays the first EP selection screen.
There are eight different episode stage presentations (EP1 to EP8), each with different presentations (display content on the display unit 17, story, background music, etc.).
The first EP selection screen displays selection buttons for EP1 to 8, and the selection of EP1 to 8 is switched by moving the cursor each time the performance button 14 is operated. Then, the sub-control unit 26b sets the selected EP as the first EP in response to the lever operation.
When the sub-control unit 26b moves to the episode stage from the next time onwards, it executes other EPs in a predetermined order. In this embodiment, starting from the first EP, each time the sub-control unit moves to an EP from the next time onwards, it executes EPs with successively larger numbers, i.e., EP1 followed by EP2, and so on. Then, when EP8 is reached, it returns to EP1 and executes the next EP.

As shown in Fig. 18(B), for example, when EP1 is selected on the first EP selection screen, EP1 is executed as the first EP, and when the next or subsequent EPs are selected, they are executed in the order of "EP2 → EP3 → ... → EP8." Also, as shown in Fig. 18(C), when EP6 is selected on the first EP selection screen, EP6 is executed as the first episode stage, and when the next or subsequent episode stages are selected, they are executed in the order of "EP7 → EP8 → EP1 → ... → EP5."
In this way, the gaming machine 10 can freely select an EP when the first pseudo bonus ends. Therefore, the player can reliably see all eight EPs by transitioning to the EP eight times after transitioning to the AT stage (i.e., winning the battle stage seven times). In addition, since the player can select the first EP, even if the AT stage does not continue, the player can reliably see all EPs by winning the AT challenge eight times.

In contrast, EPs on conventional gaming machines were only executed in predetermined patterns, and players could not see all EPs unless, for example, the AT stage or the like was continued many times. Furthermore, with conventional gaming machines, even if a player won the transition lottery for the AT stage or the like many times (for example, the number of types of effects), he or she could not enjoy all types of EP effects.

The gameplay in the episode stage will now be described.
The episode stage is an AT with a fixed number of 16G.
The transition stage from the episode stage is to the difference number management AT stage.
During the episode stage, the main control unit 25b executes a lottery for adding a support character by referring to the acquired character lottery table 36b in Fig. 7 in response to winning the bell role or rare role. Therefore, during the episode stage, the player has a chance to acquire a support character. When the main control unit 25b wins the lottery for adding a support character, it updates the information on the number of stocks of the support character in the memory unit 25a, and also updates the display related to the support character on the display unit 17 (see Fig. 17(B)).
Furthermore, the main control unit 25b grants a support character (such as a preemptive attack character) when the end game of the first episode stage is executed, but does not grant a support character even when the end game is executed in the second or subsequent episode stages. Therefore, the first episode stage can give the player a greater sense of expectation of victory after the transition to the battle stage than the second or subsequent episode stages.
It should be noted that the main control unit 25b may conduct a lottery for adding support characters not only in the first episode stage, but also in the end game of some or all episode stages from the second time onwards.
Furthermore, the support character granted at the end of the first episode stage is not limited to a preemptive attack character, but may be another support character.

(Difference number management AT stage)
The difference number management AT stage is an AT managed by the difference number.
The difference number management AT continues until the remaining difference number reaches 0. Then, when the remaining difference number managed by the difference number management AT becomes 0, the game state shifts to a battle stage from the game next to the game in which the remaining difference number becomes 0.
The main control unit 25b executes subtraction of the remaining difference number only in a 3 BET game, and does not execute subtraction in a 2 BET game, etc. Therefore, the number of medals acquired in a 2 BET game during the difference number management AT stage does not contribute to the transition to the battle stage.

The initial difference in number for the first set in the difference number management AT stage is fixed at 100, and the initial difference in number for the second set and onwards is determined by lottery in the results announcement stage, which will be described later. The difference in number managed in the difference number management AT stage is the sum of these initial difference numbers and the difference number acquired in the pseudo bonus.

Since the difference number management AT stage is managed by the difference number, when a role with a payout number greater than the number of BETs is won, the remaining difference number decreases, whereas when a role with a payout number less than the number of BETs is won, the remaining difference number increases.
For example, when the remaining difference in number of coins is 100, if a 3-BET game is played and a symbol corresponding to a bell role with a payout of 8 (a role with a payout number greater than the BET number) is stopped and displayed, the difference in number of coins, 5, is subtracted and the remaining difference in number of coins becomes 95. On the other hand, if a 3-BET game is played and a symbol corresponding to a watermelon role with a payout of 1 (a role with a payout number less than the BET number) is stopped and displayed, the difference in number of coins, 2, is added and the remaining difference in number of coins becomes 102.
When a winning combination is missed, the main control unit 25b subtracts the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination from the managed difference number, but may not subtract the payout amount.

In addition, when the remaining difference number increases due to winning a combination with a payout number smaller than the number of bets, an upper limit may be set to the increase, or it may not be set. When an upper limit is set to the difference number, for example, the upper limit may be set to the difference number at the start of the episode stage.
In the embodiment, while in the difference number management AT stage, only a lottery for transition to a character acquisition specialized zone (for example, a 20% chance of winning a rare role) is executed, and a lottery for adding the difference number is not executed, but this is not limited to this, and a lottery for adding the difference number may be executed.
In addition, while in the difference number management AT stage, the right to move to a character acquisition specialized zone may be drawn by lottery, similar to pseudo bonus B.

In addition, if the episode stage ends while possessing the right to move to the character acquisition specialized zone acquired with the pseudo bonus B, the player may move directly to the character acquisition specialized zone from the game following the ending game of the episode stage without playing the game of the difference number management AT stage. In this case, after operating the lever for the game following the ending game of the episode stage, the display unit 17 may display the display screen for the difference number management AT stage and a premonition screen indicating a move to the character acquisition specialized zone, and then display the display screen for the character acquisition specialized zone.

(Character acquisition special zone)
The character acquisition specialized zone is an AT to which the player transitions from the difference number management AT stage. The character acquisition specialized zone is a specialized zone in which the player has a high probability of acquiring a support character.
In the embodiment, while the player is in the character acquisition specialized zone, the update of the difference in the number of coins during the difference in the number of coins management AT stage is stopped, but it may be updated.
During the stay in the character acquisition specialized zone, the main control unit 25b executes a lottery for adding a support character by referring to an acquisition character lottery table 36c shown in Fig. 7 in response to the lever operation of each game. If the main control unit 25b wins the lottery for adding a support character, it updates the information on the stock number of support characters in the memory unit 25a, and also updates the display related to the support character on the display unit 17 (see Fig. 17(D)).
The character acquisition specialized zone lasts for 5G per set. The main control unit 25b executes a continuation lottery (with a winning probability of, for example, 5%) at the end of one set, and if the lottery is won, the game continues for another set.
If the character acquisition specialization zone does not continue and the 5G game in the character acquisition specialization zone ends, the game state returns to the difference number management AT stage.

The number of games in one set is not limited to 5G, and may be determined from a number of different game numbers by lottery or the like.
In addition, the timing of the continuation selection is not limited to the end of one set. Furthermore, for example, like the pseudo bonus A, the number of sets to be executed may be determined by referring to the set number selection table 34 as shown in FIG. 6 according to the lever operation of the first game of the first set.

(Battle Stage)
The battle stage is a game state which transitions from the episode stage, and is partially controlled by the AT.
A game that is partially controlled by AT occurs when you own a bell character and win the push order bell role.
The battle stage ends when the player's characters C1 to C4 are defeated by the enemy character E without being annihilated, or when the player's characters C1 to C4 are defeated by the enemy character E by being annihilated.
In the battle stage, when the owned characters C1 to C4 defeat the enemy character E, a transition to the battle result announcement stage and a transition to the pseudo bonus or episode stage thereafter is confirmed. In other words, by defeating the enemy character E, it is confirmed that the player will continue to stay in the AT stage.
On the other hand, when the owned characters C1 to C4 are defeated, the transition to the result stage and the subsequent transition to the normal stage is confirmed. Therefore, the gaming machine 10 has a gameplay in which the player plays the game aiming to stay in the AT stage continuously by defeating the enemy character E.

The battle stage has a so-called ST (stock time) type of playability, that is, depending on the number of bell characters owned, when the push order bell role is won, the push order is navigated, and a part of the AT state is controlled. When bell spills occur for a predetermined number of consecutive games, the characters C1 to C4 owned by the player are defeated. In the embodiment, the number of consecutive bell spills (also called ST number) is the specification of 4G.
On the other hand, if the game result is anything other than bell spill, the player's characters C1 to C4 attack the enemy character E. Then, when the HP of the enemy character E becomes 0P with ST times remaining, the player's characters C1 to C4 win against the enemy character E (see FIG. 20B).

The main control unit 25b determines an enemy character E by lottery when transitioning to the battle stage.
8, in this case, the main control unit 25b refers to the enemy character selection table 37 and selects by lottery from among weak, medium, strong, and confirmed enemy characters E to be fought during the stay in the battle stage, depending on whether the setting is low (1 to 3) or high (4 to 6). The enemy character selection table 37 is set so that a stronger enemy character E is more likely to be selected in the low setting than in the high setting.

The stronger the enemy character E, the higher its HP, and the more difficult it is for the player to win against the weak, medium, and strong enemy characters in that order. In addition, when the enemy character is confirmed, the number of bell characters owned (ST count) is not subtracted even if a bell is dropped. Therefore, when the enemy character is confirmed, the player will not lose and the player's victory is confirmed. Therefore, in the embodiment, when the enemy character is confirmed, the support characters are not consumed, but they may be consumed. In addition, when the enemy character is selected, the enemy character E may be defeated with one blow at the start of the battle stage, that is, in the first game after the transition to the battle stage.
The types of enemy characters E are not limited to four, and may be three or less, or five or more. The main control unit 25b may select an enemy character E with a uniform lottery probability for all settings.

When the player moves to the battle stage, the player is given four characters C1 to C4 to own, and the player owns these characters. Then, by obtaining a game result other than bell spilling, only one of the characters C1 to C4 attacks the enemy character E once per game.
For example, FIG. 19A shows a scene in which the owned character C4 is attacking the enemy character E.
The order of attack is the owned characters C1 → C2 → C3 → C4, and after the owned character C4, the owned character C1 attacks.
As shown in the attack point table 38 of FIG. 8, the damage that the owned characters C1 to C4 inflict on the enemy character E, that is, the points to be subtracted from the HP of the enemy character E, differs for each of the owned characters C1 to C4.
For example, if a replay role is won in a scene in which the owned character C4 in Figure 19 (A) appears, the main control unit 25b will refer to the attack point table 38 and inflict 100P of damage on the enemy character E, i.e., subtract 100P from the HP of the enemy character E.

In a battle between owned characters C1 to C4 and enemy character E, the support character provides support to give the owned characters C1 to C4 (i.e., the player) an advantage.
As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the display unit 17 displays the number of each stocked support character while the player is in the battle stage. The number of support characters is deducted each time a support character is activated, that is, when the support character is consumed. As described above, the player can acquire support characters while the player is in the three stages of the AT stage (pseudo bonus B, episode stage, and character acquisition specialized zone).

(Support character)
Explain the details of the supporting characters.
There are five types of support characters: defensive characters, bell characters, preemptive attack characters, double characters, and revival characters.

Defending characters: When the characters C1 to C4 are damaged (when the ST count decreases) due to a bell spill, the defending characters nullify this damage. In this embodiment, when a defending character is consumed, the HP of the characters C1 to C4 is not restored in the game in which the defending character is consumed. In other words, the ST count does not return to 4G in the game in which the defending character is consumed, but it may be restored.
In addition, the main control unit 25b performs a lottery for acquiring a defending character with a predetermined probability (for example, 5%) for each game even during the stay in the battle stage, and if the lottery is won, the defending character is stocked. In addition, if the timing for winning the defending character is when the push order bell role is won and the push order bell role is missed, the defending character is consumed in the winning game.
As shown in Figures 19(B) and 19(C), the stock of "defensive characters" is made to appear as if there are different stocks acquired before the start of the battle stage (defensive character A) and those acquired after the start of the battle stage (defensive character B).
The manner in which the types of defending characters A and B are managed is not limited, and for example, the main control board 25 may not manage the type of defending characters, but may manage the number owned, etc. in the memory unit 25a, and the sub-control board 26 may change the type of defending characters A and B by receiving information from the main control board 25. In this case, even if the main control board 25 treats the defending characters as one type regardless of type (defending characters A and B), the gaming machine 10 can realize the presentation of different types of defending characters A and B.

In this way, even if the support characters have the same effect, by making it appear to the player that there are different support characters, the presentation effect is improved and the interest of the battle stage is increased.
During the battle stage, "defensive character A" is consumed prior to "defensive character B," and if "defensive character B" remains at the end of the battle stage, it is converted to "defensive character A." An example is shown in which the display screen in Figure 17 etc. displays the converted "defensive character A" simply as "defense."
In addition, while in the battle stage, only a "defensive character (defensive character B)" can be acquired, and the support character displayed differs depending on when only the "defensive character" is acquired; however, a lottery may be held to acquire other support characters while in the battle stage, and the support character displayed may differ depending on when the other support character is acquired.

Bell character As shown in Fig. 19 (D), the bell character notifies the player of the order in which to press the stop buttons in a game in which the push order bell role is won. For this reason, the display unit 17 displays a push order navigation on the display unit 17. As a result, in a game in which the push order bell role is won, the player can play the game without reducing the number of STs, that is, without the player's characters C1 to C4 being damaged, by performing the stop operation according to the push order notification.
In addition, when the bell character is consumed, even if the player makes a mistake in the pressing order and does not win the pressing order bell role, the enemy character E will receive damage. Therefore, damage can be reliably given to the enemy character E.

Preemptive attack characters: Preemptive attack characters inflict damage of, for example, 200P per character on enemy character E by performing a preemptive attack on enemy character E after the transition to the battle stage and before the start of the first game (i.e., after the end of the difference number management AT stage). The main control unit 25b controls the damage inflicted on enemy character E in one preemptive attack, corresponding to the number of preemptive attack characters in stock and the HP of enemy character E. For example, if the number of preemptive attack characters in stock is 16 and a weak enemy character with HP of 3000P is selected, the main control unit 25b consumes 15 preemptive attack characters in one preemptive attack to inflict damage of 3000P (200P x 15) on the weak enemy character. For this reason, depending on the number of preemptive attack characters in stock, it may be possible to defeat enemy character E without playing even one game after the transition to the battle stage.
In addition, the specifications of the preemptive attack character may be such that, rather than inflicting a fixed amount of damage on enemy character E, the amount of damage inflicted on enemy character E may vary, for example, by inflicting 10% of enemy character E's current HP on enemy character E.

- Double character The double character doubles the damage dealt to enemy character E. The double character is consumed when owned characters C1 to C4 deal damage to enemy character E. For this reason, the double character is consumed when the player wins the push order bell role on his/her own (that is, when the winning role is the push order bell role, and in a game in which the player is not notified of the push order because the player does not own a support character, the player's push order operation is valid) or when the player wins a role other than the push order bell role.
In addition, the double character may be consumed in combination with the bell character or the preemptive attack character. In the embodiment, only one double character is consumed per game, but this is not limited thereto, and multiple double characters may be consumed per game.

-Resurrected Characters As shown in FIG. 20(A), the revived characters revive the owned characters C1 to C4 when the HP of the owned characters C1 to C4 becomes 0 (in other words, when the ST count becomes 0G).
As mentioned above, when the ST count reaches 0G, the end condition of the battle stage is met by defeating the owned characters C1 to C4, so the transition to the normal stage is confirmed. Even in such a case, the battle stage can be executed again by consuming a revived character. Therefore, the revived character that revives the owned characters C1 to C4 becomes a powerful support for the game.
In this case, the HP of the enemy character E is maintained, that is, the damage received is carried over to the enemy character E. For this reason, the probability that the player will be determined to have won is higher in a battle stage controlled by consuming a revived character than in a battle stage controlled without consuming a revived character (i.e., the battle stage before the revived character was consumed).

Resurrected characters can be acquired while in the three stages of the AT stage (pseudo bonus B, episode stage, and character acquisition specialized zone), but if common stocks acquired in normal stages are not consumed and move to the pseudo bonus, they will be converted into revived characters. For this reason, players may be able to keep a revived character even if they do not win a revived character in the lottery for the three stages of the AT stage.

(Results Announcement Stage)
The battle results announcement stage is entered after the battle stage is won and is completed in 1G.
The battle result announcement stage is intended to congratulate the player on his or her victory in the battle stage and to inform the player of the benefits of that victory.
That is, as shown in FIG. 21(A), in the battle result notification stage, the sub-control unit 26b displays the enemy character E that was defeated in the battle stage in response to the lever operation.

In addition, in the battle result announcement stage, the main control unit 25b performs a lottery for the difference in number to be managed in the next difference-in-number management AT stage and a lottery for whether or not to transition to a pseudo bonus, depending on the lever operation.
In this embodiment, the winning probability of the difference number managed in the next difference number management AT stage is 20% for 50 coins, 60% for 100 coins, 10% for 150 coins, and 10% for 200 coins. The winning probability of the transition lottery to the pseudo bonus is 20%. The difference number and its winning probability, and the winning probability of the transition lottery to the pseudo bonus may be other specifications. The transition to either pseudo bonus A or B can be determined in the same way as the AT challenge described above.
Then, when the effect button 14 is operated after the lever is operated and before the first reel is stopped, the sub-controller 26b notifies the display unit 17 of these winning results.
21(B) is an example where the winning result of the difference in number of coins is 100 coins and the lottery result of the shift to the pseudo bonus is a non-win. FIG. 21(C) is an example where the winning result of the difference in number of coins is 100 coins and the lottery result of the shift to the pseudo bonus is a win. In this way, the display unit 17 displays information about the benefit that the player can receive by winning the battle stage.

In addition, in one game of the battle result announcement stage, if a push order bell role or a rare role is won, the sub-control unit 26b navigates the stop operation.
21(D) is an example of navigation by the display unit 17 when the push order bell role is won. Although not shown, when a rare role is won, the display unit 17 may display an image suggesting a watermelon or a symbol such as "!".

(Ending A, B)
Endings A and B are stages to which a player can move when the advantageous zone is approaching its end. The ending is positioned as the final stage of a game state that is advantageous to the player in a series of games.
In this embodiment, the game state managed by the main control unit 25b and the game state managed by the sub-control unit 26b basically match. However, for endings A and B, the main control unit 25b may control the game state for ending A, and the sub-control unit 26b may control the presentation for ending B (see Section 2 in FIG. 22: the game from the start of the second set to the end of the 16th G of the fourth set), so the game states managed by both control units may not match.
Therefore, regarding the endings A and B, first, the control of the game state (transition control) by the main control unit 25b will be explained, and then the control of the presentation by the sub-control unit 26b will be explained.

(Control of the Game State at Ending A)
Ending A is reached when the eighth battle stage is won, and lasts for 61G.
The transition destination from Ending A is Ending B or the result stage.
During the stay of Ending A, the main control unit 25b performs a stock lottery for Ending A. If the stock lottery is won, the main control unit 25b continues the game for 31G per set.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating, in the form of a time chart, the state in which the game state transitions to ending B after four sets of ending A (one initial set and three continuing sets) have been played.
In the embodiment, the winning probability of the stock lottery is 0.5% when the push order bell role is won and 20% when the rare role is won, but it is not limited to this and may be drawn at other probabilities. Also, the stock lottery may not be held when the push order bell role is won, but only when the rare role is won. Also, the number of stocks that can be won by the lottery is not limited, and may be only one or more.

Even if you are unable to acquire stocks through the stock lottery, if you have acquired a revived character and move on to Ending A, you can continue Ending A for one set by consuming the revived character. As mentioned above, common stocks acquired in normal stages may be changed to revived characters. For this reason, carrying over common stocks acquired in normal stages to the next stage and beyond may ultimately work to the player's advantage in terms of the right to continue Ending A.

Here, during the stay of Ending A, the following conditions may be met.
Condition 1: The final game (61st or 31st game) of one set of Ending A has ended with a stock acquired. Condition 2: The cumulative number of games played in 3-BET play during the favorable zone (i.e., the count value of Counter A2) has reached 1,460G. Condition 3: The number of coins acquired in 3-BET play during the favorable zone (i.e., the count value of Counter B2) has reached 2,220 coins.

If the above conditions are met during the time of ending A, the main control unit 25b controls the game state as follows.
If condition 1 is met, the second or subsequent set of games will start. If the stock lottery is not won, the game will not move to Ending B, and the game will move to the normal state via the result stage.
If at least one of Condition 2 and Condition 3 is met, the game moves to Ending B, and if neither of these conditions is met, the game moves to the result stage.
For this reason, the player will play the game aiming to continue Ending A by achieving Condition 1, and then transition to Ending B by achieving at least one of Conditions 2 and 3.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment can provide an element of surprise to the ending game because, after the start of the ending A (i.e., after the lapse of a predetermined period of time), the ending A may continue and further continue to the ending B. This allows the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment to prevent a decline in interest even after the start of the ending.
In contrast, the ending of a conventional gaming machine does not involve a lottery for stocks or the like to continue, and ends when a predetermined period of play has been played. For this reason, with conventional gaming machines, players tend to perceive the ending as a mere game to finish, and their interest is likely to wane after the ending has started.

(Control of the Game State at Ending B)
The game will move to Ending B when the conditions described below are met.
The transition from Ending B is to the result stage.
Ending B ends at one set 31G. However, Ending B ends if the value indicated by counter A1 reaches 1500 or the value indicated by counter B1 reaches 2400 before one set 31G ends.
Also, unlike Ending A, Ending B does not include a continuation lottery, so it is basically a stage with a fixed number of games of 31G.

(Conditions for transition to Ending B)
As explained above for Ending A, the condition for transitioning to Ending B is that at least one of Condition 2 (the cumulative number of games played with 3 BETs during the favorable zone reaches 1,460G) and Condition 3 (the number of coins won with 3 BETs during the favorable zone reaches 2,220) is met.
In addition, in the explanation of each of the above stages other than Ending A, the explanation of the transition to Ending B when the transition conditions of Condition 2 and Condition 3 are met has been omitted as appropriate.
When control is given to ending B because one of condition 2 and condition 3 is satisfied, control is not given to ending B again even if the other of condition 2 and condition 3 is subsequently satisfied.

(Control of Endings A and B)
The control of the presentation of endings A and B by the sub-control unit 26b will be described.
As shown in FIG. 23(A), in response to the main control unit 25b shifting the game state to ending A, the sub-control unit 26b displays a presentation screen for ending A on the display unit 17.
In the embodiment, the sub-control unit 26b displays a dog character in the performance control for the first set, ending A.
As shown in Fig. 23(B), when the sub-controller 26b has stock and the ending continues (when the above condition 1 is met), it executes continuation presentation 1 to notify that the ending will continue in the final game of the ending (the 61st game, at the end of section 1 in Fig. 22). In the example of Fig. 23(B), a presentation is performed in which a piece of paper explaining that the ending will continue falls, that is, moves from the top to the bottom of the screen.
This allows the player to understand that the second set of games will start from the next game.

As shown in Figure 23 (C), the sub-control unit 26b displays a presentation screen as ending B of the second set on the display unit 17 in response to the start of the second set of games (the start of section 2 in Figure 22).
In the embodiment, the sub-control unit 26b controls the performance of ending B to display a cow character.
In this way, when section 2 starts, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to Ending A, while the sub-control unit 26b controls the presentation to Ending B. In other words, even if the game state managed by the main control unit 25b is Ending A, the presentation state executed by the sub-control unit 26b is Ending B.

As shown in FIG. 23(D), when the sub-control unit 26b has stocks in the section 2 and the ending continues (when the above condition 1 is satisfied), the sub-control unit 26b executes a continuation effect 2 informing the player that the ending will continue in the final game (31st G) of the ending of the second set. In addition, when the stock lottery is won and the continuation is confirmed, the sub-control unit 26b may perform an effect that suggests whether the ending will continue or not by using the light emission color of a plurality of lamps (e.g., lamp 18) provided in the gaming machine 10. In this case, for example, when the continuation is confirmed, the light emission color of the lamp may change in the order of "white → blue → yellow → green → red → rainbow". This effect may be performed only when the continuation is confirmed, or may be continued until the final game of the set after the continuation is confirmed. In this way, the gaming machine 10 can perform an effect that gives a player a sense of expectation that the ending will continue.
In the example of Figure 23 (D), similar to the effect of continuing from the first set to the second set (see Figure 23 (B)), a piece of paper falls to explain that the ending will continue.

As shown in FIG. 23(C), the sub-control unit 26b performs the performance of the third set and onwards in the same manner as the second set. In other words, the performance of ending B for the second set and onwards is the same.

Thereafter, while remaining in the second or subsequent set (the fourth set in the example of Figure 22), the condition for transitioning to Ending B as the gaming state is met (i.e., after Condition 1 is met, at least one of Condition 2 and Condition 3 is met), and the main control unit 25b controls the gaming state from Ending A to Ending B.
In this fourth set of play, the sub-controller 26b continues the fourth set of effects (see FIG. 23(C)) until the number of remaining games displayed on the display unit 17 reaches 0G. Then, when the number of remaining games reaches 0G (i.e., when interval 3 in FIG. 22 ends), the sub-controller 26b executes continuation effect 2 (see FIG. 23(D)).
Therefore, the sub-control unit 26b can present the game of the set (ending A as the game state) in progress at that time as being continuous even when the main control unit 25b controls the game state from ending A to ending B. In other words, the sub-control unit 26b presents the game of the fourth set as being continuous across endings A and B as the game state.

Then, after the end of this fourth set of games (the end of section 3 in Figure 22), the sub-control unit 26b displays the presentation screen shown in Figure 23 (E) on the display unit 17 based on the start of section 4.
As shown in Figures 23(E) and 23(F), the presentation screen for section 4 is almost the same as the presentation screen for the ending of the second set onwards. That is, as shown in Figure 23(E), the number of remaining games on the presentation screen for the ending of section 4 is displayed as 16G, and the number of games executed as a presentation in the latter half of the fourth set (15G in the examples of Figures 22 and 23(E)) is subtracted from the original number of games, 31G.

For this reason, the change in presentation when the ending transitions to the third set or later (Figure 23(D) → Figure 23(C)) is similar to the change in presentation when section 3 ends and section 4 transitions (Figure 23(D) → Figure 23(E)).
Therefore, the gaming machine 10 can present the end of section 3 and the transition to section 4 as if the ending had been continued by the stock. This makes it difficult for the player to recognize the timing at which condition 3 was met, and gives the player the feeling that the ending had been continued on his/her own. In other words, the gaming machine 10 allows the player to experience the transition to the game state executed in section 4 as the final set as if the player had done so on his/her own.

As shown in Figures 24(A) to 24(C), if at least one of Condition 2 and Condition 3 is met in a state other than the ending, the main control unit 25b controls the game to end B from the game after the condition is met. Therefore, the sub-control unit 26b sets the number of games remaining in Ending B to 31G in the first game of Ending B (see Figure 24(B)). Therefore, in this case, the timing when Condition 2 or Condition 3 is met is clearly notified.

(Result Stage)
The result stage is a game state to which the game transitions after the AT stage ends, and is a game state that is controlled during the normal period.
The game state transitions from the advantageous zone to the normal zone after the third reel stop operation in the final game of the AT stage. The result stage is also positioned for transitioning to the normal state when the game state transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone again.
The result stage is a gaming state in which the player remains after the AT stage ends until a winning combination other than a losing combination is achieved. After the result stage ends, the gaming state transitions to a normal state.
Therefore, if a winning combination other than a losing combination is won in the first game after the AT stage ends, the number of games in the result stage will be 1G. Also, if a losing combination continues for 1G or more after the AT stage ends, there is a possibility that the player will stay in the result stage for 2G or more.
In addition, after the third reel is stopped in a game in which a winning combination other than a losing combination is won in the result stage, the game state transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. As a result, the game state transitions to the normal state in the advantageous zone after the third reel is stopped in a game in which a winning combination other than a losing combination is won in the result stage. In this case, the game state may transition to the advantageous zone after transitioning to the normal state.

Here, we will explain an example in which the game state transitions from the AT stage, which is an advantageous zone, to the result stage, which is a normal zone.
As shown by counters A2 and B2 in Figure 25 (A), the specifications of the gaming machine 10 are such that, while the player is in the advantageous zone, the player is prompted to move to the normal zone before reaching the advantageous zone limiter.
There are several examples of transitioning to the normal zone before reaching the advantageous zone limiter, such as when the AT stage ends due to a defeat in the battle stage, when the AT stage ends before reaching Ending B because there are no stocks in Ending A, or when 31G of Ending B ends.

Figure 25 (B) is an example in which the favorable zone ends by reaching the favorable zone limiter.
In this example, the game up to 1460G of the counter A1 in the advantageous zone is played with 10G of 2BET play and 1450G of 3BET play. Therefore, when the advantageous zone reaches 1460G, the A2 counter does not reach 1460G, and the game state does not transition to Ending B. And, since the game from 1461G onwards is played with 2BET play, the A1 counter reaches 1500G (advantageous zone limiter). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 25(B), the advantageous zone ends without transitioning to Ending B.

In the example of FIG. 25(C), the game up to 1490G of counter A1 in the advantageous zone is played with 30G of 2BET play and 1460G of 3BET play (however, the 1490th game is a 3BET game). As a result, the A2 counter reaches 1460G, and the game state transitions to Ending B. However, even if a 3BET game is played after transitioning to Ending B, the counter A1 reaches 1500G after 10G, and the advantageous zone ends. As a result, in the example of FIG. 25(C), Ending B ends without using up 21G of the 31G.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 is designed so that when a player places a 2-bet game while in the advantageous zone, the player cannot expect to win more coins than when the player places a 3-bet game, and therefore the player receives less profit. This allows the gaming machine 10 to strongly encourage the player to place a 3-bet game while in the advantageous zone.
In addition, the form of reaching the advantageous zone limiter also has an example based on the counter B1, not the counter A1. In addition, the form of reaching the advantageous zone limiter has a number of examples other than those shown in Fig. 25 (B) and Fig. 25 (C). Although detailed explanations of these examples are omitted, in any form, the number of winning coins cannot be increased, and there is no benefit for the player.

In addition to the number of coins won and other reasons, the gaming machine 10 can encourage players to play 3BETs during the advantageous zone by making the presentation of the result stage different between when the advantageous zone ends before the advantageous zone limiter is reached and when the advantageous zone ends in response to reaching the advantageous zone limiter.

During the result stage, the sub-control unit 26b executes an effect to notify the game result during the AT stage. The display unit 17 displays a result screen to notify the result.
The result screen reflects the game situation at the end of the AT stage, and there are multiple types of result screens.
26 and 27 explain four examples of these result screens.
Figures 26 (A) to 26 (D) show three examples of result screens when the favorable zone ends before the favorable zone limiter is reached.
Each result screen displays the number of medals acquired during the time spent in the AT stage, and displays friendly characters (characters on the player's side) that appeared during the time spent in the AT stage.

That is, as shown in Fig. 26(A), on the result screen after a defeat in a battle stage, a screen of one ally character gazing at the distant morning sun is displayed during the period until a winning combination other than a losing combination is won. Then, as shown in Fig. 26(B), after the third reel stops in a game in which a winning combination other than a losing combination is won, text such as "Good job,""GET 1800 medals" (number of medals won) is additionally displayed.
FIG. 26(C) is a diagram illustrating the result screen after Ending A has ended.
In this case, too, after displaying four friendly characters standing on a beach in the setting sun, text such as "Well done" and "GET 2000 medals" (number of medals won) are additionally displayed after the third reel stops in a game in which a winning combination other than a losing combination is won.
26(D) is a diagram illustrating the result screen after the end of Ending B. In this case, after displaying a plurality of (five or more) ally characters riding on the treasure ship, additional text such as "Very well done" and "GET 2300 medals" (number of medals acquired) are displayed.

In this way, when the advantageous zone ends before the advantageous zone limiter is reached (i.e., when the AT stage is played in the manner envisioned by the gaming machine 10), the presentation of the result screen (illustrated scenery, number of friendly characters, text display, etc.) stays in the AT stage for a long time, and the more favorable the gaming result is to the player, the more the player is praised and congratulated.

Figure 27 explains the transition of the result screen after reaching the favorable zone limiter.
As shown in FIG. 27(A), in a game during the 1500th game of the advantageous zone (i.e., the game when the advantageous zone limiter is reached), the display unit 17 displays a wandering enemy character E in response to lever operation.
As shown in Figure 27(B), in this 1500th game, the display unit 17 darkens the periphery of the display screen when the first reel is stopped (the point at which the reel is stopped and the operation information is output). As shown in Figures 27(C) and 27(D), thereafter, the display unit 17 expands the darkened area each time the second reel is stopped and the third reel is stopped in this game. As a result, in the 1500th game of the advantageous zone, the display screen darkens in response to the reel stop operation. As shown in Figure 27(E), the display unit 17 displays "END" after the third reel is stopped.
As shown in Fig. 27(F), the result screen of the subsequent result stage displays a scene in which one friendly character sheds tears in a graveyard under thunderclouds. Note that the result screen may be displayed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the third reel stop operation of the game in the advantageous zone 1500G, or after the lever operation of the first game of the result stage.
In this case, the display unit 17 additionally displays "GET 1600 medals" (the number of medals acquired) after a period until a winning combination other than a losing combination is achieved, similarly to FIG.

In this way, the display screen when the advantageous zone limiter is reached displays effects that the player will not be happy about, and does not congratulate the player.
In addition, the display screen appearance when the advantageous zone limiter is reached is not limited as long as it is not undesirable to the player, and may be, for example, the following appearance.
That is, the display screen of Fig. 28(A) is displayed immediately after the transition to the result stage. Then, in a game in which a winning combination other than a losing combination is won in the result stage, the display screen gradually darkens as shown in Fig. 27(B) to Fig. 27(D) in response to each reel stop operation. After that, after the third reel stop operation of this game, "END" of Fig. 27(E) is displayed, and then the game result of the AT stage of Fig. 27(F) may be displayed.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment is designed so that playing 3 BET games in the advantageous zone is more profitable for the player than playing 2 BET games, and thus strongly encourages the player to play 3 BET games as envisioned by the gaming machine 10. In addition, the gaming machine 10 can encourage 3 BET games by making the presentation of the result stage different depending on whether the advantageous zone limiter has been reached or not.
In contrast, conventional gaming machines control the transition to the ending based only on the number of games played, regardless of the number of bets placed. For this reason, conventional gaming machines may reach the ending with fewer medals consumed than expected.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the following description and drawings, parts that perform the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately omitted.
In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the control of the game state and the presentation control of the endings A and B are changed from those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating, in the form of a time chart, the state in which ending A is executed and then ending B is transitioned to in the gaming machine of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 28, in this embodiment, the control of endings A and B is consistent with the control of the game state by the main control unit 25b and the control of presentation by the sub-control unit 26b.
The details will be explained below.

(Control of the game state at endings A and B)
In the ending A as a gaming state, one set of a fixed number of 61G games is played and the game does not continue.
In addition, in a state where the game state is controlled to Ending A (Section 1), a stock lottery is executed as in the first embodiment. If the stock lottery is won, the main control unit 25b transitions the game state from Ending A to Ending B (see Condition 4 shown in FIG. 28).
In other words, when the game state is controlled to Ending A and the stock lottery is won, in the first embodiment Ending A as the game state is controlled so that the set can be continued, whereas in this embodiment Ending A as the game state is controlled so that it can transition to Ending B without being allowed to continue as the set.

In Ending B, which is the game state, 31G of games are played per set. While in Ending A, a stock lottery is held, and if you win, Ending B will continue.

Here, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least one of the following may occur: the cumulative number of games played in 3-BET play during the favorable zone (counter A2) reaches 1,460G (condition 2), and the number of coins won in 3-BET play during the favorable zone (counter B2) reaches 2,220 coins (condition 3).
In response to the establishment of this condition in a state in which the game state is controlled to Ending B in Section 2, the main control unit 25b ends the lottery for adding stocks and transitions to Section 3. In other words, the lottery for adding stocks is not executed in Section 3 and thereafter in a state in which the game state is controlled to Ending B.

(Control of Endings A and B)
The control of the presentation when the game state is controlled to Ending A (section 1) is the same as that shown in FIG. 23(A).
The control of the presentation when the game state transitions from Ending A to Ending B is the same as that in FIG. 23(B), and is continuation presentation 1.

The control of the presentation when the game state is controlled to ending B (sections 2 and 3) is the same as that shown in FIG. 23(C).
The control of the presentation when ending B as the game state continues is the same as in FIG. 23(D), and is continuation presentation 2.

Here, as described above, if at least one of Condition 2 and Condition 3 is satisfied while staying in Section 2, the sub-controller 26b continues to control the presentation of the set being executed at the time when this condition was satisfied (FIG. 23(C)), until that number of games 31G is completed. Then, in response to the completion of that number of games 31G, the display unit 17 displays the same screen as FIG. 23(D), and then displays the same screen as FIG. 23(E).
For this reason, in this embodiment as well, the final set executed in response to the fulfillment of conditions 2 and 3 is displayed on the display unit 17 (see Figure 23 (E)) by subtracting the number of games in which the above-mentioned presentation was executed (15G in the example of section 2 in Figure 28) from the number of games 31G (31G).

In this way, the gaming machine of this embodiment matches the control of the game state with the control of the presentation, but the game progress and the presentation progress can be performed in the same way as in the first embodiment. Note that the gaming machine of this embodiment has the effect of adding an element of surprise to the ending of the game, just like the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The gaming machine 10 according to the third embodiment has the same basic configuration (FIGS. 1 to 3, etc.) as the gaming machine 10 according to the previous embodiment. Therefore, differences from the previous embodiment will be described below.
In the following description and drawings, parts that perform the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

The gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the winning combinations that are the lottery results of the internal lottery process and the gaming value (number of medals paid out) that is awarded when each winning combination is achieved.
For example, as shown in FIG. 29, as the cherry combination, a weak cherry combination and a strong cherry combination are provided, which correspond to different symbol combinations.
In addition, as a game value awarded when each winning combination is achieved, 10 medals are paid out when the combination of symbols corresponding to the push order bell combinations 1 to 6 and the common bell combination is displayed.
In addition, when the push order bell roles 1 to 6 are won, if the stop button 15 is operated in an incorrect push order (five different push orders), the corresponding combination of symbols is not stopped, the spilling symbols are stopped, and the specified number of medals are not paid out, but, for example, one medal is paid out.
In addition, when a combination of symbols corresponding to the watermelon role or the chance eye role is stopped and displayed, three medals are paid out regardless of the number of bets.
In addition, by displaying a combination of symbols corresponding to the replay role and the cherry role (weak cherry role, strong cherry role) in a stopped state (replay mode), the player can replay the next game without inserting a medal.
In this embodiment, the number of medals paid out is the same regardless of the number of bets, but the number of medals paid out may be varied depending on the number of bets.
In addition, the number of medals paid out when a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning role is stopped and displayed may be other than the above-mentioned number.

The internal lottery table shown in FIG. 29 indicates the probability of winning each winning combination in a 3-bet game.
For example, the probability of a weak cherry role being won is set to 1000/65536 for all setting values in RT0 and RT1, and the probability of a strong cherry role being won is set to 80/65536 for all setting values in RT0 and RT1.
The losing role can only be won in RT0, and the winning probability is set at 2437/65536.
In addition, although a losing role can be won only in RT0, it is not limited to this and can also be set to be winnable in RT1.
The probability of winning the bonus role 1 in RT0 is set at 6653/65536 for all setting values, and the bonus role 1 can be won only in a winning game.
In addition, the bonus role 1 is won only in a 3-bet game, and is won alone without overlapping with other small roles. However, this is not limited to this, and it may be won overlappingly in some cases when other small roles (for example, chance role or cherry role) are won.

It should be noted that the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 29 is assumed to be common to all setting values, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the table may be set so that the higher the setting, the higher the probability of winning a rare role.
Further, the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 29 shows the case of a 3-BET game, but in the case of a 2-BET game, the winning probabilities of each winning combination may be the same or may be different.

(Details of each game state (stage))
Next, the gaming states of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, the transition of each gaming state, and the game characteristics based on each gaming state will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Note that the transition of the RT state is the same as in the previous embodiment, so the description will be omitted (Fig. 9(A)).
Unless otherwise specified below, the timing of transition from each game state to another game state is basically after the third reel is stopped in the game in which the transition condition is met (or after the medals are paid out). However, this is not limited to this, and transition may occur from the next game after the transition condition is met.

As shown in Figure 30, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has the following gaming states: a normal stage (normal gaming state, first gaming state), a Pt specialized stage (specialized gaming state, first gaming state), a CZ stage, and a special stage (second gaming state).
Furthermore, the normal stage is divided into normal stage A and normal stage B, the CZ stage is divided into CZ1 and CZ2, and the special stage is divided into special stage A and special stage B.
The normal stage and the Pt-specialized stage are controlled as non-AT. Therefore, the longer a player stays in these stages, the longer the period during which the player's medals are difficult to increase becomes, which is disadvantageous for the player.

Special stage A is controlled by the AT, and special stage B is partially controlled by the AT. Therefore, while staying in the special stage, medals are likely to increase, which is advantageous for the player. Therefore, players will play with the aim of moving from the normal stage to the special stage, and also with the aim of staying in the special stage for as long as possible after the move.

(Normal area, advantageous area)
As shown in FIG. 30, the game zone of the gaming machine 10 has a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and during play, the main control unit 25b (zone control means) controls the game machine 10 to be in one of the zones.
The normal zone is a play zone when staying in normal stage A, and the advantageous zone is a play zone when staying in a stage other than normal stage A.
The condition for transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone is that when a role other than a replay role is won in the normal zone, the normal zone transitions to the advantageous zone after the third reel of the winning game is stopped (arrow a in Figure 30).
In addition, without being limited to this, the transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone may be triggered, for example, by the stopped display of a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined winning role, or the stopped display of a combination of symbols not corresponding to a predetermined winning role (for example, a losing combination or a bell drop).

The conditions for transitioning from the advantageous zone to the normal zone depend on the game results during each stage, and the advantageous zone ends and the player transitions to the normal zone.
For example, the transition to the special stage occurs when the transition lottery to the special stage is not won in the CZ stage, or when the special stage ends (arrows h and k in Figure 30).
In addition to this, when the advantageous zone limiter is reached, the advantageous zone ends and the normal zone is entered.

(Game-related counter)
During the favorable period, in addition to the counters described in the above embodiment, information regarding the following counters is stored in the RAM.
Counter C: The number of games played during the special stage. Counter D: The number of coins won during the special stage (the difference in the number of coins). Counter E: The number of games played at the ceiling. Counter F: The number of points (Pt).

The counter C is a counter that counts the number of games played during the special stage, and the main control unit 25b starts counting when the non-AT state transitions to the AT state.
Counter D is a counter that counts the number of medals acquired during the special stage, and the main control unit 25b starts counting when the non-AT state transitions to the AT state.
Initial values are set for counters C and D at the start of the special stage. The values of counters C and D are displayed as "remaining number of coins difference" and "remaining number of games" on the display unit 17 during the special stage.

Counter E is a counter relating to the upper limit number of plays in the normal stage.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b sets the ceiling game number determined in a ceiling game number lottery described below in a counter E, and subtracts 1 from the value of this counter E every game.
Then, when the value indicated by the counter E reaches "0" (hereinafter also referred to as when the ceiling game number is reached), the main control unit 25b controls the transition from the normal stage to the CZ stage.

Counter F is a counter relating to Pt (points) awarded during the normal stage and the Pt-specialized stage.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b adds (counts) the additional Pt determined in the "additional Pt lottery" described below to the value of the counter F during the normal stage and the Pt specialized stage.
The accumulated and stored value of counter F is referenced in the lottery for transition to the special stage in the CZ stage.
Furthermore, the values of these counters are erased (initialized) when the favorable period ends.

(Details of each stage)
(Normal stage)
The normal stage is entered when the gaming machine 10 system is reset, when the setting value is changed (including re-entering the setting value), or when the advantageous zone ends.
As mentioned above, the normal stage has a state in which it is controlled in the normal zone (hereinafter, this state will be referred to as normal stage A) and a state in which it is controlled in the advantageous zone (hereinafter, this state will be referred to as normal stage B).
If the main control unit 25b determines that the favorable zone transition condition is met in normal stage A, it controls the transition to the favorable zone (arrow a in Figure 30), and if it determines that the favorable zone transition condition is not met, it controls the transition to remain in the normal zone.
In other words, the period spent in normal stage A is extremely short, and the player will spend most of the time in normal stage B during the game.

In addition, the normal stage has a "mode" that affects the transition to the CZ stage or the Pt specialized stage.
The mode is set, for example, in three stages (mode 1 to mode 3), and it is easy to transition to the CZ stage or the Pt specialized stage based on the relationship of mode 1<mode 2<mode 3.
The number of modes is not limited to four, but may be three or less or five or more.

In normal stage A, when a beneficial zone transition role is won, a "mode lottery" is executed to determine the transition destination of the game state.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "mode selection table" shown in FIG. 31 to determine the transition destination by lottery based on the winning combination of the current game and the setting value set by the probability setting means.
For example, as shown in FIG. 31(a), if a winning role other than a rare role is won in the current game, when setting 1 is set, the normal stage "mode 1" is selected with a probability of 176/256, the normal stage "mode 2" is selected with a probability of 48/256, the normal stage "mode 3" is selected with a probability of 31/256, and the "special stage" is selected with a probability of 1/256.
Furthermore, when setting 6 is selected, the probability of selecting the normal stage "mode 1" is 64/256, the probability of selecting the normal stage "mode 2" is 128/256, the probability of selecting the normal stage "mode 3" is 63/256, and the probability of selecting the "special stage" is 1/256.

Also, as shown in FIG. 31(b), if a rare role is won in the current game, if a setting other than 6 is set, the "special stage" is selected with a probability of 256/256, and if setting 6 is set, the normal stage "mode 3" is selected with a probability of 16/256, and the "special stage" is selected with a probability of 240/256.
In this embodiment, transition to the special stage is mainly performed via the CZ stage, so the probability of transitioning directly from the normal stage to the special stage is set to an extremely low probability.

From the results of the mode lottery, the player can predict the setting value to some extent.
For example, when a performance suggesting the current mode is executed in the normal stage, it can be predicted that the higher the mode suggested, the higher the probability that a relatively high setting value is set, and further, depending on the suggested mode, it can be predicted whether the setting value is an even value or an odd value.
Also, if you win a rare role and do not move on to the special stage, you can be sure that setting 6 is set.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the probability that a high mode will be selected may be higher when a relatively low setting value is set.

In addition, in the mode lottery, the probability that the special stage will be selected is set to be higher if a rare role is won than if a winning role other than the rare role, but this is not limited to the above, and the lottery may be set to be higher if a winning role other than the rare role is won.
In addition, the probability of the special stage being selected may be made changeable depending on the setting value; for example, when a relatively high setting value (e.g., setting 4 to 6) is set, it may be made easier to win the lottery for transition to the special stage.

If the special stage is selected as a result of the mode lottery, control is performed so that the normal stage transitions to special stage A (arrow b in FIG. 31).
In this way, in this embodiment, even if the game transitions to the normal zone (normal stage A) after the AT state (special stage) ends, if the special stage is selected in the mode lottery at the time of transition to the advantageous zone (if a specific condition is met), the game can immediately transition to the special stage. Therefore, the game can be made to look like a series of special stages.
Similarly, when the advantageous zone limiter is reached and the player moves to the normal zone (normal stage A), it is possible to make it appear as if the special stage has not ended.
Furthermore, even if the result of playing is that a non-AT state (e.g., CZ stage) ends and the player moves to a normal section (normal stage A), it is possible to make it appear as if the player had won the special stage during the non-AT state.

If the special stage is selected as a result of the mode lottery, a premonition effect may be executed for a predetermined number of games before transitioning to the special stage in order to heighten the player's anticipation of the special stage. In other words, the special stage may not be generated immediately, but after the premonition effect has been executed for a predetermined number of games.

On the other hand, if any one of modes 1 to 3 is selected as a result of the mode lottery, the game is controlled to the normal stage (normal stage B).
When controlled to the normal stage B, the number of executed games remains there until it reaches a ceiling number of games, which will be described later, and when the ceiling number of games is reached, it is controlled to transition to the CZ stage.
The ceiling game number is determined by lottery when a role that transitions to a favorable zone is won (ceiling game number lottery).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b determines the ceiling number of games based on the mode determined in the mode lottery by referring to the "ceiling number of games lottery table" shown in FIG.
The "ceiling game number" is the maximum number of games that can be played after the start of the advantageous period until the transition from the normal stage B to the CZ stage. When the main control unit 25b determines that the ceiling game number has been reached during the advantageous period (when the value indicated by the counter E reaches "0"), it controls the game state to transition to the CZ stage (arrow c in Figure 30).
Since the normal stage is a game state that is unfavorable to the player, the player will play the game hoping to reach the ceiling number of games as soon as possible and move to the CZ stage.

For example, when mode 1 is selected, the ceiling number of games is set to be "128 games" with a probability of 16/256, "256 games" with a probability of 32/256, "384 games" with a probability of 80/256, and "512 games" with a probability of 128/256.
In addition, when setting 6 is set, the ceiling number of games is set to "128 games" with a probability of 128/256, and to "256 games" with a probability of 128/256.
The ceiling number of games determined in the ceiling number of games lottery is set in counter E.

In this way, the probability that a smaller number of ceiling games is selected is set higher when a relatively high mode is selected. In other words, the probability that the ceiling game number will be reached sooner and the player can move to the CZ stage is higher when a high mode is selected (when a high setting value is set).
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set so that the probability of a smaller ceiling number of games being selected is higher when a lower mode is selected. Also, a common ceiling number of games may be determined for all modes.
In addition, the ceiling number of games may be determined based on the winning combination of the current game. For example, the probability of a smaller ceiling number of games being selected may be higher when a rare combination is won than when a non-rare combination is won.

Also, in normal stage A, if any of modes 1 to 3 is selected in the mode lottery, a "Pt display lottery" is executed.
Specifically, it determines whether or not to display the total value of points (value of counter F) acquired during the most recently stayed advantageous zone on the result screen.
The "result screen" is a screen that displays information (game result information) regarding the game results of a special stage upon the end of the special stage, such as the number of games played during the special stage (total number of games) and the number of medals won (total number won) (see Figure 51 (c)).
Also, although details will be described later, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured to display a result screen when the advantageous zone ends.

Specifically, the sub-control unit 26b refers to the "Pt display lottery table" shown in FIG. 33, and executes the Pt display lottery based on the setting value set by the probability setting means.
If the result of the lottery is that "display" is selected, the total number of points acquired during the current advantageous period will be displayed on the result screen when the player operates the effect button (see FIG. 51(c)). On the other hand, if "non-display" is selected, the total number of points acquired will not be displayed regardless of the operation of the effect button.
It is assumed that the result screen will not provide any notification encouraging the operation of the performance button (so-called hidden button function), but a notification encouraging operation may be provided.

Furthermore, in the normal stage A, if any of modes 1 to 3 is selected in the mode selection, a "quiz choice number continuation selection" is executed.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the number of quiz answer options (the number of option information items) displayed during the quiz performance described below will be carried over to the start of the next advantageous period.
For example, the sub-control unit 26b refers to the "quiz option number continuation lottery table" shown in FIG. 34 to execute the lottery based on the setting value set by the probability setting means.
If the result of the lottery is a "winner," the number of options displayed will continue to be the same at the start of the next favorable period. On the other hand, if a "no winner" is determined, the number of options is initialized, and the number of options displayed at the start of the next favorable period will be the initial number (e.g., three).
Furthermore, when a "win" is determined, the player is notified of the fact that he or she has won in the normal stage B to which the game subsequently proceeds. For example, the notification is given by displaying a letter image, a number image, a symbol image, or the like on the display unit 17. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the notification on the display unit 17, the notification may be given by sound (a line, a sound effect) using the speaker 19 or by light emission using the lamp 18, or these may be combined.

In the lottery for the continuation of the number of quiz options, as shown in Fig. 34, a relatively low setting value is set so that the probability of winning is higher. Therefore, when playing across advantageous zones, the player can guess the setting value according to the change in the number of quiz options in the quiz presentation, and the interest of the game can be improved.
In addition, since it is possible to estimate the setting value across advantageous zones, it is possible to prevent the player from immediately stopping playing, for example, when moving to normal stage A (normal zone) after the end of a special stage or CZ stage (advantageous zone).

In normal stage B, an "additional Pt lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b operates as a bonus awarding determination means, and by referring to the "Additional Pt Lottery Table (Normal Stage)" shown in Figure 35, determines whether or not to award Pt (bonus) based on the winning role of the current game.
For example, when the "replay role" is won, the probability of "0 points" being selected is 224/256, and the probability of "10 points" being selected is 32/256. Note that when "0 points" is selected, this indicates that no additional points will be added.
In addition, when the "common bell role" is won, the probability of "10 points" being selected is 196/256, the probability of "20 points" being selected is 44/256, and the probability of "30 points" being selected is 16/256.

The additional Pt determined in the additional Pt lottery is counted (added) to the value of counter F each time it is determined, and is cumulatively stored.
In this way, depending on the type of winning role, a lottery is held to determine whether or not an additional bonus will be added and the amount of Pt to be added, resulting in a variety of winning results, which can increase the entertainment value of the game.
In addition, the rarer the role, the lower the probability of winning, the higher the probability of a large Pt being added, which can increase the player's expectations.

In addition, the additional Pt determined in the additional Pt lottery is displayed on the display unit 17 (see FIG. 46(c) etc.). On the other hand, if the quiz is answered incorrectly in the quiz performance described below, the additional Pt determined in the additional Pt lottery is not displayed (see FIG. 46(e)).
In addition, in the additional Pt lottery, a negative value of additional Pt may be awarded, or a predetermined number of Pt may be awarded uniformly.
In addition, in the case of the additional Pt lottery, the determination of the additional Pt is explained as being determined uniformly regardless of the setting value set by the probability setting means, but this is not limited to the above, and the probability of determining the additional Pt may be made different for some or all of the setting values.

Also, in the normal stage B, a "Pt specialized stage transition lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "Pt specialized stage transition lottery table" shown in Figure 36 to determine whether or not to transition to the Pt specialized stage based on the winning role of the current game and the current mode.
For example, as shown in FIG. 36(a), if a winning role other than a rare role is won in the current game, if mode 1 or mode 2 is set, there is a 256/256 probability of "non-win" being selected, and if mode 3 is set, there is a 250/256 probability of "non-win" being selected and a 6/256 probability of "win."
Also, as shown in FIG. 36(b), if a rare role is won in the current game, the mode is set so that "Win" is more likely to be selected based on the relationship of mode 1 < mode 2 < mode 3.
If "Win" is selected as a result of the lottery, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to transition to the Pt specialization stage (arrow d in FIG. 30).

In addition, in the normal stage B, a "quiz execution lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the sub-control unit 26b determines whether or not to execute a quiz presentation when the winning combination in the current game is a combination that does not matter in which push order is selected (specific combination) by referring to the "quiz execution lottery table" shown in Fig. 37. If the lottery is won, the quiz presentation in the current game is executed on the display unit 17 (see Fig. 46).
The push order-independent combination (specific combination) is a combination that can be completed regardless of the order in which the player pushes the stop buttons 15 and can award game value (medals). For example, there are a "replay combination" and a "common bell combination".

For example, if a player wins the "replay role" and no Pt is awarded in the additional Pt lottery in that game, the player has a 16/256 probability of winning the quiz execution lottery, and if Pt is awarded in the additional Pt lottery in that game, the player has a 128/256 probability of winning the quiz execution lottery.
In addition, if a player wins the "common bell," the player has a 128/256 chance of winning the quiz lottery.
In addition, the button press order-independent role is not limited to a replay role or a common bell role, and can also be, for example, a miss role (special role).

If a person wins the quiz execution lottery, the type of quiz to be executed is determined by lottery (quiz selection lottery).
Specifically, the sub-control unit 26b refers to the "quiz selection table" shown in FIG. 38 to determine one question from among a plurality of quizzes (for example, 256 questions).
Each quiz is set with a plurality of options corresponding to the quiz, and one of the options is set as the correct answer.
For example, as shown in FIG. 38, three options are set for the quiz "What is the abbreviation for assist time?": "MB,""RT," and "AT," with "AT" set as the correct answer option.

Each option is associated with a type of stop button.
For example, the "MB" is set to the "left stop button," the "RT" is set to the "center stop button," and the "AT" is set to the "right stop button."
In the quiz presentation, the answer to the quiz can be selected depending on the manner in which the player operates the stop button 15, and the main control unit 25b operates as an operation mode determination means to determine the manner in which the player operates the stop button 15, and can select, for example, an answer that corresponds to the stop button 15 operated to stop the first reel.
That is, in the above example, if the "right stop button" is operated to stop the first reel, the answer is correct, and if the "middle stop button" or "left stop button" is operated, the answer is incorrect.
In addition, the answer to the quiz may be selected according to the operation mode when the second reel or the third reel is stopped, not limited to when the first reel is stopped.
In the quiz selection lottery, the winning probability (random number value) of all quizzes is the same, but this is not limiting, and the winning probability (random number value) may be different for each type of quiz. For example, the winning probability (random number value) may be different depending on the difficulty level of the quiz.

(Quiz performance)
Next, an example of the quiz presentation will be described.
During the normal stage, for example, a presentation screen such as that shown in FIG. 46(a) is displayed on the display unit 17, and the bottom of the screen displays the acquired points 60 indicating the points acquired up to now (the value of counter F).
When the player wins the button press order not matter role and then wins the quiz execution lottery, the sub-control unit 26b causes the display unit 17 (option information display means) to display, for example, a quiz screen S as shown in Figure 46 (b).
The quiz screen S displays the content of the quiz selected in the quiz selection lottery and a plurality of options 61 (option information) corresponding to the quiz.
For example, "What is the abbreviation for assist time?" is displayed, and three options, "MB", "RT", and "AT", are displayed as options 61.

When the quiz screen S is displayed, if the player performs an operation corresponding to the correct answer option (specific option information) in the first reel stopping operation (if the right stop button is operated first), the player is notified that the quiz is correct, and the additional Pt 62 (specific information) determined in the additional Pt lottery for this game is displayed on the display unit 17 (specific information display means) (Figure 46 (c)).
Then, when the player operates to stop the third reel, the value of the additional Pt 62 is added to the acquired Pt 60 (Figure 46 (d)).
In addition, when "0 points" is selected in the additional Pt lottery, it is assumed that "0" will be displayed for the additional acquisition Pt 62, but it is also possible to have no display.

On the other hand, if the player does not perform an operation corresponding to the correct answer option when stopping the first reel (if the left or center stop button is operated first), the player is notified that the quiz is incorrect, and the additional Pt 62 determined in the additional Pt lottery for this game is not displayed (FIG. 46(e)).The value of the acquired Pt is also not updated (FIG. 46(f)).
If the quiz question is answered incorrectly, an additional Pt 62 may be announced. In this case, it is preferable to announce a Pt value different from the Pt value that would be awarded if the answer was correct.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a quiz presentation when a button-pressing order-independent role (such as a replay role, a common bell role, or a miss role) is won in the internal lottery process, and if the player answers the quiz correctly, the player is notified that a bonus (Pt) has been awarded, whereas if the player answers the quiz incorrectly, the player is not notified that a bonus (Pt) has been awarded.
As a result, since the quiz is executed when the push order doesn't matter role is won, the game value given to the player does not change no matter what push order the player uses to operate the stop buttons 15, so even a player with a low rate of correct answers to quizzes can enjoy the quiz performance.
In addition, players with a high rate of correct answers to quizzes will be able to easily recognize the exact number of points they have acquired, and so will be able to easily determine the setting if, for example, there is a difference in the setting of the probability of winning a transition to a special stage depending on the number of points acquired.

(Pt specialized stage)
The Pt-specialized stage is a stage in which one set is made up of five games and a large amount of Pt can be acquired. Note that one set is not limited to five games, and may be any number of games.
When five games have been played in the Pt special stage, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to transition to the normal stage B (arrow e in FIG. 30).

In the Pt specialization stage, an "additional Pt lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b (benefit awarding determination means) determines whether or not to award Pt (benefit) based on the winning role of the current game by referring to the "additional Pt lottery table (Pt specialized stage)" shown in Figure 39.
For example, when the "replay role" is won, the probability of "10 points" being selected is 224/256, the probability of "20 points" being selected is 16/256, and the probability of "30 points" being selected is 16/256.
In addition, when the "common bell role" is won, the probability of "20 points" being selected is 128/256, the probability of "30 points" being selected is 96/256, and the probability of "50 points" being selected is 32/256.
As in the normal stage B, the additional Pt determined in the additional Pt lottery is counted (added) to the value of counter F each time it is determined, and is cumulatively stored.
In this way, unlike the additional Pt lottery carried out during the normal stage, Pt is set to be awarded for all winning combinations.
However, without being limited to this, when some winning combinations are won, Pt may not be awarded.

Also, in the Pt specialized stage, a "quiz-related performance execution lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the sub-control unit 26b refers to the "quiz-related performance execution lottery table" shown in Figure 40 and determines, based on the setting value set by the probability setting means, whether or not to execute a performance that will make it easier for the player to answer the quiz correctly.
For example, it is determined whether or not to execute an effect suggesting the correct answer to the quiz (correct answer suggestion effect) or an effect reducing the number of options in the quiz (option subtraction effect).

In the quiz-related effect execution lottery, as shown in FIG. 40, the higher the set value, the easier it is to win the correct answer suggestion effect or the option subtraction effect.
If the result of the lottery is that the correct answer suggestion presentation is won, the sub-control unit 26b determines one quiz question, and when that quiz is performed in the quiz presentation, displays information (specific choice suggestion information) on the display unit 17 (specific choice suggestion information display means) that enables the player to easily select the correct answer option.
In addition, if the result of the lottery is that the option subtraction effect is won, the sub-control unit 26b displays information suggesting that the number of options for each quiz in the quiz effect will be reduced (option reduction suggestion information) on the display unit 17 (option reduction suggestion information display means).

(Answer hint)
FIG. 47 shows an example of a presentation when a correct answer suggestion presentation is executed.
During the Pt specialization stage, for example, a presentation screen such as that shown in FIG. 47(a) is displayed on the display unit 17, and the acquired Pt 60 is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
As a result of the quiz-related performance execution lottery, if the correct answer suggestion performance is won, specific option suggestion information 63 that enables the player to recognize the correct answer option of the quiz is displayed on the display unit 17. For example, as shown in Fig. 47(b), information that enables the player to recognize the correct answer option of the quiz "What is the abbreviation for assist time?" (for example, "AT is the abbreviation for assist time" is displayed).
In addition, in the example shown in Figure 47, the additional Pt 62 determined in the additional Pt lottery is displayed (Figure 47 (c)), and the value of this additional Pt 62 is added to the acquired Pt 60 (Figure 47 (d)).
In this way, the Pt-specialized stage may suggest the answer to a quiz, and when that quiz is executed in a quiz performance, the player can use this as a basis for selecting the correct answer option.

(Choice subtraction effect)
FIG. 48 shows an example of a presentation when the option subtraction presentation is executed.
As a result of the quiz-related performance execution lottery, when the option subtraction performance is won, option reduction suggestion information 64 is displayed on the display unit 17. For example, in the quiz performance, information suggesting that the number of quiz options will be reduced (for example, "I feel smarter,""Option-1") is displayed on the display unit 17.

If the number of quiz options is reduced by winning the option subtraction effect in the Pt specialized stage, when the quiz effect is executed in the normal stage to which the player transitions after the Pt specialized stage ends, the options 61 other than the correct option (specific option information) will be reduced and displayed, as shown in Figure 49.
The example shown in FIG. 49 shows a case where the option subtraction effect lottery is won once, and one option is subtracted and two options are displayed.
In this way, each time the option subtraction effect is won in the quiz-related effect execution lottery, the number of options in the quiz is subtracted by one. In other words, if the option subtraction effect lottery is won twice, the quiz options are displayed with only one option (only the correct option is displayed), so the correct answer is confirmed. Note that if the correct answer has been confirmed and the option subtraction effect lottery is won, the right to subtract options may be carried over.

Furthermore, when the number of options for a quiz is reduced in the Pt specialization stage, the reduced number of options 61 can be maintained until control is transferred to the normal section.
Specifically, after the transition from the advantageous zone to the normal zone, the number of quiz options will remain reduced during the "quiz option number continuation lottery" executed in normal stage A until a "non-win" is determined.
Therefore, in the Pt-specialized stage, the number of quiz options may be reduced, allowing the player to easily select the correct option in the quiz presentation.

In this way, by implementing the correct answer suggestion effect and the option subtraction effect, the player can easily select the correct option for the quiz and can grasp the points acquired by lottery (adding them to the acquired points 60 on the display unit 17). Therefore, the cumulative number of points acquired, which is used for setting determination, etc., can be accurately grasped.

It is assumed that the quiz effect will not be executed during the Pt specialization zone, but this is not limited to the above and it may be executed.
Also, during the Pt specialization stage, it is assumed that the number of games (the value of the counter E) up to the ceiling number of games is not counted, but this is not limited, and it may be counted. In addition, if it is counted, if the ceiling number of games is reached during the Pt specialization stage, it may be configured to immediately transition to the CZ stage, or it may be configured to transition to the CZ stage after the Pt specialization stage is exhausted.

(CZ Stage)
The CZ stage is positioned as a chance zone because it is a game state in which it is easier to transition to the special stage than the normal stage.
The CZ stage is composed of CZ1 and CZ2, with CZ1 being controlled to be in the AT state and CZ2 being controlled to be in the non-AT state.
CZ1 continues until five push order navigations occur, at which point the main control unit 25b controls the transition to CZ2 (arrow f in Figure 30).
CZ2 consists of 5 games in one set, and in the final game (the 5th game), a result presentation is held to determine whether or not to move to a special stage.

In the CZ stage, a "special stage transition lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation) upon entering CZ1.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "special stage transition lottery table" shown in FIG. 41 to determine whether or not to transition to the special stage.
For example, if the current total value of Pt (value of counter F) is "0 to 500", the probability of "winning" is 64/256, if it is "501 to 750", the probability of "winning" is 96/256, if it is "751 to 1000", the probability of "winning" is 128/256, if it is "1001 to 1250", the probability of "winning" is 160/256, if it is "1251 to 1500", the probability of "winning" is 192/256, and if it is "1501 or more", the probability of "winning" is 256/256.
In this way, the greater the total amount of Pt accumulated during the normal stage and the Pt-specialized stage, the higher the probability of moving on to the special stage.
In addition, in the special stage transition lottery, it is assumed that the same applies to all setting values, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the lottery may be set so that the higher the setting, the higher the probability of winning.

The results of the special stage transition lottery will be announced in the final game of CZ2.
For example, in CZ1, an effect image is displayed in which the main character prepares for a fight, and in CZ2, an effect image is displayed in which the main character fights an enemy character as a series of effects spanning multiple games.
If the special stage transition lottery is won, an image of the main character winning in the final game of CZ2 is displayed to notify the player of the transition to the special stage. In addition, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to transition to the special stage A (arrow g in FIG. 30).
On the other hand, if the player does not win the special stage transition lottery, an image of the main character being defeated is displayed to inform the player that the game will not transition to the special stage. Also, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to transition to the normal stage A (arrow h in FIG. 30).

In addition, in the CZ stage, a "bonus lottery" will be held when a rare role is won.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 26b refers to the "privilege awarding lottery table" shown in FIG. 42 to determine whether or not to award a privilege based on the setting value set by the probability setting means.
In the bonus lottery, as shown in FIG. 42, the higher the set value, the easier it is to win.
In this case, if the player does not win the special stage transition lottery held when entering CZ1, the right to transition to the special stage will be granted as a bonus, and if the player wins the special stage transition lottery, the player will be granted a bonus of the difference in number of coins (for example, 30 coins) to be added to the initial difference in number of coins in the next special stage A to be transitioned to.
In addition, if a rare role is won in CZ2, the content of the offense and defense during the battle performance may change, thereby changing the sense of anticipation for moving on to the special stage.

In addition, after the transition from the CZ stage to the normal stage, the display screen on the display unit 17 will display the CZ stage display screen until the game state transitions to normal stage B (transitions to the advantageous zone).
When transitioning from the CZ stage to the normal stage, setting suggestion information capable of suggesting the setting value set by the probability setting means may be notified to the display unit 17, etc. For example, by displaying a character that is preset according to each setting value from among a plurality of characters on the display unit 17, it may be possible to predict the setting value to some extent from the displayed character.

(Special stage)
The special stage is composed of special stage A and special stage B. Special stage A is controlled in the AT state, and special stage B is partially controlled in the AT state.
Special stage A is managed by the difference in number of coins (difference-in-number management type), and the game progresses by consuming (subtracting) the difference in number of coins (remaining difference in number of coins) according to the winning role of the current game, and can continue until the remaining difference in number of coins becomes "0."
When the remaining difference in the number of coins in the special stage A becomes "0", the main control unit 25b controls the transition to the special stage B (arrow i in FIG. 30).

Special stage B consists of 10 games in one set and is managed by the number of games (game number management type). The game progresses by consuming (subtracting) one game (remaining game number) for each game, and continues until the remaining game number becomes "0."
When the number of remaining games in special stage B becomes "0", if the special condition described below is met, the main control unit 25b controls the transition to special stage A (arrow j in Figure 30), and if the special condition described below is not met and the right to continue the special stage described below has not been granted, the main control unit 25b controls the transition to the normal stage (arrow k in Figure 30).
In this way, the special stage can be executed repeatedly (consecutively) depending on the game result during the special stage B.

(Special Stage A)
The special stage A is the first stage in which the player remains after entering the special stage, and when entering the special stage A, an initial difference in number of coins (for example, 100 coins) is awarded as the remaining difference in number of coins.
In addition, if a player wins the bonus lottery in the most recent CZ stage they visited and the additional difference in number of coins has been determined, the additional difference in number of coins will be added to the initial difference in number.
Since the special stage A is managed by the difference in number of coins, when a winning combination with a payout number greater than the number of bets is won, the remaining difference in number of coins decreases, whereas when a winning combination with a payout number less than the number of bets is won, the remaining difference in number of coins increases.

In the special stage A, a "Bell Navi right lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "Bell Navi right lottery table" shown in FIG. 43 to determine whether or not to grant the Bell Navi right based on the winning combination in the current game.
The "Bell Navi right" is a right that can generate push order navigation, and if the push order bell role is won in special stage B, the push order navigation can be generated if the player possesses the Bell Navi right.
In other words, the Bernavi right acquired in the Bernavi right lottery can be consumed in another game state (special stage B).

For example, if the "replay role" or the "push order bell role" is won in the current game, the probability of "one bell navi right" being selected is set to 1/256.
In addition, when the "common bell role" is won, "one bell navi right" is selected with a probability of 8/256.
In addition, when the "Strong Cherry Role" is won, there is a 160/256 probability that "one Bellnav right" will be selected, a 64/256 probability that "two Bellnav rights" will be selected, and a 32/256 probability that "three Bellnav rights" will be selected.
The Bernavi rights are counted (added) each time they are granted, accumulated and stored, and erased (reset) when moving from the advantageous zone to the normal zone. Note that the number of Bernavi rights granted is not limited to this, and may be four or more, or a fixed number of rights may be granted.

(Special Stage B)
The special stage B is controlled to a partial AT state, and the game controlled to this partial AT occurs when the player has the Bell Navi right and wins the push order bell role.
In the special stage B, 10 games are played, and if a special condition is met before 10 games are played, the special stage is executed again (a consecutive game is played). If the special condition is met before 10 games are played, the main control unit 25b controls the remaining game period of the special stage B to the AT state.

A "special condition is met" when, for example, the total number of times the "push order bell role is won" or the "push order navigation occurs" reaches a predetermined number (for example, five times).
For example, if the Push Order Bell role is won five times and the Push Order Navigation occurs five times, if the Push Order Bell role is won two times and the Push Order Navigation occurs three times, etc.
Here, the "number of times the push order bell role wins" refers to the winning of the push order bell role when the push order navigation does not occur. In other words, it is the case where the player correctly presses the push order bell role on his own and the push order bell role wins.
In the special stage B, the push order navigation is not announced basically, so if you have a bell navi right, you can generate the push order navigation by consuming the bell navi right if you win the push order bell role. In other words, the more bell navi rights you have, the easier it becomes for the special conditions to be met.
Also in the special stage B, a Bernavi right lottery is executed in the same manner as in the special stage A. Specifically, the main control unit 25b executes a lottery for acquiring the Bernavi right based on the winning combination of the current game by referring to the "Bernavi right lottery table" shown in Fig. 43.

It should be noted that the "fulfillment of special conditions" is not limited to the above conditions.
For example, the predetermined number (for example, 5 times) can be set to any number of times. Also, when the total number of times the push order bell role is won and the push order navigation occurs is 0, it may be determined that a special condition has been met as a special privilege.

In the special stage B, a continuous performance is executed to heighten the player's expectation that the special stage will continue.
For example, a performance in which a main character and an enemy character fight each other is executed for 10 games. In this performance, the enemy character has HP (hit points), and the HP is given an initial value of, for example, "5" at the start of the special stage B, and is subtracted when the main character attacks the enemy character in the performance.
Specifically, when the Push Order Bell role is won or the Push Order Navigation occurs, the main character in the current game attacks the enemy character and the HP is reduced by 1 (see Figure 50 (a)).
In addition, in the push order navigation that occurs when the bell navigation right is consumed, even if the player presses the buttons incorrectly and the push order bell role does not win, the main character will attack the enemy character and HP will be reduced by 1.

If the HP reaches "0" before 10 games are played in special stage B, an image of the main character defeating the enemy character is displayed, and the continuation of the special stage (consecutive wins) is confirmed (see Figure 50 (b)).
On the other hand, if the HP remaining after 10 games has been played is "1" or more, an image of the main character being defeated by an enemy character is displayed (see FIG. 51(b)).
For this reason, during the special stage B, the game has a characteristic in which the player progresses through the game in the hope that the special stage will continue (special conditions will be met) by defeating the enemy character.

In addition, in the special stage B, if HP remains at "1" or more after 10 games have been played, i.e., if the special condition has not been met, a continuation lottery is held to see whether the special stage will continue.
For example, the main control unit 25b (determination means) determines whether or not to grant the special stage continuation right based on a continuation rate calculated using the following formula.
Continuation rate = "Number of times the push order bell role is won" or "Number of times the push order navigation occurs" x 10% + "Number of remaining bell navigation rights" x 10% + 10% (initial value) ... (formula)

Specifically, the continuation rate is calculated by multiplying the total number of "Number of times the Push Order Bell symbol is won" and "Number of times the Push Order Navigation occurs" at the end of Special Stage B by 10%, adding the "Number of remaining Bell Navi rights" multiplied by 10%, and then adding the initial value (10%).
A lottery is conducted only once based on the continuation rate calculated by the above formula, and if the continuation rate is 100% or more, the right to continue to the special stage is granted, and if it is less than 100%, a lottery is conducted based on the continuation rate to determine whether or not to grant the right to continue to the special stage.
In addition, if the calculated continuation rate is 100% or more, the number calculated by "the portion of the continuation rate exceeding 100% divided by 10" is controlled to be carried over to the next special stage B as the number of Bernavi rights.
In this way, since the special stage can be continued based on the continuation rate, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling a sense of loss, for example, thinking, "If only I had won the push order bell role one more time, I could have won the consecutive games."
In addition, if the push order bell role is not won during the special stage B and the bell navi right remains, it is possible to prevent the bell navi right from going to waste.

In addition, in the special stage B, if the right to continue to the special stage is not granted in the continuation lottery based on the continuation rate, a "special stage continuation lottery" is executed.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b (determination means) refers to the "special stage continuation lottery table" shown in Figure 44 and determines whether or not to grant the right to continue the special stage based on the setting value set by the probability setting means.
In the special stage continuation lottery, as shown in FIG. 44, the higher the setting value, the easier it is to win.
In this way, when the right to continue the special stage is granted in the lottery based on the continuation rate or the special stage continuation lottery, the main control unit 25b controls the transition to special stage A, and the special stage continues.
In this case, as a presentation, an image may be displayed in which the HP reaches "0" and the main character defeats the enemy character, or a revival presentation, which will be described later, may be executed.

In addition, in the special stage B, if the continuation of the special stage is confirmed by the fulfillment of special conditions before the completion of 10 games, a "additional difference number lottery" is executed.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b determines the difference in the number of coins to be added based on the winning combination of the current game by referring to the "additional difference in the number of coins lottery table" shown in FIG.
For example, if the "replay role" is won, "10 coins" is selected with a probability of 1/256, if the "common bell role" is won, "10 coins" is selected with a probability of 240/256, "20 coins" is selected with a probability of 16/256, and if the "strong cherry role" is won, "30 coins" is selected with a probability of 256/256.
The additional difference in number of coins determined in the additional difference in number of coins lottery will be added (added) to the initial difference in number of coins (100 coins) of the special stage A to which the next transition will be made.

In the above explanation, it is assumed that when the Bell Navi right is consumed, the push order navigation will always be generated, but this is not limited to the above, and the push order navigation may be generated with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%).
In addition, in the special stage presentation, the HP of the main character may also be set, and the HP of the main character may be set to decrease when a bell is dropped, and when a bell is dropped a predetermined number of times, the main character may be defeated.
Also, the enemy character may be determined by lottery when entering the special stage. For example, the enemy character may be determined based on a set value set by a probability setting means, and a low setting may be set so that a stronger enemy character (a character with a large HP value) is more likely to be selected than a high setting.

(Transition of game state and display mode regarding continuation of special stage)
Next, the transition of the game state regarding the continuation of the special stage and the display contents on the display unit 17 will be described.
In this embodiment, the main control unit 25b (area control means, game state control means) controls the selection of various bonuses and the transition of game areas and game states, and transmits control information related to this control from the main control unit 25b to the sub-control unit 26b, which then controls the presentation related to the transition of game states and the corresponding presentation images.
In addition, the execution of effects that are not directly related to the transition of the game zone or game state may be controlled by the sub-controller 26b independently without receiving control information from the main controller 25b. However, it is necessary to receive control information that triggers the effects (for example, winning information of a rare role, etc.).

FIG. 50 shows the transition of the game state when the special stage continues (continuous play) and the change in the display content on the display unit 17.
Specifically, an example is shown of a case where during special stage B, a special condition is met or the right to continue the special stage is granted (by winning a lottery based on the continuation rate or a special stage continuation lottery), thereby determining that the special stage will continue, and then the game state transitions from special stage B to special stage A.

First, during the period in which the continuation of special stage B has not been confirmed ((1) in Figure 50), for example, a presentation in which the main character and enemy character fight each other as shown in Figure 50 (a) is executed on the display unit 17.
During this period, if the continuation of the special stage is confirmed (special conditions are met or the right to continue the special stage is granted), in the final game of special stage B, an image of the main character winning (for example, text information such as "WIN!") as shown in Figure 50 (b) is displayed on the display unit 17.

Then, after the third reel is stopped in the final game ((2) in FIG. 50), the game state transitions from special stage B to special stage A.
Next, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((3) in FIG. 50), the presentation of the special stage A starts on the display unit 17. As the presentation during the special stage A, for example, a presentation image in which the main character advances through a grassland, as shown in FIG. 50(c), is displayed on the display unit 17.
Also, in the example shown in FIG. 50, the special stage continues (continues), so control continues in the advantageous zone, and the result screen and the game results of the special stage are not displayed.

FIG. 51 shows the transition of the game state when the special stage does not continue (continue), and the change in the display content on the display unit 17.
Specifically, an example is shown of a case where during special stage B, special conditions are not met and the right to continue the special stage is not granted, so it is decided that the special stage will not continue, and then the game state transitions from special stage B to the normal stage.

In the final game of the special stage B, if the special condition is not satisfied and the special stage continuation right is not granted, an image of the main character being defeated (e.g., text information such as "LOSE...") as shown in Fig. 51(b) is displayed on the display unit 17 (hereinafter, also referred to as a defeat effect). In other words, an effect suggesting that the special stage B is ending is executed.
Then, after the third reel is stopped in the final game ((2) in Figure 51), the game zone transitions from the advantageous zone to the normal zone, and the game state transitions from special stage B to normal stage A (hereinafter, this control is referred to as specific control).
Next, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((3) in FIG. 51), the game state is controlled to the normal stage A, but a defeat effect suggesting the end of the special stage B continues to be executed on the display unit 17 ((b) in FIG. 51). This defeat effect continues to be executed until the game moves to the advantageous zone ((4) in FIG. 51).

Thereafter, if a beneficial zone transition role is won during normal stage A, after the third reel of the winning game is stopped ((5) in Figure 51), the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the beneficial zone, and the game state transitions from normal stage A to normal stage B.
At this time, if one of modes 1 to 3 is selected as a result of the mode lottery executed in response to the winning of the advantageous zone transition role, that is, if the normal stage is determined as the transition destination, a result screen is displayed on the display unit 17 in place of the defeat effect image, as shown in Fig. 51(c) . The result screen displays the game result 65 of the immediately preceding special stage.
The game result 65 includes, for example, the number of games played during the special stage (total number of games), the number of medals won during the special stage (total number won), the number of times the special stage continues, and the like.
Next, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((6) in FIG. 51), the result screen and game result 65 are hidden, and the normal stage presentation as shown in FIG. 51(d) begins on the display unit 17.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment executes an effect (e.g., a defeat effect) suggesting that the special stage previously controlled will end during the period in the normal zone and normal stage to which a transition has been made by the execution of a specific control until the advantageous zone is controlled by winning the advantageous zone transition role.
Thereafter, when the player is controlled to the advantageous zone due to winning the advantageous zone transition role, the game result of the special stage that was controlled immediately before is announced on the result screen.
In other words, when there is a transition from a special stage to a normal stage, the result screen including the game results of the special stage is not displayed until there is a transition to the advantageous zone, and the result screen is displayed at the time of transition to the advantageous zone.

In this way, since a result screen informing the player of the results of the special stage is not displayed immediately after the special stage ends, it is possible to make it appear as if the special stage continues without ending, even though the special stage (advantageous section) has ended and control has been restored to the normal stage (normal section).
Therefore, the player can play the game with the expectation that the special stage will continue, which can increase the player's interest in the game.

FIG. 52 shows the transition of the game state and the change in the display content on the display unit 17 when it is determined that a transition to a special stage will occur again in the normal stage to which the transition has been made after the end of the special stage.
Specifically, this is an example of a case where, during special stage B, the special conditions are not met and the right to continue the special stage is not granted, so it is decided that the special stage will not be continued, and then, when the player moves to normal stage A, it is immediately decided that the player will move to the special stage.

First, during the period from staying in special stage B to staying in normal stage A (FIG. 52 (1) to FIG. 52 (4)), the game state transition is the same as that in FIG. 51 (1) to FIG. 51 (4) described above, and the display on the display unit 17 is the same as in FIG. 52 (a) and (b)).
Then, in the normal stage A, if the special stage is selected as a result of the mode lottery that is executed in response to the winning of the advantageous zone transition role (if a specific condition is met), after the third reel of the winning game is stopped, the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, and the game state transitions from the normal stage A to the special stage A ((5) in Figure 52).

As described above, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the gaming zone is controlled to an advantageous zone due to winning a beneficial zone transition role in the normal stage A to which it has been transitioned by executing a specific control, a result screen showing the gaming results of the immediately preceding special stage and gaming result 65 are displayed ((5) in Figure 51).
On the other hand, as an exception, when a transition to a special stage is decided in normal stage A, which has been transitioned to by executing a specific control, the result screen and game result 65 are not displayed ((5) in Figure 52).
In addition, game results that are not displayed due to the result screen being hidden will be displayed together with the game results of other special stages on the result screen that is displayed when the next advantageous zone ends.

Next, when the game start operation for the next game is performed ((6) in FIG. 52), an effect (revival effect) suggesting a transition to a special stage is executed, as shown in FIG. 52(c). For example, an image of the main character being revived (e.g., text information such as "Not yet!!") is displayed on the display unit 17. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the revival effect screen is hidden, and the effect of special stage A begins on the display unit 17 (FIG. 52(d)).

In this way, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when it is decided to transition to the special stage at the timing of transition to the advantageous zone in the normal zone to which it is transitioned after the end of the special stage (when specific conditions are met), it is possible to return to the special stage immediately after the start of the advantageous zone, making it appear as if the special stage is being played consecutively.
Similarly, when the advantageous zone limiter is reached and the game transitions to the normal zone, it is possible to make it appear as if the special stage has not ended.
This makes it appear as if the player has acquired more than a predetermined amount of game value in one AT state (special stage), making it appear as if there is a difference in the amount of game value acquired compared to other players (the amount acquired in one AT state), and giving the player a sense of superiority in terms of how much game value he or she has acquired in one AT state (special stage).

FIG. 53 shows the transition of the game state when a fake effect is executed in a special stage, and the change in the display content on the display unit 17.
The fake effect is an effect that makes it look as if the continuation (continuous win) of the special stage is not confirmed even though the continuation (continuous win) of the special stage is confirmed, thereby increasing the player's expectations for the special stage. For example, it is executed in place of the winning effect (see FIG. 50) with a predetermined probability.

Specifically, in the final game of special stage B (2 in Figure 53), if the right to continue the special stage is granted (if the lottery based on the continuation rate or the special stage continuation lottery is won), a fake performance execution lottery is executed.
If the lottery is won, even though the continuation of the special stage has been confirmed, a presentation (defeat presentation) suggesting that special stage B will end, as shown in Figure 52 (b), is executed.
Then, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((3) in FIG. 53), the game state is controlled to the special stage A, but the defeat effect continues to be displayed on the display unit 17.
Thereafter, in response to a game start operation ((6) in FIG. 53), a revival effect is executed instead of the defeat effect (FIG. 52(c)). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the revival effect screen is hidden, and the effect of the special stage A as shown in FIG. 52(d) is started on the display unit 17.
Also, in the example shown in Figure 53, as the special stage continues (continuously continues), control continues in the advantageous zone, so the result screen and the game results of the special stage are not displayed.

In this way, although the transition of the game area and game state is different between "when a fake performance is executed in a special stage (Figure 53)" and the aforementioned "when a transition directly to the special stage is decided in normal stage A (Figure 52)", the display content on the display unit 17 is the same.
This makes it difficult for the player to distinguish which state he or she is passing through, making the game more complicated and increasing the player's interest.
Furthermore, if the continuation of the special stage is confirmed as a result of certain conditions being met during special stage B, the player will be able to recognize that the continuation has been confirmed, so although it is difficult to execute a fake performance in this case, it may be executed.

Moreover, the third embodiment can also be modified as follows.
In this embodiment, the case has been described where Pt (points) are awarded as a bonus during the normal stage and the Pt specialized stage, but this is not limited to the above, and the bonus can be anything that gives the player an advantage, such as the right to transition to a special stage or a CZ stage.
In addition, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which a continuation lottery for the special stage is executed in the final game of the special stage B. However, this is not limited to this, and a continuation lottery may be executed during the special stage B.
In addition, if a rare role is won during a special stage, a lottery will be held to add the difference in the number of coins or the number of games, and if the lottery is won, the difference in the number of coins or the number of games may be added to the remaining difference in the number of coins or the remaining number of games in the currently running stage.
In addition, if a specific rare combination is won during the special stage, a special addition zone may be generated in which the probability of being added is higher than in other states for a predetermined period of time. In addition, if a specific combination is won during the special addition zone, the right to continue the special stage may be granted.

(Variation 1 of the third embodiment)
Next, a first modified example of the third embodiment will be described.
The gaming machine 10 according to the third embodiment can also be modified as shown below.
The gaming machine 10 according to the first modified example of the third embodiment has a gaming state as shown in Fig. 54. Specifically, compared with the gaming state of the third embodiment (Fig. 30), it is different in that it has a "result stage".

The result stage is entered after the CZ stage or special stage ends (arrows h, k in Figure 54), and is a game state controlled in the normal zone.
In the result stage, when a beneficial zone transition role is won, a "mode lottery" is executed to determine the transition destination of the game state.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "mode selection table" shown in FIG. 31 to determine the transition destination based on the winning combination of the current game and the setting value set by the probability setting means.
As a result of the mode lottery, if any of modes 1 to 3 is selected, the main control unit 25b controls the transition to normal stage B (arrow l in FIG. 54).
On the other hand, when the special stage is selected as a result of the mode lottery, the main control unit 25b controls the transition to special stage A (arrow m in FIG. 54).

Next, the transition of the game state regarding the continuation of the special stage and the display contents on the display unit 17 will be described.
55 shows the transition of the game state when the special stage does not continue (continuous win), and the change in the display content on the display unit 17. That is, it is the same as the example of game progress shown in FIG.
In the final game of special stage B, if the special conditions are not met and the right to continue the special stage is not granted, and therefore it is decided that the special stage will not continue, a defeat presentation is executed (Figure 55 (a)).
Then, after the third reel is stopped in the final game ((2) in Figure 55), the gaming zone changes from the advantageous zone to the normal zone, and the gaming state changes from the special stage B to the result stage.
Next, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((3) in Fig. 55), the presentation of the result stage begins on the display unit 17. As a presentation during the result stage, for example, a result screen including an image of the main character gazing at the morning sun in the distance, as shown in Fig. 55(b), is displayed on the display unit 17.

Then, during the result stage, a role that transitions to a favorable zone is won, and after the third reel of the game is stopped ((5) in Figure 55), the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the favorable zone.
At this time, if one of modes 1 to 3 is selected as a result of the mode lottery that is executed in response to the winning of the advantageous zone transition role, that is, if the normal stage is determined as the transition destination, the game result 65 will be displayed on the result screen, as shown in Figure 55 (c).
Next, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((6) in FIG. 55), the result screen and game result 65 are hidden, and the normal stage presentation as shown in FIG. 55(d) begins on the display unit 17.

56 shows the transition of the game state when a transition to a special stage is determined in the normal section after the special stage ends, and the change of the display content on the display unit 17. That is, it is the same as the example of game progress shown in FIG.
During the period from staying in special stage B to staying in the result stage (FIG. 56 (1) to FIG. 56 (4)), the game state transitions and displays on the display unit 17 are similar to those described above in FIG. 55 (1) to FIG. 51 (4) (FIGS. 56 (a) and (b)).
Then, in the result stage, if the special stage is selected as a result of the mode lottery that is executed in response to the winning of the advantageous zone transition role (if a specific condition is met), after the third reel of the winning game is stopped, the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, and the game state transitions from the result stage to special stage A ((5) in Figure 56).
At this time, as shown in FIG. 56(b), the result screen does not display the game result 65 ((5) in FIG. 56).
Next, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((6) in FIG. 56), the revival effect is executed ((c) in FIG. 56). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the revival effect screen is hidden and the effect of the special stage A is started on the display unit 17 ((d) in FIG. 56).

57 shows the transition of the game state when a fake effect is executed in a special stage, and the change in the display content on the display unit 17. That is, it is the same as the example of game progress shown in FIG.
In the final game of the special stage B ((2) in FIG. 57), if the right to continue the special stage is granted (if the lottery based on the continuation rate or the lottery for continuing the special stage is won), a lottery for executing a fake performance is executed. If the lottery for executing a fake performance is won, a defeat performance is executed even if the continuation of the special stage has been decided (FIG. 56(a)).
Then, when a game start operation for the next game is performed ((3) in FIG. 57), even though the continuation of the special stage has been determined, a result screen is displayed on the display unit 17 ((b) in FIG. 56).
Thereafter, in response to a game start operation ((6) in FIG. 53), instead of displaying the result screen, a revival effect as shown in FIG. 52(c) is executed. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, instead of the revival effect screen, the effect of the special stage A as shown in FIG. 52(d) is started on the display unit 17.

As described above, in the first modified example of the third embodiment, after the special stage ends, the game progresses to the result stage, and the game results of the immediately preceding special stage (advantageous zone) are not displayed on the result screen until the game progresses to the advantageous zone. Then, the game results are displayed on the result screen when the game progresses to the advantageous zone.
In the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, which has a result stage, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification 2 of the third embodiment)
Next, a second modification of the third embodiment will be described.
The gaming machine 10 according to the third embodiment can also be modified as shown below.
The gaming machine 10 according to the modified example 2 of the third embodiment has a gaming state as shown in Fig. 58. Specifically, compared with the gaming state of the above-mentioned third embodiment (Fig. 30), it is different in that the special stage includes a difference number addition stage (specific gaming state) and a trigger addition stage.

The difference number addition stage and the trigger addition stage are controlled in the AT state.
In addition, the difference number addition stage and the trigger addition stage are managed by the trigger number (specific value) as a management method for the AT state (trigger number management type AT).
The "number of triggers" refers to the number of operations on the operation means, which include the BET button 12 (first operation means), the start lever 13 (second operation means), the stop button 15 (third operation means), etc. In the following description, an operation on the operation means is also called a "trigger".
Specifically, the number of operations (triggers) required for each operating means to execute one game is set to "1", and when the BET button 12, start lever 13, left stop button 15a, center stop button 15b, and right stop button 15c are all operated in one game, the number of triggers is "5".
Basically, the number of triggers required for one game is "5" (the second number). As an exception, in a game in which a replay role or a cherry role (hereinafter also referred to as a replay role) is won, there is no need to operate the BET button 12 for the next game, so the number of triggers is "4" (the first number).
In the difference number addition stage, the main control unit 25b operates as an update means, and the game progresses by consuming (subtracting) the remaining number of triggers (specific value) each game, continuing until the remaining number of triggers reaches the end value.

(Difference number addition stage)
The difference number addition stage is entered if the player wins the "difference number addition stage transition lottery" held during special stage A (arrow n in Figure 30).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "Difference Number Addition Stage Transition Lottery Table" shown in Figure 59 to determine whether or not to transition to the Difference Number Addition Stage based on the winning combination of the current game.
For example, the system is set up to make it easier to win based on the relationship: Chance symbol < Watermelon symbol < Weak cherry symbol < Strong cherry symbol.

When the difference number adding stage is entered for the first time, an initial value of the remaining trigger number is set to, for example, "25." Note that the initial value is not limited to "25" and may be any number.
Since the difference number addition stage is managed by the number of triggers, the duration of stay changes depending on the type of winning role in the internal lottery process.
Specifically, when a winning role other than the re-play role is won, the number of consumption triggers is "5", and when the re-play role is won, the number of consumption triggers for the next game is "4", so the more re-play roles are won, the longer the duration of the difference number addition stage will be.
For example, if the number of remaining triggers is "25," if the re-play role is consecutively won, the player can stay for 7 games ("4" x 7 games = 28 triggers), and if a winning role other than the re-play role is consecutively won, the player can stay for 5 games ("5" x 5 games = 25 triggers).
That is, when the number of remaining triggers is "1" or more at the start of the game, the game can be executed. However, this is not limited to this, and when the number of remaining triggers is less than the number of consumed triggers corresponding to the winning combination at the start of the game, the difference number adding stage may be ended.
In addition, the longer the player stays in the difference number adding stage, the easier it becomes to move to the trigger adding stage in the "trigger adding stage lottery" described later. Therefore, the game has a feature that the player progresses the game in the difference number adding stage in the hope of winning the re-play role.

In the difference number addition stage, an "addition difference number lottery" is executed in response to the tilt operation of the start lever 13 (game start operation).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b determines the difference in the number of coins to be added based on the winning combination of the current game by referring to the "additional difference in the number of coins lottery table" shown in FIG.
In the internal lottery process, the probability that a larger difference in number of coins will be added is set to be higher for winning combinations with a relatively lower winning probability. The difference in number of coins to be added determined in the lottery for the difference in number of coins to be added is added (added) to the remaining difference in number of coins in the special stage A to which the player moves afterwards.

In the difference number addition stage, when the remaining trigger number reaches an end value (e.g., "0"), a "trigger addition stage transition lottery" is executed.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b determines whether or not to transition to the trigger addition stage based on the number of continuing games in the difference number addition stage by referring to the "trigger addition stage transition lottery table" shown in Figure 61.
For example, if the number of continuing games is "5 games", the probability of winning is 1/256, if the number of continuing games is "6 games", the probability of winning is 8/256, and if the number of continuing games is "7 games or more", the winning is guaranteed.
In this way, the longer the number of games spent in the difference number addition stage, the higher the probability of moving to the trigger addition stage.
In addition, without being limited to this, the shorter the number of continuing games in the difference number addition stage, the higher the probability of winning.
If the trigger-addition stage transition lottery is won, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to transition to the trigger-addition stage (arrow p in Figure 30), and if the lottery is not won, the main control unit 25b controls the game state to transition to the special stage A (arrow o in Figure 30).

If the trigger addition stage transition lottery is won, the "additional trigger number lottery" will be held.
Specifically, the main control unit 25b operates as a determination unit to determine the number of added triggers (increase) by referring to the "number of added triggers lottery table" shown in Fig. 62. For example, the number of added triggers is determined by lottery from 25 triggers, 30 triggers, 35 triggers, and 45 triggers.
The number of added triggers (increased number) determined by the lottery is announced in the destination trigger added stage, and is added (added) to the remaining number of triggers (specific value) in the difference number added stage to which the player subsequently moves.

(Trigger top stage)
In the trigger addition stage, a "trigger addition effect" is executed in which the number of added triggers determined by the lottery for the number of added triggers in the immediately preceding difference number addition stage is announced on the display unit 17 (announcement means) all at once or in parts.
The trigger addition performance is performed by a simulated game, and the simulated game is performed up to three times.
Then, when the number of triggers during the pseudo game reaches a predetermined number (for example, "3"), the game transitions (returns) to the difference number addition stage (arrow q in FIG. 30).

(Simulated gaming)
The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a configuration capable of executing a normal game as described above, as well as a configuration (pseudo game control means) capable of executing a pseudo game that is different from the normal game.
A simulated game is a state in which no game is actually progressing, and the operation and stopping of the reel 20 is carried out in the same manner as in a normal game, giving the player the feeling that the game is progressing.

In addition, in the simulated game, the rotation of the reel 20 is started based on the game start operation, and when any of the operating means is operated while the reel 20 is rotating, the reel 20 is temporarily stopped and displayed with a specific pattern (such as the number 7) (hereinafter referred to as the temporary stop state).
In the provisionally stopped state, the reel 20 is controlled to move (swing) up and down while remaining stopped. By swinging the reel 20 in this manner, a player who sees the reel 20 can recognize that the game is a pseudo game that is different from a normal game.
Moreover, the pseudo game is a game in which no winning occurs regardless of the stopping state of the reel 20 in the provisional stop state. That is, even if a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning combination is stopped and displayed in the provisional stop state, no winning occurs and no game value is given to the player (no medals are paid out).

(Trigger addition effect)
The trigger addition effect can be executed up to three times per simulated game from when the reel 20 starts to rotate until it reaches a temporary stop state, and continues until the number of triggers "3" is consumed during the simulated game.
In the trigger-adding effect, one effect (effect A to effect C) is executed during one simulated game, and during each effect, an operational effect that requires an operation by the player is executed.
Details will be described later, but for example, effect A is an operation effect that requires operation of the BET button 12, effect B is an operation effect that requires operation of the BET button 12 and the start lever 13, and effect C is an operation effect that requires operation of the BET button 12, the start lever 13, and the stop button 15.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 26b displays an operation image that prompts the player to operate the operation means (BET button 12, start lever 13, stop button 15, etc.), and when the player operates the operation means corresponding to the operation image while the operation image is displayed, the number of added triggers is notified on the display unit 17.

The type of effect to be executed during the trigger addition effect is set in advance by the scenario.
A "scenario" is information that sets a predetermined number of effects to be executed during a trigger addition effect, and the execution of one scenario is completed when the predetermined number of effects are executed in order.
By executing one scenario, three or more triggers will be consumed during the simulated game, and the trigger addition performance (trigger addition stage) will end.

The type of scenario to be executed is determined by lottery when entering the trigger-add stage (scenario lottery).
Specifically, the main control unit 25b refers to the "scenario lottery table" shown in Figure 63 and determines which scenario to execute from among multiple scenarios based on the number of added triggers determined in the added trigger number lottery.
For example, when the number of added triggers is "25," the probability of selecting "Scenario 1" is 128/256, the probability of selecting "Scenario 2" is 64/256, and the probability of selecting "Scenario 3" is 64/256.
In addition, when the number of added triggers is "30", "Scenario 4" is selected with a probability of 128/256, and "Scenario 5" is selected with a probability of 128/256; when the number of added triggers is "35", "Scenario 6" is selected with a probability of 128/256, and "Scenario 7" is selected with a probability of 128/256; and when the number of added triggers is "45", "Scenario 8" is confirmed.

For each scenario, the type of performance to be executed is preset, as shown in the "scenario table" of FIG.
For example, scenario 1 is set so that effect A is executed in the first play and effect B is executed in the second play. That is, in the trigger-adding effect based on scenario 1, as shown in FIG. 65, effect A requiring the operation of the BET button 12 is executed in the first play of the simulated game, and effect B requiring the operation of the BET button 12 and the start lever 13 is executed in the second play of the simulated game.
Therefore, the first pseudo game (effect A) consumes the trigger number "1", the second pseudo game (effect B) consumes the trigger number "2", and the total number of triggers consumed is "3". As a result, the execution of the second pseudo game ends the trigger addition effect (trigger addition stage).

Also, for example, "scenario 3" is set so that effect C is executed the first time.
That is, in the trigger addition performance based on the scenario 3, as shown in Fig. 65, the first pseudo game is set to execute performance C, which requires the operation of the BET button 12, the start lever 13, and the stop button 15. Therefore, a total of "3" triggers are consumed, and only one pseudo game is executed, and the trigger addition performance (trigger addition stage) ends.
Also, for example, "scenario 8" is set so that effect A is executed from the first to third times.
In other words, as shown in FIG. 65, effect A, which requires the operation of the BET button 12, is executed three times in succession, consuming a total of three triggers, and three pseudo games are executed, ending the trigger addition effect (trigger addition stage).

Next, an example of the trigger addition effect (simulated play) will be described.
For the purpose of explanation, Figures 66 and 67 show a simplified configuration of the gaming machine (slot machine) 10, and each of the performance images shown is a simplified version of the image that is actually displayed, but in reality, character images, background images, etc. are displayed as moving images on the display unit 17.

First, an example of the trigger addition effect based on scenario 1 will be described.
In the start game of the trigger addition stage, when the player performs the game start operation, the reels 20 begin to rotate and the first simulated game (effect A) begins, and the display unit 17 displays an effect image corresponding to effect A, as well as an operation image consisting of an image imitating the BET button 12 and a text image saying "Press BET!" encouraging the player to operate the BET button 12 (Figure 66 (a)).
In this state, when the player operates the BET button 12, the reel 20 rotates in the reverse direction (FIG. 66(b)). After that, the specific symbol (the "white 7" symbol) is automatically stopped and the reel 20 vibrates up and down and enters a temporary stop state. At this time, the first additional trigger number (+10) is displayed approximately in the center of the display unit 17 (FIG. 66(c)).

After a predetermined time has elapsed from the state shown in Figure 66 (c), each reel 20 begins to rotate and a second simulated game (effect B) is started, and the display unit 17 displays an effect image corresponding to effect B, an operation image consisting of an image imitating a BET button and a text image saying "Press BET!" (Figure 66 (d)).
In this state, when the player operates the BET button 12, the reels 20 do not rotate in reverse, the specific symbols are not displayed, and the number of added triggers is not notified (FIG. 66(e)).

After a predetermined time has elapsed from the state shown in Figure 66 (e), an operation image consisting of an image imitating a start lever and a text image of "Hit the lever!" encouraging the player to operate the start lever 13 is displayed on the display unit 17 (Figure 66 (f)).
In this state, when the player operates the start lever 13, the reel 20 rotates in the reverse direction (FIG. 66(g)). After that, the specific symbol (the "red 7" symbol) is automatically stopped and the reel 20 vibrates up and down and enters a temporary stop state. At this time, the second additional trigger number (+15) is displayed approximately in the center of the display unit 17 (FIG. 66(h)), and the performance ends.

In this way, an operational presentation that requires a player's operation is executed, and when the corresponding operating means is operated, the number of added triggers is divided and notified.
This gives the player the impression that he or she has won the additional trigger number lottery multiple times and the trigger number has been added multiple times, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

Next, an example of a trigger addition effect based on scenario 3 will be described.
In the start game of the trigger addition stage, when the player performs the game start operation, the reels 20 begin to rotate and the first simulated game (presentation C) is started, and the display unit 17 displays an operation image consisting of a presentation image corresponding to presentation C, an image imitating the BET button 12, and a text image saying "Press BET!" encouraging the player to operate the BET button 12 (Figure 67 (a)).
In this state, when the player operates the BET button 12, the reels 20 do not rotate in reverse, the specific symbols are not displayed, and the number of additional triggers is not notified (FIG. 67(b)).

After a predetermined time has elapsed from the state shown in Figure 67 (b), an operation image consisting of an image imitating a start lever and a text image of "Hit the lever!" encouraging the player to operate the start lever 13 is displayed on the display unit 17 (Figure 67 (c)).
In this state, even if the player operates the start lever 13, the reel 20 will not rotate in reverse, the specific symbol will not be displayed in a stopped state, and the number of added triggers will not be announced (Figure 67 (d)).
After a predetermined time has elapsed from the state shown in Figure 67 (d), an operation image consisting of an image imitating a stop button and a text image saying "Press the stop button!" encouraging the user to operate the stop button 15 is displayed on the display unit 17 (Figure 67 (e)).
In this state, when the player operates the stop button 15, the reel 20 rotates in the reverse direction (FIG. 67(f)). After that, the specific symbol ("Blue 7") is displayed as a stop, and the reel 20 vibrates up and down and enters a temporary stop state. At this time, the first additional trigger number (+25) is displayed approximately in the center of the display unit 17 (FIG. 67(g)), and the performance ends.

In this way, the trigger addition effect is executed by the simulated game and continues during the simulated game until the number of triggers reaches a predetermined number, at which point the effect ends.
In addition, in the trigger addition performance, an operation performance requiring a player's operation is executed during each performance (simulated game), and the number of added triggers can be notified at the timing when the last operation performance is executed. For example, in the case of performance C, the number of added triggers is notified based on the reel 20 being in a provisionally stopped state at the timing when the last operation performance requiring the operation of the stop button 15 is executed (see FIG. 67).
Therefore, the size of the number of additional triggers notified varies depending on the number of operations (number of triggers) performed on the operating means by the player.
This can increase the excitement of the game and the player's expectations.

In addition, the number of added triggers is set to be different depending on the type of specific pattern that is stopped and displayed.
For example, when the number of added triggers is "10 or less," there is a high probability that the "white 7" symbols will line up and stop when displayed; when it is "15 to 20," there is a high probability that the "red 7" symbols will line up and stop when displayed; and when it is "25 or more," there is a high probability that the "blue 7" symbols will line up and stop when displayed.
Therefore, the player can predict the number of additional triggers depending on the type of specific symbol that is stopped and displayed, and can play with a sense of expectation.

In addition, in the trigger addition performance, as shown in FIG. 64, when "Scenario 7" is selected, performance B is executed twice in succession, and when "Scenario 8" is selected, performance A is executed three times in succession.
That is, when "Scenario 7" or "Scenario 8" is selected, the same number of triggers will be consumed during multiple consecutive performances (simulated games).
Also, as shown in FIG. 63, when "Scenario 7" or "Scenario 8" is selected, a larger number of added triggers is notified compared to when other scenarios are selected.
Therefore, the player can play the game in the hope that the number of operations (number of triggers) on the operating means during each performance (simulated game) will be the same consecutively, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

As described above, in variant example 2 of the third embodiment, the special stages, the difference number addition stage and the trigger addition stage, are managed by the number of operations (trigger number) on the operating means required for one game, and can continue until the trigger number reaches the end value.
As a result, compared with a game number management type AT in which one game is always consumed in one play, the game does not progress with a fixed performance in each game, and therefore the game can be prevented from becoming monotonous.
Also, compared to a difference number management type AT in which the game progresses by consuming the number of payouts paid in one game, the number of triggers consumed does not change regardless of the number of payouts, so even if the situation continues in which the number of payouts for one game exceeds the number of bets, it is possible to prevent the AT state from ending immediately.
In this way, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment has unprecedented and innovative gameplay characteristics, which can increase the enjoyment of the game.
In addition, in such a modified gaming machine 10 having a difference number addition stage and a trigger addition stage, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in a trigger number management type AT, when all operating means are used in one game, the number of triggers consumed can be "5" (second number), and in the next game in which a replay role or cherry role (replay role) is won, the number of triggers consumed can be "4" (first number).
This prevents the game from progressing with the same performance every game, thereby preventing the game from becoming monotonous.

In addition, the trigger addition stage among the special stages continues until the number of triggers reaches a predetermined number during execution of the simulated game, and can be ended when it reaches that number.
In addition, in a simulated game, after the reel 20 is temporarily stopped, an addition to the number of triggers can be notified.
In this way, even during simulated play, the game is provided with unprecedented and innovative gameplay characteristics, which can increase the interest of the game.

In addition, the second modification of the third embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the above description, when the number of triggers during a pseudo game reaches a predetermined number, the trigger addition effect is continued until the effect being executed (pseudo game) ends, but this is not limited to the above, and the trigger addition effect may be ended when the number of triggers during a pseudo game reaches a predetermined number. For example, in the case of a trigger addition effect based on scenario 7, the trigger addition effect may be ended at the timing when the operation effect is performed on the BET button for the second pseudo game (effect B).

In addition, in the above explanation, the difference number addition stage and the trigger addition stage among the special stages were described as trigger number management type AT, but this is not limited to this, and the CZ stage and other game states may also be managed by the trigger number.
Also, in the difference number adding stage, probability states such as a normal probability state, a high probability state, and an ultra-high probability state may be provided, and an operation means that does not subtract according to the probability state may be provided. For example, in the high probability state, subtraction may not be performed by operating the start lever 13, and in the ultra-high probability state, subtraction may not be performed by operating the BET button 12 and the start lever 13.
In addition, in the trigger addition effects, effect A is an operation effect requiring operation of the BET button 12, effect B is an operation effect requiring operation of the BET button 12 and the start lever 13, and effect C is an operation effect requiring operation of the BET button 12, the start lever 13, and the stop button 15. However, the types and number of operation means used are not limited to those described above and can be set arbitrarily.

As described above, the present invention includes a game state control means (main control unit 25b) capable of controlling a first game state (non-AT state (e.g., normal stage)) and a second game state (AT state (e.g., special stage)) that is more advantageous than the first game state, a zone control means (main control unit 25b) capable of controlling a normal zone and an advantageous zone, a notification means (display unit 17) capable of notifying game result information regarding the game result in the second game state, and a presentation control means (sub-control unit 26b) capable of executing a presentation regarding the transition of the game state, and the game state control means is capable of executing specific control to transition from the second game state to the first game state when controlled from the advantageous zone to the normal zone by the zone control means, and the notification means is capable of notifying game result information (game result 65) when controlled to the advantageous zone by the zone control means in the normal zone and first game state transitioned to by execution of specific control.

By being equipped with such a configuration, the gaming machine 10 of the present invention, in the normal zone and first gaming state (non-AT state) to which it has entered by the execution of specific control, does not report the gaming result of the second gaming state (AT state) that was previously controlled during the period until it is controlled to the advantageous zone, but is able to report the gaming result when it is controlled to the advantageous zone.
As a result, for example, when there is a transition from AT state (advantageous zone) → non-AT state → (normal zone) → AT state (advantageous zone), the game result of the AT state is not announced immediately after the end of the first AT state, so that even though there is a transition from the first AT state to the non-AT state, it is possible to make it appear as if the first AT state continues without ending.
Therefore, the player can play the game with the expectation that the second game state (AT state) will continue, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.
In addition, it is possible to make the player appear as if he or she has acquired more than a predetermined amount of game value in one AT state, making it appear as if there is a difference in the amount of game value acquired compared to other players (the amount of game value acquired in one AT state), giving the player a sense of superiority in terms of how much game value he or she has acquired in one AT state.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which the AT state (advantageous zone) ends when a predetermined number of gaming values (e.g., 3,000 coins) is acquired during the advantageous zone, and the AT state ends when the advantageous zone ends.
Conventionally, there have been gaming machines that notify the player of the game results of the previous AT state (advantageous zone) immediately after the AT state ends. In such gaming machines, the player recognizes the end of the AT state by being notified of the game results, and so there is a risk that the player will not be able to have anticipation for the next AT state, resulting in a decrease in interest.
In addition, players have come to expect various gameplay features from game machines in recent years. For example, there are players who want to brag about how much game value they have gained in one AT state.
However, in the gaming machine described in the above patent document, the number of winnings in one AT state is limited, making it difficult for the number of winnings to differ between players and other players, and the machine does not meet the needs of players.
In this way, according to the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to solve all or part of the problems that need to be improved in conventional gaming machines.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. However, it goes without saying that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
The configurations of the above-described embodiment and the modified embodiments described below can be used in appropriate combinations, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment, the control unit of the main control board performed operations as various means such as game status control means, but the control unit of the sub-control board may perform some or all of these operations, and the control unit of the sub-control board may operate as various means.
Conversely, the control unit of the main control board can perform some or all of the operations performed by the control unit of the sub-control board as various means, and the control unit of the main control board can function as various means.
That is, the slot machine may divide various functions into two control units according to the specifications, and may be provided with a memory unit corresponding to each control unit. Also, the two control units and the two memory units may be one control unit and one memory unit, respectively.

In addition, in the embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be, for example, a pachinko (e.g., a ball slot machine) or other gaming machines.
The gaming machine may also be a so-called sealed gaming machine that can execute a game using pseudo gaming media in the form of data, without using actual gaming media such as medals or gaming balls.

In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the normal stage to which the player transitions after the AT stage ends is controlled to a favorable zone by passing through a result stage or the like, but this is not limited to this. The normal stage to which the player transitions after the AT stage ends may be controlled to a normal zone. Even in this case, the game in the normal stage can be easily controlled from the normal zone to a favorable zone by winning a winning combination other than a losing combination.

In addition, in the embodiment, the manageable values of the AT state are the difference in number of coins, the number of games, and the number of triggers, but this is not limited to these, and it can also be, for example, the number of Bernavis, the number of small wins, the number of medals acquired, the number of medals paid out, etc.

In addition, a vibration means may be provided on the front door 10a to vibrate the front door 10a by activating a motor, speaker, etc., and the vibration means may be activated at a predetermined time during each performance to increase the player's sense of anticipation.
In addition, a fan means for blowing air toward the player may be provided on the front door 10a, and the fan means may be operated at a predetermined time during each performance to heighten the player's sense of anticipation.

Moreover, the various tables referenced in each process are merely examples, and are not limited to the tables described above.
Furthermore, the winning probabilities and information related to the various tables are not limited to those described above, and any numerical values and information can be set.

In addition, in this embodiment, the reel 20 driven and controlled by a motor is used as the variable display means, but instead of or in addition to this, the display unit 17, such as a liquid crystal display, can be used as the variable display means for the identification information by displaying an image of a changing pattern on the reel, etc.

10: Gaming machine 13: Start lever 15 (15L, 15C, 15R): Stop button 17: Display unit 20 (20L, 20C, 20R): Reels 25: Main control board 25b: Main control unit 26: Sub-control board 26b: Sub-control unit

Claims (1)

A control means capable of controlling a normal period and a first gaming state, an advantageous period and the first gaming state, and an advantageous period and a second gaming state more advantageous than the first gaming state;
A notification means capable of notifying game result information regarding a game result in the advantageous zone and the second gaming state;
Equipped with
The control means
A specific control for transitioning from the advantageous zone and the second gaming state to the normal zone and the first gaming state is executable;
When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal zone and the first gaming state to which the specific control is executed, a first control for transitioning to the advantageous zone and the first gaming state can be executed;
When a specific condition is established in the normal zone and the first gaming state to which the specific control is executed, a second control for transitioning to the advantageous zone and the second gaming state can be executed;
The notification means includes:
When the first control is executed, the game result information can be notified,
When the second control is executed, the game result information cannot be notified.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images