JP7488041B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing games.

Among gaming machines, there is a slot machine that has a variable display section that can variably display multiple types of identifiable identification information, and after the variable display section is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display section, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result.

Furthermore, there is a pachinko gaming machine in which a gaming ball, which is a gaming medium, is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and when the gaming ball enters a winning area such as a winning hole provided in the gaming area, gaming value is awarded to the player.

One such gaming machine is a slot machine that can be controlled with a chance zone (CZ) and periodically changes the probability of winning the CZ lottery every time a predetermined number of games are played (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-79108 A

In the slot machine described above, there is still room for improvement in terms of the advantage in awarding bonuses, such as the probability of winning the CZ lottery, in each of the specific states that are repeatedly controlled each time a predetermined number of games are played, in order to increase the interest of the game.

This invention was conceived in light of this situation, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of the game in terms of the degree of advantage in awarding bonuses in each of the specific states that are repeatedly controlled.

A gaming machine for playing a game,
A specific state control means capable of repeatedly controlling to a specific state;
and an expectation indication display means for displaying an expectation indication in one of a plurality of modes having different expectation levels for granting a privilege;
the expectation indication display means is capable of displaying a plurality of expectation indications during a specific period, the expectation indication including at least an expectation indication corresponding to a current specific state, an expectation indication corresponding to a next specific state, and an expectation indication corresponding to a specific state after that;
A suggestion performance execution means is further provided for executing a suggestion performance that suggests whether or not the benefit will be granted for each specific state,
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing the suggestion effect in response to an expectation suggestion display that has been performed in response to a specific state,
The expectation degree indication display means is
When the suggestion effect suggests that the benefit will be granted in any of the current specific state, the next specific state, and the specific state after the next, a combination of the modes of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays may be a specific combination;
In the case where the suggestion effect does not suggest that the benefit will be granted in any of the current specific state, the next specific state, and the specific state after the next, the combination of the modes of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays cannot be the specific combination,
During the specific period, the manner of any one of the plurality of expectation degree suggestion displays can be changed;
Even if a combination of the modes of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays becomes the specific combination and then becomes a non-specific combination different from the specific combination by changing the mode of any one of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays, the suggestion performance always suggests that the benefit will be given in either the current specific state, the next specific state, or the specific state after that.
The following configuration may also be included.
A gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine 1, a pachinko gaming machine) for playing a game,
A specific state control means (for example, a process of controlling to a battle presentation state by the sub-control unit 91) capable of repeatedly (for example, three times) controlling to a specific state (for example, a battle presentation state);
A privilege lottery means (for example, an AT lottery executed by the main control unit 41) for performing a privilege lottery (for example, an AT lottery) regarding the granting of a privilege (for example, an AT);
and an advantage suggestion display means (for example, a process of displaying the expectation degree by the sub-control unit 91) for displaying an advantage suggestion display (for example, the expectation degree display (first to third displays)) that suggests the advantage of the bonus lottery (for example, the expectation degree of winning the AT),
The advantage suggestion display means is capable of displaying a plurality of advantage suggestion displays during a specific period, including at least an advantage suggestion display (e.g., a first display) corresponding to a current specific state (e.g., a battle presentation state 1), an advantage suggestion display (e.g., a second display) corresponding to a next specific state (e.g., a battle presentation state 2), and an advantage suggestion display (e.g., a third display) corresponding to a specific state after that (e.g., a battle presentation state 3) (e.g., FIG. 9 );
The game device further includes a suggestion effect execution means (for example, a process in which the sub-control unit 91 executes a battle effect) that executes a suggestion effect (for example, a battle effect) that indicates whether or not the bonus will be granted for each specific state.
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing the suggestion effect in a manner based on the advantage suggestion display that has been performed in response to a specific state (for example, Figures 10 and 11).

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel. 13 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a slot machine. 13 is a diagram for explaining the types of winning combinations, the symbol combinations of winning combinations, and the awarding of prizes when a prize is won. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining combinations of winning roles that are read out as roles to be selected for each game state. FIG. This is a diagram to explain reel control when a push order role is won. 13 is a diagram for explaining the expectation indication display and the expectation of a specific combination. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining changes in the mode of expectation degree display and specific combinations. FIG. A diagram for explaining the transition from an expectation level indication display to a battle presentation. A diagram for explaining the transition from an expectation level indication display to a battle presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cut-in effect. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an expectation level indication display and a battle presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an expectation level indication display and a battle presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an expectation level indication display and a battle presentation. FIG.

As an example of a gaming machine according to this embodiment, a slot machine will be described below.

[Slot Machine Configuration]
Fig. 1 is a front view of a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the slot machine 1 has a front door 1b pivotally supported on a side end of a housing 1a whose front is open. Inside the slot machine 1, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, left reel, center reel, and right reel) on which the same number of different types of symbols that can be distinguished from one another are arranged in a predetermined order are arranged in a horizontal direction, and three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on these reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in three rows, top, middle, and bottom, in a see-through window 3 provided in the approximate center of the front of the slot machine 1 so as to be visible from the player side.

In this embodiment, a configuration using three reels is exemplified, but a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, or a configuration using four or more reels may also be used. Also, in this embodiment, the variable display unit is configured to variably display the patterns displayed in the viewing window 3 by rotating the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, but it is not limited to reels and may be configured, for example, to variably display the patterns by moving a belt having multiple patterns arranged on its outer surface. Also, in this embodiment, the variable display unit is configured with physical reels, but the variable display unit may also be configured with an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front of the slot machine 1, there are provided a medal insertion section 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout outlet 9 from which medals are paid out, a MAXBET switch 6 that is operated to set the maximum bet number among a prescribed number (3 in this embodiment) determined according to the game status within a range of credits (the number of medals stored as the game value owned by the player), a start switch 7 that is operated to start the game, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R (hereinafter referred to as the left stop switch, middle stop switch, right stop switch) that are operated to stop the rotation of reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively, and a performance switch 56 that is operated by the player during a performance, all of which are operable by the player.

In the following, the operation of the start switch 7 (for example, pressing the start switch 7 by hand) will be referred to as the "start operation" or "commencement operation", the operation of the stop switch to stop the rotation of the first reel (for example, pressing the stop switch by hand) will be referred to as the "first stop operation", the operation of the stop switch to stop the rotation of the second reel (for example, pressing the stop switch by hand) will be referred to as the "second stop operation", and the operation of the stop switch to stop the rotation of the third reel (for example, pressing the stop switch by hand) will be referred to as the "third stop operation".

The first stop operation, second stop operation, and third stop operation are also collectively referred to as "stop operations." Furthermore, releasing the press of the first stop switch (first stop operation) (e.g., releasing the hand from the stop switch) is also referred to as "first stop release," releasing the press of the second stop switch (second stop operation) (i.e., releasing the hand from the stop switch) is also referred to as "second stop release," and releasing the press of the third stop switch (third stop operation) (i.e., releasing the hand from the stop switch) is also referred to as "third stop release." Also, stopping the reel by the first stop operation is also referred to as "first stop," stopping the reel by the second stop operation is also referred to as "second stop," and stopping the reel by the third stop operation is also referred to as "third stop."

On the front of the slot machine 1, side lamps 27 consisting of multiple LEDs are provided next to the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. In addition, reel backlights 28L, 28C, and 28C (hereinafter simply referred to as "reel backlights 28") are provided near the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, corresponding to the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively, and irradiate the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R with light from the back or side of the reels. Furthermore, speakers 53 and 54 that output sound are provided above the liquid crystal display 51.

On the front of the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a game display unit 13 provided with a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, a game support indicator 12 that displays the number of medals paid out when a win occurs and an error code indicating the content of an error, a 1BET LED 14 that lights up to indicate that the bet number is set to 1, a 2BET LED 15 that lights up to indicate that the bet number is set to 2, a 3BET LED 16 that lights up to indicate that the bet number is set to 3, an insertion request LED 17 that lights up to indicate that it is possible to insert medals, a start valid LED 18 that lights up to indicate that the start operation of the game by operating the start switch 7 is valid, an advantageous zone LED 19 that lights up to indicate that the game is controlled to an advantageous zone, which will be described later, and a replay in progress LED 20 that lights up to indicate that a replay game is in progress.

The slot machine 1 is provided with a main control unit 41 that controls the progress of the game and outputs various commands according to the progress of the game. The main control unit 41 includes a main CPU 41a that performs various controls related to the progress of the game, and a RAM 41c that stores various data related to the progress of the game. The main control unit 41 detects the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the insertion of medals into the medal insertion unit 4, and performs control related to the progress of the game, such as spinning/stopping the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R and turning on/off each LED in the game display unit 13, according to the detected operation.

Inside the slot machine 1, a sub-controller 91 is provided that controls the effects in response to commands from the main controller 41. The sub-controller 91 includes a sub-CPU 91a that performs various controls related to the effects, and a RAM 91c that stores various data related to the effects. Based on commands from the main controller 41, the sub-controller 91 controls the display of images on the liquid crystal display 51, the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54, and the turning on/off of the side lamps 27 and the reel backlights 28. The effect data used for the image display on the liquid crystal display 51 and the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 is stored in the RAM 91c. Furthermore, the sub-controller 91 detects the operation of the effect switch 56, and controls the display of images on the liquid crystal display 51 and the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 in response to the detected operation.

When playing a game on the slot machine 1, the player inserts medals into the medal insertion section 4 or operates the MAXBET switch 6 to set a specified number of bets. This activates the winning line LN, and the operation of the start switch 7 is activated, making it possible to start the game. The winning line LN is a line for determining whether the combination of symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R displayed in the see-through window 3 matches the winning combination of symbols. In this embodiment, only the winning line LN set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the middle row of the reel 2L, the middle row of the reel 2C, and the middle row of the reel 2R is defined as the winning line, but multiple winning lines may be provided. In addition, an invalid line may be provided to make it easier to recognize that the combination of symbols that constitute a winning prize is aligned on the winning line LN.

When the start switch 7 is operated in a state in which the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R spin. At this time, an internal lottery is performed by the main control unit 41. The internal lottery is a process for determining a symbol combination (display result combination) that is allowed to be derived. When a symbol combination is allowed to be derived by the internal lottery, it is also said that the role corresponding to that symbol combination has been won.

When the stop switch 8L, 8C, or 8R is operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch stops spinning. This causes the symbol combination to be derived and displayed in the see-through window 3. When a symbol combination that matches the symbol combination of a winning combination stops on the winning line LN, a win corresponding to that winning combination occurs.

In the reel stop control, the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R corresponding to the operation is stopped within the maximum stop delay time (190 ms (milliseconds) in this embodiment) from when each stop switch is operated. Since the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute and the symbols for 80 (rotations) x 21 (number of symbol frames per reel, for example, 21 frames) = 1680 frames are changed, a maximum of four frames of symbols can be drawn in before the predetermined maximum stop delay time (190 ms) has elapsed. In other words, in the stop control, it is possible to select one symbol from the symbols displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated and the symbols four frames ahead, a total of five frames (draw-in range), and lead it to the reels 2L, 2R, and 2R.

The roles that can generate a win include a special role (bonus), a small role, and a replay role. The special role (bonus) is a role that controls the game state to a bonus state in which the probability of winning a small role is higher than in a non-bonus state by winning. The special role (bonus) includes a first type special role such as RB (regular bonus) and BB (big bonus), and a second type special role such as CB (challenge bonus). In this embodiment, CB is provided as a special role. The small role is a role that is awarded with a medal by winning. The replay role (replay) is a role that allows the player to start the next game without consuming the medals owned by the player by winning.

For each role determined according to the game state to win, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag for that role. The internal lottery is determined by the main control unit 41 using random numbers before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived (specifically, when the start switch 7 is detected) to determine whether or not to allow each of the above-mentioned roles to win.

Of the winning flags for each role, the winning flags for the small role and the replay role are only valid in the game in which the flag is set and are invalid in the next game, but the winning flag for the special role is valid until the combination of roles permitted by the flag is achieved and is invalid in the game in which the combination of roles permitted by the flag is achieved. In other words, once a winning flag for a special role is won, even if the combination of roles permitted by the flag is not achieved, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game.

In addition, in the internal lottery, it is possible to win a small prize or a replay prize (hereinafter also referred to as a "push order prize") that is more advantageous when the stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode (for example, operation sequence, operation timing) than when the stop operation is performed in another operation mode. Push order prizes include, for example, prizes that result in a stop mode that is more advantageous when the stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode than when the stop operation is performed in another operation mode, and prizes that result in a higher rate of advantageous stop modes when the stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode than when the stop operation is performed in another operation mode. In addition, advantageous stop modes include not only stop modes that involve the awarding of medals, but also stop modes that involve a transition to an advantageous game state, and stop modes that avoid a transition to an unfavorable game state.

When a predetermined lottery condition is met in the normal zone (hereinafter also referred to as "normal normal zone"), the main control unit 41 conducts a favorable zone transition lottery to determine whether or not to control to the favorable zone, and by winning the favorable zone transition lottery (hereinafter also referred to as "winning the favorable zone"), control of the favorable zone begins. The favorable zone is a zone in which navigation information corresponding to the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R can be notified. In contrast, the normal zone is a zone in which navigation information corresponding to the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R cannot be notified.

The main control unit 41 can execute navigation to notify the player of the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that is advantageous to the player when the push order role is selected by the internal lottery. Specifically, the main control unit 41 can control the assist time (AT), which is a notification period during which navigation notification can be executed to notify the player of the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that is advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result by the lighting mode of the game assist display 12, as navigation information.

During the advantageous zone, when the push order role is won, the main control unit 41 executes a navigation notification by controlling the AT, and notifies the player of the operation mode (e.g., operation sequence, operation timing, etc.) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that is advantageous to the player using the game assistance display 12, and also executes a navigation performance that notifies the player of the operation mode as navigation information using the LCD display 51 or the like by sending a command that can identify the operation mode that is advantageous to the player to the sub-control unit 91.

The push order roles include the push order bell (six-choice bell), which is awarded when the player's operation mode matches the operation mode corresponding to the winning push order role (hereinafter also referred to as the "correct procedure"), and the push order replay, which is awarded when the player's operation mode matches the operation mode corresponding to the winning push order role. Hereinafter, the navigation that can be performed in a game in which the push order bell is won is also referred to as bell navigation.

By following the bell navigation and operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the correct sequence, the player can win a combination that pays out more medals among the combinations included in the push order bell. Alternatively, by following the bell navigation and operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the correct sequence, the player can win a combination that is unlikely to result in a win among the combinations included in the push order bell. Note that among the combinations included in the push order bell, a combination that can win a prize when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the correct sequence is called the "main combination," and a combination that can win a prize when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in an incorrect sequence that differs from the correct sequence is called the "secondary combination."

By operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the operation mode notified by the navigation notification and navigation performance, it is possible to ensure that the main role included in the push order role won in the internal lottery will win. In addition, when controlling the advantageous zone, the advantageous zone LED 19 can be turned on to notify that the advantageous zone is being controlled.

[Game state transition]
3 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. As shown in FIG. 3, the game state controlled by the liquid crystal display 51 includes a non-inner state and an inner state.

When inside, the game can proceed and the medal payout rate is guaranteed based on a predefined design value. Note that in this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the player is allowed to play most games inside.

On the other hand, during the non-internal state, the player does not play, or if they do, the time spent playing is extremely short. During the non-internal state, if a CB is won and the winning CB is missed, the game state transitions to the internal state from the next game. In other words, during the internal state, the winning CB is carried over. Once the game state is controlled to the internal state, it is almost impossible to win the carried-over CB, and even if it does happen, the probability of this happening is extremely low.

In the example shown in Figure 3, CB is not shown as a game state, but if CB is won while not inside or inside, the game state will transition from not inside or inside to CB. In this case, CB will generally end after one game, and the game state will transition back to not inside.

The state inside includes normal zones and advantageous zones. As mentioned above, advantageous zones are zones in which navigation information corresponding to the operation mode of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R can be notified. In contrast, normal zones are zones in which navigation information corresponding to the operation mode of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R cannot be notified. In normal zones, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won (advantageous zone win), the state is controlled to the advantageous zone.

The states in the advantageous zone include normal (hereinafter also referred to as "normal advantageous zone"), CZ (hereinafter also referred to as "advantageous zone CZ"), and AT (hereinafter also referred to as "advantageous zone AT"). The normal advantageous zone is a state in which navigation can be executed. The advantageous zone CZ is a state in which the probability of executing navigation is higher than that of the normal advantageous zone. The advantageous zone AT is a state in which the probability of executing navigation is higher than that of the advantageous zone CZ. In this embodiment, the probability of executing navigation in the normal advantageous zone is 0%, but navigation may be executed with a predetermined probability.

In addition, the net increase per game that a player can obtain in the advantageous zone AT is greater than the net increase per game that a player can obtain in the advantageous zone CZ. In addition, the net increase per game that a player can obtain in the advantageous zone CZ is greater than the net increase per game that a player can obtain during the normal advantageous zone or the normal normal zone. The net increase per game (hereinafter also referred to as "1G net increase") is the number of medals paid out per game minus the number of medals used to set the bet amount per game.

The net increase in the number of medals in a specified state (normal normal zone, normal advantageous zone, CZ advantageous zone, or AT advantageous zone) is the total number of medals paid out in the specified state (normal normal zone, normal advantageous zone, CZ advantageous zone, or AT advantageous zone) minus the total number of medals used to set the bet number in that specified state (normal normal zone, normal advantageous zone, CZ advantageous zone, or AT advantageous zone).

In both the normal normal zone and the advantageous normal zone, the number of medals decreases. In the advantageous AT zone and the advantageous CZ zone, the number of medals increases. The advantageous AT zone and the advantageous CZ zone are more advantageous to the player than the normal normal zone and the advantageous CZ zone. Specifically, in this embodiment, the net increase per game is designed to be -1 coin in the normal normal zone and the advantageous CZ zone, the net increase per game is designed to be 1 coin in the advantageous CZ zone, and the net increase per game is designed to be 8 coins in the advantageous AT zone.

In other words, the payout rate in the normal normal zone and the advantageous normal zone is less than 1, and the payout rate in the advantageous zone CZ and the advantageous zone AT is greater than 1. Also, the payout rate is equal in the normal normal zone and the advantageous normal zone. Here, the payout rate is the ratio of the total number of medals paid out to the total number of medals used to set the bet amount during a period controlled to a certain state.

The advantageous zone CZ is a state in which the probability of being controlled to the advantageous zone AT is higher than in the normal advantageous zone, and is located on the intermediate path from the normal advantageous zone to being controlled to the advantageous zone AT. In other words, the advantageous zone CZ is a more favorable ball output state than the normal advantageous zone. A win in which the state is controlled from the normal advantageous zone to the advantageous zone CZ is also called a "CZ win."

Control of the advantageous zone CZ is managed, for example, by the number of games, and the advantageous zone CZ ends when the number of games played during the advantageous zone CZ reaches a pre-set upper limit number of games.

The favorable zone AT is a state that can be controlled from either the normal favorable zone or the favorable zone CZ. A win in which the state is controlled from the normal favorable zone or the favorable zone CZ to the favorable zone AT is also called an "AT win."

Control of the advantageous zone AT is managed, for example, by the number of games, and the advantageous zone AT ends on the condition that the number of games played during the advantageous zone AT reaches a predetermined upper limit. Note that the advantageous zone AT is not limited to being managed by the number of games, and may be managed based on other conditions, such as the number of times the navigation is executed reaching a predetermined upper limit, the number of times the main role wins when the push order role is won reaching a predetermined upper limit, and the number of coins paid out or the net increase in the number of coins reaching a predetermined upper limit.

When the player wins the lottery to move to the advantageous zone in the normal zone (wins the advantageous zone), the player is controlled to move to the normal advantageous zone. In this embodiment, the player is designed to stay in the normal zone for approximately one game (for example, the winning probability in the lottery to move to the advantageous zone is designed to be 90% or more). By doing this, in most cases, the player will win the advantageous zone in the first game when control to the normal zone is initiated, and the player will be controlled back to the advantageous zone (normal advantageous zone) from the next game.

If the AT is won in the normal advantageous zone, it will be controlled to the advantageous zone AT (AT). If the CZ is won in the normal advantageous zone, it will be controlled to the advantageous zone CZ (CZ). If the AT is won in the advantageous zone CZ, it will be controlled to the advantageous zone AT. If the advantageous zone AT ends, it will be controlled to the advantageous zone CZ. If the advantageous zone CZ ends without winning the AT, it will be controlled to the normal advantageous zone.

Here, the main control unit 41 performs a bonus lottery regarding the awarding of a bonus. For example, the bonus is an AT, CZ, or the number of added games (AT game number). In this embodiment, an AT lottery is performed as a bonus lottery in a game controlled in a normal or CZ advantageous zone. If it is determined in the AT lottery that an AT will be awarded, the number of games controlled by the AT (AT game number) is further determined, and the AT winning game is also determined. Then, when the game progresses and an AT winning game is reached, the AT is won, and control is given to the AT from the next game.

In addition, a CZ lottery is held as a bonus lottery in the normal advantageous zone. If it is determined in the CZ lottery that a CZ will be awarded, the number of games controlled by the CZ (CZ game number) is also determined, and the CZ winning game is also determined. Then, as the game progresses and a CZ winning game occurs, the CZ is won and the next game is controlled by the CZ. In addition, an additional lottery is held in the AT as a bonus lottery, and if the additional lottery is won (additional win), the additional game number (AT game number) is awarded in addition to the AT game number.

When the limiter condition is met during the ball output state in the favorable zone, or when any end condition is met, the state is controlled normally from the ball output state during the favorable zone. Specifically, when the total number of games played (favorable zone G number), which is updated based on the progress of the game, reaches a predetermined upper limit G number (for example, 1500G), the favorable zone ends and the ball output state is controlled normally.

The number of advantageous zone Gs is counted by an advantageous zone G number counter stored in RAM 41c. Alternatively, in the ball output state during an advantageous zone, when the total net increase in the number of coins during the advantageous zone, which is updated based on the progress of the game, reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 2,400 coins), the advantageous zone ends and the ball output state is controlled normally. The net increase in the number of coins during an advantageous zone is counted by a net increase counter stored in RAM 41c.

When the ball output state during the advantageous zone is controlled back to normal, the total number of games played and the net increase in balls counted during the advantageous zone, as well as the points that can be earned during play, are also initialized.

Also, for example, the arbitrary termination condition includes the fulfillment of a predetermined termination condition without winning the CZ, or the fulfillment of a predetermined termination condition in the favorable zone CZ without winning the AT. It is also possible that the termination condition of the AT is fulfilled in the favorable zone AT.

In addition, when the advantageous zone AT is selected in the specialized zone, it may be controlled to an advantageous zone specialized zone (also called an "add-on specialized zone") in which the proportion of AT game numbers awarded is higher. The advantageous zone specialized zone is a more advantageous state than the normal advantageous zone, the advantageous zone CZ, and the advantageous zone AT.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a slot machine. As shown in Figure 4, the slot machine 1 includes a game control board 40 that controls the progress of the game and outputs various commands according to the progress of the game, a performance control board 90 that controls predetermined performances according to the commands, a power supply board 101 that generates power for driving electrical components, and an external output board 1000 that outputs signals according to the progress of the game to the outside.

The game control board 40 advances the game based on detection signals from switches such as various operating means and detection means (illustrated on the left side of the game control board 40 in FIG. 4), and drives and controls display devices such as notification means (illustrated on the left side of the game control board 40 in FIG. 4). The game control board 40 also drives and controls the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R based on signals from reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R.

The game control board 40 is equipped with a circuit configuration (illustrated in the game control board 40 in FIG. 4) such as a main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 performs processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the configuration mounted on or connected to the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O ports, etc. (not shown).

The performance control board 90 is connected to the performance switch 56. The performance control board 90 also drives and controls performance devices such as the LCD 51 (illustrated on the left side of the performance control board 90 in FIG. 4). The performance control board 90 is equipped with a circuit configuration such as a sub-control unit 91 (illustrated within the performance control board 90 in FIG. 4). The sub-control unit 91 receives commands sent from the game control board 40, performs processing to perform performances, and directly or indirectly controls the configuration mounted on or connected to the performance control board 90. The sub-control unit 91 is a one-chip microcomputer, and is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O ports, etc., which are not shown.

The circuit configuration of the sub-controller 91 includes, for example, a clock device 97 (hereinafter also referred to as an RTC) for clocking at least one of the date and the time. The sub-controller 91 can execute performance control in response to, for example, at least one of the date and the time clocked by the RTC 97, a detection signal from the performance switch 56, etc. The power supply board 101 is connected to the hopper motor 34b, various operating means and detection means (examples are shown on the right side of the power supply board 101 in Figure 4), etc.

[Winning Role]
5 is a diagram for explaining the type of winning combination, the winning combination, and the awarding of the winning combination. In the name column of FIG. 5, the name of the winning combination is shown, and in the combination column of the patterns, the combination of the patterns that will win the winning combination is shown. In addition, in the combination column of the patterns that can stop on an invalid line, the combination of the patterns that can stop on an invalid line when the winning combination of the patterns stops on the winning line and that is easy for the player to recognize is shown. In the award column, the value (the number of medals paid out, the award of replay, etc.) that will be awarded when winning is shown.

As shown in FIG. 5, CB is provided as a special role. Small roles include a middle bell, a right-up bell, a right-down bell (also called a "left-up bell"), top bells 1 to 8, watermelon, and cherry. A regular lip is provided as a replay role.

The middle bell, right-upward bell, and right-downward bell are roles that correspond to the main roles mentioned above. Top bells 1 to 8 are roles that correspond to the sub roles mentioned above, and pay out fewer coins than the middle bell, right-upward bell, and right-downward bell. Specifically, if the middle bell, right-upward bell, or right-downward bell wins, 11 coins will be paid out, and if the top bells 1 to 8 win, 2 coins will be paid out. If a watermelon wins, the watermelon pattern will line up on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

[Role to be selected]
6 is a diagram for explaining combinations of winning roles read out as lottery target roles for each game state. The role number column in FIG. 6 shows the role numbers determined for each lottery target role, the lottery target role column shows the names, the winning role combination column shows the winning role combinations included in each lottery target role, and the game state column shows with a circle that the lottery target role is a lottery target role for each game state.

As shown in FIG. 6, CB is provided as a special role that can be selected. Six-choice bells (six-choice bells 1 to 6), watermelon, and cherry are provided as minor roles that can be selected. Regular lip is provided as a role that can be selected for replay roles. Note that watermelon and cherry are also called "rare roles" because their probability of winning in the internal lottery is lower than that of the six-choice bell.

When not inside the game, all roles are winnable, but when inside the game, only CB cannot be won because the CB win has already been carried over.

[Reel control of push order]
7 is a diagram for explaining reel control when a push order role is won. As shown in FIG. 7, the push order role is provided with six-choice bells 1 to 6. In a game in which a six-choice bell is won during the AT (during the advantageous section AT), a bell navigation is executed and the correct procedure is notified to the player. The player can win a winning role that is advantageous to the player by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the correct procedure according to the bell navigation.

In a game where either 6-choice bell 1 or 2 wins, if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the correct sequence, the main bell downwards to the right will win and 11 coins will be paid out, but if the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect sequence, the secondary bell on the top will win and 2 coins will be paid out, or no prize will be awarded.

In a game where either 6-choice bell 3 or 4 wins, if stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the correct sequence, the main middle bell will win and 11 coins will be paid out, but if stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect sequence, the secondary upper bell will win and 2 coins will be paid out, or no prize will be awarded.

In a game where either 6-choice bell 5 or 6 wins, if stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the correct sequence, the main right-up bell wins and 11 coins are paid out, but if stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect sequence, the secondary upper bell wins and 2 coins are paid out, or no prize is awarded.

[Setting value]
In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the medal payout rate changes according to a set value. More specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by determining the winning probability used in the internal lottery according to the set value. The set values are in six stages from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate, and the payout rate decreasing in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. In other words, when 6 is set as the set value, the player has the highest advantage, and the advantage decreases stepwise in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

To change the setting value, the power switch of the power supply box provided inside the slot machine 1 must be operated to turn the power of the slot machine 1 OFF if it is ON, and then the setting key switch must be operated to turn the setting key switch ON before turning the power of the slot machine 1 ON. When the setting key switch is turned ON and the power of the slot machine 1 is turned ON, the machine transitions to a setting change state in which game progress is not possible, provided that the door is open. When the machine transitions to the setting change state, the current setting value read from RAM 41c is displayed as the display value on the setting value display.

In the setting change state, when the reset/setting switch is operated, the display value shown on the setting value display is updated by one (when it is operated again from setting 6, it returns to setting 1). When the start switch 7 is then operated, the displayed value is confirmed as the setting value. When the setting key switch is turned OFF, the confirmed display value (setting value) is stored in RAM 41c and the game moves to a state in which play can proceed. Note that the setting change state is entered by turning the power switch OFF once, setting the setting key switch ON, and then turning the power switch ON, and these operations are collectively referred to as setting change operations.

When the setting is changed based on the setting change operation, the main control unit 41 performs an initialization process to initialize the memory area in the RAM 41c. At that time, the information related to the game stored in the RAM 41c is initialized. Therefore, for example, when the setting is changed during an advantageous period, the information related to the advantageous period is initialized and the game is controlled to the normal period.

[Battle effects]
In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 can execute a battle presentation. The battle presentation is a presentation that suggests whether or not a special benefit will be awarded depending on the presentation result (victory or defeat) of the battle presentation. In the battle presentation, a presentation image showing a battle between an ally character and an enemy character over a plurality of games (for example, four games) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Then, a series of battles are played, and finally, the liquid crystal display 51 displays whether the ally character has won or lost against the enemy character.

When the friendly character ultimately wins or loses to the enemy character in the battle performance, the performance result of the battle performance (victory or defeat) is announced. When the friendly character wins against the enemy character, the word "WIN" is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the performance result. This notifies the player that a decision has been made to award a bonus.

On the other hand, if the friendly character is defeated by the enemy character, the character image of "WIN" is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as a presentation result. In this case, the player is not notified that a bonus will be awarded.

[Expectation level display and battle effects]
The sub-control unit 91 can repeatedly control to a specific state. As described above, the main control unit 41 performs a bonus lottery regarding the awarding of a bonus. In this embodiment, in the bonus lottery, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to award an AT, and the number of games to be controlled to the AT (the number of AT games) is determined when a decision is made to award an AT. For example, the number of AT games is determined from 20 games, 30 games, and 50 games.

The sub-control unit 91 can also display the expectation level, which indicates the favorability of the bonus lottery. It then displays multiple expectation levels corresponding to the specific states that are repeatedly controlled, during a specific period of time.

In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 can execute an expectation display that indicates the probability of winning the AT (the rate at which the AT is awarded). As will be described in more detail later, the expectation display can be a first display, a second display, or a third display.

As an example of a specific state, it can be controlled to a battle presentation state. Specifically, it can be repeatedly controlled to at least three battle presentation states (battle presentation states 1 to 3) during the CZ. Then, multiple expectation displays (first to third displays) corresponding to each of the three repeatedly controlled battle presentation states are performed during a specific period during the CZ. Then, when the first (current) battle presentation state 1 ends, it will be controlled to battle presentation state 2 next time, and when the next battle presentation state 2 ends, it will be controlled to battle presentation state 3 the time after next.

The first display corresponds to battle presentation state 1, the second display corresponds to battle presentation state 2, and the third display corresponds to battle presentation state 3. In other words, during a specific period, it is possible to display multiple expectation levels, including at least an expectation level display (first display) corresponding to the current battle presentation state (battle presentation state 1), an expectation level display (second display) corresponding to the next battle presentation state (battle presentation state 2), and an expectation level display (for example, third display) corresponding to the specific state after that (battle presentation state 3). Note that the expectation level display may suggest the expectation level of winning the AT, or may suggest the expectation level of the number of AT games to be awarded. A specific explanation is given below.

[Expectation indication and expectation of specific combinations]
First, the expectation level suggestion display and the expectation level of a specific combination (described later) will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the expectation level suggestion display and the expectation level of a specific combination. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram for explaining the expectation level of the expectation level suggestion display, and Fig. 8(b) is a diagram for explaining the expectation level of a specific combination.

In this embodiment, during a change period in which the mode of the expectation display changes, it is possible to change the mode of any of the multiple expectation displays (first to third displays) from an initial mode to a final mode. The change period is a specified period within a specific period. Within the specific period, the mode of the expectation display can change during the change period, but the mode of the expectation display does not change during periods other than the change period. The initial mode is the mode of the expectation display when the change period begins. The final mode is the mode of the expectation display when the change period ends. In this embodiment, the change period and the specific period coincide.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), the modes of the expectation display include the first mode to the fifth mode. The first mode is a mode in which the expectation display is displayed in white. When the expectation display is displayed in the first mode, the rate at which AT is awarded (hereinafter also referred to as "expectation") is X1. The second mode is a mode in which the expectation display is displayed in blue. When the expectation display is displayed in the second mode, the expectation is X2.

The third mode is a mode in which the expectation display is displayed in green. When the expectation display is displayed in the third mode, the expectation is X3. The fourth mode is a mode in which the expectation display is displayed in red. When the expectation display is displayed in the fourth mode, the expectation is X4. The fifth mode is a mode in which the expectation display is displayed in rainbow colors. When the expectation display is displayed in the fifth mode, the expectation is X5.

In this embodiment, the bonus lottery (AT lottery) is performed in a game controlled by the CZ. In this case, the AT lottery may be performed for each battle presentation state (battle presentation states 1 to 3) corresponding to the expectation display (first to third displays). Then, depending on whether or not a decision that results in a specific advantageous degree is made in the AT lottery, the mode of the expectation display (initial mode and final mode) is determined by lottery. Here, the decision that results in a specific advantageous degree is a decision to grant an AT. In this embodiment, when a decision to grant an AT is made, a more advantageous mode of expectation display is determined than when a decision to grant an AT is not made.

Specifically, the initial and final modes of the first display are determined based on the AT lottery performed for battle presentation state 1, the initial and final modes of the second display are determined based on the AT lottery performed for battle presentation state 2, and the initial and final modes of the third display are determined based on the AT lottery performed for battle presentation state 3. At that time, the determination is made so that the final mode is more advantageous than the initial mode.

In addition, in a game controlled by CZ, an AT lottery may be held once. If a decision to grant an AT is made in the AT lottery, it is decided by lottery to notify that a decision to grant a specific advantage has been made in any of the battle presentation states (battle presentation states 1 to 3) (a decision to grant an AT). In other words, a battle presentation state that notifies that a decision to grant an AT has been made is determined.

Then, an initial state and a final state are determined for each expectation display. At that time, a lottery is conducted so that the expectation display corresponding to the battle presentation state in which a decision to provide a specific advantage is notified will be in a more advantageous state than the expectation display in the battle presentation state in which such a notification is not made. Note that a lottery may be conducted to change the state of the expectation display in each game during the CZ.

Here, the expectation level is highest in the order of X5, X4, X3, X2, and X1, with X5 being 100%. In other words, when the expectation level display is being performed in the fifth mode (rainbow), the expectation level (the rate at which AT is granted) is 100%, and control over the AT is confirmed. The fifth mode is also referred to as the confirmed mode.

In this embodiment, when the degree of advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is a specific degree of advantage, the combination of multiple expectation display modes (first to fifth modes) can be a specific combination (specific combinations 1 to 3). Here, "the degree of advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is a specific degree of advantage" means that a decision to award an AT was made in any of the three AT lotteries held corresponding to battle presentation states 1 to 3. Hereinafter, such a situation will also be simply expressed as "a decision to award an AT was made in the AT lottery."

When an AT lottery is conducted once in a game controlled by CZ, "the advantage of one of the bonus lotteries is a specific advantage" means that the lottery has determined that a decision to grant an AT will be announced in one of the battle presentation states.

In addition, when none of the advantageous degrees in the bonus lottery are specific advantageous degrees (when no decision has been made to grant an AT), the combination of the multiple expectation display modes cannot be a specific combination. Also, during the change period (specific period), the expectation display mode is changed so that the combination of the multiple expectation display modes does not become a specific combination when none of the advantageous degrees in the bonus lottery are specific advantageous degrees. This is explained in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), in this embodiment, there are multiple types of specific combinations, including specific combinations 1 to 3. Specific combination 1 is a combination in which the first to third displays are all displayed in the second state (blue). The expectation level for specific combination 1 is Y1. Specific combination 2 is a combination in which the first to third displays are all displayed in the third state (green).

The expected degree when specific combination 2 occurs is Y2. Specific combination 3 is a combination in which all of the first to third displays are displayed in the third state (red). The expected degree when specific combination 3 occurs is Y3. Here, the expected degrees are Y3, Y2, and Y1 in descending order.

The modes of the expectation display include a low expectation mode (first mode) and high expectation modes (second to fourth modes) that indicate a higher favorability of the AT lottery than the low expectation mode. A specific combination is a combination that includes a high expectation mode.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), the expectation display mode includes a confirmed mode (fifth mode) that indicates that a decision has been made to award an AT in the AT lottery. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a specific combination is a combination that does not include a confirmed mode.

As explained above, since multiple expectation displays including at least an expectation display corresponding to the current battle presentation state, an expectation display corresponding to the next battle presentation state, and an expectation display corresponding to the specific state after the next are displayed during a specific period, it is possible to draw the player's attention to whether or not an AT will be awarded for multiple battle presentation states. Furthermore, when the advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is a specific advantage, a combination of the multiple expectation display modes can be a specific combination, but during a change period in which the expectation display mode changes, the expectation display mode is changed so that a combination of the multiple expectation display modes does not become a specific combination when none of the bonus lotteries are a specific advantage, so that the player can be drawn to the appearance of a specific combination and the interest of the game can be increased. This makes it possible to increase the interest of the game with respect to the expectation of winning an AT in each of the repeatedly controlled battle presentation states.

[Changes in the display of expectation levels and specific combinations]
Next, the change in the mode of the expectation degree display and the specific combination will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the change in the mode of the expectation degree display and the specific combination. Figure 9 (a) explains the case where a decision to grant the AT was made in the AT lottery during the CZ (a decision to grant the AT was made in any of the AT lotteries), and Figure 9 (b) explains the case where a decision to grant the AT was not made in the AT lottery during the CZ (a decision to grant the AT was not made in any of the AT lotteries).

First, we will explain the case where a decision is made to grant an AT in an AT lottery during a CZ. As shown in Figure 9(a), we will assume that the game is currently controlled by the CZ.

In this embodiment, the percentage of a combination that becomes a specific combination varies depending on the combination of the initial modes of the expectation display.

Specifically, depending on the combination of the initial states of the three expectation displays (first to third displays) corresponding to each of the three battle presentation states (first battle presentation states 1 to 3), the rate at which the combination becomes a specific combination during a specific period (change period) varies.

In the example of FIG. 9(a), when a decision is made to grant AT, the initial mode combination is decided to be "blue-green-green." Here, "blue-green-green" indicates that the first display is made in the second mode (blue), the second display is made in the third mode (green), and the third display is made in the third mode (green).

On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 9(b), when the decision to award AT has not been made, the combination of the initial pattern of the expectation display is determined to be "blue, blue, white". The expectation is higher when the initial pattern combination of the expectation display is "blue, green, green" than when the initial pattern combination of the expectation display is "blue, green, white" (in the third display, the third pattern (green) is more advantageous than the first pattern (green)).

In this way, when a decision to grant an AT has been made, the probability that the expectation display will be displayed in a manner with a high expectation is higher than when a decision to grant an AT has not been made. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the higher the expectation display initial mode combination, the higher the probability that the combination will become a specific combination in a specific period.

In the example of FIG. 9(a), assume that the game progresses from the initial mode combination of "blue-green-green" and the 6-choice bell is won. When the 6-choice bell is won, a change lottery is held. The change lottery is a lottery to determine whether or not to change the mode of any of the expectation display of the first to third displays. If an expectation display that changes its mode is determined by the change lottery, it is further determined to which mode the current expectation display mode should be changed to. Note that more than one mode of the first to third displays may be changed.

In this example, the combination of the current expectation display mode is "blue-green-green." In addition, in a change lottery that is executed upon winning the six-choice bell, a decision is made to change the mode of the first display. Furthermore, a decision is made to change the current expectation display mode (blue) to green.

As a result of this decision, the combination of expectation display modes changes from "blue-green-green" to "green-green-green." As a result, the combination of expectation display modes changes to specific combination 2, "green-green-green," and a combination with high expectation has been derived.

In this embodiment, the expectation value during a period in which the mode of any of the multiple expectation displays is not changed is configured to be larger when the combination of the modes of the multiple expectation displays is a specific combination than when the combination is different from the specific combination.

Specifically, when the current combination of expectation display modes is a specific combination, the change lottery is performed so that the probability of not deciding to change the expectation display mode of any of the first to third displays is higher than when the combination is not a specific combination.

For example, when the current combination of expectation display modes is a specific combination, even if the six-option bell is subsequently won a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice), no decision may be made to change the expectation display modes of any of the first to third displays.

In this example, after the expected probability display mode combination becomes specific combination 2 "green green green", the six-choice bell is won twice, but in neither of the change lotteries is a decision made to change the expected probability display mode of any of the first to third displays.

Then, in the change lottery that is held the next time the 6-choice bell is won, a decision is made to change the state of the expectation display of any of the first to third displays. Here, in the change lottery, a decision is made to change the state of the third display from green to red. As a result, the combination of expectation display states changes from "green-green-green" to "green-green-red."

Then, suppose that the specific period ends thereafter. In this example, the combination of the initial state of the expectation display is "blue-green-green," and the combination of the final state of the expectation display is "green-green-red." That is, in the first display, the initial state of the expectation display is blue, and the final state of the expectation display is green. In the second display, the initial state of the expectation display is green, and the final state of the expectation display is green. In the third display, the initial state of the expectation display is green, and the final state of the expectation display is red.

When the specific period ends, control is placed into a battle presentation state. First, control is placed into a first battle presentation state, and battle presentation 1 is executed. If the battle is won in battle presentation 1, control over the CZ ends and control is placed into an AT. If the battle is lost in battle presentation 1, control over the first battle presentation state ends, control is placed into a second battle presentation state, and battle presentation 2 is executed.

If the battle is won in battle performance 2, control over the CZ ends and control is transferred to the AT. If the battle is lost in battle performance 2, control over the second battle performance state ends and control is transferred to the third battle performance state, and battle performance 3 is executed.

If the battle is won in battle performance 3, control is given to the AT. If the battle is lost in battle performance 3, control over battle performance state 3 ends and control over the CZ ends. Then, when control over the CZ ends, control is given to the normal advantageous zone.

In this example, in the first display, the expectation display mode ends in green, so when the specific period ends, battle performance 1 is executed with a green background color. Here, assume that the battle is lost in battle performance 1. This causes battle performance 2 to be executed.

In the second display, the expectation display mode ends in green, so battle performance 2 is executed with a green background. In battle performance 2, it is assumed that the battle is lost. As a result, battle performance 3 is executed.

In the third display, the expectation display mode ends in red, so battle performance 3 is executed with a red background. In battle performance 3, the battle is won. This ends control over the CZ and control shifts to the AT.

As explained above, when a decision is made to award an AT in any of the AT lotteries, the combination of the multiple expectation display modes may be a specific combination. Also, during a specific period, it is possible to change the expectation display mode of any of the multiple expectation displays from an initial mode to a final mode.

Next, we will explain the case where no decision is made to award an AT in the AT lottery during the CZ. As shown in Figure 9(b), assume that the current state is controlled by the CZ. In the example of Figure 9(a), a decision is made to award an AT, and the initial combination is "blue-green-green," but in the example of Figure 9(b), no decision is made to award an AT, and the initial combination of the expectation level display is "blue-blue-white," which has a lower expectation level than "blue-green-green."

As the game progresses during the CZ, suppose that the 6-choice bell is won. In the change lottery that is executed as a result of the 6-choice bell being won, a decision is made to change the appearance of the third display. Furthermore, suppose that a decision is made to change the appearance of the current expectation display (white) to green.

As a result, the combination of expectation display modes changes from "blue, blue, white" to "blue, blue, green." In this case, the combination of expectation display modes is not a specific combination. For example, if it changes from "blue, blue, white" to "blue, blue, blue," the combination of expectation display modes becomes specific combination 1.

However, in this embodiment, when the decision to award AT has not been made, the variation lottery is performed while avoiding the derivation of a specific combination with a high expectation. For example,
In the case where the current color is "blue, blue, green" and specific combination 1 is derived when the third display changes to blue, a lottery may be held with only the first and second displays as the objects to be changed, or, when the third display is determined, a decision may be made to avoid blue and change to green or red.

Let us further assume that the combination of the expectation display mode changes from "blue, blue, green" to "blue, green, green" due to a change lottery resulting from the next six-choice bell being won. Let us further assume that the combination of the expectation display mode changes from "blue, green, green" to "blue, green, red" due to a change lottery resulting from the next six-choice bell being won. In this case as well, the change lottery is conducted to avoid a change from "blue, green, green" to "green, green, green" resulting in specific combination 2 being derived.

Then, suppose that the next 6-choice bell is won, resulting in a change lottery, and the combination of the expectation display changes to "green, green, red," and the specific period ends. With the specific period having ended, the game is controlled to a battle presentation state.

In this example, in the first display, the expectation display mode ends in green, so when the specific period ends, battle performance 1 is executed with a green background color. Assume that the battle is lost in battle performance 1. As a result, battle performance 2 is executed.

In the second display, the expectation display mode ends in green, so battle performance 2 is executed with a green background. In battle performance 2, it is assumed that the battle is lost. As a result, battle performance 3 is executed.

In the third display, the expectation display mode ends in red, so battle performance 3 is executed with a red background. In battle performance 3, the battle is lost. This ends control over the CZ, and control returns to the normal advantageous zone.

As explained above, when no decision is made to award an AT in any of the AT lotteries, the combination of multiple expectation display modes cannot be a specific combination. Furthermore, during a specific period, the expectation display mode is changed so that the combination of multiple expectation display modes does not become a specific combination when no decision is made to award an AT in any of the AT lotteries.

[Transition from expectation indication display to battle performance]
Next, the transition from the expectation degree indication display to the battle presentation will be described. Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the transition from the expectation degree indication display to the battle presentation.

Figures 10(a1)-(a3) explain the transition from the first display to battle performance 1, Figures 10(b1)-(b3) explain the transition from the second display to battle performance 2, and Figures 11(a1)-(a3), (b), and (c) explain the transition from the third display to battle performance 3.

First, an example of the transition from the first display to battle presentation 1 will be described. Assume that control is currently being exercised in the CZ. As shown in FIG. 10(a1), an image of the sun and a flying bird is displayed as the background image displayed in the CZ.

In addition, in the CZ, an expectation display is performed to indicate the likelihood of winning the AT. The expectation display is performed in an expectation display area. The lower part of the screen is the expectation display area. The expectation display area includes a first display area for performing the first display, a second display area for performing the second display, and a third display area for performing the third display.

As seen by the player, the first display is performed in the first display area on the left, the second display is performed in the second display area in the center, and the third display is performed in the second display area on the right. Additionally, battle effects 1 to 3 are performed in the battle effect display area. The entire screen is the battle effect display area. All of battle effects 1 to 3 are performed in the battle effect display area of the entire screen.

In this example, the first display is currently being performed in the fourth mode (red), the second display is being performed in the third mode (green), and the third display is being performed in the second mode (blue).

On the liquid crystal screen 51, an image of a panda is displayed as a first display, with a red background image displayed. Also, an image of a tiger is displayed as a second display, with a green background image displayed. As a third display, an image of a lion is displayed, with a blue background image displayed.

In this state, let us say that the specific period has ended. When the specific period has ended, a battle performance indicating whether or not an AT will be granted is executed for each battle performance state. At that time, the battle performance is executed in a manner based on the expectation display that was executed corresponding to the battle performance state.

At that time, an effect display is performed in a manner based on the expectation display that was performed in response to the battle performance state. In the effect display, a transition is made from the expectation display area where the expectation display is being performed to the battle performance display area where the battle performance is being executed. Then, when the effect display ends, the battle performance begins.

The following is a detailed explanation using the diagram. Since the first display is performed in the fourth mode (red), the effect display 1 and battle performance 1 are also performed in the fourth mode (red).

At that time, battle performance 1 starts after effect display 1 is displayed to transition from the first display area where the first display is being performed to the battle performance display area where battle performance 1 is being performed. As shown in FIG. 10(a2), radial red light is emitted from the first display area, and the red light gradually extends toward the battle performance display area, and finally the red light reaches the performance display area.

Then, after that, effect display 1 ends and battle performance 1 begins. As shown in FIG. 10(a3), a red background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the background image for battle performance 1. Also, an image of an ally character (character on the left side of the screen) facing off against an enemy character (character on the right side of the screen) in the Colosseum is displayed. Furthermore, a text image "Battle 1" that can identify battle performance 1 is displayed as the title image.

Next, an example of transition from the second display to battle performance 2 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 10(a3), assume that battle performance 1 ends with a defeat. This causes the screen to return to the screen shown in FIG. 10(a1), as shown in FIG. 10(b1). However, since battle performance 1 has ended, the first display has ended and the second and third displays are being performed.

Now that battle performance 1 has ended, battle performance 2 will be executed next. Since display 2 is being performed in the third mode (green), effect display 2 and battle performance 2 will also be performed in the third mode (green).

At that time, after effect display 2 is performed, which is displayed to transition from the second display area where the second display is being performed to the battle performance display area where the battle performance 2 is being performed, battle performance 2 starts. As shown in Fig. 10(b2), radial green light is emitted from the second display area, and the green light gradually extends toward the battle performance display area, and finally the green light reaches the performance display area.

Then, after that, effect display 2 ends and battle performance 2 begins. As shown in FIG. 10(b3), a green background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the background image for battle performance 2. Also, an image of an ally character and an enemy character facing off in the Colosseum is displayed. Furthermore, a text image "Battle 2" that can identify battle performance 2 is displayed as the title image.

Next, an example of transition from the third display to battle performance 3 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 10(b3), assume that battle performance 2 ends with a defeat. This causes the screen to return to that shown in FIG. 10(b1), as shown in FIG. 11(a1). However, since battle performance 2 has ended, the second display has ended and only the third display is being displayed.

Now that battle performance 2 has ended, battle performance 3 will be executed next. Since the third display is being performed in the second mode (blue), effect display 2 and battle performance 2 will also be performed in the second mode (blue).

At that time, after effect display 3 is performed, which transitions from the third display area where the third display is being performed to the battle performance display area where the battle performance 3 is being performed, battle performance 3 starts. As shown in FIG. 11(a2), radial blue light is emitted from the third display area, and the blue light gradually extends toward the battle performance display area, and finally the blue light reaches the performance display area.

Then, after that, effect display 3 ends and battle performance 3 begins. As shown in FIG. 11 (a3), a blue background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the background image for battle performance 3. Also, an image of an ally character and an enemy character facing off in the Colosseum is displayed. Furthermore, a text image "Battle 3" that can identify battle performance 3 is displayed as the title image.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the battle presentation is not performed in a manner based on the expectation display that was performed in response to the battle presentation state, the probability that an AT will be awarded is higher than when the battle presentation is performed in a manner based on the expectation display that was performed in response to the battle presentation state.

For example, in the example shown in Fig. 11 (a1) to (a3), the third display is performed in the second mode (blue), so the effect display 3 and the battle presentation 3 are also performed in the second mode (blue). In contrast, the third display may be performed in the second mode (blue), and the effect display 3 may be performed in the fourth mode (red), as shown in Fig. 11 (b).

In this way, the expectation is higher when the third display is in the second manner (blue) and the effect display 3 is in the fourth manner (red) than when the third display is in the second manner (blue) and the effect display 3 is in the second manner (blue).

Alternatively, effect display 3 may be performed in the second mode (blue), and battle performance 3 may be performed in the fourth mode (red), as shown in FIG. 11(c).

In this way, the expectation level is higher when the effect display 3 is performed in the second mode (blue) and the battle performance 3 is performed in the fourth mode (red) than when the effect display 3 is performed in the second mode (blue) and the battle performance 3 is performed in the second mode (blue). For example, when a decision has been made to grant an AT, the effect display and the battle performance may be determined by lottery so that the rate at which the mode is different from the mode of the expectation level display is higher than when a decision has not been made to grant an AT.

When the effect display or battle presentation mode is made different from the expectation display mode, it is not necessary to change it to a mode with high expectation, but it may be changed to a mode with low expectation. Even in this case, the expectation will be high.

[Cut-in effect]
Next, the cut-in effect will be described. The sub-control unit 91 can execute a cut-in effect that indicates a high probability of AT being granted during execution of a battle effect. When the cut-in effect is executed, the probability of AT being granted is higher than when the cut-in effect is not executed.

The cut-in effect is performed in a common manner regardless of the manner in which the battle effect is performed based on the expectation level display. This is explained in detail below using Figure 12.

Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining the cut-in effect. Figures 12 (a1) to (a3) explain an example in which a cut-in effect is executed in battle effect 3 executed in the second mode (blue), and Figures 12 (b1) to (b3) explain an example in which a cut-in effect is executed in battle effect 3 executed in the fourth mode (red).

The situation in FIG. 12(a1) is the same as the situation in FIG. 11(a3). As shown in FIG. 12(a1), battle performance 3 starts in the second mode (blue). As shown in FIG. 12(a2), as the battle performance progresses, an image of a battle between an ally character and an enemy character is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

At this time, a cut-in performance is executed. As shown in FIG. 12(a3), in the cut-in performance, a cut-in performance image corresponding to the cut-in performance is displayed superimposed on a battle performance image corresponding to the battle performance. As the cut-in performance image, an image including the text image "Here we go!" and an image of a girl is displayed.

The situation in FIG. 12(b1) is the same as the situation in FIG. 11(c). As shown in FIG. 12(b1), execution of battle performance 3 has begun in the fourth mode (red). As shown in FIG. 12(b2), as the battle performance progresses, an image of a battle between an ally character and an enemy character is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

At this time, a cut-in effect is executed. As shown in FIG. 12(b3), in the cut-in effect, a cut-in effect image corresponding to the cut-in effect is displayed superimposed on a battle effect image corresponding to the battle effect.

In the example of FIG. 12(a3), battle effect 3 is executed in the second mode (blue). On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 12(b3), battle effect 3 is executed in the fourth mode (red). The cut-in effect image displayed in both cases is the same image.

In this way, regardless of the manner in which the battle effects are performed, the cut-in effects are performed in a common manner.

[Example of expectation level indication and battle performance]
Next, an example of the expectation level indication and the battle performance will be described.
13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an expectation level indication display and a battle presentation. FIG.

Suppose that the device is currently under control of the CZ and is in a specific period. As shown in FIG. 13(a1), an image of the sun and flying birds is displayed as the background image displayed in the CZ. Currently, the first display is being performed in the second aspect (blue), the second display is being performed in the third aspect (green), and the third display is being performed in the third aspect (green).

As the game progresses during the CZ, suppose that a 6-choice bell is won. In the change lottery that is held when the 6-choice bell is won, a decision is made to change the appearance of the first display. Furthermore, suppose that a decision is made to change the appearance of the current expectation display (blue) to green.

In this embodiment, the mode of one of the multiple expectation displays is changed based on the player's operation of the presentation switch 56.

As shown in FIG. 13(a2), when a decision is made to change the state of the first display, an operation promotion notification is issued in which an image resembling the effect switch 56 is displayed on the screen. This notifies the player that he or she should operate the effect switch 56.

When the player operates the effect switch 56, as shown in FIG. 13(a3), the text image "Change!" is displayed at the top of the first display area, and the first display state changes from the second state (blue) to the third state (green).

As a result, the combination of expectation display modes changes from "blue-green-green" to "green-green-green." As a result, the combination of expectation display modes changes to specific combination 2, "green-green-green," and a combination with high expectation has been derived.

After that, suppose that a 6-choice bell is also won. In the change lottery that is held when the 6-choice bell is won, it is decided that the state of the third display will change from the third state (green) to the fourth state (red).

As a result, an operation promotion notification is issued, as shown in Fig. 13 (a4). When the player operates the performance switch 56, as shown in Fig. 13 (a5), the text image "CHANGE!" is displayed at the top of the third display area, and the state of the third display changes from the third state (green) to the fourth state (red). As a result, the combination of states of the expectation display changes from "green green green" to "green green red".

Then, let us say that the specific period ends in this state. This causes the battle performance to be executed. First, since the first display is currently being performed in the third aspect (green), effect display 1 (green effect) is performed in the third aspect (green), and then battle performance 1 begins in the third aspect (green).

As shown in FIG. 13(a6), radial green light is emitted from the first display area, and the green light gradually extends toward the battle performance display area, and eventually the green light reaches the performance display area.

Then, after that, effect display 1 ends and battle performance 1 begins. As shown in FIG. 13(a7), a green background image (green background) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the background image for battle performance 1. Also, an image of an ally character and an enemy character facing off in the Colosseum is displayed. Furthermore, a text image "Battle 1" that can identify battle performance 1 is displayed as the title image.

As the battle performance progresses, as shown in FIG. 13(a8), an image of a battle between friendly and enemy characters is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The result of the battle performance (victory or defeat) indicates whether or not the AT will be controlled.

In this example, let us say that battle performance 1 ends with a defeat. When the third stop operation is performed and all the reels stop, as shown in FIG. 14(a9), an image of the defeated ally character falling down is displayed, along with the text image "LOSE...". This suggests that the AT is not in control.

Then, when the start operation is performed to start the next game, the screen returns to the one displaying the expectation level. However, since battle performance 1 has ended, display 1 has ended and display 2 and display 3 are displayed instead.

Since battle performance 1 ended due to defeat, battle performance 2 is executed next. Since display 2 is performed in the third mode (green), effect display 2 and battle performance 2 are also performed in the third mode (green).

As shown in FIG. 14 (a10), radial green light is emitted from the second display area, and the green light gradually extends toward the battle performance display area, and eventually the green light reaches the performance display area.

Then, after that, effect display 2 ends and battle performance 2 begins. As shown in FIG. 14 (a11), a green background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the background image for battle performance 2. Also, an image of an ally character and an enemy character facing off in the Colosseum is displayed. Furthermore, a text image "Battle 2" that can identify battle performance 2 is displayed as the title image.

As the battle performance progresses, an image of a battle between an ally character and an enemy character is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, as shown in FIG. 14 (a12). In this example, it is assumed that battle performance 2 ends with a defeat.

When the third stop operation is performed and all the reels stop, as shown in FIG. 14 (a13), an image of the defeated ally character falling down is displayed, along with the text image "LOSE...". This suggests that the AT is not in control.

Then, when the start operation is performed to start the next game, the screen returns to the one displaying the expectation level. However, since battle performance 2 has ended, the second display has ended and only the third display is being displayed.

Since battle performance 2 ended due to defeat, battle performance 3 will be executed next. Since display 3 is performed in the fourth mode (red), effect display 3 and battle performance 3 will also be performed in the fourth mode (red).

As shown in FIG. 14 (a14), a radial red light is emitted from the second display area, and the red light gradually extends toward the battle performance display area, and finally the red light reaches the performance display area.

Then, after that, Effect Display 3 ends, and Battle Presentation 3 begins. As shown in Fig. 14 (a15), a red background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as the background image for Battle Presentation 3. Also, an image of an ally character and an enemy character facing each other in the Colosseum is displayed. Furthermore, a text image "Battle 3" that can identify Battle Presentation 3 is displayed as a title image.

As the battle performance progresses, an image of a friendly character and an enemy character battling is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, as shown in FIG. 14 (a16). If battle performance 3 ends with a victory, the state transitions to FIG. 15 (a17), and if battle performance 3 ends with a defeat, the state transitions to FIG. 15 (a19).

If Battle Presentation 3 ends with a victory, when all the reels are stopped by the third stop operation, an image of the winning ally character is displayed along with the text image "WIN" as shown in FIG. 15 (a17). This suggests that the game is being controlled by the AT.

Then, when a start operation is performed to start the next game, control is given to the AT. As shown in FIG. 15 (a18), an image of a girl is displayed with a starry background as the image displayed during the AT.

On the other hand, if the battle performance 3 ends due to a defeat, when all the reels are stopped by the third stop operation, an image of the defeated ally character falling down is displayed as shown in FIG. 15 (a19), along with the text image "LOSE...". This suggests that the AT is not in control.

Then, when the start operation is performed to start the next game, control is performed in the normal advantageous zone. As shown in FIG. 15 (a19), the image displayed during the normal advantageous zone is an image showing a character walking with a city background image.

[Major Effects]
Next, main effects obtained by the above-described embodiment will be described.

(1) A gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine or a pachinko gaming machine) for playing a game,
A specific state control means (for example, a process of controlling to a battle presentation state by the sub-control unit 91) capable of repeatedly (for example, three times) controlling to a specific state (for example, a battle presentation state);
A privilege lottery means (for example, an AT lottery executed by the main control unit 41) for performing a privilege lottery (for example, an AT lottery) regarding the granting of a privilege (for example, an AT);
and an advantage suggestion display means (for example, a process of displaying the expectation degree by the sub-control unit 91) for displaying an advantage suggestion display (for example, the expectation degree display (first to third displays)) that suggests the advantage of the bonus lottery (for example, the expectation degree of winning the AT),
The advantage suggestion display means is capable of displaying a plurality of advantage suggestion displays during a specific period of time, including at least an advantage suggestion display (e.g., a first display) corresponding to a current specific state (e.g., battle presentation state 1), an advantage suggestion display (e.g., a second display) corresponding to the next specific state (e.g., battle presentation state 2), and an advantage suggestion display (e.g., a third display) corresponding to the specific state after that (e.g., battle presentation state 3) (e.g., Figure 9).

Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 can repeatedly control the battle presentation state. Also, the main control unit 41 performs an AT lottery regarding the awarding of an AT. Also, the sub-control unit 91 can execute an expectation display (first to third displays) that indicates the expectation probability of winning the AT. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, an expectation display (first display) corresponding to at least the current battle presentation state (battle presentation state 1) and an expectation display (second display) corresponding to the next battle presentation state (battle presentation state 2) are displayed.
It is possible to perform a plurality of expectation level displays during a specific period, including an expectation level display (for example, a third display) corresponding to the next specific state (battle presentation state 3) and an expectation level display (for example, a third display) corresponding to the next specific state (battle presentation state 4).

In this way, multiple expectation displays including at least an expectation display corresponding to the current battle presentation state, an expectation display corresponding to the next battle presentation state, and an expectation display corresponding to the specific state after that are displayed during a specific period of time, so that the player can be drawn to whether or not an AT will be awarded for multiple battle presentation states. This can increase the interest of the game in terms of the expectation of winning the AT in each of the repeatedly controlled battle presentation states.

(2) The advantage suggestion display means includes:
When the advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is a specific advantage (for example, the granting of an AT), a combination of the modes (for example, the first to fifth modes) of the advantage suggestion display may be a specific combination (for example, specific combinations 1 to 3) (for example, FIG. 9(a)),
When the advantage of the bonus lottery is not the specific advantage, the combination of the modes of the plurality of advantage suggestion displays cannot be the specific combination (for example, FIG. 9(b)),
The mode of any one of the plurality of advantageous indication displays can be changed from an initial mode to a final mode (for example, FIG. 9 );
During a change period (e.g., a specific period) in which the mode of the advantage suggestion display changes, when none of the advantages of the bonus lottery are the specific advantage, the mode of the advantage suggestion display is changed so that the combination of the modes of the multiple advantage suggestion displays does not become the specific combination (e.g., Figure 9 (b)).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when the degree of advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is a specific advantage (determination of the grant of AT), a combination of multiple expectation display modes (first to fifth modes) can be a specific combination (specific combinations 1 to 3). Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when the degree of advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is not a specific advantage, a combination of multiple expectation display modes cannot be a specific combination. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to change the expectation display mode of any of the multiple expectation displays from an initial mode to a final mode. Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), in a change period (specific period) in which the expectation display mode changes, the expectation display mode is changed so that a combination of multiple expectation display modes does not become a specific combination when the degree of advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is not a specific advantage.

In this way, a combination of multiple expectation display modes can be a specific combination when the degree of advantage of any of the bonus lotteries is a specific advantage, but during a change period in which the expectation display mode changes, the expectation display mode is changed so that a combination of multiple expectation display modes does not become a specific combination when none of the bonus lotteries have a specific advantage, so that the player can be drawn to the appearance of a specific combination and interest in the game can be increased. This makes it possible to increase interest in the game with regard to the expectation of winning the AT in each of the repeatedly controlled battle presentation states.

(3) The expected value of the period during which the mode of any of the plurality of advantage suggestion displays is not changed is greater when the combination of the modes of the plurality of advantage suggestion displays is the specific combination than when the combination is different from the specific combination (for example, FIG. 9(a)).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the expected value during a period in which the mode of any of the multiple expectation displays is not changed is greater when the combination of the modes of the multiple expectation displays is a specific combination than when the combination is a different combination from the specific combination. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that a specific combination has appeared.

(4) There are multiple types of specific combinations (for example, FIG. 8(b)).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), there are multiple types of specific combinations. This allows the player to focus on which specific combination will result, increasing the player's interest in the game.

(5) The mode of the advantage suggestion display includes a final mode (e.g., a fifth mode) that suggests that a decision has been made to grant the benefit in the benefit lottery (e.g., FIG. 8(a)),
The specific combination is a combination that does not include the determined mode (for example, FIG. 8(b)).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the mode of expectation display includes a confirmed mode (fifth mode) that suggests that a decision has been made to award an AT in the AT lottery. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a specific combination is a combination that does not include a confirmed mode. By doing this, it is possible for a specific combination to appear even in a situation where a confirmed mode has not appeared, so the player's sense of expectation can be maintained.

(6) The mode of the advantageous indication display includes a low advantageous mode (e.g., a first mode) and a high advantageous mode (e.g., a second to fourth modes) that indicates that the advantageousness of the bonus lottery is higher than that of the low advantageous mode,
The specific combination is a combination that includes the highly advantageous aspect (for example, FIG. 8(b)).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the modes of the expectation display include a low expectation mode (first mode) and high expectation modes (second to fourth modes) that suggest a higher favorability of the AT lottery than the low expectation mode. In addition, a specific combination is a combination that includes a high expectation mode. In this way, even when a low expectation mode appears, there is a possibility of it changing to a high expectation mode, so the player's sense of expectation can be maintained.

(7) Depending on the combination of the initial states of the multiple advantage indication displays, the probability that the combination will become the specific combination varies (for example, FIG. 9).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the probability that a combination will become a specific combination varies depending on the combination of initial modes of multiple expectation displays. This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the combination of initial modes, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

(8) The advantage suggestion display means changes the mode of one of the plurality of advantage suggestion displays based on the player's operation (e.g., operation of the performance switch 56) (e.g., FIG. 13(a2)).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13(a2), the mode of one of the multiple expectation displays is changed based on the player's operation of the presentation switch 56. In this way, the player feels as if he or she is intervening in the game of his or her own volition, which can enhance the player's interest in the game.

(9) A suggestion effect execution means (for example, a process in which the sub-control unit 91 executes a battle effect) that executes a suggestion effect (for example, a battle effect) that suggests whether or not the benefit will be granted for each specific state is further provided.
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing the suggestion effect in a manner based on the advantage suggestion display that has been performed in response to a specific state (for example, Figures 10 and 11).

Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 can execute a battle presentation that indicates whether or not an AT will be awarded for each battle presentation state. Also, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the battle presentation is executed in a manner based on the expectation display that was performed corresponding to the battle presentation state. In this way, it is possible to draw the player's attention to whether or not an AT will be awarded for each battle presentation state.

(10) After an effect display (e.g., an effect display) is displayed to transition from a display area where an advantage suggestion display is being performed (e.g., an expectation display area) to a display area where the suggestion performance is being executed (e.g., a battle performance display area), the suggestion performance starts (e.g., Figs. 10 and 11).

Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the battle performance starts after an effect display is performed that transitions from the expectation display area where the expectation display is being performed to the battle performance display area where the battle performance is being performed. In this way, the battle performance is performed in a manner based on the manner previously suggested by the expectation display that suggests the expectation of winning the AT.

(11) The effect display is performed in a manner based on the advantage indication that was performed in response to a specific state (for example, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11).

Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the effect display is performed in a manner based on the expectation display that was performed in response to the battle presentation state. In this way, the effect display is executed in a manner based on the manner previously suggested by the expectation display that indicates the expectation of winning the AT.

(12) When the suggestive performance is not executed in a manner based on the advantage suggestive display that was executed in response to a specific state, the probability that the bonus will be granted is higher than when the suggestive performance is executed in a manner based on the advantage suggestive display that was executed in response to a specific state (for example, Figures 11(b) and (c)).

Specifically, as shown in Figures 11(b) and (c), when the battle presentation is not performed in a manner based on the expectation display performed in response to the battle presentation state, the probability that an AT will be awarded is higher than when the battle presentation is performed in a manner based on the expectation display performed in response to the battle presentation state. In this way, the manner in which the expectation of winning the AT is suggested becomes more diverse, which can increase the interest of the game.

(13) A special effect execution means (for example, a process in which the sub-control unit 91 executes a cut-in effect) that executes a special effect (for example, a cut-in effect) that indicates a high probability of the special effect being awarded during the execution of the suggestive effect,
The special effect is executed in a common manner regardless of the manner in which the suggestion effect is executed based on the advantage suggestion display that was performed in response to a specific state (for example, Figures 12 (a3) and (b3)).

Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 can execute a cut-in effect that indicates a high probability of AT being awarded during the execution of a battle performance. Also, as shown in Fig. 12 (a3) and (b3), the cut-in effect is executed in a common manner regardless of the manner in which the battle performance is executed based on the expectation display performed corresponding to the battle performance state. In this way, by executing the cut-in effect in a common manner, it is easy to understand the improvement in the expectation of winning the AT due to the cut-in effect.

(14) In the special effect, a special effect image (e.g., a cut-in effect image) corresponding to the special effect is displayed superimposed on a suggestive effect image (e.g., a battle effect image) corresponding to the suggestive effect (e.g., Figures 12(a3) and (b3)).

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12 (a3) and (b3), in a cut-in effect, a cut-in effect image corresponding to the cut-in effect is displayed superimposed on a battle effect image corresponding to the battle effect, making it easy to see how the cut-in effect improves the chances of winning the AT.

[Modification]
Although the main embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications and applications are possible. Below, modifications of the above embodiment that can be applied to the present invention will be described.

[About expectation level display and specific states]
In this embodiment, multiple expectation levels are displayed in the CZ, and the game is controlled to a specific state (battle presentation state) multiple times after a specific period during the CZ ends. However, this is not limited to this, and the following may be done. For example, a CZ lottery is held as a bonus lottery in a normal advantageous zone that is controlled to a specific state every predetermined number of games.

Specifically, the advantageous period may be controlled normally and also controlled to a first specific state, and when the specific period ends in the first specific state, the first battle performance is executed and it is notified whether or not an AT will be granted. If it is notified that an AT will not be granted, it is controlled to a second specific period. When the specific period ends in the second specific period, the second battle performance is executed and it is notified whether or not an AT will be granted. If it is notified that an AT will not be granted, it is controlled to a third specific period. When the specific period ends in the third specific period, the third battle performance is executed and it is notified whether or not an AT will be granted.

Then, during the specific period of the first specific state, the first to third expectation levels are displayed, corresponding to the first to third battle effects, respectively. Similarly, during the specific period of the second specific state, the second to fourth expectation levels are displayed, corresponding to the second to fourth battle effects, respectively. During the specific period of the third specific state, the third to fourth expectation levels are displayed, corresponding to the third to fifth battle effects, respectively. In this way, during the specific period of the specific state, the expectation levels are displayed, corresponding to the specific period two periods ahead of the current one.

In this case, the CZ lottery may be performed in advance for each specific state when the advantageous zone is controlled normally, and the mode of expectation display in each specific state may be determined. Also, when the advantageous zone is controlled normally, the CZ lottery may be performed only once, and the mode of expectation display in each specific state may be determined depending on whether a CZ has been awarded. In this case, when a specific combination is obtained, the expectation for the currently controlled specific period may be increased, or the expectation for the next controlled specific period may be increased, or the expectation for the next controlled specific period may be increased.

Each specific state may be controlled, for example, every 100 games. Then, consecutive effects may be executed a predetermined number of games (for example, 4 games) before each specific state ends. In this case, the degree of advantage may be different for each specific state. For example, a low probability state and a high probability state that has a higher advantage in terms of granting CZ than the low probability state may be provided. In the high probability state, the final state may be one with a high expectation.

It may also be a system that updates points, and when the updated points reach a predetermined point, ends the specific period and executes a battle performance. In this case, for example, when Bell wins, a lottery is held for points, and if points are awarded, the points are added to update the points. If the battle performance ends due to a defeat, the points are initialized and control is set to the next specific period.

[Application to pachinko machines]
Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described. Detailed description of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

In pachinko gaming machines, the game is played by operating a ball-hitting handle to shoot pachinko balls, which are the gaming medium, into a game area provided on a game board. In pachinko gaming machines, when a pachinko ball passes through a starting area provided in the game area, a random number is extracted and it is determined whether or not a jackpot will be generated. When the pachinko ball passes through the starting area, the image display device displays a varying effect pattern. When a jackpot is generated, a jackpot pattern is derived and displayed as a result of the varying display. After a jackpot is generated, the game is controlled to a jackpot game state. After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a special probability state depending on the type of jackpot. Special probability control is executed to make the probability of the special probability state display result being a "jackpot" higher than in the normal state.

When applied to a pachinko game machine, for example, it may be applied to a look-ahead notice performance that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is pending). In this case, the execution state of the look-ahead notice performance executed during one variable display becomes a specific state. Then, a combination of the expectation levels of each look-ahead notice performance executed multiple times may be displayed. Also, it may be applied to a pseudo consecutive performance in which one variable display is made to look like multiple variable displays by temporarily stopping the performance pattern during the variable display of the performance pattern and then restarting the variable display. In this case, the execution state of one pseudo consecutive performance becomes a specific state. Then, a combination of the expectation levels of the pseudo consecutive performance executed multiple times may be displayed. Also, it is not limited to a case in which the mode of the expectation level display changes based on the operation of the performance switch by the player during a specific period, but may also be a case in which the mode of the expectation level display changes based on the passage of the pachinko ball through the starting area by operating the ball-hitting operation handle.

The various configurations, processes, and timing of the processes in the above-described embodiment and modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 slot machine, 1a housing, 1b front door, 2L, 2C, 2R reels, 3 see-through window, 4 medal insertion section, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 9 medal payout outlet, 11 credit display, 12 game auxiliary display, 13 game display section, 27 side lamp, 28L, 28C, 28R reel backlight, 41 main control section, 41a main CPU, 41c RAM, 51 liquid crystal display, 53, 54 speaker, 56 performance switch, 91 sub control section, 91a
Sub CPU, 91c RAM.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine for playing a game,
A specific state control means capable of repeatedly controlling to a specific state;
and an expectation indication display means for displaying an expectation indication in one of a plurality of modes having different expectation levels for granting a privilege;
the expectation indication display means is capable of displaying a plurality of expectation indications during a specific period, the expectation indication including at least an expectation indication corresponding to a current specific state, an expectation indication corresponding to a next specific state, and an expectation indication corresponding to a specific state after that;
A suggestion performance execution means is further provided for executing a suggestion performance that suggests whether or not the benefit will be granted for each specific state,
The suggestion effect execution means is capable of executing the suggestion effect in response to an expectation suggestion display that has been performed in response to a specific state,
The expectation degree indication display means is
When the suggestion effect suggests that the benefit will be granted in any of the current specific state, the next specific state, and the specific state after the next, a combination of the modes of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays may be a specific combination;
In the case where the suggestion effect does not suggest that the benefit will be granted in any of the current specific state, the next specific state, and the specific state after the next, the combination of the modes of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays cannot be the specific combination,
During the specific period, the manner of any one of the plurality of expectation degree suggestion displays can be changed;
In this gaming machine, even if a combination of the modes of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays becomes the specific combination and then becomes a non-specific combination different from the specific combination by changing the mode of any one of the plurality of expectation suggestion displays, the suggestion performance always suggests that the benefit will be granted in either the current specific state, the next specific state, or the specific state after that.

Images