JP7517671B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines capable of implementing effects in which points are accumulated are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2016-106990 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to improve the entertainment value of gaming machines that can implement effects that allow players to earn points.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is characterized by having an effect execution means for executing a specific effect in which the probability that the result of the hit/miss determination means will be a hit increases as the number of points increases, and a specific mode setting means for setting one of a number of specific modes that differ in the ease of earning points in the specific effect.

The present invention makes it possible to improve the entertainment value of gaming machines that can execute effects that allow players to earn points.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A figure showing the identification pattern and reserved image displayed on the display device (display area). A diagram for explaining a specific effect. 13 is an example of a selection screen displayed when selecting a type of a specific mode. This is a diagram (table) showing the distribution of points when a jackpot is won when each specific mode is set. 13 is a diagram (table) for explaining a first specific example of a specific performance. A figure to explain a second specific example of a specific performance. A figure to explain a third specific example of a specific performance. A diagram for explaining fourth and fifth specific examples of specific performances. A diagram to explain the second specific performance (seventh specific example of a specific performance). A diagram to explain a modified example of the second specific presentation. A figure to explain a modified example of the second specific presentation (an example different from Figure 11). A diagram to explain the third specific performance (seventh specific example of a specific performance). A diagram to explain a modified example of the third specific presentation. A figure to explain a modified example of the third specific presentation (an example different from Figure 14). A figure to explain a modified example of the third specific presentation (an example different from Figures 14 and 15). A figure to explain an eighth specific example of a specific performance.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine An embodiment of a gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and has a guide rail 903 that is substantially arc-shaped and forms a path that guides gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a start winning hole 904, a big winning hole 906, an outlet hole, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is an area that can be seen through an opening formed in the game board 90. The game area 902 is also provided with a number of game pegs that act as obstacles against which the game balls collide, causing changes in the way the game balls flow down. The game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pegs.

In this type of gaming machine 1, gaming balls are launched toward the gaming area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 902 enters a winning hole such as the start winning hole 904 or the big winning hole 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Note that we will not explain components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays that store the gaming balls. These components can have the same structure as known gaming machines.

The lottery for the big win is executed by the winning/losing determination means provided on the control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904 (there may be multiple starting winning holes). Specifically, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 904, a number (winning/losing determination information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined winning number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, the winning/losing determination results are notified in the order in which the numbers are obtained (so-called fluctuations are started), but if there is winning/losing determination information for which the winning/losing determination result has not yet been notified, the newly obtained winning/losing determination information is stored as reserved information in the storage means provided on the control board (not shown). The fact that reserved information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a reserved image (reserved pattern) 80 (see FIG. 2).

In this embodiment, as the reserved image 80, a changing reserved image 81 (an image showing the so-called "remaining change") corresponding to an image in which the notification performance of the winning/losing judgment result has started (the change of the identification pattern 70 (identification pattern group 70g) indicating the winning/losing judgment result has started) but the notification of the winning/losing judgment result has not been completed (the change of the identification pattern 70 (identification pattern group 70g) has not stopped in a manner indicating the winning/losing judgment result) and a pre-change reserved image 82 corresponding to an image in which the notification performance of the winning/losing judgment result has not started (the change of the identification pattern 70 (identification pattern group 70g) indicating the winning/losing judgment result has not started) are displayed (see FIG. 2). The maximum number of reserved information corresponding to the pre-change reserved image 82 is limited. In this embodiment, the maximum number of reserved information (winning/losing judgment information) obtained by winning the start winning hole 904 (the so-called "special drawing 1") is four.

In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, the winning/losing judgment result is notified to the player by the combination of the identification symbols 70 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the identification symbol group 70g (left identification symbol group 70gL, center identification symbol group 70gC, right identification symbol group 70gR) including a plurality of types of identification symbols 70 starts to change, and finally, one identification symbol 70 is selected from each identification symbol group 70g and stops. If the jackpot is won, the combination of the identification symbols 70 selected and stopped from each identification symbol group 70g will be a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same identification symbols 70). If the jackpot is lost, the combination will be other than that (other than the combination that results in a jackpot). Note that in each figure, only the "numbers (letters)" that make up the identification symbols 70 are illustrated, but a pattern in which the numbers and characters, etc. are combined can be set as the identification symbol 70.

2) Specific Effects Various effects are executed as notification effects that notify the result of the win/lose judgment (effects from when the identification pattern 70 starts to change until it stops at a combination that indicates the win/lose judgment result; so-called effects during one change). In this embodiment, it is possible to execute a specific effect as one type of such effect. In this embodiment, there is a possibility that a specific effect will occur in all notification effects (every change). However, a configuration in which a specific effect will occur only when a predetermined condition is satisfied may also be used. In addition, a mode in which a specific effect can occur may be set as a performance stage (also called a mode, etc.).

The specific performance is simply a performance that collects points. In this embodiment, the more points collected, the higher the probability that the target hit/miss judgment result (the hit/miss judgment result corresponding to the notification performance in which the specific performance occurs) will be a jackpot (so-called (jackpot) reliability) is set. The jackpot reliability may be set to be higher when a specific number of points is reached than when a larger number of points is reached. For example, the jackpot reliability is set to be higher when the final number of points is "8" than when the number of points is "9". The "name" of the points in the performance may be anything. It may be a name such as "XX points", or it may be a name that does not include the word "points". The points acquired may be displayed as numbers or may be displayed as images (unit images) (or both). The performance may be such that multiple points may be acquired at once. In addition, the minimum unit of points does not have to be "1". It may be such that the points increase in units of "100".

The specific effect in this embodiment (see FIG. 3) is an effect in which the maximum number of points is 10 points. In this embodiment, when the acquired points reach the maximum value (10 points), it is set so that the target hit/miss judgment result is confirmed to be a jackpot (confidence level = 100%). When new points are acquired, a unit image with a "P" mark is displayed (an effect indicating the generation of points occurs). In addition, the number of points acquired so far is displayed in the display area 911 as an element suggesting a certain target hit/miss judgment result (in this embodiment, it is displayed as "P mark x number (number of points)") (see FIG. 3 (b) (c)).

In the present embodiment, the specific performance adds points as the notification performance progresses (time passes) (see FIG. 3). The player cannot predict when new points will be acquired (the player may be able to find a time when new points may be acquired, but it is basically impossible to find out in advance whether points will actually be acquired (except when the acquisition of points is predicted)). In other words, the specific performance in this embodiment is a performance in which points randomly increase as the notification performance progresses (time passes). Another performance (so-called reach performance, etc.) that constitutes the notification performance may progress in conjunction with the execution of such a specific performance. A reference point at which no more new points will be acquired may be set. For example, in a reach performance (super reach performance) that indicates the result of a hit/miss determination depending on the state of the ending, it is set so that no new points will be acquired after a predetermined point in the reach performance (such as the point at which the operation of the operating means 60 such as a push button is prompted, etc.) has passed. In this embodiment, the points are reset (become 0 points) when the notification of the target hit/miss determination result is completed.

In this embodiment, the player can freely set (change) the ease of earning points in one specific effect. Specifically, multiple modes related to the specific effects (hereinafter referred to as specific modes) are prepared, and the ease of earning points in the specific effects differs depending on which of the multiple specific modes is set. In this embodiment, three types are prepared: a first specific mode, a second specific mode, and a third specific mode. The ease of earning points in the specific effects increases in that order (the third specific mode is the highest). Details will be given later.

In addition, the player can arbitrarily select which specific mode to set. In this embodiment, the player can operate the operation means 60 (push button, cross key, etc.) during the standby state to display a mode selection screen in the display area 911 and then select a specific mode of his/her choice (see FIG. 4). It is preferable that the name of each specific mode is such that it is clear that the specific mode determines the ease of acquiring points. In this embodiment, the first specific mode is displayed as "low", the second specific mode as "normal", and the third specific mode as "high". The player operates the operation means 60 to select one of the specific modes. Note that it may be possible to set the specific mode (change the specific mode) during the game state (while the notification effect is being executed). In this case, it is preferable that the change of the specific mode is executed after the notification effect that is being executed when the specific mode change operation is performed is completed. In addition, the default specific mode (the specific mode that is set when the power is turned on) may be any one. In this embodiment, the second specific mode is set as the default.

The ease of earning points according to the specific mode is based on the fact that the average number of points earned in one specific performance differs depending on the type of specific mode (the first specific mode is the lowest, and the third specific mode is the highest). Figure 5 shows the number of points earned in a specific performance when the target hit/miss determination result is a jackpot. As can be seen from Figure 5, when the first specific mode is set, there is a possibility of winning a jackpot with fewer points (the average number of points when winning a jackpot is lower) than when the second specific mode is set. Similarly, when the second specific mode is set, there is a possibility of winning a jackpot with fewer points than when the third specific mode is set.

In this way, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is interesting in that it allows you to change the "ease of earning points" in specific effects in which the reliability of a jackpot is suggested by the points.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to specific performance-related matters. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be made that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

First Specific Example In the above embodiment, it has been described that the player can arbitrarily select which of the multiple specific modes to set, but one of the multiple specific modes may be set automatically. In other words, the player cannot be involved in setting the specific mode. In this case, the type of the specific mode may be changed while the player is playing, or the type of the specific mode may not change while the player is playing. In addition, the type of the currently set specific mode may be displayed (allowing the player to determine the type of the currently set specific mode), or may not be displayed at all.

In addition, in the case of this example, it is possible to configure the game so that a specific mode according to the so-called "setting" is set. The above-mentioned "setting" is provided to differentiate the degree of advantage to the player by varying the probability of winning or losing. For example, assume that three stages, "setting 1", "setting 2" and "setting 3", are provided ("setting 1" is the setting least favorable to the player, and "setting 3" is the setting most favorable to the player). Then, assume that the first specific mode is associated with "setting 1", the second specific mode is associated with "setting 2", and the third specific mode is associated with "setting 3" (see FIG. 6), and a specific mode corresponding to the current "setting" is set (the type of the current specific mode is not shown to the player). In this way, it is possible to realize a gameplay in which the current "setting" can be guessed from the ease of acquiring points. In the above example, the easier it is to acquire points, the more the player can expect a "high setting". Note that the opposite configuration may be used, that is, the more difficult it is to acquire points, the more the player can expect a "high setting".

Second Specific Example: A display is made to indicate that the points will not increase any further. In the special performance, the points increase over time, but it is difficult to know at what stage the points shown are the final number of points. In light of this, in the notification performance that notifies the result of the target pass/fail judgment, when a predetermined point is reached, a display is made to indicate that the points will not increase any further, that is, a display (confirmation display) is made to indicate that the number of points at the current time is the final number of points (final number of points) in this special performance.

There are various possible modes for the confirmation display. For example, a display including information clearly indicating that the number of points has been determined (for example, a display such as "TOTAL..." (see Figure 7)) can be used. Also, a display that leads the player to assume that the number of points has been determined can be used (for example, the display showing the number of points can be made larger after the number of points has been determined than before the number of points has been determined).

○Third Specific Example In the above embodiment, the specific performance is described as occurring during the notification performance (during one change) that notifies the target hit/miss judgment result, but a series of specific performances may occur across multiple notification performances. If the notification performance of the hit/miss judgment result whose reliability is suggested by the specific performance is the target notification performance, and the notification performance executed before the target notification performance is the previous notification performance, a series of specific performances (one specific performance) is executed during one or more previous notification performances and the target notification performance. In other words, the start time of the specific performance (the acquisition of the first point) is set during the previous notification performance (see FIG. 8). In this way, it is also possible to cause the specific performance to occur as a kind of so-called look-ahead performance.

Fourth Specific Example It is set so that the target hit/miss judgment result will not be a jackpot unless the number of points is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (excluding 0). In other words, a minimum number of points (hereinafter referred to as the minimum number of points) is set for the target hit/miss judgment result to be a jackpot. In this way, a gameplay that first hopes to reach the minimum number of points is realized. From another perspective, an easy-to-understand gameplay is realized in which reaching the minimum number of points is a chance of winning a jackpot.

In this example, the minimum number of points may be different depending on the type of specific mode. In accordance with the above embodiment, the minimum number of points is the lowest when the first specific mode is set, and the maximum number of points is the highest when the third specific mode is set (see FIG. 9(a)). In other words, the minimum number of points is higher when a specific mode that is easier to earn points is set. In this way, an interesting presentation can be created in which the type of specific mode set and the minimum number of points required for a big win are linked. Note that the minimum points corresponding to two or more of the multiple specific modes may be set to be the same. For example, the minimum points corresponding to the first specific mode and the second specific mode may be set to be the same, and the minimum points corresponding to the third specific mode may be set to be different from the minimum points corresponding to the first and second specific modes.

Fifth Specific Example: It is assumed that the setting is such that the target hit/miss judgment result is confirmed as a jackpot when the number of points reaches a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as the confirmed number of points) or more. For example, if the confirmed number of points is "9", the setting is such that a jackpot is confirmed when the number of points reaches "9" (if the maximum number of points is "10" as in the above embodiment, the number of points is "9" or "10").

Based on this premise, the number of confirmed points is different depending on the type of specific mode. In accordance with the above embodiment, the number of confirmed points is the smallest when the first specific mode is set, and the number of confirmed points is the largest when the third specific mode is set. In other words, the number of confirmed points is larger when a specific mode that is easier to earn points is set. For example, the number of confirmed points is "8" when the first specific mode is set, the number of confirmed points is "9" when the second specific mode is set, and the number of confirmed points is "10" when the third specific mode is set (see FIG. 9(b)). In this way, an interesting presentation can be created in which the type of the set specific mode and the number of confirmed points for confirming a jackpot are linked. Note that the number of confirmed points corresponding to two or more of the multiple specific modes may be the same. For example, the number of confirmed points corresponding to the first specific mode and the second specific mode may be the same, and the number of confirmed points corresponding to the third specific mode may be different from the number of confirmed points corresponding to the first and second specific modes (more than the number of confirmed points corresponding to the first and second specific modes).

Sixth Specific Example: Suppose that the setting is such that the target hit/miss judgment result is determined to be a jackpot when the final number of points in a certain specific presentation becomes a specified number (hereinafter referred to as the special number). For example, if the special number is set to "7", then the setting is such that a jackpot is determined if the final number of points is "7" (however, if the number of points is "8", a jackpot is not determined). In other words, basically, the more points there are, the more advantageous it is for the player (the higher the reliability of the jackpot), but for some point numbers (special numbers), the setting is such that it is more advantageous for the player to remain at that number of points. As described above, if the special number is "7", then the player will hope that the number of points will remain at "7".

Seventh Specific Example There are various possible ways of acquiring points (ways of showing points) in the specific performance. The specific performance described in the above embodiment (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the first specific performance to distinguish it from the second specific performance and the third specific performance described later) is a performance in which points randomly increase as the notification performance progresses (time passes). The following (second specific performance, third specific performance) are possible ways of acquiring points (types of specific performance) that are different from the first specific performance.

(A) Second specific effect The second specific effect is one in which points are shown all at once when a predetermined condition is met. In other words, no effect in which points are acquired occurs before the predetermined condition is met (although an effect showing that the number of points is "0" may occur) (see FIG. 10(a)), and the number of points (final number of points) is shown (see FIG. 10(c)) after the predetermined condition is met (see FIG. 10(b)). Note that "points are shown all at once" here includes not only a mode in which the final number of points is displayed suddenly, but also a mode in which the points increase and reach the final number in an extremely short period of time. In other words, it is sufficient that, from the player's viewpoint, the final number of points is shown all at once when a predetermined condition is met.

The predetermined condition may be a condition that can be satisfied at the time of the notification performance. It may not necessarily be satisfied at all notification performances (it may not necessarily be satisfied every time the game changes). Strictly speaking, it may be a condition that may or may not be satisfied when the target hit/miss judgment result is a miss, and may be satisfied when the target hit/miss judgment result is a jackpot. As an example, it is possible to consider the predetermined condition to be satisfied when a so-called "reach" (if three identification pattern groups 70g are set as in the above embodiment, this refers to a state in which the identification patterns 70 selected from two of the three identification pattern groups 70g are the same type of identification pattern 70 (the remaining identification pattern group 70g is changing)) is satisfied (see FIG. 10(b)). As with known gaming machines, the establishment of a "reach" in the notification performance can be said to be the first step leading to a jackpot. By displaying the number of points indicating the reliability of the jackpot when such a reach is established, the reliability is suggested by the number of points only when there is a certain possibility of a jackpot, and easy-to-understand gameplay can be achieved.

Such a second specific performance may be modified as follows:
(A-1) The number of points is displayed when the operation of the operation means 60 such as a push button is triggered. For example, after the reach is achieved (see FIG. 11(a)), an operation effect (see FIG. 11(b)) is generated that prompts the operation of the operation means 60, and the operation of the operation means 60 is triggered to display the number of points (see FIG. 11(c)). (If the operation of the operation means 60 does not satisfy the predetermined operation condition, it is considered that the operation of the operation means 60 is triggered by the lapse of the operation valid period.) In this case, the achievement of the reach and the operation of the operation means 60 are the "achievement of the predetermined condition." Since the second specific effect is one in which the number of points is displayed at once (there is only one trigger for displaying the points), it is preferable to display the number of points due to the player's actions.

The above operation presentation may be a single operation presentation that prompts a single operation of the operating means 60, a continuous operation presentation that prompts continuous operations ("repeated taps" in the case of a push button), or a sustained operation presentation that prompts maintaining an operated state ("long press" in the case of a push button). Regardless of which type of operation presentation occurs, the number of points will be displayed when the operation of the operating means 60 during the effective operation period satisfies a specified operation condition. Also, a sensor capable of detecting an object that has entered a specified range may be provided, and the "operation of the operating means" may be determined to be the detection of a part of the player's body (such as a hand) by the sensor.

(A-2) The number of points displayed when a specified condition is met may change thereafter. It is preferable that the change is limited to an increase in the number of points. In this way, even if the number of points displayed initially is small, it can be expected that the number of points will change thereafter. In this way, the number of points may not be displayed before the specified condition is met, and may be displayed in stages (displayed in multiple instalments) after the specified condition is met.

(A-3) When it is determined that a predetermined condition is met, an effect (suggestive effect) is generated that suggests the number of points to be shown in the second specific effect. If the achievement of a reach is considered to be the achievement of a predetermined condition as described above, it is conceivable that the effect that occurs when the reach is achieved is a suggestive effect. For example, the state of the reach line (an image displayed to connect the identification patterns 70 that make up the reach) that is displayed when the reach is achieved suggests the number of points to be displayed thereafter. As one example, it is conceivable that the color of the reach line suggests the number of points (expected number of points).
Also, as explained in (A-1), if the number of points is indicated through the operation presentation, it is possible to configure the operation presentation itself as a suggestion presentation. For example, the expected value of the number of points (see FIG. 12(b)) displayed thereafter is different between a first operation presentation (see FIG. 12(a-1)) that prompts the player to operate the first operation means 61 (push button) and a second operation presentation (see FIG. 12(a-2)) that prompts the player to operate a different second operation means 62 (see FIG. 1). Although not shown, an image (e.g., an image imitating the operation means 60) displayed during the operation presentation may suggest the number of points to be displayed thereafter. Also, any of a plurality of types of operation presentations (single operation presentation, continuous operation presentation, sustained operation presentation, etc.) may occur, and the number of points to be displayed thereafter may be suggested depending on the type of operation presentation that occurs (difference in the operation mode required).

(B) Third specific performance The third specific performance occurs as a performance related to the operation performance (which is different from the operation performance that occurs as the second specific performance described above, and is therefore referred to as the post-operation performance hereinafter). The post-operation performance is a performance that reaches a conclusion triggered by the operation of the operation means 60 that the player can operate (see FIG. 13(b)), and if the target hit/miss judgment result is a hit, it reaches a successful ending (see FIG. 13(c-1)), and if it is a miss, it reaches a failed ending (see FIG. 13(c-2)) (the successful ending includes a so-called "reversal" pattern that appears to have reached a failed ending at first, but actually indicates that it was a success). In this way, the post-operation performance can be said to be a "branch" performance that indicates whether the target hit/miss judgment result is a big hit or a miss.

The post-operation presentation may be such that the type of operation means 60 to which the operation is prompted may change (for example, the operation of the first operation means 61 may be prompted, or the operation of the second operation means 62 may be prompted). The operation mode of the operation means 60 that is requested may change (a single operation, continuous operation, sustained operation, etc. may be requested). If the operation of the operation means 60 does not satisfy the predetermined operation condition, the conclusion may be reached when the valid operation period has elapsed.

Before the post-operation performance occurs, a third specific performance is executed. Specifically, points are acquired over time, and as a result, a performance in which the final number of points is displayed is executed as the third specific performance (the manner in which points are acquired may be any manner, so a description is omitted). The final number of points displayed in the third specific performance (see FIG. 13(a)) suggests the likelihood that the post-operation performance will end in success. For example, the greater the number of points displayed in the third specific performance, the higher the likelihood that the post-operation performance will end in success. Since the post-operation performance reaching a successful end means that the target hit/miss judgment result is a jackpot, the number of points displayed in the third specific performance can be said to indirectly suggest the reliability of the target hit/miss judgment result as a jackpot via the post-operation performance.

In this way, the number of points in the specific performance (third specific performance) may be used to suggest the outcome of the performance that will be executed afterwards (whether or not the performance will end successfully). The third specific performance can also be said to be a pre-performance that suggests the outcome of the post-performance (post-operation performance) that will be executed after the performance.

Such third specific effects and post-operation effects may be modified as follows.
(B-1) When the post-operation performance is a successful ending, the number of points reaches the maximum value (in accordance with the above embodiment, "10" points). Specifically, the number of points shown in the third specific performance is set to "9" points or less, and the probability that the post-operation performance will be a successful ending is suggested by the number of points (see FIG. 14(a)(b)). And, when the specific performance is a successful ending, the number of points shown in the third specific performance reaches "10" (see FIG. 14(c-1)). In addition, when it is a failed ending, the number of points shown in the third specific performance is maintained as it is (i.e., it does not reach "10" points) (see FIG. 14(c-2)). By doing so, the third specific performance and the post-operation performance are connected, so that the flow of the series of performances is easy to understand. From another perspective, the post-operation performance can be said to occur as part of the third operation performance, which is a performance in which points are acquired.

In addition, if the number of points reaches "10" before the post-operation performance starts (if the number of points is at its maximum at the stage shown in FIG. 14(a)), the post-operation performance may be set to be a confirmed successful ending. In other words, although the number of points shown in the third specific performance is basically "9" points or less, the setting may be such that there is a possibility that the number of points may reach "10" before the post-operation performance starts as a so-called premium.

(B-2) It is assumed that multiple types of post-operation effects are set with different probabilities of a successful ending. For example, the probability of a successful ending (i.e., the reliability of a big win) is different when a first post-operation effect (see FIG. 15(b-1)) occurs, in which the player is prompted to operate the first operation means 61 (push button), and when a second post-operation effect (see FIG. 15(b-2)) occurs, in which the player is prompted to operate a different second operation means 62 (see FIG. 1). Based on this premise, the number of points in the third specific effect (see FIG. 15(a)) suggests the type of specific effect that will occur thereafter.

For example, if the second post-operation effect is set to have a higher probability of reaching a successful conclusion (jackpot reliability) than the first post-operation effect (assuming the second post-operation effect is an effect that is more advantageous to the player), then the higher the number of points in the third specific effect, the higher the probability that the second post-operation effect will occur thereafter (see FIG. 15). It may also be set so that if the number of points in the third specific effect is a predetermined number or more (for example, "9" points or more), the occurrence of the second post-operation effect is confirmed thereafter. In this way, a gameplay feature is realized in which the number of points indicated in the third specific effect is related to the type of post-operation effect that occurs thereafter.

(B-3) The third specific effect may be executed across multiple notification effects. In other words, the increase in points as the third specific effect occurs across multiple fluctuations. In this case, the third specific effect functions as a so-called pre-reading effect.

The post-operation performance may occur in the notification performance before the target notification performance starts. In other words, the post-operation performance occurs before the target notification performance starts, and the target hit/miss determination result is shown. If the post-operation performance ends in a successful conclusion, the target hit/miss determination result will be a jackpot, but after the post-operation performance ends in a successful conclusion, a video celebrating the jackpot is output until the target notification performance ends (i.e., across multiple variations).

(B-4) The condition for the post-operation performance to occur is that the number of points acquired in the third specific performance reaches a predetermined value. In other words, if the specified value is not reached, the post-operation performance will not occur. If the setting is such that the target hit/miss judgment result will not be a jackpot unless the post-operation performance occurs, the minimum condition for a jackpot is that the number of points reaches the specified value, and if the specified value is not reached, it is determined that it will be a miss. Note that the specified value may or may not be clearly indicated to the player. If the former setting is used, for example, a display such as "When XX points are reached, XX (the name of the performance corresponding to the post-operation performance) will occur?" is displayed.
In this case, the specified value may be different depending on the type of specific mode. Specifically, the easier it is to earn points in a mode, the higher the specified value is set. That is, the specified value is set to be higher in the second specific mode than in the first specific mode, and in the third specific mode than in the second specific mode (see FIG. 16). The easier it is to earn points in a mode, the higher the condition for the post-operation performance to occur (the minimum condition for the target hit/miss judgment result to be a jackpot) is set.

Eighth Specific Example (an example that further develops the seventh specific example)
It is assumed that multiple types of specific effects can be executed. For example, it is assumed that the above-mentioned first to third specific effects can be executed. Based on this premise, the configuration is such that a player can select the effect (type of effect) that is actually executed as a specific effect from among the first to third specific effects. In other words, the first to third specific effects directly or indirectly indicate the jackpot reliability of the target hit/miss judgment result based on the number of points acquired, and the manner in which points are acquired (how the points are displayed) can be said to be different from each other, and it is made possible for the player to select the manner in which points are acquired (how the points are displayed) that he or she prefers.

Any method of selection may be used. It is conceivable that different names are set for the first to third specific effects, and that the player can set a preferred specific effect by operating the operating means 60 on a selection screen that is displayed during the standby state (see FIG. 17). It is also possible to set a preferred specific effect during the game state.

Furthermore, as explained in the above embodiment, when the configuration allows the player to select one of the first to third specific modes, the player can select both the "ease of collecting points" and the "manner of acquiring points" (how the points are displayed). In other words, by selecting both, the specific manner of the specific presentation (point acquisition presentation) can be brought closer to one's own preference.

In this case, after a selection is made between the "first specific mode" and the "third specific effect", the game may automatically transition to a situation where the selection of the other is encouraged (after a selection is made on one of the selection screens in FIG. 4 and FIG. 17, the game may automatically transition to a situation where the other selection screen is available for selection). In other words, when the player has decided on either "ease of collecting points" or "mode of point acquisition", the game will automatically transition to a situation where the game is encouraged to decide on the other (a situation where a selection screen is displayed). This makes it easier to decide on the specific mode of the specific effect (point acquisition mode).

In addition, two of the first specific effect to the third specific effect may be executable, and the player may select the effect to be actually executed from the two effects.

3) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

Means 1
A gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing a specific effect which indicates, by points, the likelihood that the result of the hit/miss determination means will be a hit; and a specific mode setting means for setting one of a number of specific modes which differ in the ease of earning points in the specific effect.
The gaming machine is interesting in that it is possible to change the "ease of acquiring points" in a specific presentation in which the reliability of a big win is suggested by the points.

Means 2
The gaming machine described in means 1 is characterized in that the player can arbitrarily select which of the plurality of specific modes to set.
Since it is expected that the degree of "ease of earning points" will vary from player to player, it is preferable to allow the player to select the type of specific mode.

Means 3
The gaming machine described in means 1 or 2, characterized in that as the specific presentation, a first specific presentation in which points are randomly increased can be executed.
Means 4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1 to 3, characterized in that as the specific presentation, a second specific presentation in which points are shown all at once when a predetermined condition is met is executed.
Means 5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1 to 4, characterized in that it is possible to execute an operation presentation that leads to a conclusion triggered by the operation of an operating means that can be operated by the player, which leads to a successful conclusion if the result of the hit/miss determination is a hit, and leads to a failed conclusion if the result is a miss, and that it is possible to execute a third specific presentation as the specific presentation in which the likelihood that the operation presentation will lead to a successful conclusion is indicated by points.
By making it possible to execute a number of specific presentations with different ways of acquiring points (ways of showing points), it is possible to further improve the entertainment value of the game.

Means 6
A gaming machine as described in means 5 which further cites means 4 which cites means 3, characterized in that it is possible to execute two or more of the first specific effect, the second specific effect, and the third specific effect, and the player can select from the two or more effects which will actually be executed as the specific effect.
Since it is expected that preferences regarding the "manner of acquiring points" (how points are displayed) vary from player to player, it is preferable to allow the player to select the type of specific presentation.

1 Gaming machine 60 Operation means 70 Identification pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (4)

A performance execution means for executing a specific performance in which the probability that the result of the hit/miss determination means will be a hit increases as the number of points increases;
A specific mode setting means for setting one of a plurality of specific modes that differ in ease of acquiring points in the specific performance;
Equipped with
The maximum number of points that can be acquired in the specific performance is the same regardless of which of the multiple specific modes is set,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the more difficult the specific mode is to earn points, the smaller the expected number of points earned when the result of the win/loss determination is a win. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a player can arbitrarily select which of the plurality of specific modes to set. It is possible to execute an operation performance that prompts the player to operate the operation means,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of acquired points is displayed in response to operation of the operating means, taking into account which of the plurality of specific modes is set. The operation means includes a first operation means and a second operation means different from the first operation means,
The gaming machine described in claim 3, characterized in that the number of acquired points shown as a result of operation of the operation means is more likely to be greater when the operation presentation requires operation of the second operation means than when the operation presentation requires operation of the first operation means.

Images