JP7525884B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Traditionally, various effects have been implemented in pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine. Some of these gaming machines enhance the player's interest in the game by implementing effects that notify the player of information related to the launch of gaming balls (for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine of Patent Document 1 notifies the player of the gaming area in which the launch of the gaming ball is recommended by notifying the player of the appropriate launch strength of the gaming ball.

JP 2009-240339 A

However, in conventional gaming machines, it is expected that interest in the game will be increased by putting more effort into implementing the presentation that notifies the player of information related to the launch of the gaming ball.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of suspending the execution of a variable game and starting the suspended variable game when a starting condition is met, and comprises: a gaming board having a game area into which gaming balls can flow; a first ball entry means into which the gaming balls can enter; a second ball entry means into which the gaming balls can enter and having an opening and closing member that can be in an open state or a closed state; a third ball entry means into which the gaming balls can enter; and a suspension control means capable of controlling the suspension of a special variable game upon the entry of a gaming ball into the first ball entry means, and of controlling the suspension of a specific variable game different from the special variable game upon the entry of a gaming ball into the second ball entry means. and a state control means capable of controlling to give a second gaming state in which the specific variable game is more likely to be executed than in the first gaming state, a performance execution means capable of executing a performance, and a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means, wherein the gaming area includes a first gaming area in which the first ball entry means and the third ball entry means are disposed, and a second gaming area in which the second ball entry means is disposed, and the performance control means controls to execute a ball entry promotion performance during the second gaming state, to encourage a gaming ball to enter the second ball entry means, and to execute a specific performance when a prescribed number of the specific variable game is reserved during the execution of the ball entry promotion performance, and It is possible to control a special effect to be executed after the end of the entry ball prompting effect, and to control a special launch prompting effect to be executed for prompting the launch of game balls into the first ball entry means, the specific effect is an effect indicating that the specified number of the specific variable games are on hold, the ball entry prompting effect can be executed in a different presentation mode depending on whether or not the specified number or more of the specific variable games are on hold, the special launch prompting effect can be executed during at least a part of the period during which the first game state is in progress, and is not executed while the specific variable game is being executed even if the second game state is ended, The presentation control means is capable of controlling the termination of the special launch promotion presentation when a game ball enters the third ball entry means, the presentation contents of the special presentation include a first presentation content and a second presentation content, and if a predetermined number of the specific variable games are put on hold before the ball entry promotion presentation ends, either the first presentation content or the second presentation content is determined as the presentation content of the special presentation depending on the variable content of the specific variable games being put on hold, and if the predetermined number of the specific variable games are not put on hold before the ball entry promotion presentation ends, the second presentation content is determined as the presentation content of the special presentation .

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of suspending the execution of a variable game, and is capable of starting the suspended variable game when a starting condition is met, and is a gaming machine in which a winning game is awarded after a winning result is displayed in the variable game, and the gaming machine comprises a gaming board having a game area into which game balls can flow, a first ball entry means into which the game balls can enter, a second ball entry means into which the game balls can enter and which has an opening and closing member that can be in an open state and a closed state, and a third ball entry means into which the game balls can enter, and is capable of control to suspend a special variable game when a game ball enters the first ball entry means, and is capable of control to start a specific variable game different from the special variable game when a game ball enters the second ball entry means. The game machine includes a reservation control means capable of controlling reservation of a game, a state control means capable of controlling the provision of a second game state in which the specific variable game is more likely to be executed than in a first game state, a presentation execution means capable of executing a presentation, and a presentation control means for controlling the presentation execution means, and the game area includes a first game area in which the first ball entry means and the third ball entry means are disposed, and a second game area in which the second ball entry means is disposed, and the presentation control means controls a ball entry promotion presentation during the second game state to encourage game balls to enter the second ball entry means, controls a specific presentation when a prescribed number of the specific variable games are reserved during the execution of the ball entry promotion presentation, and controls a specific presentation during the ball entry promotion presentation . It is possible to control the execution of a special effect after the end of the effect and the execution of a notification of a specific error, the specific effect being an effect indicating that the specified number of the specific variable games are on hold, the ball entry promotion effect being able to be executed in a different presentation manner depending on whether the specified number or more of the specific variable games are on hold, the notification of the specific error being able to be executed in response to a game ball entering the second ball entry means when the game is in the first gaming state and when the specific variable game is not being executed and when the winning game is not being executed, and even when the specific variable game is not being executed and when the winning game is not being executed, the notification of the specific error is able to be executed in response to a predetermined error after the game is controlled to the first gaming state. The gist of the present invention is that the special effect is not executed until a certain period of time has elapsed, and the presentation control means is capable of controlling to terminate the notification of the specific error when a game ball enters the third ball entry means, the presentation content of the special effect includes a first presentation content and a second presentation content, and if a predetermined number of the specific variable games are put on hold before the ball entry promotion effect ends, either the first presentation content or the second presentation content is determined as the presentation content of the special effect depending on the variable content of the specific variable games that are on hold, and if the predetermined number of the specific variable games are not put on hold before the ball entry promotion effect ends, the second presentation content is determined as the presentation content of the special effect .

The present invention can increase interest in games.

FIG. FIG. A schematic diagram showing the passage inside the first large prize entrance. An explanatory diagram showing the types of jackpots. An explanatory diagram showing the types of small wins. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. 11 is a flowchart showing a special symbol input process. An explanatory diagram showing the probability of winning a special lottery. 13A to 13D are schematic diagrams showing the presentation methods for promoting scoring a ball. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the presentation mode of the preparation completion presentation. A schematic diagram showing the presentation mode of special suggestion presentation. A schematic diagram showing the presentation mode of the left-hit notification presentation. Schematic diagram showing the notification mode of a right-hit error notification. 13 is a flowchart showing the second ball scoring process. 13 is a flowchart showing a specified time lapse process. 11 is a flowchart showing a performance content determination process. 11 is a flowchart showing the left hit notification performance start processing. 13A to 13C are timing charts showing a specific example of the flow of the presentation when a goal promotion presentation is executed.

An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player.
As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine is provided with a launch handle HD operated by a player when launching a gaming ball. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a speaker SP as an audio output means for outputting audio. The speaker SP can perform an effect by outputting audio such as music and sound effects (hereinafter referred to as audio effect). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a decorative lamp LA that performs a light-emitting effect using a light-emitting body (not shown). The decorative lamp LA can perform a light-emitting effect by turning on, blinking, and turning off a light-emitting body (not shown).

The pachinko game machine 10 has a game board YB. A game area YBa that is approximately circular when viewed from the front is defined on the front side of the game board YB. In this embodiment, a game ball launched by operating the launch handle HD reaches the game area YBa. The game board YB has an opening window YBb in approximately the center when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device 12 having an image display unit GH. The effect display device 12 is attached to the game board YB so that the image display unit GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. For example, the image display unit GH is a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The effect display device 12 is capable of executing an effect that displays an image that resembles a specified character or letter (hereinafter referred to as a "display effect") as one of the effects. In this embodiment, the effect display device 12 corresponds to an effect execution means that is capable of executing an effect.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an information display device 13 capable of displaying predetermined information. The information display device 13 is provided at a position on the game board YB where it can be seen by the player.
The information display device 13 includes a first special symbol display section 13a. The first special symbol display section 13a can execute a first special symbol variable game as a variable game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the first special symbol is finally fixed and stopped. The information display device 13 includes a second special symbol display section 13b. The second special symbol display section 13b can execute a second special symbol variable game as a variable game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the second special symbol is finally fixed and stopped. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are symbols for notifying the result of a special symbol winning lottery, which will be described later. In the following description, the winning lottery for the special symbol is abbreviated to "special winning lottery". The winning lottery for the first special symbol is abbreviated to "first special winning lottery", and the winning lottery for the second special symbol is abbreviated to "second special winning lottery". The first special symbol changing game is abbreviated to "first special game" and the second special symbol changing game is abbreviated to "second special game". The first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as "special games". In this specification, "changing display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the symbol is definitively displayed and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. With regard to symbols, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning.

The special patterns that can be derived in the special pattern display units 13a and 13b include a big win pattern as a big win display result, a small win pattern as a small win display result, and a miss pattern as a miss display result. In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously. In this embodiment, if a big win is won in the special win lottery, a big win pattern is derived in the special game, and a big win game is awarded after the special game ends. Also, in this embodiment, if a small win is won in the special win lottery, a small win pattern is derived in the special game, and a small win game is awarded after the special game ends.

The information display device 13 includes a first special hold display section 13c. The first special hold display section 13c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. The information display device 13 includes a second special hold display section 13d. The second special hold display section 13d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following description, the number of first special games that have been put on hold is referred to as the "first special hold number," and the number of second special games that have been put on hold is referred to as the "second special hold number." In this embodiment, the maximum value of the first special hold number is "4," and the maximum value of the second special hold number is "1."

The information display device 13 includes a normal symbol display section 13e. The normal symbol display section 13e is capable of executing a normal symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and finally a normal symbol is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of a normal symbol winning lottery, which will be described later. In the following description, the normal symbol winning lottery is abbreviated to "normal winning lottery." The normal symbol variation game is abbreviated to "normal game." The normal symbols that can be derived to the normal symbol display section 13e include a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In this embodiment, when the normal winning lottery is won, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and a normal winning game is awarded after the normal game ends.

The information display device 13 is equipped with a regular hold display unit 13f. The regular hold display unit 13f displays information that can identify the number of regular games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following explanation, the number of regular games on hold is referred to as the "regular hold number." In this embodiment, the maximum value of the regular hold number is "2." Note that the display units 13a to 13f do not have to be provided on a single display unit, and may be provided in different parts. The information display device 13 may also be equipped with a right-hit display unit that displays information instructing a so-called "right hit," and a round display unit that notifies the maximum number of rounds of play, which will be described later.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first ball entrance 14 as a start opening that opens into the game area YBa. The first ball entrance 14 is located below the center frame W in the game area YBa. The first ball entrance 14 is open so that game balls can enter at all times. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first start entry sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects game balls that have entered the first ball entrance 14. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start entry sensor SE1, the reservation condition for the first special game may be established, and the payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is also established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second ball entrance 15 as a start opening that opens into the gaming area YBa. The second ball entrance 15 is located in the gaming area YBa, at the lower right of the center frame W. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start winning sensor SE2 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second ball entrance 15. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, the reservation condition for the second special game may be established, and the payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is also established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is also provided with a first variable member 16 as an opening/closing member that can take an open state (permissive state) in which the game ball can enter the second ball entrance 15, and a closed state (restricted state) in which the game ball cannot enter the second ball entrance 15. That is, in this embodiment, the second ball entrance 15 corresponds to a specific ball entrance means having an opening/closing member. The second ball entrance 15 is opened by the first variable member 16 operating to the open state. The closed state may be a state in which the game ball can enter the second ball entrance 15, but is more difficult to enter than the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first solenoid SL1 (shown in FIG. 6) that operates the first variable member 16. The first variable member 16 is operated to the open state in normal winning games. In the following description, the first variable member 16 being in an open state may be referred to as "the second ball inlet 15 being opened," and the first variable member 16 being in a closed state may be referred to as "the second ball inlet 15 being closed."

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a first large prize opening 18 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The first large prize opening 18 is located to the right of the center frame W in the gaming area YBa, and above the second ball entrance 15. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a first count sensor SE3 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first large prize opening 18. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the first count sensor SE3, a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a second variable member 19 that can be in an open state (permissive state) in which the gaming ball can enter the first large winning opening 18, and a closed state (restricted state) in which the gaming ball cannot enter the first large winning opening 18. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a second solenoid SL2 (shown in FIG. 6) that operates the second variable member 19. The second variable member 19 is operated to the open state during a jackpot game. In the following description, the open state of the second variable member 19 may be referred to as "the first large winning opening 18 is opened," and the closed state of the second variable member 19 may be referred to as "the first large winning opening 18 is closed."

As shown in FIG. 3, a passage 26 is provided at the back of the first large prize opening 18, through which a gaming ball that enters the first large prize opening 18 can pass. The passage 26 is provided so as to branch into a first passage 26a and a second passage 26b at a branching portion 27 downstream of the first large prize opening 18.

The branching section 27 is provided with a distribution shutter 28 that distributes the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 to the first passage 26a or the second passage 26b by the operation of the fourth solenoid SL4 (shown in FIG. 6). The distribution shutter 28 operates to be able to take a first state in which the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the first passage 26a, and a second state in which the game ball is distributed to the second passage 26b. When a predetermined operating condition is met, the distribution shutter 28 operates (controls) in a predetermined operating pattern.

The first passage 26a is provided with a specific passage sensor SE5 that detects a game ball that has passed (flowed in) through the first passage 26a. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 18 is opened in a small win game, and a special feature game (so-called "two-type game") is played in which a game ball is entered into the first large prize opening 18 and passed through the first passage 26a. Then, when the game ball passes through the first passage 26a in the special feature game and is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5, a special feature game is awarded. In this embodiment, the allocation of the game ball that has entered the first large prize opening 18 to either the first passage 26a or the second passage 26b can also be understood as a prize lottery. In this case, the allocation of the game ball that has entered the first large prize opening 18 to the first passage 26a corresponds to winning a prize in the prize lottery. In the following description, a jackpot won in a prize draw may be referred to as a "prize win," and a jackpot game awarded when a jackpot is won in a prize draw may be referred to as a "prize win-based jackpot game." In other words, the pachinko game machine in this embodiment is a game machine that can award both a jackpot game based on a symbol win and a jackpot game based on a prize win (a so-called "type 1/type 2 mixed machine").

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a second large prize opening 20 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The second large prize opening 20 is located to the lower right of the center frame W of the gaming area YBa and to the lower left of the second ball entrance 15. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a second count sensor SE4 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second large prize opening 20. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the second count sensor SE4, a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 also includes a third variable member 21 that can be in an open state (permissive state) in which the gaming ball can enter the second large winning opening 20, and a closed state (restricted state) in which the gaming ball cannot enter the second large winning opening 20. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also includes a third solenoid SL3 (shown in FIG. 6) that operates the third variable member 21. The third variable member 21 is operated to the open state during a small win game. In the following description, the open state of the third variable member 21 may be referred to as "the second large winning opening 20 is opened," and the closed state of the third variable member 21 may be referred to as "the second large winning opening 20 is closed."

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate 22 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The gate 22 is located to the right of the center frame W in the gaming area YBa, above the first large winning opening 18. The gate 22 is always open to allow gaming balls to pass through (enter). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate sensor SE6 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects gaming balls that have passed through the gate 22. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the gate sensor SE6, a reserve condition for the normal game may be established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first normal winning opening 23 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The first normal winning opening 23 is located in the gaming area YBa, below and to the left of the center frame W. The first normal winning opening 23 is always open so that gaming balls can enter. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first normal winning sensor SE7 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects gaming balls that have entered the first normal winning opening 23. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the first normal winning sensor SE7, a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a second normal winning opening 24 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The second normal winning opening 24 is located in the gaming area YBa, at the lower right of the center frame W. The second normal winning opening 24 is always open so that gaming balls can enter the opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a second normal winning sensor SE8 (shown in FIG. 6) that detects gaming balls that have entered the second normal winning opening 24. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the second normal winning sensor SE8, a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with an outlet 25. For example, the outlet 25 opens into the game area YBa at the lower end of the game area YBa. Of the game balls shot into the game area YBa, those that do not enter any of the first ball entry port 14, the second ball entry port 15, the first big prize entry port 18, the second big prize entry port 20, the first normal prize entry port 23, and the second normal prize entry port 24 are discharged from the machine through the outlet 25. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with game components, such as nails (game nails) and windmills, that change the behavior of the game balls flowing down the game area YBa.

Next, the path along which the gaming ball flows in this embodiment will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 configured as above has a plurality of paths through which the game balls flow down in the game area YBa according to the launch strength of the game balls. The paths through which the game balls flow down can also be understood as the areas through which the game balls flow down. The plurality of paths include a first path R1 that passes through the left side of the center frame W (performance display device 12) to the outlet 25, and a second path R2 that passes through the right side of the center frame W (performance display device 12) to the outlet 25. The first path R1 and the second path R2 may overlap in part or may not overlap in whole. In the following description, the area located to the left of the center line CL that bisects the game area YBa into left and right when the game board YB is viewed from the front is referred to as the left side area R1a, and the area located to the right of the center line CL is referred to as the right side area R2a. The path flowing down the left region R1a corresponds to the first route R1, and the path flowing down the right region R2a corresponds to the second route R2.

The player can then operate the launch handle HD to adjust the launch strength of the game ball, allowing the game ball to be hit into either the left region R1a or the right region R2a. In this embodiment, the first ball entry port 14 and the first normal winning port 23 are arranged on the first route R1 (left region R1a). Also, in this embodiment, the second ball entry port 15, the first large winning port 18, the second large winning port 20, the gate 22, and the second normal winning port 24 are arranged on the second route R2 (right region R2a). For this reason, if the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to a low level, the game ball is more likely to flow down the left region R1a and may enter the first ball entry port 14 or the first normal winning port 23. On the other hand, if the launch strength is adjusted to be strong and the game ball is launched, the game ball is likely to flow down the right area R2a and may enter the second ball entry port 15, the first large prize entry port 18, the second large prize entry port 20, the gate 22, or the second normal prize entry port 24.

In the following explanation, firing a game ball with a firing strength that makes it easy for the game ball to flow down the first path R1 may be referred to as a "left hit." Also, firing a game ball with a firing strength that makes it easy for the game ball to flow down the second path R2 may be referred to as a "right hit."

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 has a low base state and a high base state as game states in which the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of game balls shot is different. The high base state in this embodiment is a state in which the probability of the game ball entering the second ball entrance 15 is higher than that in the low base state. That is, in this embodiment, the low base state corresponds to a non-ball entrance rate improvement state, and the high base state corresponds to a ball entrance rate improvement state in which the ball entrance rate of the game ball into the second ball entrance 15 is improved compared to the non-ball entrance rate improvement state. The high base state in this embodiment is a game state advantageous to the player because the probability of the game ball entering the second ball entrance 15 is higher and it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second ball entrance 15. The high base state in this embodiment is a so-called "electric support state", and the low base state is a so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high base state can be realized by performing one of the three controls described below, which are arbitrarily selected, or by performing a combination of the above controls. The first control is a normal symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to the low base state. The second control is a normal symbol probability variation control that varies the probability (normal win probability) of a normal symbol being determined as a normal win in a hit determination to a higher probability than in the low base state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the first variable member 16 in one normal hit game longer than in the low base state. The opening time extension control may be a first opening time extension control that makes the number of times the first variable member 16 is opened in one normal hit game longer than in the low base state. The opening time extension control may be a second opening time extension control that makes the opening time of the first variable member 16 in one normal hit game longer than in the low base state. In addition, both the first opening time extension control and the second opening time extension control may be performed. In this embodiment, the normal hit probability in a low base state is set to 0. Therefore, the first variable member 16 is not operated to the permissive state in a low base state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the high base state is realized by combining the fourth control, which will be described next. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) compared to the low base state. In this case, in this embodiment, the high base state is the so-called "fluctuation time shortening state (time-shortening state)" for the special symbol. In contrast, the low base state is the so-called "non-fluctuation time shortening state (non-time-shortening state)" for the special symbol.

Next, a small win game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
The small win game is started after the special game in which the small win symbol is derived is finished. In this embodiment, the small win symbol can be derived in the second special game that is executed in response to the entry of a game ball into the second ball entrance 15, but is not derived in the first special game that is executed in response to the entry of a game ball into the first ball entrance 14. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small win game is not awarded in response to the entry of a game ball into the first ball entrance 14, but the small win game can be awarded in response to the entry of a game ball into the second ball entrance 15.

In a small win game, the first large winning opening 18 is opened after a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the opening time) has elapsed. Then, in a small win game, when the first small win end condition, in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter, or the second small win end condition, in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, is met, the first large winning opening 18 is closed. That is, in this embodiment, in a small win game, the second variable member 19 operates to the open state when the opening time has elapsed, and operates to the closed state when the first small win end condition or the second small win end condition is met. After that, the small win game ends with the passage of a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the ending time).

Next, we will explain the jackpot game in this embodiment. In the following explanation, when we simply refer to a "jackpot game," we intend to include both a "jackpot game based on a symbol hit" and a "jackpot game based on a role hit."

The big win game based on the winning pattern starts after the end of the special game in which the big win pattern is derived. On the other hand, the big win game based on the winning feature starts after the end of the small win game in which the game ball passes through the first passage 26a. In this embodiment, in the big win game, after a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the opening time) has elapsed, a round game in which the second big winning hole 20 is opened is played up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a first round end condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enters the hole is met, or a second round end condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, the second big winning hole 20 is opened to a predetermined opening mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second big winning hole 20 is opened at the start of the round game and closed at the end of the round game. That is, in this embodiment, the third variable member 21 operates to the open state when the round of play begins, and operates to the closed state when the round of play ends. The big win game ends when a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the ending time) has elapsed after the final round of play ends.

Next, the types of wins (big wins and small wins) in this embodiment will be explained.
As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The types of jackpot symbols are each determined to correspond to a type of jackpot game. The types of jackpot symbols can also be understood as types of jackpots.

In this embodiment, the first special jackpot pattern and the second special jackpot pattern each have a plurality of predetermined jackpot patterns. In this embodiment, the plurality of special jackpot patterns are classified into five groups, ZA, ZB, Za, Zb, and Zc, at a predetermined ratio. Specifically, in this embodiment, of the 100 first special jackpot patterns, 60 jackpot patterns are classified into ZA and 40 jackpot patterns are classified into ZB. In addition, in this embodiment, of the 100 second special jackpot patterns, 50 jackpot patterns are classified into Za, 20 jackpot patterns are classified into Zb, and 30 jackpot patterns are classified into Zc.

In the following explanation, a jackpot based on a jackpot pattern classified as pattern ZA will be referred to as a "jackpot ZA," and a jackpot based on a jackpot pattern classified as pattern ZB will be referred to as a "jackpot ZB." In addition, in the following explanation, a jackpot based on a jackpot pattern classified as pattern Za will be referred to as a "jackpot Za," a jackpot based on a jackpot pattern classified as pattern Zb will be referred to as a "jackpot Zb," and a jackpot based on a jackpot pattern classified as pattern Zc will be referred to as a "jackpot Zc."

In this embodiment, in jackpot games based on jackpots ZA and ZB, the upper limit for the number of rounds is set to 8. In addition, in jackpot games based on jackpot Za, the upper limit for the number of rounds is set to 10. And, in jackpot games based on jackpots Zb and Zc, the upper limit for the number of rounds is set to 2. In this embodiment, in jackpot games based on jackpots ZA, ZB, Za, Zb, and Zc, the upper limit for the time for each round is set to 25 seconds.

In this embodiment, a high base state may be granted after the end of a jackpot game based on a symbol hit. A high base state is granted after the end of a jackpot game based on jackpot ZA. On the other hand, a high base state is not granted after the end of a jackpot game based on jackpot Zc. In addition, after the end of a jackpot game based on jackpots ZB, Za, and Zb, a high base state may or may not be granted. Specifically, if the game state when jackpot ZB is won is a low base state, a high base state is not granted after the end of a jackpot game based on jackpot ZB. On the other hand, if the game state when jackpot ZB is won is a high base state, a high base state is granted after the end of a jackpot game based on jackpot ZB. In addition, if the game state when the jackpot Za or Zb is won is a low base state, a high base state is granted after the jackpot game based on the jackpot Za or Zb ends. On the other hand, if the game state when the jackpot Za or Zb is won is a high base state, a high base state is not granted after the jackpot game based on the jackpot Za or Zb ends.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has multiple types of small win symbols as small win symbols of special symbols. A type of small win game is determined for each of the multiple types of small win symbols. The type of small win symbol can also be understood as the type of small win.

In this embodiment, the small winning symbols of the second special symbols include a plurality of predetermined small winning symbols. In this embodiment, the small winning symbols of the plurality of special symbols are classified into three groups, Zd, Ze, and Zf, at a predetermined ratio. Specifically, in this embodiment, of the 100 small winning symbols of the second special symbols, 50 small winning symbols are classified into Zd, 20 small winning symbols into Ze, and 30 small winning symbols into Zf. In this embodiment, the first special symbols do not include small winning symbols. That is, in this embodiment, the small winning symbols are not derived in the first special game. In the following explanation, a small win based on a small win pattern classified as pattern Zd will be referred to as a "small win Zd," a small win based on a small win pattern classified as pattern Ze will be referred to as a "small win Ze," and a small win based on a small win pattern classified as pattern Zf will be referred to as a "small win Zf."

In the small win game of this embodiment, the distribution shutter 28 operates in a certain operation pattern. In this operation pattern, the distribution shutter 28 operates in such a manner that the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 18 in the small win game can pass through the first passage 26a. In other words, in the small win game of this embodiment, the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 18 can pass through the first passage 26a. In particular, in the small win game of this embodiment, when the game ball is launched into the right region R2a, the first large winning opening 18 is opened and the distribution shutter 28 operates in the first state for a time sufficient to allow the game ball to enter the first large winning opening 18 and pass through the first passage 26a. That is, in the case where a small win game is awarded in this embodiment, if the game ball is launched into the right region R2a, the game ball will pass through the first passage 26a and a big win game will be awarded.

In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the first passage 26a in the small win game and is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5, a big win (a hit of a special feature) is obtained, and a big win game based on the hit of a special feature is awarded after the small win game ends. In the following description, a big win game awarded when the game ball passes through the first passage 26a in the small win game based on the small win Zd may be referred to as a "big win game based on the small win Zd". Also, a big win game awarded when the game ball passes through the first passage 26a in the small win game based on the small win Ze may be referred to as a "big win game based on the small win Ze". And a big win game awarded when the game ball passes through the first passage 26a in the small win game based on the small win Zf may be referred to as a "big win game based on the small win Zf". In this embodiment, a big win game based on a small win is a big win game based on a hit on a special feature.

In this embodiment, in the jackpot game based on the small hit Zd, the upper limit number of rounds is set to nine. Therefore, when a jackpot game based on the small hit Zd is awarded, it can be said that 10 rounds are played, including the opening of the first large prize winning hole 18 in the small hit game and the opening of the second large prize winning hole 20 in the jackpot game based on the small hit. Also, in the jackpot game based on the small hit Ze, Zf, the upper limit number of rounds is set to one. Therefore, when a jackpot game based on the small hit Ze, Zf is awarded, it can be said that two rounds are played, including the opening of the first large prize winning hole 18 in the small hit game and the opening of the second large prize winning hole 20 in the jackpot game based on the small hit.

In addition, in this embodiment, a high base state may be granted after the end of a jackpot game based on a small hit. After the end of a jackpot game based on a small hit Zd, Ze, a high base state may or may not be granted. Specifically, if the game state when the small hit Zd, Ze is won is a low base state, a high base state is granted after the end of a jackpot game based on the small hit Zd, Ze. On the other hand, if the game state when the small hit Zd, Ze is won is a high base state, a high base state is not granted after the end of a jackpot game based on the small hit Zd, Ze. Also, a high base state is not granted after the end of a jackpot game based on a small hit Zf.

In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, when a high base state is granted after the end of a jackpot game, the high base state is granted until a predetermined end condition is met. In this embodiment, the end conditions of the high base state include a number end condition that is met when a predetermined number of special games are played, and a jackpot game end condition that is met when a jackpot game is awarded. In addition, the number end conditions include a first number end condition that is met when a total of 10 first and second special games are played, and a second number end condition that is met when a single second special game is played. In other words, the number of activations, which is the upper limit number of times that a high base state is granted after the end of a jackpot game, includes a first activation number where the total number of times the first and second special games are played is 10, and a second activation number where the number of times the second special game is played is 1. The high base state ends when any of the first number of times ending condition, the second number of times ending condition, and the big win game ending condition is met.

Next, the effect symbol variation game executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
In this embodiment, the performance display device 12 can execute a performance pattern change game in which the performance patterns are displayed in a plurality of rows and a final combination of performance patterns is derived. In the following description, the performance pattern change game is abbreviated to "performance game". The performance patterns are patterns (decorative patterns) decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are intended to diversify the display performance. In this embodiment, the performance game is performed by displaying (scrolling) the first, second, and third pattern rows in a predetermined direction.

The presentation game is started with the start of the special game and is ended with the end of the special game. Specifically, in the presentation game, the presentation symbols are temporarily displayed in a stopped state in each of the first to third symbol rows (hereinafter referred to as a temporary stop display), and then the presentation symbols temporarily displayed in each symbol row are displayed in a low probability stop state, thereby deriving a combination of presentation symbols. In the presentation game, a combination of presentation symbols according to the special symbols derived in the special game is derived. When a big win symbol (big win display result) is derived in the special game, a big win symbol combination (big win display result) by the presentation symbols is also derived in the presentation game. When a small win symbol (small win display result) is derived in the special game, a small win symbol combination (small win display result) by the presentation symbols is also derived in the presentation game. And when a losing symbol (losing display result) is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination (losing display result) by the presentation symbols is also derived in the presentation game. In the following explanation, special games and presentation games may be collectively referred to as "variable games."

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 6, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40. The main control board 40 performs various processes and outputs control signals such as control commands, which are an example of control information, depending on the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The sub-control board 50 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main control board 40.

The main control board 40 will now be described in detail.
The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main control CPU 41a) and a storage unit (memory). The main control CPU 41a executes various processes by executing a program for main control. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control ROM 41b) from which information can be read but to which information cannot be written, and an RWM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control RWM 41c) from which information can be read and written.

The main control ROM 41b stores judgment values and tables used for various judgments and lotteries. The main control ROM 41b stores multiple types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is fluctuation information that can identify the fluctuation content of the fluctuation game. In particular, in this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern is information that can identify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. In addition, the fluctuation pattern is information that can identify at least a part of the presentation content of the presentation game that is performed during the execution of the special game.

The fluctuation patterns in this embodiment include a big win fluctuation pattern, a small win fluctuation pattern, and a miss fluctuation pattern. The big win fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern that ultimately derives a big win pattern combination in a presentation game. The small win fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern that ultimately derives a small win pattern combination in a presentation game. The miss fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern that ultimately derives a miss pattern combination in a presentation game.

The main control RWM 41c stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main control CPU 41a. For example, the information stored by the main control RWM 41c includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 is equipped with a random number circuit (not shown) that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main control CPU 41a. Note that the main control CPU 41a, main control ROM 41b, and main control RWM 41c are not limited to being configured on a single chip as the microprocessor 41, and may each be configured separately.

The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, the first count sensor SE3, the second count sensor SE4, the specific passing sensor SE5, the gate sensor SE6, the first normal winning sensor SE7, and the second normal winning sensor SE8. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input the detection signal output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main control CPU 41a is connected to the information display device 13. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 13. The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first solenoid SL1, the second solenoid SL2, the third solenoid SL3, and the fourth solenoid SL4. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the first variable member 16 by controlling the first solenoid SL1. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the second variable member 19 by controlling the second solenoid SL2. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the third variable member 21 by controlling the third solenoid SL3. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the distribution shutter 28 by controlling the fourth solenoid SL4.

Next, the sub-control board 50 will be described in detail.
The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-control CPU 50a, a sub-control ROM 50b, and a sub-control RWM 50c. The sub-control CPU 50a executes a program for sub-control to perform various processes related to the performance. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a executes various processes related to the performance, thereby forming an example of a control means that performs various controls related to the performance. The sub-control ROM 50b stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The sub-control ROM 50b stores display performance data used for display performance, light-emitting performance data used for light-emitting performance, audio performance data used for audio performance, and movable body performance data used for movable body performance.

The sub-control RWM 50c stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored by the sub-control RWM 50c includes flags, counters, and timers. In this embodiment, the sub-control board 50 is also configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through a random number generation process by the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub-control board 50 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the performance display device 12. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the performance display device 12. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 as a performance execution means, thereby realizing a performance control means. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP.

Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described.
The main control CPU 41a executes special pattern input processing, special pattern start processing, and the like as timer interrupt processing performed every predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms).

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the special symbol input process, the main control CPU 41a judges whether or not a game ball has entered the first ball entrance 14 (step S11). In step S11, the main control CPU 41a judges that a game ball has entered the first ball entrance 14 by inputting a detection signal from the first start winning sensor SE1. If a game ball has entered the first ball entrance 14 (step S11: YES), the main control CPU 41a judges whether or not the first special reservation number stored in the main control RWM 41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (step S12). If the first special reservation number is less than the upper limit number (step S12: YES), the main control CPU 41a adds 1 to the first special reservation number stored in the main control RWM 41c to update it (step S13). At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the first special reservation display unit 13c to display the updated first special reservation number. Thus, in this embodiment, when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, a game ball enters the first ball entry port 14 and the entering game ball is detected by the first start entry sensor SE1, thereby establishing the reservation condition for the first special game.

Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires the random numbers generated in the microprocessor 41, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RWM 41c (step S14). For example, the random numbers are special winning random numbers used in a special lottery (jackpot lottery), winning symbol random numbers used to determine winning symbols, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine variation patterns. At this time, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main control RWM 41c, so that the execution of the first special game can be suspended. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. The main control CPU 41a also generates a reserved number command that can identify the first special reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c, and sets it in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the commands set in the output buffer are output to the sub-control board 50 in a specified output process.

After that, the main control CPU 41a judges whether or not a game ball has entered the second ball entrance 15 (step S15). The main control CPU 41a also judges whether or not a game ball has entered the second ball entrance 15 when a game ball has not entered the first ball entrance 14 (step S11: NO) and when the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number (step S12: NO). In step S15, the main control CPU 41a judges that a game ball has entered the second ball entrance 15 by inputting a detection signal from the second start winning sensor SE2. When a game ball has not entered the second ball entrance 15 (step S15: NO), the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the second ball entrance 15 (step S15: YES), the main control CPU 41a judges whether the second special reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c is less than the upper limit number (1 in this embodiment) (step S16). If the second special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number (step S16: NO), the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number (step S16: YES), the main control CPU 41a adds 1 to the second special reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c to update it (step S17). At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the second special reserved display unit 13d to display the updated second special reserved number. Thus, in this embodiment, when the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit, a game ball enters the second ball entrance 15, and the entering game ball is detected by the second start entry sensor SE2, thereby establishing the reservation condition for the second special game.

Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires the random numbers generated within the microprocessor 41, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RWM 41c (step S18). At this time, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RWM 41c, it is possible to suspend the execution of the second special game. In addition, the main control CPU 41a generates a hold number command that can identify the second special hold number stored in the main control RWM 41c, and sets it in the output buffer.

Then, the main control CPU 41a generates a look-ahead command (pre-determination command) capable of identifying the variable content of the second special game for which the reserved condition has been established, and sets it in the output buffer (step S19). Specifically, the main control CPU 41a pre-determines whether the value of the acquired random number is a value that will result in a big win or a small win in the winning lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. The main control CPU 41a also pre-determines which special symbol the value of the acquired random number is a value that will determine in the symbol lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a pre-determines which variable pattern the value of the acquired random number is a value that will determine in the variable pattern determination lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. Then, the main control CPU 41a generates a look-ahead command based on the result of the pre-determination. The main control CPU 41a then ends the special symbol input process.

By executing the special symbol input process as described above, the main control CPU 41a can suspend the execution of the special game. In particular, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a executes control to store random number information for the special game in the special symbol input process, thereby realizing a suspension control means that can control suspension of the second special game as a specific variable game when a gaming ball enters the second ball entrance 15. Also, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a executes various pre-determinations in the special symbol input process, thereby realizing a pre-determination means that pre-determines the variable content of the suspended second special game.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
In the special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41a judges whether the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The main control CPU 41a judges positively when the game is not winning and the special game is not being played, and judges negatively when the game is winning or the special game is being played. If the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol start process. If the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the main control CPU 41a judges whether the total special reserved number of the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c is "1" or more. If the total special reserved number is not "1" or more, the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol start process.

When the total special reserved number is "1" or more, the main control CPU 41a performs processing to start a special game corresponding to the random number information stored first based on the storage order of the random number information stored in the main control RWM 41c. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the random number information stored earliest is random number information for the first special game or for the second special game. Then, when the random number information stored earliest is random number information for the first special game, the main control CPU 41a determines that the start condition of the first special game is met and starts the first special game. On the other hand, when the random number information stored earliest is random number information for the second special game, the main control CPU 41a determines that the start condition of the second special game is met and starts the second special game. Thus, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a executes the special game in the order in which the reservation conditions are met, according to the order in which the game balls enter the first ball entrance 14 or the second ball entrance 15, regardless of whether it is the first special game or the second special game.

When starting a first special game, the main control CPU 41a updates the first special reserve number stored in the main control RWM 41c by subtracting "1". In this process, the main control CPU 41a controls the first special reserve display unit 13c so that the updated first special reserve number is displayed. On the other hand, when starting a second special game, the main control CPU 41a updates the second special reserve number stored in the main control RWM 41c by subtracting "1". In this process, the main control CPU 41a controls the second special reserve display unit 13d so that the updated second special reserve number is displayed.

Next, the main control CPU 41a reads out the random number information for the special game that was stored first from the main control RWM 41c. After reading out the random number information that was stored first, the main control CPU 41a erases the random number information from the main control RWM 41c. Then, the main control CPU 41a performs a winning lottery (winning determination) using the winning random number value identified from the acquired random number information. The winning lottery in this embodiment includes a big winning lottery (big winning determination) and a small winning lottery (small winning determination).

Specifically, the main control CPU 41a performs a jackpot lottery by determining whether the value of the winning random number matches the jackpot determination value stored in the main control ROM 41b. If a jackpot is won, the main control CPU 41a performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main control CPU 41a determines a special jackpot pattern based on the value of the winning pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. This determined jackpot pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the special game. Furthermore, when the main control CPU 41a determines a special jackpot pattern, it performs a variation pattern determination lottery to determine a jackpot variation pattern from among multiple types of jackpot variation patterns.

On the other hand, if a big win is not won, the main control CPU 41a performs a small win lottery by determining whether the value of the winning random number matches the small win determination value stored in the main control ROM 41b. If a small win is won, the main control CPU 41a performs small win variation processing. In the small win variation processing, the main control CPU 41a determines a small win pattern of a special pattern based on the value of the winning pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. This determined small win pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the special game. In addition, when the main control CPU 41a determines a small win pattern of a special pattern, it performs a variation pattern determination lottery to determine a small win variation pattern from multiple types of small win variation patterns.

If the small win is not won, the main control CPU 41a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main control CPU 41a determines the loss pattern of the special symbol. This determined loss pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the special game. Furthermore, when the main control CPU 41a determines the loss pattern of the special symbol, it determines the loss variation pattern from among multiple types of loss variation patterns by conducting a variation pattern determination lottery.

When the main control CPU 41a determines the variation pattern, it ends the special pattern start process. The big win lottery and the small win lottery may be realized by a single winning lottery. For example, in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 41a may select whether the result will be a big win, a small win, or a miss depending on whether the value of the winning random number matches the big win judgment value, the small win judgment value, or the miss judgment value.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game have different probabilities of winning the winning lottery. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game have the same probability of winning a big win, but the probability of winning a small win is different. For example, in the first special game, the big win judgment value and the small win judgment value are allocated so that the big win is won with a probability of 1/300, but the small win is not won. In other words, the first special game is configured to have a miss probability of 299/300. On the other hand, in the second special game, the big win judgment value and the small win judgment value are allocated so that the big win is won with a probability of 1/300 and the small win is won with a probability of 299/300. In other words, the second special game is configured to win either a big win or a small win, but not to have a miss.

When the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 41a executes a special game by performing a process other than the special symbol start process. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a controls the display content of the information display device 13 so as to start the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The main control CPU 41a also sets information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol designation command) that designates the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41a also sets information (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern designation command) that designates the variation pattern and instructs the start of the performance game in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41a also measures the variation time determined for the variation pattern determined in the special symbol start process. The main control CPU 41a then controls the information display device 13 so that the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process is derived after the variation time determined for the variation pattern has elapsed. In addition, when the change time set for the change pattern determined in the special pattern start process has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a sets information for deriving a combination of performance patterns (hereinafter referred to as an all pattern stop command) in the output buffer.

By the above-described control, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a pending special game can be started when the starting condition is satisfied.
Next, a small win process for awarding a small win game performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described. The main control CPU 41a performs the small win process after the end of the small win special game.

In the small win process, the main control CPU 41a first generates information (hereinafter referred to as a small win start command) that can identify the start of the small win game and sets it in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41a also controls the fourth solenoid SL4 so that the distribution shutter 28 operates in a predetermined operation pattern. Next, the main control CPU 41a controls the second solenoid SL2 so that the first large winning opening 18 is opened based on a predetermined opening pattern when the opening time has elapsed. In addition, the main control CPU 41a generates information (hereinafter referred to as a small win opening command) that can identify that the first large winning opening 18 has been opened in conjunction with the opening of the first large winning opening 18 and sets it in the output buffer. After that, when the first small win end condition or the second small win end condition is established, the main control CPU 41a controls the second solenoid SL2 so that the first large winning opening 18 is closed. Then, when the main control CPU 41a closes the first large prize opening 18, it ends the small win game and generates information that can identify the end of the small win game (hereinafter, the small win end command) and sets it in the output buffer. At this time, if the operation of the distribution shutter 28 based on a certain operation pattern has not ended, the main control CPU 41a controls the fourth solenoid SL4 to end the operation of the distribution shutter 28 with the end of the small win game.

Next, the jackpot processing performed by the main control CPU 41a for awarding a jackpot game will be described. The main control CPU 41a performs the jackpot processing after the end of the special jackpot game. As a result, the main control CPU 41a awards a jackpot game based on a winning pattern when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery using random numbers. The main control CPU 41a also performs the jackpot processing after the end of a small win game in which a game ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 during a small win game. As a result, the main control CPU 41a awards a jackpot game based on a small win when a game ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 during a small win game.

In the jackpot process, the main control CPU 41a first generates information (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) that can identify the start of the opening time and sets it in the output buffer. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a performs processing to execute the round game. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a controls the third solenoid SL3 so that the second large prize winning hole 20 is opened based on a predetermined opening pattern, and starts the round game. Then, after starting the round game, when the first round end condition or the second round end condition is established, the main control CPU 41a controls the third solenoid SL3 so that the second large prize winning hole 20 is closed, and ends the round game. The main control CPU 41a repeats such processing to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games is completed. In addition, the main control CPU 41a generates information (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can identify the start of the round game every time the round game is started and sets it in the output buffer. In addition, each time a round of play ends, the main control CPU 41a generates information that can identify the end of the round of play (hereinafter referred to as a round end command) and sets it in the output buffer.

When the final round of play ends, the main control CPU 41a generates information that can identify the start of the ending time (hereafter referred to as the ending command) and sets it in the output buffer. When the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a ends the jackpot game, and generates information that can identify the end of the jackpot game (hereafter referred to as the jackpot end command) and sets it in the output buffer.

Next, the processing related to the game state performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a performs the following processing to realize a ball entry rate improvement state imparting means capable of controlling the imparting of a ball entry rate improvement state that improves the ball entry rate of game balls into the second ball entry port 15.

The main control CPU 41a is capable of controlling the change of the game state after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, when ending the jackpot game, the main control CPU 41a controls the game state according to the type of jackpot and the game state when the jackpot or small jackpot was won.

For example, when ending a jackpot game based on a jackpot ZA, the main control CPU 41a controls the game to a high base state after the jackpot game ends. When ending a jackpot game based on a jackpot ZB, if the game state when the jackpot ZB was won was a low base state, the main control CPU 41a controls the game to a low base state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when ending a jackpot game based on a jackpot ZB, if the game state when the jackpot ZB was won was a high base state, the main control CPU 41a controls the game to a high base state after the jackpot game ends. When ending a jackpot game based on a jackpot Za, Zb, if the game state when the jackpot Za, Zb was won was a low base state, the main control CPU 41a controls the game to a high base state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when the jackpot game based on the jackpot Za or Zb is to be ended, and the game state when the jackpot Za or Zb was won was a high base state, the main control CPU 41a controls the game state to a low base state after the jackpot game ends. When the jackpot game based on the jackpot Zc is to be ended, the main control CPU 41a controls the game state to a high base state after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, when terminating a jackpot game based on a small hit Zd or Ze, and the game state when the small hit Zd or Ze was won was a low base state, the main control CPU 41a controls the state to a high base state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when terminating a jackpot game based on a small hit Zd or Ze, and the game state when the small hit Zd or Ze was won was a high base state, the main control CPU 41a controls the state to a low base state after the jackpot game ends. When terminating a jackpot game based on a small hit Zf, the main control CPU 41a controls the state to a high base state after the jackpot game ends.

When the main control CPU 41a controls the game state to a high base state, it sets a value that can specify that the game state is to be controlled to a high base state to the base state flag stored in the main control RWM 41c. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates a high base command that can specify that the game state is to be controlled to a high base state and sets it in the output buffer. Also, when the main control CPU 41a controls the game state to a low base state, it sets a value that can specify that the game state is to be controlled to a low base state to the base state flag stored in the main control RWM 41c. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates a low base command that can specify that the game state is to be controlled to a low base state and sets it in the output buffer.

Then, after controlling the game state to the high base state, the main control CPU 41a controls it to the low base state when any one of the end conditions, the first number end condition, the second number end condition, or the jackpot game end condition, is met.

Next, the normal symbol input process performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described.
In the normal symbol input process, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor SE6 and the normal reserved number is less than the upper limit, the main control CPU 41a adds 1 to the normal reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c to update it, and controls the normal reserved display unit 13f to display the updated normal reserved number. After that, the main control CPU 41a acquires the random number generated in the main control board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main control RWM 41c. In this case, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information for the normal game and the storage order of the random number information so that it can be specified. For example, the random number is a normal winning random number used for normal winning judgment (normal winning lottery). After that, the main control CPU 41a ends the normal symbol input process.

Next, the normal pattern start processing performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described.
In the normal symbol start process, when the normal winning game is not being played and the normal game is not being executed, and the normal reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c is 1 or more, the main control CPU 41a subtracts 1 from the normal reserved number stored in the main control RWM 41c to update it. Also, at this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the normal reserved display section 13f so that the updated normal reserved number is displayed. Next, the main control CPU 41a reads out the random number information stored first among the random number information for the normal game from the main control RWM 41c, and performs a normal winning judgment (normal winning lottery) based on the read random number information. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a performs a normal winning lottery by judging whether the value of the normal winning random number matches the normal winning judgment value stored in the main control ROM 41b. At this time, the main control CPU 41a performs a normal winning judgment using a normal winning judgment value that differs depending on the current game state. For example, in this embodiment, a normal win determination value is allocated for each game state so that a normal win can be won when the base state is high, but a normal win cannot be won when the base state is low.

When a normal win is won, the main control CPU 41a determines the normal winning symbol to be derived in the normal game and the normal game fluctuation time. After that, the main control CPU 41a ends the normal symbol start process. At this time, when the main control CPU 41a is in a high base state, it may determine a shorter time as the normal game fluctuation time (or make it easier to determine a shorter time as the normal game fluctuation time) compared to when the main control CPU 41a is in a low base state.

The main control CPU 41a then executes the normal game by performing processing separate from the normal symbol start processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a starts the normal game, and controls the information display device 13 so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start processing is derived when the variable time determined in the normal symbol start processing has elapsed. In addition, the main control CPU 41a generates a control command that can specify that the execution of the normal game is to be started in conjunction with starting the execution of the normal game, and sets it in the output buffer.

Next, the normal win processing performed by the main control CPU 41a will be explained. When the normal game of a normal win ends, the main control CPU 41a executes the normal win processing. In the normal win processing, the main control CPU 41a generates a normal win game by controlling the first solenoid SL1 to open the second ball entrance 15 in an opening state determined by the normal symbol (type of normal win). That is, in the normal win game, the main control CPU 41a controls the first variable member 16 to an open state.

The main control CPU 41a also performs various processes in addition to the processes described above. For example, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a game ball has been detected from each of the sensors SE1 to SE8, it generates a control command indicating that the detection signal has been received and sets it in the output buffer. For example, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a game ball has been detected from the first start winning sensor SE1, it generates a first ball entry command indicating that the game ball has entered the first ball entry port 14 and sets it in the output buffer. When the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a game ball has been detected from the second start winning sensor SE2, it generates a second ball entry command indicating that the game ball has entered the second ball entry port 15 and sets it in the output buffer.

Next, we will explain the various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 50a of the sub-control board 50 based on the sub-control program. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives a control signal from the main control CPU 41a, it executes various processes in response to the control signal.

First, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special symbol designation command and a variation pattern designation command, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to execute an effect game corresponding to the special game. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special symbol designation command, the sub-control CPU 50a determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbols designated by the input special symbol designation command.

When a special jackpot pattern is specified, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the pattern combination of the jackpot from the performance patterns. As a result, in the performance game of this embodiment, if a jackpot is determined in the hit judgment, a jackpot display result is derived. Also, when a small jackpot pattern of the special pattern is specified, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the pattern combination of the small jackpot from the performance patterns. As a result, in the performance game of this embodiment, if a small jackpot is determined in the hit judgment, a small jackpot display result is derived. And when a losing pattern of the special pattern is specified, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the combination of performance patterns to be derived in the performance game based on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command.

In addition, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a variation pattern designation command, it determines the effect to be executed during the execution of the performance game based on the variation pattern designated by the input variation pattern designation command. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to start the variable display of the performance patterns of each pattern row. That is, the sub-control CPU 50a starts the performance game. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to variably display three rows of performance patterns. In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the execution of various performances that have been determined to be executed. Next, when a predetermined timing arrives after starting the performance game, the sub-control CPU 50a temporarily stops the display of the performance patterns of each pattern row, and, in response to the input of the all pattern stop command, causes the performance patterns of each pattern row to be fixed and stopped. In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a may display the fixed stop patterns of each pattern row when the change time set for the change pattern has elapsed, regardless of the all pattern stop command. In this case, the all pattern stop command may be omitted.

In addition, although details will be described later, in this embodiment, there are cases where the effect game is not executed during execution of the special game.
Next, processing related to the game state will be described.

When the sub-control CPU 50a receives a high base command from the main control CPU 41a, it stores a value indicating a high base state in the sub-base state flag of the sub-control RWM 50c. Also, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives a low base command from the main control CPU 41a, it stores a value indicating a low base state in the sub-base state flag of the sub-control RWM 50c. This allows the sub-control CPU 50a to identify the current game state.

The following describes the effects that can be performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 9, among the effects that can be executed in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, there is a ball entry promotion effect that encourages game balls to enter the second ball entry port 15. In the ball entry promotion effect of this embodiment, an image that encourages game balls to enter the second ball entry port 15 is displayed on the effect display device 12. Note that the "image" here includes so-called "moving image."

In this embodiment, the ball-scoring promotion effect is executed when the game state is controlled to a high base state after the end of a jackpot game. Also, in this embodiment, the ball-scoring promotion effect is executed in a presentation style that corresponds to the game situation.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), the ball entry promotion effect is executed in the first performance mode when the second special reserved number is "0" and the specified time has not elapsed since the control to the high base state. In this embodiment, the first performance mode of the ball entry promotion effect is a performance mode in which a first character image 100 imitating a predetermined character and a first ball entry promotion image 110 that encourages the player to establish the reservation condition of the second special game by entering the game ball into the second ball entry port 15 are displayed. In this embodiment, the first ball entry promotion image 110 includes a first character string image 111 imitating the character string "Save your reserved balls!", a first board image 112 imitating the design of the second ball entry port 15 and its surroundings on the game board YB, and a first arrow image 113 imitating an arrow pointing toward the second ball entry port 15.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the ball entry promotion performance is executed in the second performance mode when the second special reserved number is "1" and the specified time has not elapsed since the high base state was controlled. In this embodiment, the second performance mode of the ball entry promotion performance is a performance mode in which the first character image 100 and the second ball entry promotion image 120 that encourages the player to enter the game ball into the second ball entry port 15 are displayed. In this embodiment, the second ball entry promotion image 120 includes a second character string image 121 that imitates the character string "Enter more balls!", a second board image 122 that imitates the design of the second ball entry port 15 and its surroundings on the game board YB, and a second arrow image 123 that imitates an arrow pointing to the second ball entry port 15. In this embodiment, the first board image 112 and the second board image 122 are the same image. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first arrow image 113 and the second arrow image 123 are images that have the same shape but different colors.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the ball entry promotion effect is executed in the third performance mode when the second special reserved number is "0" and a specified time has elapsed since the control to the high base state. In this embodiment, the third performance mode of the ball entry promotion effect is a performance mode in which the first character image 100 and the third ball entry promotion image 130 that encourages the player to establish the reservation condition of the second special game by entering the game ball into the second ball entry port 15 are displayed. In this embodiment, the third ball entry promotion image 130 includes a third character string image 131 that imitates the character string "Save the reserved balls!", a third board image 132 that imitates the design of the second ball entry port 15 and its surroundings on the game board YB, and a third arrow image 133 that imitates an arrow pointing to the second ball entry port 15. In this embodiment, the first ball entry promotion image 110 and the third ball entry promotion image 130 are images of different sizes. Specifically, the third goal scoring promotion image 130 is an enlarged version of the first goal scoring promotion image 110. Specifically, within the third goal scoring promotion image 130, the third character string image 131 is an enlarged version of the first character string image 111, the third board image 132 is an enlarged version of the first board image 112, and the third arrow image 133 is an enlarged version of the first arrow image 113.

As shown in FIG. 9(d), the ball entry promotion effect is executed in the fourth performance mode when the second special reserved number is "1" and a specified time has elapsed since the ball entry state was controlled. In this embodiment, the fourth performance mode of the ball entry promotion effect is a performance mode in which a second character image 101 that resembles a specified character and a right-hit image 200 that encourages the player to launch the game ball into the right-side area R2a where the second ball entry port 15 is located are displayed. In this embodiment, the second character image 101 includes an image that resembles a specified character and an image that resembles the character string "Let's go!". In addition, the right-hit image 200 includes an image that resembles the character string "Aim right" and an image that resembles an arrow pointing right.

In this embodiment, the goal promotion effect is ended when a specific time longer than a specified time has elapsed since control to the high base state has been established.
In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a battle presentation when the high base state and the second special game are being executed. Specifically, the battle presentation of this embodiment is executed during a period when the high base state and the second special game are being executed, during which the ball-scoring promotion presentation is not being executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the second special game is started during the execution of the ball-scoring promotion presentation, the battle presentation is started after the ball-scoring promotion presentation ends. The battle presentation of this embodiment ends when the second special game ends.

The battle performance of this embodiment is a performance in which the performance content branches depending on the type of the second special symbol derived in the pending second special game. Specifically, the performance content of the battle performance of this embodiment includes a "victory" performance content in which a predetermined character wins a battle, and a "defeat" performance content in which a predetermined character loses a battle. If the second special symbol derived in the pending second special game is either a big win Za or Zb, or a small win Zd or Ze, the battle performance branches to either a "victory" or "defeat" performance content. If the second special symbol derived in the pending second special game is either a big win Zc or a small win Zf, and if the second special game is not pending, the battle performance branches to either a "defeat" performance content. As described above, in the second special game of this embodiment, either a big win symbol or a small win symbol is derived, and no losing symbol is derived.

In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a special jackpot game presentation after the battle presentation ends. Specifically, the special jackpot game presentation starts when the battle presentation ends when the second special reserved number is "1". The special jackpot game presentation is executed across the winning game awarded after the battle presentation ends, the second special game executed thereafter, and the winning game awarded after the second special game ends. In the following description, the winning game awarded after the battle presentation ends may be referred to as the "first jackpot game". Also, the second special game executed after the first jackpot game ends may be referred to as the "second special game between jackpot game presentations". Furthermore, the winning game awarded after the second special game between jackpot game presentations may be referred to as the "second jackpot game". In this embodiment, the "first jackpot game" and the "second jackpot game" include a small jackpot game for achieving the conditions for granting a jackpot game based on a small jackpot, but for ease of explanation, they are simply referred to as the "first jackpot game" and the "second jackpot game."

The special big win game presentation of this embodiment is a presentation that is executed with different presentation contents depending on the presentation contents of the battle presentation executed immediately before and the type of second special symbol derived in the second special game between big win game presentations. Specifically, the presentation contents of the special big win game presentation of this embodiment include a "congratulations" presentation content that congratulates a specific character on the victory of the battle presentation executed immediately before. Also, the presentation contents of the special big win game presentation of this embodiment include a "revival" presentation content in which a specific character that was defeated in the battle presentation executed immediately before is revived. Furthermore, the presentation contents of the special big win game presentation of this embodiment include an "end" presentation content in which a specific character that was defeated in the battle presentation executed immediately before is ended without being revived.

In this embodiment, if the content of the battle effect executed immediately before is "Victory", a special big win game effect is executed with the content of "Congratulations". Also, if the content of the battle effect executed immediately before is "Defeat" and the second special symbol derived in the second special game between big win game effects is either a big win Za or Zb, or a small win Zd or Ze, a special big win game effect is executed with the content of "Resurrection". And, if the content of the battle effect executed immediately before is "Defeat" and the second special symbol derived in the second special game between big win game effects is either a big win Zc or a small win Zf, a special big win game effect is executed with the content of "End".

In addition, if a small win symbol is derived in the second special game during a big win game presentation, and if the game ball is not detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 during the subsequent small win game, the special big win game presentation will end with the end of the second special game during the big win game presentation.

Next, we will explain the preparation completion effect that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment. The preparation completion effect of this embodiment is an effect that indicates that the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the ready-to-play effect of this embodiment, an image indicating that the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit is displayed on the effect display device 12. Specifically, in the ready-to-play effect, a ready-to-play image 300 imitating the string "Ready" is displayed on the effect display device 12. The ready-to-play effect of this embodiment is triggered when the second special reserved number becomes "1" during the execution of the goal-scoring promotion effect. The ready-to-play effect ends with the end of the goal-scoring promotion effect. That is, in this embodiment, the ready-to-play effect is executed during the execution of the goal-scoring promotion effect of the second effect mode and the goal-scoring promotion effect of the fourth effect mode.

Next, the special suggestion effect that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The special suggestion effect of this embodiment is an effect that suggests the variable content of the pending special game. Specifically, the special suggestion effect suggests the type of second special symbol that will be derived in the pending second special game.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the special suggestion effect of this embodiment, a suggestion image 400 is displayed on the effect display device 12, suggesting the type of second special symbol that will be derived in the pending second special game. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of suggestion images 400. In the special suggestion effect, one of the multiple types of suggestion images 400 is displayed on the effect display device 12 based on the result of a pre-determination regarding the pending second special game.

The special suggestion effect in this embodiment is executed when the second special reserve number is "1" and the specified time has not elapsed since the high base state was reached, and a game ball enters the second ball entrance 15.

Next, the left-hit notification effect that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The left-hit notification effect of this embodiment is an effect that encourages the launch of the gaming ball into the left area R1a of the gaming board YB. In particular, the left-hit notification effect of this embodiment is an effect that encourages the launch of the gaming ball into the first ball entrance 14. That is, in this embodiment, the left-hit notification effect corresponds to a special launch promotion effect that encourages the launch of the gaming ball into the first ball entrance 14, and the first ball entrance 14 corresponds to a detection means that can detect the gaming ball, separate from the second ball entrance 15.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the left-hand hit notification performance of this embodiment, a launch promotion image 500 is displayed on the performance display device 12 to encourage the launch of the game ball into the first ball entrance 14. The launch promotion image 500 in this embodiment includes an image imitating the characters "LEFT HIT", an image imitating the design of the first ball entrance 14 and its surroundings on the game board YB, and an image imitating an arrow pointing toward the first ball entrance 14. In the left-hand hit notification performance of this embodiment, the launch promotion image 500 is displayed in a display area of the image display section GH of the performance display device 12 that does not overlap with the display area in which the performance pattern changes.

The left-hit notification effect of this embodiment is started when the game state is controlled to a low base state after the end of a jackpot game, and when the second special game is not started after the end of the jackpot game. The left-hit notification effect of this embodiment is also started when the game state is controlled to a high base state after the end of a jackpot game, and then controlled to a low base state without a jackpot game being awarded. The left-hit notification effect of this embodiment is ended when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the left-hit notification effect.

Next, we will explain the right-hit error notification that can be performed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a right-hit error notification when a right hit is performed during a period when right hitting is not recommended.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the right-hit error notification of this embodiment, an error image 600 indicating that a right-hit error has been detected is displayed on the performance display device 12. The error image 600 in this embodiment is an image including the text "Please return to left hit." In the right-hit error notification of this embodiment, the error image 600 is displayed in front of the performance pattern as seen from the player in a display area of the image display unit GH of the performance display device 12 that partially overlaps with the display area in which the performance pattern changes.

In this embodiment, the right hit error notification is initiated when the second ball entry command, indicating that a game ball has entered the second ball entry port 15, is input when the game is not in a high base state, when a winning game is not being played, and when the second special game is not being played. In this embodiment, the right hit error notification is terminated when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the right hit error notification without a new second ball entry command being input. In this embodiment, the right hit error notification is also terminated when the first ball entry command, indicating that a game ball has entered the first ball entry port 14 located in the left side area R1a, is input.

Next, the control of the sub-control CPU 50a for executing various performances will be described.
First, the process for starting the winning promotion performance will be described. When a high base state is granted after the end of a big win game, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to start the winning promotion performance. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a high base command, it controls to start the winning promotion performance. This allows the sub-control CPU 50a to control the execution of the winning promotion performance during the high base state. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start the winning promotion performance in the first performance mode.

Then, the sub-control CPU 50a measures the time that has elapsed since the start of the goal-scoring promotion performance by updating the timer set in the sub-control RWM 50c at each specified control cycle. The sub-control CPU 50a then controls the goal-scoring promotion performance to end when a specific time has elapsed since the goal-scoring promotion performance began.

Next, we will explain the second ball entry process that is executed when a game ball enters the second ball entry opening 15. The sub-control CPU 50a executes the second ball entry process when it inputs a second ball entry command indicating that a game ball has entered the second ball entry opening 15.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the second ball entry process, the sub-control CPU 50a determines whether or not the ball entry promotion effect is being executed (step S20). If the ball entry promotion effect is being executed (step S20: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a determines whether or not the second special game is being executed (step S21). If the second special game is not being executed (step S21: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a ends the second ball entry process. On the other hand, if the second special game is being executed (step S21: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a determines whether or not the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit number (step S22). The sub-control CPU 50a can identify the current second special reserved number based on various commands (e.g., advance determination commands) input from the main control CPU 41a.

As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit of the second special reserved number is "1". Therefore, in this embodiment, the process of step S22 can also be said to be a process of determining whether or not the second special game is reserved. In step S22, the sub-control CPU 50a makes a positive judgment if the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit at the time when the game ball entered the second ball entrance 15 that triggered the start of this second ball entry process. On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 50a makes a negative judgment if the second special reserved number has not reached the upper limit at the time when the game ball entered the second ball entrance 15 that triggered the start of this second ball entry process. In other words, a negative judgment is made if the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit due to the game ball entering the second ball entrance 15 that triggered the start of this second ball entry process.

If the second special reserved number has not reached the upper limit (step S22: NO), that is, if the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit due to the entry of the game ball into the second ball entry port 15 this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start the preparation completion performance (step S23). The sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute the preparation completion performance until the ball entry promotion performance ends. Next, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to update the performance mode of the ball entry promotion performance (step S24). At this time, when the current performance mode of the ball entry promotion performance is the first performance mode, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to update to the second performance mode, while when the current performance mode is the third performance mode, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to update to the fourth performance mode. In other words, if the specified time has not elapsed since the ball entry promotion performance started, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the performance mode of the ball entry promotion performance to the second performance mode when the second special reserved number reaches the upper limit. On the other hand, if a specified time has passed since the start of the goal-going promotion effect, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the goal-going promotion effect to the fourth effect when the second special reserved number reaches the upper limit. The sub-control CPU 50a then ends the second goal-going process.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when the second special game is reserved due to a game ball entering the second ball entrance 15 during the execution of the ball entrance promotion effect, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the presentation mode of the ball entrance promotion effect to the second presentation mode. In other words, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the ball entrance promotion effect in a different presentation mode when the second special reserved number is "0" and when the second special reserved number is "1". In other words, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the ball entrance promotion effect in a different presentation mode depending on whether or not a prescribed number ("1" in this embodiment) or more of the second special game is reserved. In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a starts the preparation completion presentation when the second special game is reserved due to a game ball entering the second ball entrance 15 during the execution of the ball entrance promotion effect. In other words, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of the preparation completion presentation as a specific presentation when a prescribed number of second special games are reserved during the execution of the ball entrance promotion effect.

On the other hand, if the number of the second special reserved games has reached the upper limit (step S22: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a performs a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the special suggestion effect, and determines whether or not the lottery has been won (step S25). In step S25, the sub-control CPU 50a may vary the probability of winning the lottery to execute the special suggestion effect depending on the result of the pre-judgment on the reserved second special game. If the lottery to execute the special effect is not won (step S25: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a ends the second ball entry process. On the other hand, if the lottery to execute the special suggestion effect is won (step S25: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute the special suggestion effect (step S26). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the type of suggestion image 400 to be displayed in the special suggestion effect based on the result of the pre-judgment on the reserved second special game, and controls the effect display device 12 to display the determined suggestion image 400. This allows the special suggestion effect to suggest the type of special symbol that will be derived in the pending second special game. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the second ball entry process.

In this way, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of a special suggestion presentation that suggests the change in the second special game on hold when a game ball enters the second ball entrance 15 when the number of second special reserved games has reached the upper limit.

If the ball entry promotion effect is not being executed (step S20: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a judges whether the second special game is being executed or not (step S27). If the second special game is not being executed (step S27: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a judges whether the game is in a high base state or not (step S28). If the game is not in a high base state (step S28: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a judges whether the game is in a winning game or not (step S29). In step S29, the sub-control CPU 50a makes a positive judgment if the game is in a big win game or a small win game, and makes a negative judgment if the game is not in a big win game or a small win game.

If the game is not a winning game (step S29: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to execute a right-hit error notification (step S30). After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the second ball entry process. In a process separate from the second ball entry process, the sub-control CPU 50a measures the time that has elapsed since the right-hit error notification was started by updating a timer set in the sub-control RWM 50c at each predetermined control period. Then, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the right-hit error notification to end when a predetermined time has elapsed since the right-hit error notification was started without inputting a second ball entry command. In addition, even if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the right-hit error notification was started, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the right-hit error notification to end when the first ball entry command indicating that a game ball has entered the first ball entry port 14 is input.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the system to execute a right-hit error notification when a game ball enters the second ball inlet 15 when the system is in a low base state and the second special game is not being played or a winning game is not being played. In this embodiment, the period during which the system is in a low base state and the second special game is being played or a winning game is being played corresponds to a specific period during which it is recommended to launch a game ball into the right-side region R2a where the second ball inlet 15 is located.

On the other hand, if the second special game is being played (step S27: YES), if the game is in a high base state (step S28: YES), or if a winning game is being played (step S29: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a ends the second ball entry process. In other words, if the second special game is being played, if the game is in a high base state, or if a winning game is being played, the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute a right-hit error notification even if a game ball enters the second ball entry port 15.

Next, we will explain the specified time lapse processing that is executed when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the goal promotion performance.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the specified time lapse process, the sub-control CPU 50a judges whether the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit number (step S31). If the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit number (step S31: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a updates the presentation mode of the ball-entering promotion presentation to the fourth presentation mode (step S32). Thus, in this embodiment, when a specified number (in this embodiment, "1") or more of the second special games are reserved at the time when the specified time has elapsed since the ball-entering promotion presentation started, the sub-control CPU 50a changes the presentation mode of the ball-entering promotion presentation to the fourth presentation mode. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of the battle presentation to be executed after the ball-entering promotion presentation ends, and the special big win game presentation to be executed after the battle presentation ends (step S33).

Here, the effect content determination process for determining the contents of the battle effects and the special big win game effects will be described.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the performance content determination process, the sub-control CPU 50a determines whether the reserved second special game is a special game that will result in a big win Za, Zb, a small win Zd, or Ze based on the input look-ahead command (step S41). In the following description, the big win Za, Zb, and the small win Zd, Ze may be collectively referred to as a "specific win". If the reserved second special game is a special game that will result in a specific win (step S41: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a performs a performance content allocation lottery that determines the performance content of the battle performance, and determines whether the performance content allocation lottery has been won (step S42). The winning probability of the performance content allocation lottery may be different depending on the type of the second special symbol derived in the reserved second special game, or may be different depending on the type of the second special symbol derived in the second special game being executed. It may also be different depending on both.

If the lottery for allocating the effects of the battle effects is won (step S42: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a determines the effect content of "Victory" as the effect content of the battle effects (step S43). Next, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the effect content of "Congratulations" as the effect content of the special big win game effect (step S44). After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the effect content determination process.

On the other hand, if the lottery for allocating the effects of the battle effects is not won (step S42: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a determines the effect content of the "Defeat" as the effect content of the battle effects (step S45). Next, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the effect content of the "Revival" as the effect content of the special big win game effect (step S46). After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the effect content determination process.

If the pending second special game is not a special game that results in a specific win (step S41: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a determines the "Defeat" presentation content as the presentation content for the battle presentation (step S47). Next, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the "End" presentation content as the presentation content for the special big win game presentation (step S48). After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the presentation content determination process.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the sub-control CPU 50a has determined the content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation, it ends the specified time lapse process. After that, in a process separate from the specified time lapse process, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the battle presentation to start when a specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion presentation.

On the other hand, if the number of second special reserved games has not reached the upper limit (step S31: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a updates the presentation content of the goal-winning promotion presentation to the third presentation mode (step S34). Thus, in this embodiment, when a specified amount of time has elapsed since the goal-winning promotion presentation started and a specified number (in this embodiment, "1") or more of the second special games are not reserved, the sub-control CPU 50a changes the presentation mode of the goal-winning promotion presentation to the third presentation mode. The sub-control CPU 50a then ends the specified time elapse process.

In this embodiment, when the second special game is not on hold when the specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion effect, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the specified time elapse process without determining the presentation content of the battle presentation and the special jackpot game presentation. In this case, when the second special reserved number becomes "1" before the ball entry promotion effect ends, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the presentation content determination process described above to determine the presentation content of the battle presentation and the special jackpot game presentation. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the start of the battle presentation when a specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion effect.

In addition, if a specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball-scoring promotion performance without the second special reserved number becoming "1", the sub-control CPU 50a performs different control depending on whether the second special game is being played at the time the specific time has elapsed.

Specifically, if the second special game is being executed when a specific time has elapsed, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the game so that the ball entry promotion effect ends and a battle effect with the effect content of "defeat" is started. After that, if the second special reserved number does not become "1" before the second special game being executed ends, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the game so that a special big win game effect with the effect content of "end" is executed after the second special game ends.

On the other hand, if the second special reserved number becomes "1" before the running second special game ends, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of the special big win game presentation according to the fluctuation content of the reserved second special game. Specifically, when the reserved second special game is a special game that results in a specific win, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of "Revival" as the presentation content of the special big win game presentation. Also, when the reserved second special game is not a special game that results in a specific win, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of "End" as the presentation content of the special big win game presentation.

In addition, if the second special game is not being executed when the specific time has elapsed, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the ball entry promotion presentation. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a does not start the battle presentation. After that, if the high base state ends without the second special game being started, the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute the battle presentation or the special big win game presentation. On the other hand, if the second special game starts before the high base state ends, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the execution of the battle presentation with the presentation content of "defeat". After that, if the second special reserved number does not become "1" by the time the second special game being executed ends, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the execution of the special big win game presentation with the presentation content of "end" after the second special game ends.

On the other hand, if the second special reserved number becomes "1" before the running second special game ends, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of the special big win game presentation according to the fluctuation content of the reserved second special game. Specifically, when the reserved second special game is a special game that results in a specific win, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of "Revival" as the presentation content of the special big win game presentation. Also, when the reserved second special game is not a special game that results in a specific win, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the presentation content of "End" as the presentation content of the special big win game presentation.

Next, we will explain the left-hit notification effect start process for starting the left-hit notification effect after the end of a jackpot game. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the left-hit notification effect start process in response to input of a jackpot end command.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the left hit notification performance start process, the sub-control CPU 50a judges whether the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a low base state (step S51). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a judges negatively if a high base command is input with the end of the jackpot game, and judges positively if a high base command is not input. If the game state after the jackpot game ends is a low base state (step S51: YES), the sub-control CPU 50a judges whether the second special game will start after the jackpot game ends (step S52). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a judges positively if the second special reserved number is "1" at the end of the jackpot game, and judges negatively if the second special reserved number is "0".

If the second special game is not started (step S52: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to start the left hit notification effect (step S53). That is, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the left hit notification effect to start when the device is controlled to a low base state after the end of the jackpot game and the second special game is not started after the end of the jackpot game. Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the left hit notification effect start process.

On the other hand, if the game state after the end of the jackpot game is a high base state (step S51: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a ends the left-hit notification effect start process without starting the left-hit notification effect. Similarly, if the second special game starts after the end of the jackpot game (step S52: NO), the sub-control CPU 50a ends the left-hit notification effect start process without starting the left-hit notification effect. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the game state is controlled to a low base state after the end of the jackpot game, the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute the left-hit notification effect while the second special game is being played.

The sub-control CPU 50a also controls the left hit notification effect to start when the low base state is entered due to the end of a special game with the number of activations without a winning game being awarded during the high base state. When the sub-control CPU 50a starts the left hit notification effect, it measures the time that has elapsed since the left hit notification effect was started by updating a timer set in the sub-control RWM 50c at each predetermined control cycle. The sub-control CPU 50a then controls the left hit notification effect to end when a predetermined time has elapsed since the left hit notification effect was started. With this control, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the left hit notification effect to be executed during a portion of the period during which the low base state is in effect.

Below, a specific example of the flow of the presentation when the goal promotion presentation is executed will be explained, along with the control by the sub-control CPU 50a.
In the example shown in FIG. 18(a), a jackpot game is awarded in a low base state (time t0), and a high base state is awarded after the jackpot game ends (time t1). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start the ball entry promotion effect in the first effect mode. Also, in this example, it is assumed that the first special reserved number is "4" at time t1. In this case, after the jackpot game ends, the reserved first special games are executed in the order in which they were reserved (time t1 to time t2). Also, in this example, it is assumed that the second special game is reserved during the execution of the first special game, and therefore the second special game is executed immediately after the end of the first special game (time t2).

In this case, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the second ball entry command during the execution of the second special game, it executes the second ball entry process to update the presentation mode of the ball entry promotion presentation to the second presentation mode (time t3). Also at this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the second ball entry process to start the preparation completion presentation. That is, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the presentation mode of the ball entry promotion presentation to the second presentation mode and controls the preparation completion presentation to start when the second special reserved number reaches the upper limit number during the execution of the second special game. Next, when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion presentation, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the specified time elapse process to update the presentation mode of the ball entry promotion presentation to the fourth presentation mode (time t4). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the presentation content determination process to determine the presentation content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation. In this example, the content of the battle presentation is determined to be "Victory", and the content of the special jackpot game presentation is determined to be "Congratulations". That is, in this example, as the second jackpot game, a jackpot game that provides a high base state after the jackpot game ends is provided. Although not shown, when the second special game is being played and the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of a special suggestion presentation by executing the second jackpot process when the second jackpot command is input.

After that, when a specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion effect, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the ball entry promotion effect and the preparation completion effect to end and the battle effect to start (time t5). Next, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the ball entry promotion effect to end with the end of the second special game and the special big win game effect to start (time t6). Then, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the special big win game effect across the first big win game, the second special game between the big win games, and the second big win game, and then ends the special big win game effect with the end of the second big win game (time t7). In this example, it is assumed that the high base state is granted after the end of the second big win game. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the ball entry promotion effect to start after the end of the second big win game.

In this example, it is assumed that the special game is not on hold at the end of the second jackpot game. In this case, the ball entry promotion performance is executed during the waiting time when the special game is not being executed. Although not shown, if the special game is on hold during the execution of the second special game and during the jackpot game, the special game is executed without waiting after the jackpot game ends. However, in this embodiment, the low base state is reached during the jackpot game and during the second special game between jackpot games, and the second ball entry port 15 is not opened during the low base state, so the second special game will not start without waiting after the jackpot game ends.

After that, the second special game is started when the game ball enters the second ball entrance 15 (time t8). Next, when the specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball entrance promotion effect, if the second special reserved number has not reached the upper limit, the sub-control CPU 50a executes a specified time lapse process to update the presentation mode of the ball entrance promotion effect to the third presentation mode (time t9). Also, if the second special reserved number reaches the upper limit after the specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball entrance promotion effect and before the specific time has elapsed, the sub-control CPU 50a executes a second ball entrance process to update the presentation mode of the ball entrance promotion effect to the fourth presentation mode (time t10). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a executes a presentation content determination process to determine the presentation content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation. Then, when the specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball entrance promotion effect, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the ball entrance promotion effect and the preparation completion presentation to end and the battle presentation to start (time t11).

In the example shown in FIG. 18(b), a jackpot game is awarded in a low base state, and then a high base state is awarded after the jackpot game ends, and the ball-entering promotion effect is started. From the start of the ball-entering promotion effect until the specified time has elapsed, the effect proceeds in the same manner as the example shown in FIG. 18(a) (time t20 to time t24). Then, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the effect mode of the ball-entering promotion effect to the fourth effect mode by executing a specified time elapse process, triggered by the elapse of a specified time from the start of the ball-entering promotion effect (time t24). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a also determines the effect content of the battle effect and the special jackpot game effect by executing an effect content determination process. In this example, the effect content of the battle effect is determined to be "defeat", and the effect content of the special jackpot game effect is determined to be "revival". In other words, in this example, as the second jackpot game, a jackpot game that grants a high base state is awarded after the end of the jackpot game.

After that, when a specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion presentation, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to end the ball entry promotion presentation and the preparation completion presentation and start the battle presentation (time t25). Next, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to end the battle presentation with the end of the second special game and start the special jackpot game presentation (time t26). Then, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the special jackpot game presentation across the first jackpot game, the second special game between the jackpot games, and the second jackpot game, and then ends the special jackpot game presentation with the end of the second jackpot game (time t27). In this example, it is assumed that the high base state is granted after the end of the second jackpot game. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start the ball entry promotion presentation after the end of the second jackpot game. Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a performs the same control as the example shown in FIG. 18(a) to execute the presentation in a similar flow (time t27 to time t31).

In the example shown in FIG. 18(c), a jackpot game is awarded in a low base state, and then a high base state is awarded after the jackpot game ends, and the ball-entering promotion effect is started. From the start of the ball-entering promotion effect until the specified time has elapsed, the effect proceeds in the same manner as the examples shown in FIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b) (time t40 to time t44). Then, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the effect mode of the ball-entering promotion effect to the fourth effect mode by executing a specified time elapse process, triggered by the elapse of a specified time from the start of the ball-entering promotion effect (time t44). At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a also determines the effect content of the battle effect and the special jackpot game effect by executing an effect content determination process. In this example, the effect content of the battle effect is determined to be "defeat", and the effect content of the special jackpot game effect is determined to be "end". In other words, in this example, as the second jackpot game, a jackpot game that grants a low base state is awarded after the end of the jackpot game.

After that, when a specific time has elapsed since the start of the ball entry promotion presentation, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to end the ball entry promotion presentation and the preparation completion presentation and start the battle presentation (time t45). Next, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to end the battle presentation with the end of the second special game and start the special jackpot game presentation (time t46). Then, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the special jackpot game presentation across the first jackpot game, the second special game between the jackpot games, and the second jackpot game, and then ends the special jackpot game presentation with the end of the second jackpot game (time t47). In this example, it is assumed that the low base state is controlled after the end of the second jackpot game. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start the left hit notification presentation by executing the left hit notification presentation start process. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the left hit notification effect to end when a predetermined time has elapsed since the left hit notification effect started (time t48). In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect for the first special game to start with the start of the first special game.

The operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) In this embodiment, the ball entry promotion effect for encouraging game balls to enter the second ball entry port 15 can be executed in an appropriate presentation mode according to the number of reserved balls in the second special game in which the reservation condition is established upon the entry of a game ball into the second ball entry port 15. This can appropriately encourage game balls to enter the second ball entry port 15, thereby increasing interest in the game.

(2) In particular, in this embodiment, the presentation mode of the ball entry promotion presentation can be changed depending on whether the number of reserved balls for the second special game has reached the upper limit. This can prevent the player from releasing a game ball without realizing that the number of reserved balls for the second special game has reached the upper limit.

(3) In addition, in this embodiment, the preparation completion effect is executed when the number of reserved second special games reaches the upper limit, making it easier for the player to recognize whether the number of reserved second special games has reached the upper limit.

(4) In this embodiment, a special suggestion effect can be executed on the condition that a game ball enters the second ball entrance 15 after the number of reserved balls for the second special game has reached the upper limit. This makes it possible to motivate the player to shoot a game ball at the second ball entrance 15 even after the number of reserved balls for the second special game has reached the upper limit.

(5) In this embodiment, the ball-entry promotion effect can be executed in an appropriate presentation mode according to the number of reserved balls of the second special game at the time when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball-entry promotion effect. In particular, in this embodiment, if the number of reserved balls of the second special game has not reached the upper limit at the time when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball-entry promotion effect, the presentation mode of the ball-entry promotion effect is changed from the first presentation mode to the third presentation mode. Here, the third presentation mode is a presentation mode that displays a third ball-entry promotion image 130 that is larger than the first ball-entry promotion image 110 displayed in the first presentation mode. Therefore, if the number of reserved balls of the second special game has not reached the upper limit at the time when the specified time has elapsed, the presentation mode of the ball-entry promotion effect can be changed to strongly encourage the game ball to enter the second ball entry port 15.

(6) In this embodiment, a left-hit notification effect can be executed during a portion of the period during which the low base state is in effect. This allows the player to be appropriately prompted to launch the game ball not only during a high base state, but also during a low base state.

(7) In addition, in this embodiment, even if the high base state ends and control is made to the low base state, the left hit notification effect is not executed while the second special game is being played. Therefore, while the second special game is being played, the player can enjoy playing the game by concentrating on the second special game.

(8) In this embodiment, when the game is in a low base state and the second special game is not being played or a winning game is not being played, a right-hit error notification is issued when a game ball enters the second ball entrance 15. In this way, by issuing an error notification appropriately according to the situation, it is possible to encourage the game ball to be launched into a game area where the launch of the game ball is recommended.

(9) In this embodiment, the second special winning lottery allows the player to win either a big win or a small win, so it is possible to motivate the player to put the second special game on hold by placing a game ball in the second ball inlet 15. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a ball inlet promotion effect is executed to encourage players to place a game ball in the second ball inlet 15, so that interest in the game can be effectively increased.

(10) During the execution of the second special game between jackpot games, a special jackpot game presentation is executed that spans the first jackpot game that is awarded before the second special game and the second jackpot game that is awarded after the second special game. This makes it possible to execute a continuous presentation that spans multiple jackpot games and the second special game that is executed between the multiple jackpot games, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

(11) The content of the battle effect is determined based on the results of a pre-determination of another second special game for which a reserved condition is met during the execution of the second special game in which the battle effect is executed. This makes it possible to suggest the change content of the second special game for which a reserved condition is met during the execution of the second special game that has already started at the time the reserved condition of the second special game is met. This can increase the interest of players who are interested in the change content of the second special game for which a reserved condition is met.

(12) The content of the battle effect can be determined when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball scoring promotion effect, but if the second special variable game is not on hold at that time, it is determined at a later time. In this way, even if the second special variable game is not on hold when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the ball scoring promotion effect, the content of the battle effect can be appropriately determined.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows.
The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

- The presentation mode of the special suggestion presentation may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the special suggestion presentation does not have to be a presentation executed by the presentation display device 12, but may be, for example, an audio presentation executed by the speaker SP, a light-emitting presentation executed by the decorative lamp LA, or a presentation executed by a combination of these.

- The conditions for executing the special suggestion effect may be changed as appropriate. When the ball entry promotion effect is being executed and the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit, the sub-control CPU 50a may execute the special suggestion effect without holding a lottery to execute the special suggestion effect, on the condition that the second ball entry command has been input. In other words, when the ball entry promotion effect is being executed and the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit, the special suggestion effect may be executed without fail when a game ball enters the second ball entry port 15. In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a may be capable of controlling the execution of the special suggestion effect, on the condition that the second ball entry command has been input multiple times (e.g., three times) when the ball entry promotion effect is being executed and the second special reserved number has reached the upper limit.

- The content suggested in the special suggestion effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, it may suggest the changes in the special game being played. Also, for example, if the game is embodied in a gaming machine in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery can be changed (set), the current setting value may be suggested.

・It may also be implemented in gaming machines that do not have special suggestive effects.
The presentation mode of the battle presentation may be changed as appropriate. Also, the battle presentation does not have to be a presentation executed by the presentation display device 12, but may be, for example, a sound presentation executed by the speaker SP, a light-emitting presentation executed by the decorative lamp LA, or a combination of these.

The content of the battle presentation may be changed as appropriate. For example, the content may be different from either "win" or "lose". Specifically, the content of the battle presentation may be "continue" in addition to "win" or "lose". In this case, if the second special symbol derived in the second special game between big win games is either the big win Za or Zb, or the small win Zd or Ze, the sub-control CPU 50a determines either "win" or "continue" as the content of the battle presentation. On the other hand, if the second special symbol derived in the second special game between big win games is either the big win Zc or the small win Zf, the sub-control CPU 50a may determine either "continue" or "lose" as the content of the battle presentation. According to this, when "continue" is determined as the content of the battle presentation, it is possible to conceal whether or not a high base state is granted after the end of the second big win game. On the other hand, if "victory" is determined as the content of the battle performance, it can notify that a high base state will be granted after the end of the second jackpot game, and if "lose" is determined, it can notify that a high base state will not be granted after the end of the second jackpot game.

The sub-control CPU 50a may determine the content of the battle presentation based on the content of the changes in the second special game that is being executed, in addition to the content of the changes in the reserved second special game. For example, it may be possible to determine "victory" as the content of the battle presentation, on the condition that both the running second special game and the reserved second special game are special games that lead to either a big win Za or a small win Zd.

- During the execution of the second special game, the game effect executed after the ball-scoring promotion effect ends does not have to be a battle effect. It is sufficient that the game effect is one whose content is determined according to the changes in the second special game that is on hold.

- The presentation mode of the special jackpot game presentation may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the special jackpot game presentation does not have to be a presentation executed by the presentation display device 12, but may be, for example, an audio presentation executed by the speaker SP, a light-emitting presentation executed by the decorative lamp LA, or a presentation executed by a combination of these.

The content of the special big win game effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, the special big win game effect may have a different content from any of the "Blessing", "Resurrection", and "End".
The sub-control CPU 50a may determine the content of the special jackpot game presentation based on the type of the first jackpot game and the type of the second jackpot game. For example, if both the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game are jackpot games based on either the jackpot Za or the small jackpot Zd, the first presentation content is determined. Also, if either the first jackpot game or the second jackpot game is a jackpot game based on either the jackpot Za or the small jackpot Zd, and the other is a jackpot game based on either the jackpot Zb, Zc, or the small jackpot Ze, Zf, either the second presentation content or the third presentation content is determined. At this time, if a high base state is given after the end of the second jackpot game, the second presentation content is determined, while if a high base state is not given, the third presentation content is determined. Then, when both the first big win game and the second big win game are big win games based on either the big win Zb, Zc or the small win Ze, Zf, either the fourth or fifth performance content is determined. At this time, when a high base state is given after the end of the second big win game, the fourth performance content is determined, while when a high base state is not given, the fifth performance content is determined. According to this, when a special big win game performance is executed with a predetermined performance content, the total number of the upper limit number of round games in the first big win game and the upper limit number of round games in the second big win game is constant. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the special big win game performance from being ended midway or being excessively extended, which gives a sense of discomfort to the player.

- The timing for determining the content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may not determine the content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation when a specified time has elapsed since the ball entry promotion presentation started, but may determine it when the ball entry promotion presentation ends. In other words, the sub-control CPU 50a may not determine the content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation in the specified time elapse process, but may determine it when a specific time has elapsed since the ball entry promotion presentation started. In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a may determine the content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation when the second special reserved number reaches the upper limit number during the ball entry promotion presentation and the second special game. In other words, the sub-control CPU 50a may determine the content of the battle presentation and the special big win game presentation in the second ball entry process.

- If the execution of the second special game is not on hold at the time the battle presentation ends, the sub-control CPU 50a may control so that the special jackpot game presentation is not executed during the jackpot game that is granted after the battle presentation ends. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may execute a jackpot game presentation that is different from the special jackpot game presentation during the jackpot game that is granted after the battle presentation ends, and then execute a left-hit notification presentation in conjunction with being controlled to a low base state after the jackpot game ends.

- The presentation format of the goal-scoring promotion performance may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the goal-scoring promotion performance does not have to be a performance executed by the performance display device 12, but may be, for example, an audio performance executed by the speaker SP, a light-emitting performance executed by the decorative lamp LA, or a performance executed by a combination of these.

The ball entry promotion performance does not have to be performed in a manner that directly encourages the entry of game balls into the second ball entry port 15, but may be performed in a manner that indirectly encourages the entry of game balls into the second ball entry port 15. Here, a manner that directly encourages the entry of game balls into the second ball entry port 15 is, for example, a manner in which an image that imitates the second ball entry port 15 is displayed, or an image that imitates a character string such as "Aim for the second ball entry port 15." Also, a manner that indirectly encourages the entry of game balls into the second ball entry port 15 is, for example, a manner in which an image that encourages the launch of game balls into the game area in which the second ball entry port 15 is located is displayed, or an image that shows a privilege that can be obtained by entering a game ball into the second ball entry port 15, such as an image that imitates the character string "Save your reserve."

- The timing for ending the goal-scoring promotion effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, it may be ended when the game state is controlled to a low base state. In other words, the goal-scoring promotion effect may be ended when the high base state ends. In this case, the goal-scoring promotion effect may be executed in parallel with the battle effect even while the battle effect is being executed. In this case, the execution mode of the goal-scoring promotion effect may be a different execution mode from any of the first to fourth execution modes. For example, it may be executed in a display area that does not overlap with the display area in which the battle effect is executed, or it may be executed by an execution means different from the execution means in which the battle effect is executed.

- If the second special game is not being executed when a specific time has elapsed since the start of the goal-scoring promotion effect, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the goal-scoring promotion effect to continue even after the specific time has elapsed. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may continue the goal-scoring promotion effect in the third presentation mode, or in a presentation mode different from any of the first to fourth presentation modes. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may end the goal-scoring promotion effect and start a battle presentation when the second special game is executed. The sub-control CPU 50a may also end the goal-scoring promotion effect when the high base state ends without the second special game being executed.

- The upper limit of the first special reservation number and the upper limit of the second special reservation number may be changed as appropriate. For example, the upper limit of the first special reservation number may be set to 3 or less, and the upper limit of the second special reservation number may be set to 2 or more.

- The conditions for changing the presentation mode of the goal-scoring promotion effect before a specified time has elapsed since the goal-scoring promotion effect began may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may change the presentation mode of the goal-scoring promotion effect depending on whether the second special reserved number has reached a specified number different from the upper limit number. In other words, when changing the presentation mode of the goal-scoring promotion effect depending on whether the second special reserved number has reached a specified number, the specified number does not have to be the upper limit number of the second special reserved number. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a may change the presentation mode of the goal-scoring promotion effect each time the second special reserved number changes.

- The conditions for changing the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect when a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may change the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect if the second special reserved number has not reached a specified number different from the upper limit number when a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started. In other words, when changing the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect when the second special reserved number has not reached the specified number when a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started, the specified number does not have to be the upper limit number of the second special reserved number.

- The conditions for changing the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect before a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started may be different from the conditions for changing the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect when a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started. For example, if the upper limit for the number of second special reserved balls is 2, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect is changed on the condition that the number of second special reserved balls reaches 1 before a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started. On the other hand, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect may be further changed on the condition that the number of second special reserved balls has not reached 2 when a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started.

-When a specified time has elapsed since the start of the goal scoring promotion performance, if the second special reserved number has not reached the specified number, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion performance may be changed, whereas if the second special reserved number has reached the specified number, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion performance may not be changed. Also, when a specified time has elapsed since the start of the goal scoring promotion performance, if the second special reserved number has not reached the specified number, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion performance may not be changed, whereas if the second special reserved number has reached the specified number, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion performance may be changed.

- The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not change the presentation mode of the goal-scoring promotion effect once a specified time has elapsed since the effect began.
The conditions for executing the preparation completion effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may execute the preparation completion effect when the second special reserved number reaches a predetermined number different from the upper limit number during the execution of the ball entry promotion effect. In other words, when executing the preparation completion effect when the second special reserved number reaches a prescribed number, the prescribed number does not have to be the upper limit number of the second special reserved number.

- The conditions for changing the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect before a specified time has elapsed since the goal scoring promotion effect started may be different from the conditions for executing the preparation completion effect. For example, if the upper limit for the number of second special holds is 2, the presentation mode of the goal scoring promotion effect may be changed on the condition that the number of second special holds reaches 1, while the preparation completion effect may be executed on the condition that the number of second special holds reaches 2.

- The presentation format of the ready-to-read performance may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the ready-to-read performance does not have to be a performance executed by the performance display device 12, and may be, for example, an audio performance executed by the speaker SP, a light-emitting performance executed by the decorative lamp LA, or a performance executed by a combination of these. Furthermore, the end condition of the ready-to-read performance may be changed as appropriate. For example, the ready-to-read performance may be ended when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the ready-to-read performance.

-It may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have a preparation completion effect.
The presentation mode of the left hit notification effect may be changed as appropriate. The left hit notification effect does not have to be an effect executed by the effect display device 12, and may be, for example, an audio effect executed by the speaker SP, a light emission effect executed by the decorative lamp LA, or an effect executed by a combination of these. There may be multiple types of presentation modes for the left hit notification effect. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may change the presentation mode of the left hit notification effect depending on the game situation. For example, the presentation mode of the left hit notification effect may be different between before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the left hit notification effect and after the time has elapsed.

- The left-hand hit notification effect does not have to be performed in a manner that directly encourages the game ball to enter the first ball entry port 14, but may be performed in a manner that indirectly encourages the game ball to enter the first ball entry port 14.

- The conditions for starting the left-hit notification effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the game is controlled to a low base state after the end of a jackpot game, the left-hit notification effect may be started regardless of whether the second special game is on hold.

- The condition for ending the left-hit notification effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the left-hit notification effect to end on the condition that a control command indicating that a specified sensor arranged in the left-side region R1a has detected a game ball has been input. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the left-hit notification effect to end if a first ball entry command indicating that a game ball has entered the first ball entry port 14 is input during the execution of the left-hit notification effect.

- The period during which the left hit notification effect is executed may be changed as appropriate. For example, the left hit notification effect may be executed throughout the entire period during which it is recommended to launch the game ball into the left side region R1a. In addition, the left hit notification effect may be executed throughout the entire period during which the game is controlled to a low base state.

・It may also be implemented in gaming machines that do not have a left-hit notification effect.
The notification mode of the right hit error notification may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the right hit error notification does not have to be executed by the performance display device 12, and may be executed by, for example, the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, or a combination of these. In addition, there may be multiple types of notification modes of the right hit error notification. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may change the notification mode of the right hit error notification depending on the game situation. For example, the notification mode of the right hit error notification may be changed depending on the number of times a right hit error occurs within a specified period.

- The conditions for starting the right-hit error notification may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may not execute the right-hit error notification until a predetermined time has elapsed since control to the low base state, even if the second ball entry command is input when the low base state is in effect and neither the second special game nor a winning game is being played.

- The conditions for terminating the right-hit error notification may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may not terminate the right-hit error notification even if the first ball entry command is input. The sub-control CPU 50a may also terminate the right-hit error notification on the condition that the first ball entry command is input multiple times while the right-hit error notification is being executed. The sub-control CPU 50a may also terminate the right-hit error notification on the condition that a control command indicating that a specified sensor arranged in the left region R1a other than the first start entry sensor SE1 in the first ball entry port 14 has detected a game ball is input.

- The conditions for determining a right-hit error may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the machine is controlled to a low base state and the second special game is not being played or a winning game is not being played, a right-hit error may be determined when the ball enters the first large prize opening 18, the second large prize opening 20, the gate 22, or the second regular prize opening 24.

- The right-hit error may be detected by the main control CPU 41a. In this case, the main control CPU 41a determines that a right-hit error has occurred when a game ball enters the second ball entrance 15 while the machine is being controlled to a low base state and the second special game is not being played or a winning game is not being played. The main control CPU 41a may then generate a right-hit error command indicating that a right-hit error has been detected and output it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

The winning probability of the normal winning lottery may be changed as appropriate. For example, even if the lottery is controlled to a low base state, the normal winning lottery may be made possible.
The opening mode of the first large winning opening 18 in a small winning game may be changed as appropriate. Also, the operation pattern of the distribution shutter 28 in a small winning game may be changed as appropriate. In this case, the probability that the game ball passes through the first passage 26a during a small winning game may be changed by changing the combination of the opening mode of the first large winning opening 18 in a small winning game and the operation pattern of the distribution shutter 28 in a small winning game according to the type of small winning. For example, the type of small winning may include a small winning in which the game ball cannot pass through the first passage 26a during a small winning game.

The manner in which the second large prize winning port 20 is opened during a big win game may be changed as appropriate. Also, the upper limit number of rounds during a big win game may be changed as appropriate.
When a jackpot game based on a predetermined jackpot is awarded, the game state after the jackpot game ends may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the end condition of the high base state when the high base state is awarded after the jackpot game based on a predetermined jackpot ends may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may end the high base state on the condition that the total number of times the first special game and the second special game are executed reaches the first number of times of operation (10 times in the embodiment example), while controlling not to end the high base state on the condition that the number of times the second special game is executed reaches the second number of times of operation (1 time in the embodiment example). In addition, when a small jackpot is won during the high base state, the sub-control CPU 50a may end the high base state on the condition that the small jackpot game based on the small jackpot ends. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may end the high base state on the condition that the small win game has ended, regardless of whether a big win game is awarded by the game ball passing through the first passage 26a during the small win game.

- The probability of winning the special prize lottery may be changed as appropriate. For example, it may be possible to win a small prize in the first special prize lottery. Also, it may be possible to win neither a big prize nor a small prize in the second special prize lottery. Also, the probability of winning a small prize in the first special prize lottery and the second special prize lottery may be the same.

- When the reservation conditions for the first special game and the reservation conditions for the second special game are met, the main control CPU 41a may execute the second special game in priority to the first special game, regardless of the order in which they were reserved. The main control CPU 41a may also be configured to be capable of controlling the execution of the first special game and the second special game in parallel.

- The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not predetermine the variable content of the second special game. Also, the present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine that predetermines the variable content of the first special game instead of or in addition to the variable content of the second special game.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine having two or more types of probability states. In other words, it may be embodied as a gaming machine having a probability variation function that varies the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination.

- It may be embodied in a gaming machine that provides a high probability state when a gaming ball is detected by a specific sensor. It may also be embodied in a gaming machine (so-called ST machine) that provides a high probability state up to the time when the number of times a special game is executed after a jackpot game ends reaches a predetermined number of times of special bonuses. It may also be embodied in a gaming machine (so-called fall machine) that provides a high probability state up to the time when a predetermined fall lottery is won after a jackpot game ends.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine having three or more types of base states as the base state.
The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine having a setting function for changing the probability of a jackpot by setting one of a number of settings that determine the probability of a jackpot.

- The sub-control board 50 may be a sub-general control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 12, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a lamp control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA may be provided separately from the sub-control board 50. Also, some or all of the display control board, audio control board, and lamp control board may be the same board. Also, the sub-control CPU 50a may be composed of multiple CPUs implemented on a single board.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. The functions of the main control board 40 may also be realized by dividing them into multiple boards. The main control CPU 41a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

- The type of jackpot may be changed as appropriate. For example, some or all of the following may be changed: the maximum number of rounds in a jackpot game, the opening time of the jackpot opening, and the number of times the jackpot opening is opened.

The present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that does not execute a special game. In this case, it is preferable that the special symbol is displayed on the effect display device 12.
The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.

(i) The specified number is the maximum number of the specific variable games that can be put on hold.

LA...Decorative lamp R1...First path R1a...Left side area R2...Second path R2a...Right side area SP...Speaker YB...Game board YBa...Game area 10...Pachinko game machine 12...Performance display device (Performance execution means) 14...First ball entry port (Detection means) 15...Second ball entry port (Specific ball entry means) 16...First variable member (Opening/closing member) 40...Main control board 41...Microprocessor 41a...Main control CPU (Means for providing improved ball entry rate state, Hold control means, Advance judgment means) 41b...Main control ROM 41c...Main control RWM 50...Sub-control board 50a...Sub-control CPU (Performance control means) 50b...Sub-control ROM 50c...Sub-control RWM 110...First ball entry promotion image 120...Second ball entry promotion image 130...3rd ball entry promotion image 200...Right hit image 300...Ready image 400...Suggestion image 500...Launch promotion image 600...Error image

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of suspending execution of a variable game and starting the suspended variable game when a starting condition is met,
A game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down;
A first ball entry means through which a game ball can enter;
A second ball entry means having an opening and closing member into which the game ball can enter and which can be in an open state or a closed state;
A third ball entry means through which the game ball can enter;
A reservation control means capable of controlling the reservation of a special variation game when a game ball enters the first ball entry means, and capable of controlling the reservation of a specific variation game different from the special variation game when a game ball enters the second ball entry means;
A state control means capable of controlling to provide a second gaming state in which the specific variable game is more likely to be executed than a first gaming state;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means,
The game area includes a first game area in which the first ball entry means and the third ball entry means are arranged, and a second game area in which the second ball entry means is arranged,
The performance control means includes:
Control to execute a ball entry promotion effect for encouraging a game ball to enter the second ball entry means during the second game state;
A control for executing a specific performance when a prescribed number of the specific variable games are reserved during the execution of the ball entry promotion performance;
Control for executing a special performance after the end of the ball-entering promotion performance;
and executing a special launch promotion effect that promotes the launch of game balls into the first ball entry means.
The specific effect is an effect indicating that the specified number of the specific variable games are reserved,
The ball entry promotion performance can be executed in different performance modes depending on whether or not the specific variable game of the specified number or more is reserved,
The special launch promotion performance is
It is executable during at least a part of the period during the first gaming state,
Even if the second gaming state is ended, the specific variable game is not executed while the specific variable game is being executed,
The performance control means is capable of controlling to end the special launch promotion performance when a game ball enters the third ball entry means,
The special effects include a first effect and a second effect,
When a predetermined number of the specific variable games are reserved before the ball entry promotion performance ends, either the first performance content or the second performance content is determined as the performance content of the special performance according to the variable content of the reserved specific variable games,
The gaming machine is characterized in that , if the predetermined number of the specific variable games are not put on hold before the ball-entry promotion performance ends, the second performance content is determined as the performance content of the special performance . A gaming machine capable of suspending execution of a variable game and starting the suspended variable game when a starting condition is met, and in which a winning game is awarded after a winning result is displayed in the variable game,
A game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down;
A first ball entry means through which a game ball can enter;
A second ball entry means having an opening and closing member into which the game ball can enter and which can be in an open state or a closed state;
A third ball entry means through which the game ball can enter;
A reservation control means capable of controlling the reservation of a special variation game when a game ball enters the first ball entry means, and capable of controlling the reservation of a specific variation game different from the special variation game when a game ball enters the second ball entry means;
A state control means capable of controlling to provide a second gaming state in which the specific variable game is more likely to be executed than a first gaming state;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means,
The game area includes a first game area in which the first ball entry means and the third ball entry means are arranged, and a second game area in which the second ball entry means is arranged,
The performance control means includes:
Control to execute a ball entry promotion effect for encouraging a game ball to enter the second ball entry means during the second game state;
A control for executing a specific performance when a prescribed number of the specific variable games are reserved during the execution of the ball entry promotion performance;
Control for executing a special performance after the end of the ball-entering promotion performance;
It is possible to control the execution of notification of a specific error,
The specific effect is an effect indicating that the specified number of the specific variable games are reserved,
The ball entry promotion performance can be executed in different performance modes depending on whether or not the specific variable game of the specified number or more is reserved,
The notification of the specific error is
In the first gaming state, when neither the specific variable game nor the winning game is being played, the game can be executed in response to a game ball entering the second ball entry means,
Even when neither the specific variable game nor the winning game is being played, the game is not played until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the game is controlled to the first gaming state,
The presentation control means is capable of controlling to terminate the notification of the specific error when a game ball enters the third ball entry means,
The special effects include a first effect and a second effect,
When a predetermined number of the specific variable games are reserved before the ball entry promotion performance ends, either the first performance content or the second performance content is determined as the performance content of the special performance according to the variable content of the reserved specific variable games,
The gaming machine is characterized in that , if the predetermined number of the specific variable games are not put on hold before the ball-entry promotion performance ends, the second performance content is determined as the performance content of the special performance .