JP7785397B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines capable of executing an effect (image displacement effect) in which an image appears to be shifted relative to the display area are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2019-115463 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can execute easy-to-understand image displacement effects.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been developed to solve the above problems, is characterized by comprising: a display device having a display area; effect execution means for executing an image displacement effect in which a reference state in which a reference image is displayed in the display area changes to a displaced state in which the reference image is displayed as if displaced relative to the display area; and background music control means for changing the output background music from normal background music to specific background music when the change from the reference state to the displaced state occurs.

The gaming machine of the present invention is capable of executing easy-to-understand image displacement effects.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining game specifications (a) and an operation unit (b). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specification image. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation guide image. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining cyclic switching. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining non-circular switching. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a normal state and a specific state; 10A is a diagram illustrating a change in the specification image when the operation unit is operated in a normal state, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a change in the specification image when the operation unit is operated in a specific state. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific examples 1-1 and 1-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an OFF mode, a partial auto mode, and a full auto mode. A diagram to explain the first operation request presentation (a) and the second operation request presentation (b). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a hidden game specification change function. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-6. 1A is a diagram showing a special effect, FIG. 1B is a diagram explaining normal mode and special mode, and FIG. 1C is a diagram explaining the mode determination lottery. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific examples 4-2 and 4-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-6. A diagram showing an example of a specific pre-reading effect. This is a diagram (continuation of Figure 26) showing an example of a specific pre-reading effect. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing, in chronological order, the changes in the music to be output in relation to the specific pre-reading effects shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an image displacement effect. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-1. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-1 (continuation of FIG. 34). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-2. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-3. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-4. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-5. FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining the accompanying image, and FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining the state of the reserved pattern. This is a diagram to explain the hold change effect (an example in which the target hold pattern is a changing hold pattern). This is a diagram (continuation of Figure 41) to explain the hold change effect (an example in which the target hold pattern is a changing hold pattern). A diagram to explain the hold change effect (an example in which the target hold pattern is the hold pattern before change). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-3. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-4. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-6. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-7.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine One embodiment of the gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to Figure 1. Note that in the following description, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of approximately square plywood, and is provided with a guide rail 903 that is approximately arc-shaped and forms a path that guides gaming balls launched by operating the launching device 908 (launching handle) into the playing area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting area 904, a big win area 906, an outlet, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion that can be seen through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The game area 902 is also provided with multiple game pins that act as obstacles that change the way game balls flow down when they collide with them. Game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pins.

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

The frame of the gaming machine 1, the lower tray and upper tray for storing gaming balls, etc. can be similar in structure to known gaming machines, so a description will be omitted.

2) Win/lose lottery, etc. The lottery for the jackpot is executed by a win/lose lottery means, which is a circuit constructed on a control board (main control board) not shown, when a gaming ball enters the start area 904. In this embodiment, the start area 904 is provided with a first start area 904a (the so-called "special chart 1" start area) and a second start area 904b (the so-called "special chart 2" start area). When a gaming ball enters the start area 904, a number (win/lose lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined jackpot number, it is a jackpot, and if it is different, it is a loss. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a "small win" is set in addition to a "jackpot" as a type of "win."

In this embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the player is notified of the winning/losing lottery result based on the combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative symbol groups 80g (left decorative symbol group 80gL, center decorative symbol group 80gC, right decorative symbol group 80gR), which include multiple types of decorative symbols 80, begin to fluctuate, and eventually one decorative symbol 80 is selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stops. If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative symbols 80 selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stopped will be a predetermined combination (e.g., three identical decorative symbols 80). If a loss occurs, the combination will be something other than the combination that results in a jackpot. The decorative symbols 80 may be a combination of numbers, characters, etc. In the following explanation, the effect from when the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) begins to change until it stops at the combination that indicates the result of the lottery will be referred to as the effect during change (sometimes simply referred to as "change").

In this embodiment, the in-change performance for the corresponding win/loss lottery results is started (the change starts) in the order in which the win/loss lottery information is acquired, but if there is win/loss lottery information for which the notification of the win/loss lottery result has not yet been completed, the newly acquired win/loss lottery information is stored in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown). In the following explanation, among the win/loss lottery information, the win/loss lottery information for which the corresponding in-change performance has started but the notification of the win/loss lottery result has not yet been completed (the in-change performance has not yet ended) is sometimes referred to as in-change pending information (the in-change pending information is equivalent to the so-called "in-change pending"), and the information for which the corresponding in-change performance has not yet started is sometimes referred to as pre-change pending information.

The number of pre-change pending information that can be stored in the storage means (reservation limit number) can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the maximum number is four for each of the first pre-change pending information acquired when a gaming ball enters the first start area 904a and the second pre-change pending information acquired when a gaming ball enters the second start area 904b. Also, in this embodiment, when the notification of the win/lose lottery result for a certain during-change pending information is completed (when the so-called "sustained change pending" is consumed), if both the first pre-change pending information and the second pre-change pending information are stored in the storage means, the during-change effect (notification of the win/lose lottery result) corresponding to the second pre-change pending information is executed preferentially. In other words, this is what is known as "special chart 2 priority consumption."

The fact that pending information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a pending symbol 10. In other words, the pending symbol 10 indicates the presence of winning/losing lottery information for which the corresponding winning/losing lottery result has not yet been notified. In this embodiment, the pending symbols 10 displayed in the display area 911 are a pending symbol 11 during change, which indicates the presence of pending information during change, and a pending symbol 12 before change, which indicates the presence of pending information before change. Only one pending symbol 11 is displayed, and up to four pending symbols 12 before change are displayed (note that the "consumption order" of the pending symbols 12 is faster the closer they are to the pending symbol 11 during change). The pre-change reserved pattern 12 is configured so that when the game ball is to be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a (normal game state described below), the first pre-change reserved information (special pattern 1 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12, and when the game ball is to be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b (special game state described below), the second pre-change reserved information (special pattern 2 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12. Regardless of the game state, the pre-change reserved pattern 12 corresponding to both the first pre-change reserved information and the second pre-change reserved information stored in the storage means may be displayed (a maximum of eight pre-change reserved patterns 12 may be displayed).

In this embodiment, a normal game state and a special game state are set as game states related to the win/lose lottery. The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a low-base state (low probability, no time reduction) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. A first special game state and a second special game state are set as special game states. The first special game state is a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high, and is a high-base state (high probability, time reduction) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. The second special game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a high-base state (low probability, time reduction) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. In the normal game state, the player fires the game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, this is called a "left hit." In the special game state, the player fires the game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, this is called a "right hit." In the special game state, the game ball is more likely to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b, which is triggered by the game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second starting area 904b. Note that any setting for transitioning between game states may be used, so an explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, the game state settings (specifications) described above are merely an example.

3) Specification Change Function 3-1) Game Specifications The gaming machine according to this embodiment is equipped with a specification change function that allows the player to change the game specifications. There are multiple types of changeable game specifications. In this embodiment, it is possible to change the game specifications (see FIG. 3(a)) related to "volume,""lightintensity,""music,""premium(effect)," and "auto button." Other game specifications may be changeable, or some game specifications may not be changeable.

"Volume" is a specification regarding the volume of the sound (such as sound effects) output from the speaker 79. In this embodiment, the output volume can be adjusted in 10 steps (from volume 1 (minimum) to volume 10 (maximum)).

"Light intensity" is a specification related to the output level of the light emitters (LEDs, etc.) installed in the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the output level can be adjusted in five stages (ranging from light intensity 1 (minimum) to light intensity 5 (maximum)).

"Music" is a specification regarding the type of music that will be output as normal background music (BGM). Note that normal background music is output normally, and will not be output when special conditions are met (details will be described later). In this embodiment, you can set your favorite music from five types, Music A to Music E, as the normal background music.

The "auto button" is a specification related to the automatic operation function. Details will be given later, but the automatic operation function is a function that, in an operation request presentation in which the player is prompted to operate the presentation button 25 (a type of operation means different from the operation unit 20, which will be described later), reflects in the presentation the virtual operation, even if no actual operation is performed. In this embodiment, three modes for the automatic operation function are set: "OFF mode" (automatic operation OFF mode), "partial auto mode" (partial automatic operation mode), and "full auto mode" (full automatic operation mode). Details of each mode will be given later.

"Premium" is a specification that relates to the likelihood (probability) of a premium effect (a jackpot confirmation effect) occurring during a variation effect. A premium effect can occur as part of a variation effect (jackpot variation) that ultimately results in a jackpot being announced, and the probability of a premium effect occurring during that jackpot variation can be changed. In this embodiment, there are two modes related to "premium": "normal mode," in which the probability of a premium effect occurring is normal (default), and "premium up mode," in which the probability is higher than in normal mode.

3-2) Operation Unit An operation unit 20 (see Figures 1 and 3(b)), which is a type of operation means that can be operated by a player, is provided at the front of the cabinet of the gaming machine (on the top surface of the "upper tray"). In addition to the operation unit 20, the gaming machine of this embodiment is also provided with an effect button 25 (a so-called chance button) as an operation means for prompting the player to perform an operation when an operation request effect occurs. An operation means other than the effect button 25 may be provided as this type of operation means for effect. Furthermore, the operation unit 20 may also be used as an operation means for effect.

When changing game specifications, the player operates the operation unit 20. The operation unit 20 has a selection operation section 21 and a change operation section 22 (see FIG. 3(b)). In this embodiment, the operation unit 20 is a so-called cross key, with the upper (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "upper") and lower (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "lower") sections of the cross key corresponding to the selection operation section 21, and the right (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "right") and left (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "left") sections corresponding to the change operation section 22. Hereinafter, the upper section of the cross key will be referred to as the first selection operation section 211, the lower section as the second selection operation section 212, the right section as the first change operation section 221, and the left section as the second change operation section 222. Note that in this embodiment, the operation unit 20 is configured such that the first selection operation section 211, the second selection operation section 212, the first change operation section 221, and the second change operation section 222 are integrated, but these may also be provided separately.

When viewing the operation unit 20 from the front, the selection operation unit 21 is provided along the vertical direction, and the change operation unit 22 is provided along the horizontal direction that intersects the vertical direction (see Figure 3(b)). The positional relationship between the selection operation unit 21 and the change operation unit 22 may be reversed. In other words, it is sufficient that one of the selection operation unit 21 and the change operation unit 22 is provided along a predetermined direction and the other is provided along a direction that intersects the predetermined direction, and no part that serves as both the selection operation unit 21 and the change operation unit 22 (a part that can perform both selection and change operations) is provided.

The selection operation unit 21 is a section for performing selection operations. The selection operation is an operation for selecting a game specification (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a target game specification) whose state is to be changed by operating the change operation unit 22 (details will be described later). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned multiple game specifications are provided as changeable game specifications, and one of the multiple game specifications is designated as a target game specification, and the others are designated as non-target game specifications.

The change operation unit 22 is a part for performing change operations to change the target game specifications to a desired state. The change operation changes the state of the target game specifications, but does not change the state of non-target game specifications. If you wish to change a game specification that is currently a non-target game specification, you must first change that game specification to the target game specification and then perform the change operation. In other words, a target game specification whose state changes when you currently operate the change operation unit 22 is an "active item," and a non-target game specification whose state does not change when you currently operate the change operation unit 22 is a "non-active item."

3-3) Changeable State A state in which the game specifications (target game specifications) can be changed is referred to as a changeable state. In this embodiment, the changeable state is set even while the variable effect is being executed. While there are known configurations in which changes cannot be made depending on the effect being executed (for example, changes cannot be made while a specified reach effect is being executed), in this embodiment, the game specifications (target game specifications) can be changed regardless of the effect being executed in the variable effect. In other words, the game specifications (target game specifications) can be changed in any state as long as the variable effect is being executed.

However, it may also be possible to prevent changes while a variable effect is being executed and a specified prohibition condition is met. For example, while an operation request effect that requires operation of the effect button 25 is being executed, it is possible that a player may accidentally operate the operation unit 20, so the game specifications may be set to be unchangeable.

In this embodiment, it is possible to change the game specifications (target game specifications) not only when the variable effect is being executed, but also when the variable effect is not being executed (when there is no win/lose lottery information at all). It is also possible to change the game specifications (target game specifications) during a jackpot game.

In addition, an unchangeable state (a state that is not changeable) in which the game specifications (target game specifications) cannot be changed may be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, after the end of a jackpot game, the corporate mark and a warning not to forget to remove the IC card are displayed (these displays are well known and will not be explained here), and the unchangeable state is set while these displays are displayed.

3-4) Specification images (operation assistance images)
When in the changeable state, a specification image 30 (see FIG. 4) is displayed in the display area 911. The specification image 30 includes information related to game specifications. The specification image 30 is divided into a basic mode and an emphasis mode, which is a mode that stands out more than the basic mode. In the following description, the specification image 30 in the basic mode may be referred to as a basic image 31 (see FIG. 4(a)), and the specification image 30 in the emphasis mode may be referred to as an operation guide image 32 (see FIG. 4(b)). Specific modes of the basic image 31 and operation guide image 32 in this embodiment are as follows (the operation guide image 32 will be described first).

3-4-1) Operation guide image (special image of emphasis mode)
The operation guide image 32 (see FIG. 4(b)) is an image (image serving as a manual) that helps the player in performing selection operations and change operations. The operation guide image 32 includes at least a target display section 30a, a status display section 30b, a post-change display section 30c, and a next item display section 30d.

The target display section 30a is the section that shows the currently target game specification. In other words, it shows one of several game specifications. For example, if "volume" is set as the target game specification, the target display section 30a will include the word "volume" (it is permissible to replace it with another word (expression), such as "volume," that the player will understand to be equivalent to "volume." The same applies to other game specifications). In other words, the target display section 30a can be said to show the currently active item.

The status display section 30b shows the current status of the target game specification (active item). If the target game specification is "volume," a number indicating the current output level (level) is displayed in the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "light intensity," a number indicating the output level (level) is also displayed in the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "music," the name of the currently set song is displayed in the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "auto button," the name of the currently set mode (e.g., characters indicating either "off mode," "partial auto mode," or "full auto mode") is displayed in the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "premium," the name of the currently set mode (e.g., characters indicating either "normal mode" or "premium up mode") is displayed in the status display section 30b.

The post-change display section 30c shows what the state of the target game specification would be if the change operation section 22 were operated. In this embodiment, a first post-change display section 301c and a second post-change display section 302c are provided as the post-change display section 30c. A predetermined order (ascending order (Xm direction shown in FIG. 3(a)) or descending order (Xh direction shown in FIG. 3(a))) is set for the state of each game specification. When the first change operation section 221 is operated (operation in the Xm direction), the state changes in ascending order (changes to the next state). When the second change operation section 222 is operated (operation in the Xh direction), the state changes in descending order (changes to the previous state). The first post-change display section 301c shows the state that would be displayed if the first change operation section 221 were operated. The second post-change display section 302c shows the state that would be displayed if the second change operation section 222 were operated.

When the target game specification is "volume" and the status display unit 30b is set to "4," for example, the first post-change display unit 301c shows "5" and the second post-change display unit 302c shows "3" (see FIG. 4(b)). In other words, the first post-change display unit 301c shows the next "level," and the second post-change display unit 302c shows the previous "level." The same applies to "light intensity," although not shown. If the status is represented by such "levels" (numbers), the first post-change display unit 301c may show the character "+" (plus) and the second post-change display unit 302c may show the character "-" (minus). (In this embodiment, "+" and "-" are displayed in the reference image 60, described in detail below.) In other words, the post-change display unit 30c may show how the current status will change when the change operation unit 22 is operated.

When the target game specification is "Music" and, for example, the status display unit 30b is set to "Music B" (B), the first changed display unit 301c shows "Music C" (C), and the second changed display unit 302c shows "Music A" (A) (see FIG. 5(a)). The predetermined order for "Music" is A, B, C, D, E (ascending order) (see FIG. 3(a)). When the target game specification is "Auto Button" and, for example, the status display unit 30b is set to "Partial Auto Mode," the first changed display unit 301c shows "Full Auto Mode," and the second changed display unit 302c shows "Off Mode" (see FIG. 5(b)). The predetermined order for "Auto Button" is "Off Mode," "Partial Auto Mode," and "Full Auto Mode" (ascending order) (see FIG. 3(a)).

When the target game specification is "Premium" and the status display unit 30b is in "Normal Mode," for example, "Premium Up Mode" is displayed as the first post-change display unit 301c (see FIG. 5(c-1)). When the status display unit 30b is in "Premium Up Mode," "Normal Mode" is displayed as the second post-change display unit 302c (see FIG. 5(c-2)). The predetermined order (ascending order) for "Premium" is "Normal Mode" followed by "Premium Up Mode" (see FIG. 3(a)). Since only two types of specifications can be set for the "Premium" game specification, there is no next order in "ascending" or "descending" order. Therefore, only one of the first post-change display unit 301c and the second post-change display unit 302c is displayed, and the other is not displayed.

In addition, the target display unit 30a and the status display unit 30b do not have to be provided separately, but may be provided as an integrated unit (one). In other words, one display unit serves as both the target display unit 30a and the status display unit 30b. For example, if the target game specification is "Premium" and "Premium Up Mode" is set, the display of "Premium Up Mode" indicating the current status will indicate that the target game specification is "Premium (probability of effect occurrence)," so the display of "Premium Up Mode" may serve as both the target display unit 30a and the status display unit 30b (see Figure 5 (c-2)).

As described above, the state displayed in the state display unit 30b changes when the change operation unit 22 is operated. However, when the first change operation unit 221 or the second change operation unit 222 is operated while the first or last state in the "predetermined order" (the leftmost state and the rightmost state in the Xm/Xh directions shown in FIG. 3(a)) is displayed, the setting may be such that "cyclical switching" occurs based on the "predetermined order," or that "cyclical switching" does not occur ("non-cyclical switching"). In this embodiment, "music" and "auto button" are set to "cyclical switching," while "volume" and "light intensity" are set to "non-cyclical switching."

For example, when "Music" is the target game specification and the status display unit 30b is set to "Music A" (A), the first post-change display unit 301c shows "Music B" (B), and the second post-change display unit 302c shows "Music E" (E) (see FIG. 6(a)). In other words, because song A is the first song in the "predetermined order," there is no song immediately before it. However, when the second change operation unit 222 is operated, the song switches to "Music E," which is the last song in the order (the status display unit 30b becomes "Music E") (see FIG. 6(b)). Similarly, although not shown, when the status display unit 30b is set to "Music E" (E), the first post-change display unit 301c shows "Music A" (A), and the second post-change display unit 302c shows "Music D" (D), and when the first change operation unit 221 is operated in this state, the song switches to "Music A." In this way, even if there is no equivalent to "next order" or "previous order," the state of the target game specifications is set to "circulate" and switch. Accordingly, the first post-change display section 301c and the second post-change display section 302c are displayed. The same applies to the "auto button."

In contrast, for example, when "volume" is the target game specification and the status display unit 30b is set to "volume 1" (lowest output), the first post-change display unit 301c shows "volume 2," but nothing is displayed in the second post-change display unit 302c (it is also possible to assume that the second post-change display unit 302c does not exist) (see FIG. 7(a)). Even if the second change operation unit 222 is operated in this state, the volume does not change (the operation guide image 32 does not change) (see FIG. 7(b)). Although not shown, when the status display unit 30b is set to "volume 10" (highest output), the second post-change display unit 302c shows "volume 9," but nothing is displayed in the first post-change display unit 301c. Even if the second change operation unit 222 is operated in this state, the volume does not change (the operation guide image 32 does not change). The light intensity is similarly controlled when the status display unit 30b shows "light intensity 1" (lowest output) or "light intensity 5" (highest output). It is not desirable for volume or light intensity to suddenly change from minimum to maximum output, as a large change in output could startle the player. Therefore, volume and light intensity are designated as "non-cyclical switching."

The next item display unit 30d indicates the type of game specification that will be the next target game specification when the selection operation unit 21 is operated. In this embodiment, a first item display unit 301d and a second item display unit 302d are provided as the next item display unit 30d. The multiple candidate game specifications (in this embodiment, five types: "volume," "light intensity," "music," "premium," and "auto button") are assigned a predetermined order (ascending order (Yu direction shown in Figure 3(a)) or descending order (Ys direction shown in Figure 3(a))). When the first selection operation unit 211 is operated (operation in the Yu direction), the target game specification changes in ascending order (the game specification immediately following the current target game specification becomes the target game specification). When the second selection operation unit 212 is operated (operation in the Ys direction), the target game specification changes in descending order (the game specification immediately preceding the current target game specification becomes the target game specification). In other words, the primary item display unit 301d shows the game specifications that would be the target game specifications if the first selection operation unit 211 were operated. The secondary item display unit 302d shows the game specifications that would be the target game specifications if the second selection operation unit 212 were operated.

When the selection operation unit 21 is operated, the type of game specification that is the target game specification is switched using the "cyclical switching" described above. For example, if the first selection operation unit 211 is operated continuously when the target game specification is "volume," the target game specification will change as follows: "Premium" → "Auto button" → "Music" → "Light intensity" → "Volume" → "Premium"...

The display format of each display section may be changed, shortened, omitted, replaced with an image, etc., to the extent that it is understandable to the player (the same applies to the basic image 31, which will be explained in detail below). For example, the displays representing "partial auto mode" and "full auto mode" may be shortened to "partial auto" and "full auto" (see Figure 5(b)). Also, the display representing "OFF mode" may be more easily understood, such as "auto off" (see Figure 5(b)). Also, although not shown, the display representing "music" may be replaced with an image of musical notes, for example.

3-4-2) Basic image (specification image of basic configuration)
The basic image 31 (see FIG. 4(a)) is an image that is less noticeable than the operation guide image 32. Specifically, it is an image that is smaller than the operation guide image 32 (the size of the area that the basic image 31 occupies in the entire display area 911 is smaller than that of the operation guide image 32 (see FIG. 4)). The basic image 31 includes at least the target display portion 30a. In other words, it includes characters that represent the target game specification. For example, if the target game specification is "volume," the basic image 31 including the characters "volume" is displayed.

The basic image 31 may include parts other than the target display section 30a. However, the basic image 31 does not include at least one of the status display section 30b, the changed display section 30c, and the next item display section 30d that the operation guide image 32 includes. In other words, the operation guide image 32 includes four types of display sections including the target display section 30a, while the basic image 31 includes fewer types of display sections including the target display section 30a. In this way, the basic image 31 includes fewer display sections than the operation guide image 32, and therefore it can be said that the basic image 31 can be made smaller than the operation guide image 32.

In this embodiment, the basic image 31 does not include the status display section 30b. The status display section 30b indicates the current state of the target game specifications, and unless the player wishes to change the game specifications, there is little need to display the current state (most players are satisfied with the current state), so the status display section 30b is not displayed. Since the difference between the operation guide image 32 and the basic image 31 is at least whether or not the status display section 30b is included, the basic image 31 can be made smaller than the operation guide image 32.

In this embodiment, the basic image 31 includes not only the target display section 30a but also the changed display section 30c (first changed display section 301c and second changed display section 302c) (see FIG. 4(a)). Therefore, a player viewing the basic image 31 can at least understand that the state of the target game specification represented by the target display section 30a can be changed by operating the change operation section 22 (first change operation section 221, second change operation section 222). In other words, the basic image 31 in this embodiment includes display sections related to the target game specification (target display section 30a, changed display section 30c), but does not include a display section related to other game specifications (non-target game specifications) (next item display section 30d). However, the basic image 31 in this embodiment does include a portion (a roughly triangular portion representing an up or down arrow) indicating that some change will occur by operating the "up" or "down" buttons on the operation unit 20. This allows the player to sense that some kind of change will occur when operating the selection operation unit 21 (up or down on the directional pad) even when the basic image 31 is displayed.

In this embodiment, the post-change display section 30c of the basic image 31 is displayed as "+" (first post-change display section 301c) or "-" (second post-change display section 302c) when the target game specification is "volume" or "light intensity" (see FIG. 4(a)). When the target game specification is anything other than this, it is displayed as "→" (first post-change display section 301c) or "←" (second post-change display section 302c) (see FIG. 9(a-1)). In other words, a "symbol" indicating that the state of the target game specification will change as a result of operation of the change operation section 22 is displayed as the change display section. Because the basic image 31 is smaller than the operation guide image 32, the display indicating that the state of the target game specification will change as a result of the change operation is replaced with a "symbol." Based on this same concept, the basic image 31 may include, for example, a primary item display section 301d of "↑" and a secondary item display section 302d of "↓."

3-4-3) Control of specification images (basic image, operation guide image) As mentioned above, it is possible to change the game specifications even while the variable effect is being executed (during the variable effect). In order to show the player that it is possible to change the game specifications even while the variable effect is being executed, the specification image 30 is usually displayed even while the variable effect is being executed (see FIG. 8(a)). Specifically, it is as follows.

Regarding the control of whether the specification image 30 is displayed or hidden, the effects during the change are divided into a normal state and a special state. Note that the "state" of normal state and special state mentioned here does not refer to the state related to the probability of winning or losing the lottery. It simply refers to the "state" that is divided for the purpose of controlling the specification image 30 (this state is a different concept from the normal game state and special game state described above).

In this embodiment, a specific effect may occur as part of the during-variation effect (a during-variation effect without a specific effect may also occur). In the during-variation effect, a state in which a specific effect is not being executed is referred to as the normal state, and a state in which a specific effect is being executed is referred to as the specific state. The specific effect is a "reach effect." A reach effect is an effect that occurs when two of the three decorative patterns 80 that make up the combination indicating the result of the win/loss lottery are the same type (a reach is established), and the outcome of the effect is in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/loss lottery (a successful outcome if the result of the win/loss lottery is a win, and a failed outcome if the result is a miss). It can also be said that the outcome of the effect indicates the result of the win/loss lottery. For example, a so-called "battle effect" in which an ally (player's side) character and an enemy character fight, with a victory for the ally character being set as a successful outcome and a defeat for the ally character being set as a failed outcome, could be set as a specific effect. A successful outcome of a reach effect includes a situation where it initially appears to have reached a failed outcome (a miss) but in fact turns out to be a win (a so-called reversal (resurrection) situation). When a specific effect occurs during a variable effect, the probability that the result of the lottery will be a jackpot (jackpot reliability) is higher than when it does not occur, so the occurrence of a specific effect can be said to be a welcome event for players.

The specification image 30 is displayed in the normal state (when no special effect is being executed) (see Figure 8(a)), but is not displayed in the special state (when a special effect is being executed) unless the display conditions described below are met. In other words, in the special state, the specification image 30 is not generally displayed (see Figure 8(b)). The special effect is an effect that draws the player's attention, as its occurrence can be expected to lead to a jackpot. Therefore, by displaying the specification image 30 while the special effect is being executed, the video displayed as the special effect is prevented from being obstructed (overwhelmed) by the specification image 30.

In this embodiment, the specific effect is not executed from the beginning of the during-variation effect (the specific effect does not start at the same time as the start of the during-variation effect). Therefore, even in a variation in which a specific effect occurs, the beginning of the during-variation effect is in the normal state, with the specification image 30 displayed. In other words, there is no during-variation effect in which the specification image 30 is not displayed at all (a during-variation effect that remains in the specific state from start to finish). Therefore, with each variation, the player can know from the specification image 30 displayed in the display area 911 that they can change the game specifications.

In the normal state, the specification image 30 is basically in the basic mode (see Figure 9 (a-1)). That is, a basic image 31 is displayed as the specification image 30. When the operation unit 20 is operated while the basic image 31 is displayed (this may be the first selection operation unit 211, the second selection operation unit 212, the first change operation unit 221, or the second change operation unit 222), this triggers a change of the basic image 31 to the operation assistance image 32 (see Figure 9 (a-2)). In other words, the operation of the operation unit 20 triggers a change of the specification image 30 from the basic mode to the emphasized mode. Even in the normal state, it is desirable to prevent the specification image 30 from obstructing (overwhelming) the displayed visual effects. Therefore, in the normal state, a specification image 30 (basic image 31) in the basic mode, which is a smaller (less noticeable) mode, is displayed. On the other hand, when the operation unit 20 is operated, it is assumed that the player wishes to change the game specifications (select a target game specification or change the status of the target game specification), and an emphasized specification image 30 (operation guide image 32) is displayed, and the player's change operation is supported by the operation guide image 32.

Even when a specific state is in effect, the specification image 30 is displayed when the display conditions are met. In other words, unless the display conditions are met, the specification image 30 will not be displayed when a specific state is in effect. In this embodiment, the display conditions are met when the operation unit 20 is operated. In other words, even when a specific state is in effect and the specification image 30 is not displayed (see FIG. 9(b-1)), when the operation unit 20 is operated, the specification image 30 is displayed, assuming that the player wishes to change the game specifications (select a target game specification or change the state of the target game specification). (Until such a change in game specifications is desired, there is no need to prevent the specification image 30 from interfering with the video of the specific effect) (see FIG. 9(b-2)). Note that in this embodiment, the display conditions are met regardless of whether the first selection operation unit 211, the second selection operation unit 212, the first change operation unit 221, or the second change operation unit 222 is operated. However, it is also possible to set it so that the display condition is met when one of the selection operation unit 21 and the change operation unit 22 is operated, but not when the other is operated. For example, it may be assumed that there is no need to change the type of game specification that is the target game specification while a specific effect is being played, and so it is possible to set it so that the display condition is met when the selection operation unit 21 is operated, but not when the change operation unit 22 is operated.

In this embodiment, when the display conditions are met in a specific state, a highlighted specification image 30, i.e., an operation guide image 32, is displayed (see Figure 9 (b-2)). The display of the specification image 30 in a specific state means that the player wishes to change the game specifications (select a target game specification or change the status of the target game specification), so an operation guide image 32 is displayed to support this.

As described above, in this embodiment, when operation of the operation unit 20 is detected in the normal state, the specification image 30 changes from the basic state (basic image 31) to the highlighted state (operation guide image 32). When operation of the operation unit 20 is detected in the specific state (when the display condition is met), the highlighted specification image 30 (operation guide image 32) is displayed. In other words, when a player operates the operation unit 20 in order to change the game specifications (select a target game specification or change the state of the target game specification), the highlighted specification image 30 (operation guide image 32) is displayed regardless of whether the state is normal or specific.

However, unlike this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the basic specification image 30, i.e., the basic image 31, is displayed when the display conditions are met in a specific state. In a specific state, an image of a specific effect is displayed in the display area 911, so in order to prevent the image from being obstructed, a smaller basic image 31 may be displayed instead of the operation guide image 32. Note that in such a configuration, the target game specification may be set to not be changeable. The basic image 31 in this embodiment includes display areas related to the target game specification (target display area 30a, changed display area 30c), but does not include a display area related to other game specifications (non-target game specifications) (next item display area 30d). Therefore, the target game specification may be set to not be changeable (operations of the change operation unit 22 are not accepted).

Operations of the operation unit 20 that trigger a change in the specification image 30 from the basic state (basic image 31) to the highlighted state (operation guide image 32) in the normal state, and operations of the operation unit 20 that trigger the display of the highlighted specification image 30 (operation guide image 32) in a specific state, do not result in a change in the game specification that becomes the target game specification (selection operation) or a change in the state of the target game specification (change operation). In other words, in this embodiment, operations of the operation unit 20 (including both operations of the selection operation unit 21 and the change operation unit 22) at a stage before the operation guide image 32 is displayed are treated as triggers for the display of the operation guide image 32 and are not reflected as changes such as those described above. In other words, operations of the operation unit 20 while the operation guide image 32 is displayed are reflected as changes.

3-5) Changing Game Specifications The method for changing game specifications (selecting a target game specification or changing the state of the target game specification) will now be explained, although some of the explanation overlaps with the above. As described above, regardless of whether the game is in the normal state or a specific state, when an operation of the operation unit 20 is detected, this triggers the display of the operation guide image 32. The player performs the change operation while looking at the operation guide image 32.

To change the type of game specification that is the target game specification (to perform a selection operation), operate the selection operation unit 21. When the first selection operation unit 211 is operated, the type of game specification that is the target game specification changes in "ascending order" (Yu direction shown in Figure 3(a)), and when the second selection operation unit 212 is operated, the type of game specification that is the target game specification changes in "descending order" (Ys direction shown in Figure 3(a)). The selection operation ends when the game specification whose state you want to change is displayed in the target display unit 30a of the operation guide image 32.

Once the game specification whose state you wish to change is set as the target game specification, you operate the change operation unit 22 to change the state of the target game specification (perform a change operation). When you operate the first change operation unit 221, the state of the target game specification will change in "ascending order" (Xm direction shown in Figure 3(a)), and when you operate the second change operation unit 222, the state of the target game specification will change in "descending order" (Xh direction shown in Figure 3(a)). The change operation ends when the target game specification has reached the desired state.

In addition, after the above selection operation or change operation is performed, the selection operation or change operation may be enabled by operating a specified confirmation button. The effect button 25 may also be configured to double as the confirmation button.

In a changeable state where game specifications can be changed (selection of target game specifications or change of the state of target game specifications), change operations cannot be performed by operating the selection operation unit 21, and selection operations cannot be performed by operating the change operation unit 22. In other words, the selection operation unit 21 is used only for "selection operations," and the change operation unit 22 is used only for "change operations."

Gaming machines that allow game specifications to be changed using a "directional pad" like the operation unit 20 of this embodiment are well known. For example, it is common for settings to change the "volume" when the "left/right" direction on the directional pad is operated, and the "light intensity" when the "up/down" direction is operated. In such cases, situations can arise where the volume changes despite the player wanting to adjust the light intensity, or the light intensity changes despite the player wanting to adjust the volume (for example, a player may be satisfied with the "volume," but trying to change the "light intensity" ends up changing the "volume" that was previously satisfactory), which can frustrate the player. This is because both the "left/right" direction on the directional pad and the "up/down" direction on the directional pad have the effect of changing a state.

In this embodiment, actual changes to the state of the game specifications (target game specifications) are limited to operation of the change operation unit 22. In other words, operation of the selection operation unit 21 does not result in a change to the state of the game specifications (only a change to the target game specifications occurs). Therefore, even if a player accidentally operates the selection operation unit 21 in an attempt to change the state of the target game specifications, the state of the target game specifications will not change (a situation will not arise in which the state of a game specification that the player was satisfied with changes). Therefore, compared to conventional systems, the risk of a player becoming frustrated when trying to change the game specifications can be reduced.

Furthermore, this embodiment has the advantage that the operation is easier to understand than conventional systems, since there is a 1:1 relationship between the operation content (selection operation or change operation) and the operation target (selection operation unit 21 or change operation unit 22). In particular, this embodiment makes it possible to change the game specifications (selection of the target game specification or change of the state of the target game specification) while the in-change performance is being executed, and since it is conceivable that the player will change the game specifications while paying attention to the in-change performance, it can be said that there is great significance in being able to intuitively change the game specifications, as there is a correspondence between the operation content and the operation target as described above.

When the operation guide image 32 (specification image 30 in an enhanced mode) is displayed and no operation of the operation unit 20 is detected for a predetermined period of time, the state in which the operation guide image 32 is displayed ends. If the time when no operation of the operation unit 20 is detected for a predetermined period of time is the normal state, the basic image 31 (specification image 30 in a basic mode) is displayed. If the time when no operation of the operation unit 20 is detected for a predetermined period of time is the specific state, the specification image 30 is not displayed. In other words, it is determined whether the time when no operation of the operation unit 20 is detected for a predetermined period of time is the normal state or the specific state, and the specification image 30 is controlled according to that state.

The game specification that was the target game specification at the time when no operation of the operation unit 20 was detected for a predetermined period of time is stored as the target game specification in a storage device (not shown). For example, if "light intensity" was the target game specification at that time, "light intensity" will remain the target game specification. Therefore, if the normal state is in effect at that time, the basic image 31 will be displayed with the target display section 30a set to "light intensity." If the specific state is in effect at that time, the game will transition to a state in which the specification image 30 is not displayed. However, if the display condition is subsequently met again, the operation guide image 32 will be displayed with the target display section 30a set to "light intensity." Furthermore, when the game transitions from the specific state to the normal state, the basic image 31 will be displayed with the target display section 30a set to "light intensity." In this way, the target game specification selected by the player will basically not be changed unless the player performs a selection operation.

However, in this embodiment, when a predetermined reset condition is met, a standard gaming specification, which is one of multiple gaming specifications, is automatically set as the target gaming specification. In this embodiment, "volume" is set as the standard gaming specification. In other words, even if the target gaming specification stored in the storage means is "light intensity," when the above reset condition is met, the target gaming specification is set to "volume." In other words, the standard gaming specification is the "default" gaming specification.

Possible reset conditions (for their fulfillment) include turning the power off/on, or transitioning to standby mode (a state to which the game enters when no variable effects are executed for a certain period of time). In other words, if turning the power off/on is set as the reset condition, the standard game specifications can be set as the target game specifications when the gaming parlor opens (the so-called early morning state). If transitioning to standby mode is set as the reset condition, the standard game specifications can be set as the target game specifications if game play is stopped for a certain period of time or if the player changes them.

3-6) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above specification change functions. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may apply a combination of multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 1-1
At least some of the multiple game specifications are configured so that their states cannot be changed depending on the game state. For example, in the normal game state (low probability, no time-saving), all of the game specifications, "volume,""lightintensity,""music,""premium," and "auto button," can be changed (their states are changed by operating the change operation unit 22 after the target game specifications are set), whereas in the first special game state (high probability, time-saving), "music" and "premium" cannot be changed (the other three types can be changed), and in the second special game state (low probability, time-saving), "music" cannot be changed (the other four types can be changed) (see FIG. 10(a)). In other words, in the first special game state, "music" and "premium" cannot be set as target game specifications, and in the second special game state, "music" cannot be set as a target game specification.

As mentioned above, any reason may be given for why "music" and "premium" cannot be the target game specifications in the first special game state, and why "music" cannot be the target game specification in the second special game state. For example, one possible reason for not being able to change "music" in the first or second special game state is that "dedicated background music" is output in each game state to emphasize that the state is advantageous to the player. Another possible reason for not being able to change "premium" in the first special game state is that the first special game state makes it easier to win a jackpot, and is more likely to produce premium effects than the normal game state, even without increasing the probability of premium effects occurring.

Assuming this configuration, for example, suppose "Premium" is set as the target game specification in the normal game state, and a transition to the first special game state occurs while this specification is maintained. In this case, one of "Volume," "Light Intensity," or "Auto Button" is automatically set as the target game specification (see FIG. 10(b)). In other words, anything that can be changed even in the first special game state is automatically set as the target game specification. Also, for example, suppose "Music" is set as the target game specification in the normal game state, and a transition to the second special game state occurs while this specification is maintained. In this case, one of "Volume," "Light Intensity," "Premium," or "Auto Button" is automatically set as the target game specification (see FIG. 10(c)). In other words, anything that can be changed even in the second special game state is automatically set as the target game specification. Also, although not shown, suppose "Premium" is set as the target game specification in the second game state, and a transition to the first special game state occurs while this specification is maintained. In this case, one of "Volume," "Light Intensity," or "Auto Button" is automatically set as the target game specification.

In this example, when a transition occurs from a game state in which a certain game specification is set as the target game specification (earlier game state) to a game state in which the certain game specification cannot be changed (later game state), a game specification other than the certain game specification that can be changed in the later game state is automatically set as the target game specification (the target game specification is changed automatically). This prevents a transition to a certain game state in which a game specification that cannot be changed in the certain game state remains set as the target game specification.

Specific Example 1-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 1-1)
As explained in the first specific example 1-1 above, when a game state transitions from a previous game state to a later game state, the target game specification may automatically switch to another game specification that can be changed even in the later game state (hereinafter, the specification that is automatically set as the target game specification will be referred to as the automatically set specification). Based on this configuration, it is preferable that the game specification that is set as the automatically set specification be a "state-independent specification" that can be changed regardless of the game state.

Assuming the settings described in Specific Example 1-1 above, of the five game specifications - "volume," "light intensity," "music," "premium," and "auto button," "volume," "light intensity," and "auto button" - can be said to be "state-independent specifications" that can be set as target game specifications regardless of the game state, whereas "music" and "premium" can be said to be "state-dependent specifications" that cannot be set as target game specifications depending on the game specifications. Therefore, it is preferable that one of the state-independent specifications - "volume," "light intensity," or "auto button" - be set as an automatically set specification. In the examples shown in Figures 10(b) and (c), "volume," one of the "state-independent specifications," is set as an automatically set specification.

In this way, when a game state transition occurs as described in Specific Example 1-1, control is simplified because one of the state-independent specifications can be set as the new target game state without considering the destination game state (later game state).

Specific Example 1-3 (Modification of Specific Examples 1-1 and 1-2)
When a transition of game states occurs, the game specification (one of the state-independent specifications) designated as the "automatic setting specification" is set without exception. For example, if "volume" is designated as the "automatic setting specification," when a transition of game states occurs (when a new game state begins), "volume" is always set as the target game specification. In other words, if the target game specification at the end of the previous game state is "volume," this is maintained in the subsequent game state (see FIG. 11(a)), and if the target game specification at the end of the previous game state is something other than "volume," the target game specification is automatically changed to "volume" upon transition to the subsequent game state. For example, if the target game specification at the end of the normal game state (the previous game state) is "auto button" and then there is a transition to the first special game state (the later game state), the target game specification will be automatically changed to "volume" upon transition to the first special game state (although as shown in Figure 10(a) "auto button" can also be the target game specification in the first special game state), as shown in Figure 11(b)).

When a game state transition occurs, there is a risk that the current target game specifications may not be changeable in the target game state. Therefore, regardless of whether the current target game specifications can be made the target game specifications in the target game state, the system is configured so that when a game state transition occurs, one of the state-independent specifications is always set as the target game specifications. This simplifies control.

Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, the specification image 30 in the highlighted mode is set larger than the specification image 30 in the basic mode, so that the latter is more "conspicuous" than the former. However, the method of making the image more conspicuous is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it is possible to display the specification image 30 in the basic mode in monochrome, and the specification image 30 in the highlighted mode in color.

Specific example 1-5
In the present embodiment, the operation of the operation unit 20 is set as the establishment of the display condition, but other conditions may also be set as the display condition. For example, a configuration may be conceived in which the operation of the effect button 25, which is an operation means different from the operation unit 20, is set as the establishment of the display condition.

The display condition is preferably a condition under which the specification image 30 (operation guide image 32) is displayed in a specific state, and is met when the player's intention to change the game specifications is recognized. When changing the game specifications, it is possible that the player may accidentally operate a different effect button 25 than the one on the operation unit 20. Therefore, when the effect button 25 is operated in a specific state, the specification image 30 (operation guide image 32) is displayed as a trigger. However, this does not apply to operations during an operation request effect that requires operation of the effect button 25 (during the operation valid period during which operation of the effect button 25 is reflected in the effect).

Specific example 1-6
The operation unit 20 described in the above embodiment is a physical structure (key), but may be configured so that game specifications can be changed by operating a touch panel or the like.

Specific example 1-7
Some of the game specifications that can be changed in the normal state are configured to be unchangeable in the specific state. For example, in the normal state, it is possible to change the status of each of "volume,""lightintensity,""music,""premium," and "auto button," but in the specific state, it is possible to change the status of "volume" and "light intensity," but the others are unchangeable.

"Volume" and "light intensity" refer to the magnitude of the presentation output (the output of elements perceived visually and audibly), and are not related to the content of the presentation. Therefore, it is assumed that the state of "volume" and "light intensity" can be changed through the varying presentation (regardless of whether or not it is in a specific state). Other game specifications are related to the content of the presentation, and so can be changed in normal conditions, but cannot be changed in specific conditions.

Game specifications other than "volume" and "light intensity" may also be configured to be changeable through the variable effect. For example, since whether or not a premium effect will occur is determined at the time the variable effect begins, the "premium" may be configured to be changeable regardless of whether or not a specific state is in effect. In other words, when in the normal state, it is possible to change the status of each of "volume," "light intensity," "music," "premium," and "auto button," but when in a specific state, the status of "volume," "light intensity," and "premium" can be changed, and nothing else can be changed.

4) Automatic Operation Function 4-1) Automatic Operation Mode The automatic operation function ("Auto Button" game specifications) described above will be explained below. The gaming machine according to this embodiment is capable of executing an operation request effect (constituting part of the during-variation effect) that prompts the player to operate the effect button 25, which is one type of operation means. Note that the configuration may also include an operation means other than the effect button 25 that requests an operation (a configuration in which two or more types of operation means are provided). In the operation request effect, an effective operation period is set, and operations performed during this effective operation period are reflected in the effect. Possible operation modes that the player is prompted to perform include a "single operation" (instructions such as "press" or "push") that prompts the player to operate the effect button 25 only once, a "continuous operation" (instructions such as "rapid hits") that prompts the player to operate the effect button 25 continuously, and a "maintenance operation" (instructions such as "long press") that maintains the operated state (pressed state in the case of a "button"), etc.

The automatic operation function (auto button function) allows the operation request effect (operation validity period) to be reflected in the effect even if the effect button 25 is not actually operated. In other words, it is a function that reflects the effect as if a "virtual operation" had been performed. Since the automatic operation function itself is publicly known, a detailed explanation will be omitted. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the automatic operation function has three modes: "OFF mode" (automatic operation OFF mode), "partial auto mode" (partial automatic operation mode), and "full auto mode" (full automatic operation mode) (see Figure 12).

"OFF mode" is a mode in which all operation request effects are not subject to automatic operation (see Figure 12). In other words, no "virtual operations" occur during the operation valid period, and unless the effect button 25 is actually operated, no effect is reflected in the effects. With regard to the game specifications for "automatic operation," "OFF mode" can be said to be the default mode.

"Partial auto mode" is a mode in which some operation request presentations are subject to automatic operation, but others are not. Hereinafter, operation request presentations that are subject to automatic operation when "partial auto mode" is set will be referred to as first operation request presentations, and operation request presentations that are not subject to automatic operation will be referred to as second operation request presentations (see Figure 12). When the first operation request presentation occurs when "partial auto mode" is set, a "virtual operation" occurs, but when the second operation request presentation occurs when "partial auto mode" is set, a "virtual operation" does not occur.

In "Full Auto Mode," all operation request effects are subject to automatic operation (see Figure 12). In other words, when "Full Auto Mode" is set, "virtual operations" occur regardless of whether the operation request effect is the first or second operation request effect.

When "Partial Auto Mode" or "Full Auto Mode" is set and an operation request that is subject to automatic operation occurs, the timing at which the "virtual operation" is executed can be set as appropriate. For example, in an operation that requires a single operation, the virtual operation can be configured to occur at the midpoint of the operation's valid period. Furthermore, in an operation that requires a single operation, if an actual operation is performed before the timing at which the virtual operation occurs, the actual operation may or may not be enabled. In other words, even when an operation request that is subject to automatic operation occurs, the actual operation may or may not be reflected. In the former case, if the actual operation is performed before the timing at which the virtual operation occurs in an operation that requires a single operation, the virtual operation will not occur. In the latter case, the virtual operation will always occur.

4-2) Second Operation Request Presentation As mentioned above, whether an automatic operation is executed when "Partial Auto Mode" is set depends on whether it is the first operation request presentation or the second operation request presentation. The second operation request presentation (see FIG. 13(b)) is triggered by the operation of presentation button 25 during the operation valid period, and leads to a win/loss lottery outcome according to the win/loss lottery result (the win/loss lottery result corresponding to the variable presentation including the operation request presentation; hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the corresponding win/loss lottery result). In other words, the second operation request presentation is executed as part of a (super) reach presentation, the outcome of which indicates whether the player will win or lose. Specifically, the operation of presentation button 25 is requested immediately before the end of the reach presentation (see FIG. 13(b-1)), and as a result of this operation, an outcome corresponding to the corresponding win/loss lottery result is reached. In other words, the operation in the second operation request presentation is set as a "branch" immediately before the outcome is determined.

This reach effect (second operation request effect) is triggered by operation of the effect button 25 during the valid operation period, and will result in a winning outcome (see FIG. 13(b-2)) if the corresponding hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot, or a losing outcome (see FIG. 13(b-3)) if the corresponding hit/miss lottery result is a losing outcome. As long as it is configured in this way, the specific form of the reach effect may be any (an example is the so-called "battle effect" mentioned above). Incidentally, when the corresponding hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot, a form in which it initially appears as if a losing outcome has been reached, and then a reversal (revival) occurs indicating that it was actually a jackpot (when such a reversal occurs, it may temporarily transition to a losing outcome), is also considered to be included in the results leading to an outcome according to the corresponding hit/miss lottery result.

As configured in this way, when "Partial Auto Mode" is set, the second operation request effect, which occurs as a "branch" immediately before the result of the corresponding success/failure lottery is revealed, will reveal the result of the actual operation of effect button 25. In other words, "important operations" for the player (operations that the player considers important as they will trigger the discovery of the success/failure result) will require actual operation even when "Partial Auto Mode" is set, but other first operation request effects (effects that are less important than the second operation request effect) do not require actual operation of effect button 25 (virtual operation will occur) if "Partial Auto Mode" is set. In other words, in "Partial Auto Mode," the automatic operation function is activated for operation request effects with low "importance," but the automatic operation function is not activated for operation request effects with high "importance," and actual operation is required. As with the second operation request effect of this embodiment, if the result of the lottery is revealed as a result of an actual operation, it is possible to give the player the impression that they themselves have won the jackpot (by operating effect button 25) even when "partial auto mode" is set.

However, some players know that whether or not they operate the effect button 25 in an operation request effect has no bearing on the actual amount of profit (balls won), and may consider it a hassle to operate it regardless of the importance of the operation request effect. Taking this into consideration, this embodiment provides a "full auto mode" in which the automatic operation function is activated regardless of whether it is the first operation request effect or the second operation request effect. However, this does not mean that a configuration in which there is no mode equivalent to this "full auto mode" is not permitted.

The first operation request effect can be said to be less "important" than the second operation request effect, and an example of the second operation request effect is a "dialogue effect" (see Figure 13(a)), in which the dialogue of a character in the effect is displayed (or output as audio) in response to the operation of the effect button 25.

4-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned automatic operation functions. Furthermore, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that apply a combination of multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the second operation request effect transitions to an ending where the lottery result of the target win/loss is revealed in response to an operation during the operation valid period, but operation request effects other than this may also be set to be included in the second operation request effect. In other words, not only effects that require an operation as a "branch" before the win/loss result is revealed, but also other effects that are considered to be of high "importance" may be included in the second operation request effect.

Specific example 2-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the second operation request effect is a transition to the conclusion where the lottery result of the target is revealed in response to an operation during the operation valid period, but from this perspective, the first operation request effect and the second operation request effect do not have to be distinguished. In other words, the first operation request effect and the second operation request effect do not have to be distinguished according to "importance."

Also, for example, the second operation request effect may be determined by lottery. When "partial auto mode" is set, a lottery is held when it is determined that an operation request effect will occur during the variable effect, and if the lottery is won, the automatic operation function will be activated in that operation request effect (the operation request effect will be treated as the second operation request effect). In this way, the operation request effect in which the automatic operation function is activated will be configured to change randomly.

〇Specific example 2-3
Assume that two or more modes are set as "partial auto mode." For example, assume that "partial auto mode A" and "partial auto mode B" are set. "Partial auto mode A" and "partial auto mode B" differ in the number of operation request effects that are considered second operation request effects. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, assume that there are ten types of operation request effects, 1 through 10. When "partial auto mode A" is set, six types of operation request effects 1 through 6 are treated as first operation request effects, and four types of operation request effects 7 through 10 are treated as second operation request effects. On the other hand, when "partial auto mode B" is set, eight types of operation request effects 1 through 8 are treated as first operation request effects, and two types of operation request effects 9 and 10 are treated as second operation request effects. Assume that "partial auto mode A" has a greater number of types of operation request effects that are considered second operation request effects than "partial auto mode B." Since the probability of various operation request effects occurring remains the same regardless of whether "Partial Auto Mode A" or "Partial Auto Mode B" is set, it can be said that the automatic operation function is more frequently manifested when "Partial Auto Mode B" is set than when "Partial Auto Mode A" is set.

The difference between "Partial Auto Mode A" and "Partial Auto Mode B" will be explained to the player. For example, the operation guide image 32 will display a message indicating that the probability of automatic operation occurring is relatively low for "Partial Auto Mode A," and a message indicating that the probability of automatic operation occurring is relatively high for "Partial Auto Mode B."

Automatic operation reduces the operational burden on players, but the degree to which players desire a reduction in operational burden varies. With this in mind, it is advisable to set two or more "partial auto modes" that differ in the frequency with which the automatic operation function is activated, as in this example.

The "type" of operation request effects is distinguished by whether they are perceived as the same by the player. Even if the elements used to indicate the reliability of a jackpot (so-called chance up) are different, effects that are recognized by the player as being of the same type are considered to be of the same type of operation request effect.

When using the above settings, the two types of operation request effects 9 and 10, which are considered to be the second operation request effects, should be set so that the result of the corresponding lottery is revealed when an operation is performed during the operation valid period, triggering the reveal of the corresponding win/loss result. In other words, for operation request effects that occur as a branch immediately before the result of a win/loss is revealed, the automatic operation function will not be activated, regardless of whether "Partial Auto Mode A" or "Partial Auto Mode B" is selected. Furthermore, the two types of operation request effects 7 and 8, which do not activate the automatic operation function when "Partial Auto Mode A" is selected but activate the automatic operation function when "Partial Auto Mode B" is selected, are not operation request effects that occur as a branch immediately before the result of a win/loss is revealed, but are considered to be less "important" effects.

Specific example 2-4
When "partial auto mode" is set, the player can distinguish between an operation request effect (first operation request effect) that is not subject to automatic operation (automatic operation function is not activated) and an operation request effect (second operation request effect) that is subject to automatic operation (automatic operation function is activated) by the image displayed during the operation request effect (during the operation valid period). For example, in the operation request effect, an operation image 28 (which can also be said to be an image in which an operation request effect is occurring) is displayed to prompt the player to operate the operating means, and the appearance of the operation image 28 differs depending on whether the operation request effect is subject to automatic operation or not.

For example, the operation image 28 is basically displayed including an image representing the effect button 25, which is the operating means that prompts operation (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the operation target display 281), and an image representing the operation mode of the effect button 25 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the operation mode display 282) (see Figures 15 (a-1) and (b-1)). For example, the operation mode display 282 may include text such as "press" for a single operation, "rapid hit" for a continuous operation, or "long press" for a sustained operation.

Based on this premise, in an operation request presentation that is not the target of automatic operation (second operation request presentation), an operation image 28 that includes both operation target display 281 and operation mode display 282 is displayed (see FIG. 15(a-1)). On the other hand, in an operation request presentation that is the target of automatic operation (first operation request presentation), an operation image 28 that includes one of operation target display 281 and operation mode display 282 but not the other is displayed (see FIG. 15(a-2)). Because the first operation request presentation does not require the actual operation of presentation button 25, an operation image 28 that does not emphasize the operation request as compared to the second operation request presentation is displayed. Note that if no operation image 28 is displayed at all in the first operation request presentation (neither operation target display 281 nor operation mode display 282 is displayed), there is a risk that it will not be clear that an operation request presentation is occurring. Therefore, it is recommended to display one but not the other, as in this example.

More preferably, in the first operation request presentation, the operation image 28 should be set to display the operation target display 281 but not the operation mode display 282 (see FIG. 15(a-2)). Since the operation mode display 282 (displaying text such as "press") is the actual operation instruction to the player, it is preferable to not display the operation mode display 282, making it clear that no actual operation is required.

As another example, the operation image 28 may include a display such as a meter indicating the valid operation period (period display 283), and whether or not the operation image 28 includes the period display 283 may differ depending on whether or not the operation request effect is subject to automatic operation. For example, in an operation request effect that is not subject to automatic operation (second operation request effect), the operation image 28 including the period display 283 is displayed (see FIG. 15(b-1)), while in an operation request effect that is subject to automatic operation (first operation request effect), the operation image 28 not including the period display 283 is displayed (see FIG. 15(b-2)). Because the first operation request effect does not require actual operation of the effect button 25, it is unnecessary to indicate the valid operation period, and the period display 283 is not displayed.

As another example (not shown), the operation image 28 displayed in an operation request effect that is the target of automatic operation may be smaller than the operation image 28 displayed in an operation request effect that is not the target of automatic operation. In other words, in the former case, since there is no need to actually operate the effect button 25, the operation image 28 is made less noticeable (does not emphasize the operation request) than the operation image 28 displayed in the latter case. Based on a similar concept, the operation image 28 displayed in an operation request effect that is the target of automatic operation may be monochrome, and the operation image 28 displayed in an operation request effect that is not the target of automatic operation may be colored. Furthermore, the operation image 28 displayed in an operation request effect that is the target of automatic operation may be semi-transparent (the background image is visible through it), and the operation image 28 displayed in an operation request effect that is not the target of automatic operation may be opaque (the background image is not visible through it).

The above control may also be used when "full auto mode" is set. When "full auto mode" is set, all operation request effects are subject to automatic operation, so when an operation request effect occurs, an operation image 28 such as that shown in Figures 15(a-2) or (b-2) will be displayed. However, it can be said that controlling the mode of operation image 28 as described above is highly significant in "partial auto mode," where a mixture of effects that are subject to automatic operation and effects that are not are generated.

Specific example 2-5
When "Partial Auto Mode" is set, certain types of operation request effects (hereinafter referred to as "specific operation request effects" in this example) may or may not be subject to automatic operation. The reliability of the corresponding lottery result differs between cases where the specific operation request effect is subject to automatic operation and cases where it is not subject to automatic operation. For specific operation request effects that are subject to automatic operation, the timing at which a virtual operation occurs may be predetermined. For example, when a specific operation request effect that requires a single operation is subject to automatic operation, the timing at which the virtual operation occurs may be set to the midpoint of the operation valid period. This allows the player to determine whether the operation request effect is subject to automatic operation by waiting until that timing.

If the setting is such that the reliability of a jackpot is higher when the player is the target of automatic operation than when the player is not the target (see Figure 16), gameplay is achieved in which the player watches in the hope that an automatic operation will be performed during the operation valid period in the specific operation request presentation (hoping that the automatic operation will result in a jackpot being announced). On the other hand, if the setting is such that the reliability of a jackpot is higher when the player is not the target of automatic operation than when the player is the target (the opposite setting to Figure 16), gameplay is achieved in which the player can expect a jackpot more when a situation arises in which the player must actually perform the operation themselves.

5) Hidden Game Specifications Change Function 5-1) Hidden Game Specifications The gaming machine according to this embodiment has a hidden game specification change function. A "hidden game specification" is not a game specification that is disclosed to the player as being changeable (such as the aforementioned "volume,""lightintensity,""music,""premium," and "auto button" whose changeability is disclosed to the player by the display of the specification image 30), but rather a game specification that is "known only to those in the know." In other words, the method for changing the hidden game specification is not disclosed (although it may become widely known in magazines or on the Internet), and changing the hidden game specification is implemented as a so-called "cheat" element (so-called "hidden button effect"). Hereinafter, the hidden game specification may also be referred to as a specific game specification.

A variety of specifications can be considered for setting as specific game specifications (the effect of changing the specific game specifications can be set as appropriate). However, given that the specific game specifications can be changed when a jackpot is won (before the jackpot game begins), it is preferable that the specific game specifications be configured to be those related to the jackpot.

In this embodiment, the music played during a jackpot game (jackpot music) can be selected from multiple selectable music types, and the release of these selectable music types is configured as a change to the specific game specifications. Specifically, this is as follows: Ten music types (candidate music types) are pre-prepared as music types that can be played during a jackpot game. However, at the so-called first jackpot (a jackpot won in normal game mode), only a portion of the ten music types (e.g., two types) are set as selectable music types (the rest are unselectable). Thereafter, with each consecutive win (a jackpot won in special game mode), candidate music types that were unselectable at the previous jackpot are added as selectable music types. In other words, basically, selectable music types are added (released) with each consecutive win. Based on this configuration, in this embodiment, the addition (release) of all (ten) candidate music types as selectable music types is configured as a change to the specific game specifications. In other words, even if you don't have consecutive wins, when the "operation conditions are met during a specific period," as explained in detail below, all candidate songs will become selectable songs (all songs unlocked) in the subsequent jackpot game.

5-2) Specific Period and Operation Conditions To change the specific game specifications, it is necessary to operate the effect button 25, which is a type of operation means, during a specific period. Specifically, it is necessary to operate the effect button 25 so as to satisfy predetermined operation conditions during the specific period. The specific period is as follows:

If the result of the lottery is a jackpot, a "benefit" called a jackpot game is awarded. The jackpot game involves one or more unit games (rounds) in which the jackpot area 906 is opened until a predetermined closing condition is met, and as this is the same as in known gaming machines, a detailed explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, after the variable effect that notifies the player that the lottery result is a jackpot ends, the actual jackpot game begins when the gaming ball enters a specific area (in this embodiment, the normal start area 905). In other words, the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area is the condition for awarding the jackpot benefit (benefit award condition). In this embodiment, the normal start area 905 doubles as the specific area, but a "dedicated specific area" may also be provided.

The specific period is the time from when a player is notified that they have won a jackpot (when the in-flight effect notifying them of a jackpot has ended) (see Figure 17(a)) until the game ball enters the specific area (see Figure 17(c)) and the jackpot game begins (see Figure 17(d)). Note that the specific period may also begin a predetermined time after the player is notified that they have won a jackpot. In this way, the specific period is a state that ends when the game ball enters the specific area, and it can be said that although it is confirmed that a jackpot game will be played (a bonus will be awarded), the jackpot game has not yet begun (the bonus has not actually been awarded).

During the specific period, an image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as instruction image 40) encouraging the player to launch the game ball toward the specific area is displayed in display area 911 (see Figure 17(b)). In this embodiment, the specific area (normal start area 905) is located to the right of the game area, so instruction image 40 is displayed indicating that the player should aim at the specific area and perform a so-called right hit. If the game ball is launched aiming at the specific area, it will enter the specific area relatively easily. Therefore, if the game ball is launched aiming at the specific area, there is a high probability that the specific period will end immediately. In order to establish the operating conditions described in detail below, it is necessary to operate effect button 25 before aiming the game ball at the specific area and launching it.

Operation conditions can be set as appropriate, but simple "single operations" are excluded. For example, the operation condition could be set to be met when the effect button 25 is operated N times (N is 2 or more) during a specific period (hereinafter, this operation condition may also be referred to as the number of times condition). In other words, the operation condition is not met with operations less than N times. Since N is 2 or more, the operation condition is not met with a single operation, i.e., a single operation.

As another example, a configuration may be considered in which the operation condition is established when the duration of the sustained operation (long press) of the effect button 25 reaches a specified time T (hereinafter, this operation condition may also be referred to as the time condition). In other words, if the duration of the sustained operation does not reach the specified time T, the operation condition is not established. Note that for operation means such as buttons, whether or not a single operation has been performed is typically determined based on ON/OFF detection (detection of an "edge"), and the length of the sustained operation (the duration of the ON state) is typically not used to detect a single operation (making a determination based on whether or not the duration of the sustained operation exceeds the specified time T does not mean that a determination is made based on the presence or absence of a single operation).

By setting the number of times or time conditions as described above, it is possible to prevent the operation condition from being met by a single operation of the effect button 25 during a specific period. Since it is conceivable that a player may unintentionally operate the effect button 25 during a specific period without being aware of the existence of specific game specifications, it is preferable to prevent the operation condition from being met by a simple single operation. It is also possible to set an operation condition that combines the number of times and time conditions as described above (a condition that requires both N operations and a sustained operation for more than T time).

During the specific period, an image that clearly indicates that the specific game specification will be changed by operating the effect button 25 (for example, an image encouraging the operation of the effect button 25) is not displayed in the display area 911 (see Figure 17(b)). Because this is a "hidden" game specification, an image indicating the existence of the specific game specification is not displayed during the specific period.

However, effects suggesting the existence of a hidden game feature (operation condition) may also be generated during periods other than the specific period. For example, while the variable effect is being executed, a display may be displayed that suggests the existence of a hidden game feature, such as "If you operate the button x number of times before passing through the jackpot start gate..." (the "jackpot start gate" refers to a specific area). Rather than simply "hinting," effects may be used that explicitly indicate the existence of a hidden game feature.

In this way, the gaming machine of this embodiment realizes novel and exciting gameplay by allowing players to change the "hidden game specifications" during a specific period before the jackpot game benefit is actually awarded.

5-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the hidden game specification change function. Furthermore, to the extent possible, multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below may be combined and applied in a configuration.

Specific example 3-1
When the operation condition is met during a specific period (a change to the specific game specifications is executed), an event (change completion event) occurs that would not occur if the operation condition was not met. During the specific period, an image prompting the operation of the effect button 25 is not displayed, and the operation condition is not met by a simple single operation, so the change completion event indicates that the operation condition has been met.

The change completion event is preferably the output of a specified sound effect. Because the hidden game specification change function is a so-called "hidden button" effect (a feature known only to those in the know), it is best to make it so that it only "implies" that a change to a specific game specification has been made. In other words, the sound effect in question is not a sound that indicates the completion of a change to a specific game specification (for example, one that includes the words "All songs unlocked"), but rather a simple electronic sound.

However, this does not preclude the change completion event from being a format that clearly indicates that the change to the specific game specifications has been completed (that the operation conditions have been met). For example, a change completion image that clearly indicates the effect of the change to the specific game specifications (in this embodiment, an image that clearly indicates that "all songs are unlocked") may be displayed in the display area 911 (however, this configuration has the disadvantage that it can easily spread despite being a "hidden button" effect).

Specific example 3-2
As described in the above embodiment, during the specific period, an instruction image 40 indicating that the gaming ball should be launched aiming at the specific area is displayed in the display area 911. The instruction image 40 is set not to be displayed from the start of the specific period (see FIG. 18). Specifically, the instruction image 40 is not displayed from the start of the specific period until a predetermined time has elapsed (first half) (see FIG. 18(b)), and the instruction image 40 is displayed in the second half after the first half ends (see FIG. 18(c)). Note that the first half is still part of the specific period, so even if the gaming ball enters the specific area during the first half, the jackpot game will start (the instruction image 40 will not be displayed).

If the instruction image 40 is displayed simultaneously with or immediately after the start of the specific period, the player is more likely to fire the game ball in response. Once the game ball is fired, it will almost always enter the specific area, ending the specific period, making it impossible to operate the effect button 25 to satisfy the operation conditions during the specific period. Even players who are aware of the existence of the specific game specifications (hidden button) and intend to change the specific game specifications if they win a jackpot are likely to fire the game ball unintentionally when the instruction image 40 is displayed. With this in mind, it is advisable to prevent the instruction image 40 from being displayed from the beginning of the specific period, as in this example, to make it less likely that the specific period will end unexpectedly.

In contrast to this example, if the instruction image 40 is configured to be displayed from the start of the specific period, the existence of the specific game feature (hidden button) will be less likely to be known. In other words, since there is a higher probability that the specific period will end soon after the game ball is launched in accordance with the instruction image 40, this has the advantage of making it less likely that the specific game feature (hidden button) will become known.

Specific example 3-3
In the above embodiment, the specific game feature is described as a "hidden" game feature, but the specific game feature may be configured to clearly indicate that a change to the specific game feature is made by operating the effect button 25 (operation means) that satisfies an operation condition during a specific period. For example, during the specific period, an image (condition notification image 42) such as "Operate the button ○ times to unlock all songs!" is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIGS. 18(b) and 18(c)).

In this example, it is preferable that the condition notification image 42 begins to be displayed before the instruction image 40 begins to be displayed (see Figures 18(b) and 18(c)). In this example, the condition notification image 42 is displayed to inform the player that a specific game specification change is possible, so it is necessary to prevent the instruction image 40 from being displayed first, which would cause the specific period to end. In other words, it is preferable that the condition notification image 42 notify the player that the game specification change is possible, and then inform the player that the game ball should be aimed at a specific area and fired (a jackpot game will begin when the game ball enters the specific area). Note that even when the instruction image 40 is displayed, it is preferable that the condition notification image 42 continues to be displayed so that the player can understand how to change the game specification (see Figure 18(c)).

Specific example 3-4
The configuration may be such that the satisfaction of an operation condition during a specific period suggests or notifies the player that an advantageous event will occur. For example, if the game state after the end of a jackpot game is a first special game state (high probability, with time reduction), a notification sound is output when the operation condition is satisfied during the specific period, whereas if the first special game state is not reached, the notification sound is not output even if the operation condition is satisfied. In other words, a "hidden button" effect is achieved in which the player can know in advance whether an advantageous event will occur by operating the effect button 25 that satisfies the operation condition during the specific period.

These events that are advantageous to the player include those related to the transition to the first special game state, as well as the fact that a jackpot win is confirmed after the jackpot game ends (the occurrence of a so-called pending consecutive win), and the number of unit games (number of rounds) in the jackpot game being the maximum.

Specific example 3-5
A configuration is assumed in which a plurality of operation conditions are set. For example, a first operation condition is set to operate the effect button 25 Na times (Na is 2 or more) during a specific period, and a second operation condition is set to operate the effect button 25 Nb times (Nb>Na) during a specific period. The content of the change in game specifications is assumed to be different when the first operation condition is met and when the second operation condition is met.

For example, if the first operation condition is met, only eight of the ten songs (candidate songs) will be unlocked (resulting in a jackpot game with eight selectable songs), but if the second operation condition is met, all ten songs (candidate songs) will be unlocked (resulting in a jackpot game with ten selectable songs). In other words, the more difficult a condition among multiple operation conditions is to be met, the greater the degree of change in game specifications (the greater the benefit to the player).

Specific example 3-6
The conditions under which a change in the specific game specifications occurs are set to conditions (conditions related to the effect button 25 (operation means)) different from the operation conditions. For example, the instruction image 40 described above is displayed during the specific period, and the timing at which the instruction image 40 is displayed is after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific period. In other words, the instruction image 40 is not displayed from the start of the specific period until the predetermined time has elapsed (between T1 and T2). Based on this premise, a change in the specific game specifications occurs when a game ball enters the specific area from the start of the specific period until the predetermined time has elapsed (between T1 and T2) (see FIG. 20). In other words, the condition for a change in the specific game specifications occurs when a game ball enters the specific area (start of a jackpot game) when the instruction image 40 is not displayed.

Since players typically wait until the instruction image 40 is displayed before firing the game ball toward a specific area, firing the game ball in a different direction results in a change in game specifications, creating an exciting gameplay experience.

6) Special Mode 6-1) Special Effects Special effects may occur as part of the effects that make up the during-variation effects (see FIG. 21(a)). Compared to when a special effect occurs during a certain during-variation effect, when a special effect occurs, the probability (reliability) that the win/lose lottery result corresponding to that certain during-variation effect will be a jackpot is higher. In other words, the special effect is what is known as a "chance-up effect." The specific form of the special effect may be any. The special effect in this embodiment is what is known as a "cut-in effect" in which a predetermined effect image 45 is displayed (see FIG. 21(a-2)). It should be noted that a configuration in which multiple types of such special effects are set may also be used.

6-2) Types of Modes In this embodiment, multiple modes are set for the special effects. The multiple modes are broadly divided into "normal mode" and "special mode" (major categories) (see FIG. 21(b)). When "special mode" is set, the probability of a special effect occurring in the variable effect is higher than when "normal mode" (default mode) is set. Note that the different probability of a special effect occurring in the variable effect means that the reliability of a jackpot when a special effect occurs differs between when "normal mode" is set and when "special mode" is set. Because the probability of a special effect occurring is higher in "special mode" than in "normal mode," the reliability of a jackpot when a special effect occurs is lower in "special mode" than in "normal mode."

In addition, multiple modes are provided as modes included in the "special mode" (subdivisions). In this embodiment, two modes are provided: a "first special mode" and a "second special mode" (see Figure 21 (b)). When the "second special mode" is set, the probability of a special effect occurring during the variable effect is higher than when the "first special mode" is set. Note that, similar to the relationship between the "normal mode" and the "special mode," the probability of a special effect occurring is higher in the "second special mode" than in the "first special mode," and therefore, when a special effect occurs, the reliability of a jackpot is lower in the "second special mode" than in the "first special mode."

6-3) Mode Setting As described above, the "normal mode" is set in the normal (default) state. To set the "special mode," the effect button 25 (operation means) is held down (long pressed) for a predetermined time during the standby state (a state to which the game transitions when no variable effects are executed for a certain period of time) (see FIG. 21(c-1)). In other words, the operation of the effect button 25 sets the condition for changing to the special mode (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "change condition"). In this embodiment, the change condition is not displayed in the display area 911 during the standby state. While a so-called demo image is displayed during the standby state, the demo image does not include an image indicating the change condition (indicating the above-mentioned operation mode) (see FIG. 21(c-1)). In other words, the "special mode" setting is implemented as a "hidden (back button) function." Note that the above change condition is merely an example. It is sufficient that the change condition be established due to the player's actions. However, it is preferable that a simple "single operation" is not set as the change condition, as this increases the risk of an unintentional change to the special mode.

When the above change conditions are met and a change to special mode is executed, a predetermined sound effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the change completion sound) is output from speaker 79. The change completion sound does not clearly indicate a change to special mode, but is merely an electronic sound. However, the above change conditions are not realized by a simple operation (single operation) of effect button 25; the fulfillment of the change conditions is likely to be caused by a player who is aware of the existence of special mode and has therefore operated effect button 25 at their discretion. Therefore, the change completion sound informs the player that the transition to special mode has been completed (that an operation that satisfies the change conditions has been performed).

As described above, in this embodiment, a "first special mode" and a "second special mode" are set as special modes. Even if a change condition is met and a special mode is set (transition), the player cannot arbitrarily decide whether to set the "first special mode" or the "second special mode." Specifically, when a change condition is met, a mode determination lottery is executed (see FIG. 21(c-2)), and one of multiple special modes is set based on the mode determination lottery (see FIGS. 21(c-3-1) and (c-3-2)). The specific form (probability) of the mode determination lottery may be any. It may be set so that the probability of each of the multiple special modes being set is equal (equal distribution), or it may be set so that the probability of a certain special mode being set is higher than the probability of a different special mode being set (unequal distribution). In this embodiment, the probability of the "first special mode" being set and the probability of the "second special mode" being set are both 50% (equal distribution).

The player is not notified which of the multiple special modes (first special mode, second special mode) has been set (the result of the mode determination lottery). The change completion sound described above notifies the player that a change from normal mode to special mode has been achieved, but does not notify the player whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set (the manner in which the change completion sound is output is the same regardless of whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set). As described above, the probability of a special effect occurring varies depending on the type of special mode that has been set. Therefore, while a player can predict the type of special mode that has been set by continuing to play, they cannot clearly know the type of special mode that has been set. At the very least, at the time the change conditions are met (when the mode determination lottery is executed), it is not possible to predict, let alone determine, the type of special mode that has been set.

In this way, the gaming machine of this embodiment allows the setting of a special mode in which the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in normal mode, but multiple types of special modes are available, and the player cannot arbitrarily determine the type of special mode to be set, so the player cannot know which type of special mode has been set. Therefore, when a special mode is set, the gameplay is enjoyable as the player can enjoy predicting which type of special mode has been set (how likely the special effect will occur).

The conditions (reset conditions) for returning from a state in which a special mode (first special mode, second special mode) is set to a state in which normal mode is set can be set as appropriate. There may be only one reset condition, or multiple reset conditions may be set. In this embodiment, turning the power of the gaming machine 1 OFF/ON is set as one of the reset conditions.

It is also preferable that at least one of the reset conditions be set as a condition that can be executed at the player's discretion. If such a condition is not set, the player will not be able to return from special mode to normal mode at will. For example, one possible configuration is to set the reset condition as maintaining (pressing and holding) the effect button 25 for a predetermined period of time while in standby mode when special mode is set. In other words, the conditions for executing a transition from normal mode to special mode are the same as the conditions for realizing a transition from special mode to normal mode.

6-4) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the special mode. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that combine multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 4-1
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the setting of the special mode is implemented as a "hidden (back button) function," but the configuration may also be such that the setting method of the special mode is disclosed. That is, a method for setting a special mode that increases the probability of occurrence of special effects is displayed in the display area 911, etc., and the special mode is set by operating various operating means (effect button 25 or operation unit 20) in accordance with the method.

For example, the above-mentioned "premium up mode" increases the probability of premium effects occurring, and this premium up mode is considered a "special mode," and the premium effects are considered to be "special effects." Assume that a "first premium up mode" and a "second premium up mode," which has a higher probability of premium effects occurring, are set as premium up modes. When a player operates the operation unit 20 according to the procedure described above and requests a change from "normal mode" to "premium up mode" (see FIG. 22(a)), this triggers a mode determination lottery (see FIG. 22(b)), which sets either the "first premium up mode" or the "second premium up mode" (see FIGS. 22(c-1) and (c-2)). The player is not aware of whether the "first premium up mode" or the "second premium up mode" has been set. Given that premium effects are more likely to occur due to winning fluctuations when the "second premium up mode" is set than when the "first premium up mode" is set, the player can enjoy the game by guessing which mode has been set.

In addition, the fact that there are multiple special modes with different probabilities of special effects occurring may be made clear to the player. For example, the screen for setting the special mode may display text such as "The probability of XX effect occurring changes each time" (XX effect represents a special effect). However, when a special mode is set, the player will not know which of the multiple special modes has been set.

Even if the method for setting the special mode is clearly indicated to the player, as in this example, if the player does not know which of multiple special modes with different probabilities of special effects occurring has been set, the same effect as described in the above embodiment will be achieved.

Specific example 4-2
One of the multiple special modes is a mode in which a special effect is guaranteed to occur during a variation (a winning variation) in which the result of the winning/losing lottery is a jackpot. For example, in a configuration in which two special modes (a first special mode and a second special mode) are set as in the above embodiment, the second special mode is a mode in which a special effect is guaranteed to occur during a winning variation. In the first special mode, a special effect is not necessarily guaranteed to occur even during a winning variation (a special effect may or may not occur during a winning variation. However, the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in the normal mode) (see FIG. 23(a)).

The player cannot determine the type of special mode that has been set. As a result, when a special effect does not occur during a variation effect that would otherwise be expected to result in a jackpot, the gameplay is such that the player expects the first special mode to be set. In other words, if a special effect does not occur during a variation effect, there is a chance that no special effects will occur thereafter, and if the second special mode is set, a jackpot will not occur unless a special effect occurs during a variation effect. Therefore, players who know about the existence of the first and second special modes (who have obtained information from magazines or the Internet) will hope that the first special mode, which has the potential to result in a jackpot even without a special effect, has been set. In other words, players can enjoy the variation effect while predicting the type of special mode they are hoping for (and hoping that a special effect will occur later).

When using a configuration like this example, as explained in Specific Example 4-1 above, it is advisable to make the existence of multiple special modes clear to the player (rather than making it a "hidden (back button) function"). Specifically, it is advisable to make clear to the player that one of the multiple special modes is a mode (first special mode) in which a special effect is guaranteed to occur during a winning variation, and that the other special modes are modes (second special modes) in which a special effect is not guaranteed to occur during a winning variation. In this way, players can enjoy the game in the way described above even if they have not obtained information about the special modes from a magazine or the Internet.

Specific Example 4-3 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 4-2)
The timing at which a special effect can occur during a variable effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "specified timing") is fixed, and it will not occur at any other time. For example, after a reach is established (see FIG. 23(b-1)), the timing before the transition to the so-called super reach effect (the effect in which the result of the lottery is shown) (see FIG. 23(b-3)) is set as the specified timing at which a special effect (see FIG. 23(b-2)) can occur. Note that this specified timing does not occur in all variable effect performances. In the above example, if a reach is not established, the specified timing will not occur (there is no possibility of a special effect occurring).

By doing this, if the specified timing has passed during the variation effect, no special effects will occur thereafter (for example, in the example above, no special effects will occur after the transition to the Super Reach effect). In other words, if a special effect does not occur when the specified timing has passed, it is confirmed that no special effects will occur during that variation effect. Therefore, if a special effect does not occur when the specified timing has passed in a situation where a special mode is set, if the second special mode (which ensures a special effect occurs upon a winning variation) has been set, there is no possibility of a jackpot (see Figure 23(a)), and therefore the player will hope that the first special mode (which has the potential to result in a jackpot even without a special effect) has been set. In other words, by using this example, whether or not a special effect will occur is determined when the specified timing has passed, making the gameplay clear, allowing players to enjoy the game while anticipating the types of special modes available.

Specific example 4-4
The game is configured such that transitions between multiple special modes can also occur. That is, not only can transitions occur between the normal mode and a special mode (first special mode or second special mode), but transitions from one of the first special mode and the second special mode to the other occur when a predetermined transition condition is met. It is preferable that the player cannot know that a transition between special modes has occurred. Since the player cannot know which of the multiple special modes has been set when the special mode is set, the player should also not know that a transition between special modes has occurred.

The transition condition can be set from various perspectives. As an example, it can be a condition that can be met if the player continues to play for a certain period of time after setting the special mode. For example, the transition condition can be set as X consecutive losses in the win/loss lottery results. In this way, the specifications of the variable effect (probability of a special effect occurring) will change each time the win/loss lottery is drawn X times.

As another example, the transition condition may be determined based on the passage of time. The transition condition could be the passage of a predetermined amount of time, or an RTC (real-time clock) could be installed and the transition condition could be the time obtained by the RTC (actual time) reaching a specified time.

Specific example 4-5
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the manner of the change completion sound output from the speaker 79 is the same regardless of which of the multiple special modes (first special mode and second special mode) is set, but the manner of the change completion sound may be different for each special mode that is set. If a first special mode and a second special mode are provided as in the above embodiment, a first change completion sound is output when the first special mode is set, and a second change completion sound (different in manner from the first change completion sound) is output when the second special mode is set (see FIG. 24 ).

Because the change completion sound is merely an electronic sound, it can be said that few players will be able to tell from the appearance of the change completion sound whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set. By using this example, gameplay is achieved in which only players who discover the relationship between the appearance of the change completion sound (the difference between the first change completion sound and the second change completion sound) and the type of special mode that has been set will be able to tell the type of special mode that has actually been set (it can be said that such players are notified of whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set by the appearance of the change completion sound).

However, if this example is used, and the relationship between the nature of the change completion sound and the type of special mode that has been set becomes widely known through magazines, the Internet, etc., there is a risk that the configuration will essentially be the same as announcing the type of special mode.

Specific example 4-6
It is assumed that multiple types of special effects are set as special effects. The differences between the various special modes are the differences in the probability of some of the multiple types of special effects occurring, with no difference in the probability of the other special effects occurring. For example, as shown in FIG. 25 , a first special effect and a second special effect are set, and the probability of the first special effect occurring is the same regardless of whether the first special mode or the second special mode is set. On the other hand, it is assumed that the probability of the second special effect occurring is higher when the second special mode is set than when the first special mode is set. Note that for both the first special effect and the second special effect, the probability is higher when one of the special modes is set than when the normal mode is set. This makes it difficult to predict whether the first special mode or the second special mode is set.

Specific example 4-7
Although the various special modes (first special mode, second special mode) in the above embodiment have been described as modes in which the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in the normal mode, they may also be modes in which the probability of a special effect occurring is lower than in the normal mode. In other words, the degree to which the probability of a special effect occurring is reduced relative to the normal mode is configured to differ between the first special mode and the second special mode.

In addition, some of the multiple special modes (first special modes) may be modes in which the probability of a special effect occurring is lower than in normal mode, while other modes (second special modes) may be modes in which the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in normal mode. By doing this, the "difference in the probability of a special effect occurring" depending on the type of special mode becomes larger, resulting in gameplay that makes it easier to predict which special mode is set.

7) Specific Predictive Effects 7-1) Background Music In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, multiple types of music are provided as background music (BGM) that can be output from the speaker 79 while the in-variation effects are being executed. Note that "background music" refers to music that is continuously output while the in-variation effects are being executed, and is different from the sound effects (winning sounds, character dialogue, etc.) that are temporarily output for the effects. The background music does not indicate the reliability of a jackpot, except when used for the specific predictive effects described in detail below. In this embodiment, when sound effects for the effects are output, they are output over the background music. In other words, even when sound effects for the effects are output, the background music is output without interruption. Note that music is considered to be of a different type not only when it is different in terms of copyright, but also when a player recognizes that a song and an arrangement of that song are not the same when they are heard.

As background music, one or more types of normal background music and one or more types of specific background music are set. During variable effects when a specific look-ahead effect is not occurring, the normal background music is continuously output. As described above, in this embodiment, the player can select the normal background music from five types, music A to music E. In other words, music A to music E correspond to the normal background music. In this embodiment, the normal background music is music output in a state before a reach is achieved. In other words, it is not background music for a reach effect. Note that, with regard to the execution of the specific look-ahead effect, which will be described in detail below, the normal background music does not have to be selectable by the player. A configuration in which one type of normal background music is output may be used, or a configuration in which one of multiple types of normal background music is output and the normal background music switches automatically (it is not selected by the player).

7-2) Specific Prediction Effects The gaming machine according to this embodiment is capable of executing specific prediction effects, which are a type of prediction effect. Prediction effects themselves are well known, so a detailed description will be omitted. The specific prediction effect is an effect that is initiated when newly acquired reserved information is target reserved information, triggered by the acquisition of the target reserved information (note that the reserved information that becomes target reserved information is "pre-change reserved information"). The specific prediction effect is a type of "chance (up) effect" that suggests that the probability that the win/loss lottery result corresponding to the target reserved information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target win/loss lottery result) will be a jackpot has increased, so the target reserved information is a so-called "chance reserve." In the drawings explaining the specific prediction effects, the reserved symbol 10 corresponding to the target reserved information is indicated by adding an "S."

As described above, the specific look-ahead effect is initiated when the target hold information is acquired (see Figures 26(a) and 26(b) and 28). To the player, it appears to have started at the same time as the target hold information is acquired (a time lag that is not noticeable to the player is acceptable). The specific look-ahead effect involves outputting specific background music from speaker 79 instead of the normal background music (in this embodiment, any of music A to E). In other words, the point at which the normal background music changes to the specific background music is the start of the specific look-ahead effect. The timing at which the target hold information is acquired (the timing at which the gaming ball enters start area 904) is something that the player cannot predict (it is an event that occurs suddenly), so to the player, the output of background music that is different from normal (specific background music) will suddenly begin.

Since the target pending information is pre-change pending information, at the time that the target pending information is acquired, the change-in-progress effect corresponding to the win/lose lottery information acquired before the target pending information (hereinafter, this change-in-progress effect may be referred to as the "pre-reading start change-in-progress effect (pre-reading start change)") is being executed. If the change-in-progress effect corresponding to the target pending information is referred to as the "target change-in-progress effect (target change)," then the "pre-reading start change-in-progress effect" is a change-in-progress effect that is executed before the "target change-in-progress effect." The change from the normal background music to the specific background music occurs during the pre-reading start change-in-progress effect. The specific background music is output continuously without interruption at least until the target change-in-progress effect begins (see Figures 26(c) and 28).

In this embodiment, when a specific predictive effect occurs, it is determined that a prescribed effect will occur during the target fluctuation effect. The prescribed effect may be a single type or multiple types. In this embodiment, the prescribed effect is a reach effect (a battle effect is shown as an example in Figure 27) whose outcome indicates the result of the win/loss lottery. That is, if the win/loss lottery result is a jackpot, the prescribed effect leads to an outcome favorable to the player (a successful outcome), and if the win/loss lottery result is a loss, the prescribed effect leads to an outcome unfavorable to the player (an unfavorable outcome) (see Figures 27(b), (c-1), and (c-2)). When a specific predictive effect occurs, the prescribed effect occurs during the target fluctuation effect. Therefore, if the target win/loss lottery result is a jackpot, the prescribed effect for a successful outcome is executed, and if the target win/loss lottery result is a loss, the prescribed effect for an unfavorable outcome is executed as part of the target fluctuation effect. Compared to when a prescribed effect does not occur during the fluctuation effect, the reliability of a jackpot is higher when a prescribed effect occurs. In other words, a prescribed effect can be considered a type of so-called chance-up effect. Note that the specified effects in this embodiment can occur even if the specific predictive effects do not occur.

In this embodiment, the specific background music is output continuously without interruption from the time the target pending information is acquired (see FIG. 26(b)) until the time the specified effect begins (see FIG. 27(b)) (see FIG. 28). In other words, the specific look-ahead effect is an effect that starts when the target pending information is acquired and ends when the specified effect begins. Since the start time is while the "look-ahead start during change effect" is being executed and the end time is while the "target during change effect" is being executed, the output of the specific background music spans (spans) two or more changes. If one or more "other during change effects" (other changes) are executed between the "look-ahead start during change effect" and the "target during change effect," the output of the specific background music will span three or more changes. If the number of "other during change effects" executed between the "look-ahead start during change effect" and the "target during change effect" is α, the output of the specific background music will be output continuously across "2 + α" changes. In the examples shown in Figures 26 and 27, α = 2, so the output of the specific background music will vary over four periods (see Figure 28). Note that in this embodiment, when the default performance begins, the output of background music for the default performance begins instead of the specific background music.

In this way, with the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to execute an interesting look-ahead effect (specific look-ahead effect) in which the output of specific background music suddenly begins when target pending information is acquired.

The specific background music is output continuously at least until the target change effect begins, so the output of the specific background music clearly indicates an increased likelihood of winning the lottery result (target win/loss lottery result) corresponding to the target change effect.

In particular, in this embodiment, the occurrence of a specific look-ahead effect confirms that a prescribed effect will occur during the target change effect, and since the specific background music is output continuously until the prescribed effect begins, it is possible to clearly show that the output of the specific background music (the occurrence of a specific look-ahead effect) will result in the occurrence of a prescribed effect (the connection between the specific look-ahead effect and the prescribed effect can be clearly shown).

7-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to specific predictive performances. Furthermore, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that apply a combination of multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 5-1
The mobile unit 50 is provided with a movable body 50 that operates when the target pending information is acquired. By providing such a movable body 50, not only does the output of a specific background music begin when the target pending information is acquired, but the movable body 50 also operates, making it easier to understand (emphasizes) that a specific pre-reading effect has occurred. The following are possible operating modes of the movable body 50.

The movable body 50 is capable of reciprocating between an original position (a position in its normal state) and a different presentation position. The movable body 50 may be invisible to the player in the original position. It is sufficient that it is at least visible to the player in the presentation position. Any structure (power transmission mechanism) for operating the movable body 50 is acceptable, so a description thereof will be omitted. The movable body 50 may also be attached to the cabinet (frame) of the gaming machine and operate outside the play area. The movable body 50 may have a different shape when located in the original position than when located in the presentation position (it may also have a shape that changes as it is displaced).

Based on this premise, when target pending information is acquired, the output of specific background music begins, and the movable body 50 (see FIG. 29(a)), which is located at its original position, begins to move toward its performance position. As long as the output of the specific background music continues, the movable body 50 remains at its performance position (see FIG. 29(b)). When the output of the specific background music ends (in accordance with the above embodiment, when the specified performance begins in the target moving performance), the movable body 50, which is located at its performance position, begins to move toward its original position, i.e., returns to its original position (see FIG. 29(c)). In other words, the position of the movable body 50 at its performance position and the output of the specific background music are linked. In this way, it is possible to determine that a specific look-ahead performance is being executed not only by whether or not the specific background music is being output, but also by the fact that the movable body 50 is located at its performance position. Furthermore, it is possible to determine that the specific look-ahead performance has ended when the movable body 50 moves from its performance position to its original position.

Other examples of movable body 50 (movement) include the following. For example, movable body 50 is not one that changes its position significantly, but is capable of vibrating in place. Such movable body 50 continues to vibrate while the specific background music is being output. In other words, the vibration is triggered when the specific look-ahead performance begins (target hold information is acquired), and ends when the specific look-ahead performance ends. In this way, the occurrence and end of the specific look-ahead performance can be determined not only by whether the specific background music is being output, but also by whether or not the movable body 50 is vibrating.

The movable body 50 may be configured to temporarily operate in response to the acquisition of target pending information. In other words, the operation of the movable body 50 may end before the output of the specific background music ends. For example, the movable body 50 may temporarily vibrate in response to the acquisition of target pending information, and the vibration may end before the specific background music ends. Even in this case, the start of the specific pre-reading effect can be detected by the occurrence of the movement of the movable body 50 (however, the end of the specific pre-reading effect cannot be detected by the movement of the movable body 50).

Specific example 5-2
A plurality of types of specific background music are provided, and the reliability of the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result is set to differ depending on the type. For example, specific background music X and a different specific background music Y are provided as specific background music, and the reliability of the jackpot is set to be higher when the output of specific background music Y is started (see FIG. 30(b-2)) than when the output of specific background music X is started (see FIG. 30(b-1)) in response to the acquisition of target reserved information. In this way, when the specific background music is output, the player will also pay attention to the type.

Specific example 5-3
The output of the specific background music may continue until a predetermined time (continuation mode) or may not (non-continuation mode). In the former case, the reliability of the jackpot for the target winning/losing lottery result increases, while in the latter case, the reliability of the jackpot for the target winning/losing lottery result does not increase (the latter case is more advantageous to the player than the former case). In other words, whether or not the output of the specific background music continues determines whether or not the chance-boosting effect of the specific pre-reading effect occurs. For example, the continuation mode (see FIG. 31(a)) may be defined as the output of the specific background music continuing until the start of the target-changing effect or later, while the non-continuation mode (see FIG. 31(b)) may be defined as the output of the specific background music ending before the start of the target-changing effect. In the non-continuation mode, the output of the specific background music does not continue until the start of the target-changing effect, so the player understands that the chance-boosting effect does not occur. Note that the non-continuation mode may be defined as the result of the target winning/losing lottery result being a loss (jackpot reliability = 0%).

When doing as in this example, the setting may suggest the probability of a continuation mode depending on the type of specific background music. For example, the setting may be such that the probability of a continuation mode is higher when the output of a different type of specific background music N begins as a result of the acquisition of target pending information than when the output of a specific background music M begins. In this way, when a specific background music is output, the player will also pay attention to its type.

Specific example 5-4
When the specific background music is being output, no other sound effects (excluding sounds unrelated to the progress of the game, such as electronic sounds output when game specifications are changed) are output. In other words, only the specific background music is continuously output from the speaker 79. This emphasizes that the specific background music is being output, and more clearly indicates that a specific look-ahead effect is occurring.

Specific example 5-5
The background music that is output during the specified effect is a specific background music (the specific background music is output at least from the start of the specified effect until a predetermined time has passed). In other words, the background music of the specified effect that is confirmed to occur in the target change effect due to the occurrence of a specific look-ahead effect is the same as the background music that indicates the occurrence of the specific look-ahead effect. By doing this, it becomes easier to understand that the occurrence of a specific look-ahead effect indicates the occurrence of a specified effect.

Furthermore, in the case of this example, the specific background music output as the specific look-ahead effect can be made to continue to be output even after the specified effect has started (see Figure 32). In other words, because the background music for the specific look-ahead effect and the background music for the specified effect are the same, the output of the specific background music begins in response to the acquisition of the target hold information, and the specific background music can be made to continue to be output even after the specified effect has started.

Specific example 5-6
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the change from normal background music to specific background music occurs when target hold information is acquired, but the normal background music may not be output. In other words, it may be configured such that background music is not output normally, and output of specific background music is started when chance hold information (target hold information) is acquired.

8) Image Displacement Effects 8-1) Image Displacement Effects The gaming machine according to this embodiment can execute image displacement effects as one type of effect that constitutes the in-variation effects. When an image displacement effect occurs during a certain in-variation effect, the reliability of the jackpot result of the win/lose lottery corresponding to that in-variation effect is higher than when the image displacement effect does not occur. In other words, the image displacement effect is a so-called chance-up effect.

Image displacement effects are also commonly referred to as "shake effects." The basic aspect of an image displacement effect is that it changes from a reference state (see FIG. 33(a)), in which a reference image 60 is displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91, to a displaced state (see FIG. 33(b)), in which the reference image 60 appears to have shifted relative to the display area 911. The reference image 60 is the image displayed in the display area 911 in the reference state. In this embodiment, the image displayed in the entire display area 911 in the reference state is set as the reference image 60. However, it is also possible to configure the image displayed in the display area 911 in the reference state to be displaced as the reference image 60. The reference image 60 may be either a still image or a moving image, but the image content represented by the reference image 60 is maintained in a manner that allows it to be viewed as the same by the player from the reference state to the displaced state. This gives the player the impression that the image displayed in the reference state has shifted relative to the display area 911.

Various modes of displacement of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911 are possible. In this embodiment, the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been tilted relative to the planar direction (the direction along the display area 911 of the display device 91; the same applies below) (as if it has been displaced three-dimensionally). More specifically, in this embodiment, the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been rotated so that the left edge of the reference image 60 faces the rear and the right edge of the reference image 60 faces the front. However, this displacement mode is merely one example. The reference image 60 may be displayed as if it has been displaced along the planar direction (either up, down, left, or right) (as if it has been displaced two-dimensionally), or as if it has been displaced to the rear. Furthermore, the amount of displacement of the reference image 60 may change over time (for example, the reference image 60 wobbles). Furthermore, the outline shape of the reference image 60 may change (for example, the outline of the reference image 60 is distorted). Additionally, the reference image 60 may be displaced so that a portion of it is positioned outside the display area 911 (a portion may be cut off). Alternatively, the reference image 60 may be divided into multiple portions, and each portion may be displayed as if displaced relative to the display area 911.

In addition, in the displaced state of the image displacement effect, a frame image 60K is displayed along the outer edge of the reference image 60 (see Figure 33 (b)). This frame image 60K indicates that it is the part that corresponds to the outer edge of the display area 911 in the reference state. In this embodiment, the frame image 60K is not displayed in the reference state. In other words, the image displacement effect is an effect in which the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has shifted relative to the display area 911, and so the frame image 60K is displayed in the displaced state to express this shift. The frame image 60K can also be said to be a part that represents the outer shape of the reference image 60 in the displaced state. The player gets the impression that the outer edge of the display area 911 in the reference state has shifted to the point that is displayed as the frame image 60K in the displaced state. Because the display area 911 is roughly rectangular in shape, in an image displacement presentation in which the reference image 60 is displaced three-dimensionally as in this embodiment, the frame image 60K in the displaced state appears to be a three-dimensional rectangle (approximately a parallelogram in plan view). In this embodiment, as the frame image 60K moves from the reference state to the displaced state, it changes shape by gradually moving away from the outer edge of the display area 911, eventually arriving at the shape shown in the figure. Note that the frame image 60K may also be configured not to be displayed at all.

In this embodiment, the reference image 60 includes a decorative pattern 80 (see Figure 33 (b)). Specifically, the reference image 60 includes at least the decorative pattern 80 and a background image 85 displayed as its background (note that the background image 85 is not shown in drawings other than those used to explain the image displacement effect). If the image layer displaying the decorative pattern 80 and the image layer displaying the background image 85 are separate layers, with the former layer set in front of the latter layer, it is possible to create an image in which the background image 85 is displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to realistically represent the displacement of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911, the continuity of the change in the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) is maintained (the change continues) even in the displaced state. In other words, the image of the changing performance (decorative pattern 80) that was being performed across the entire display area 911 in the reference state is displayed on the reference image 60 (inside the frame image 60K) when the display area 911 is displaced.

In addition, the reference image 60 in this embodiment includes the reserved pattern 10 (see Figure 33 (b)). In other words, as the reference state changes to the displaced state, the reserved pattern 10 also deforms and displaces. By including the reserved pattern 10 in this manner, the impression that the reference image 60 appears to be shifted relative to the display area 911 can be further enhanced. When new correct/incorrect judgment information (pre-change reserved information) is obtained in the displaced state, the new reserved pattern 10 will be displayed in the reference image 60.

In this embodiment, the reference image 60 does not include the specification image 30. The specification image 30 is an image that indicates that game specifications such as volume can be changed even while the variable effect is being executed, so the appearance of the specification image 30 is maintained even when an image displacement effect occurs (when a change to the displacement state occurs) so that this can be understood. However, this does not mean that it is impossible for the reference image 60 to include the specification image 30. This has the advantage of making it appear as if the reference image 60 has "shifted" even more effectively.

8-2) Background Music When the state changes from the reference state to the displacement state, the background music (BGM) output from the speaker 79 changes from the normal background music (see FIG. 33(a)) to the specific background music (see FIG. 33(b)). The normal background music and the specific background music are as explained in "7) 7-1)". However, the specific background music may be configured such that a specific background music specific to the image displacement effect is set (the specific background music explained in "7) 7-1)" above is different from the specific background music used in the image displacement effect).

The image displacement effect changes from a reference state to a displaced state, and then returns to the reference state (ending upon returning to the reference state). The return from the displaced state to the reference state triggers the end of the output of the specific background music (see Figure 33 (c)). In other words, while in the displaced state, the specific background music will be output continuously. After returning to the reference state, background music appropriate to the scene will be output. For example, it will return to a state in which normal background music is output.

In this way, in this embodiment, the background music switches from the normal background music to the specific background music when the state changes from the reference state to the displaced state. This makes it possible to clearly indicate that a displacement of the reference image 60 has occurred. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output of the specific background music is stopped when the state returns from the displaced state to the reference state, making it easy to understand that the image displacement effect has ended.

8-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to image displacement effects. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may apply a combination of multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 6-1
The image displacement effect is configured to function as a so-called pre-reading effect (the pre-reading effect itself is well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted) (see Figures 34 and 35). In other words, as an indication that the jackpot reliability of a certain winning/losing lottery result (target winning/losing lottery result) has increased, the image displacement effect can be started from one or more during-change effects (previous during-change effects) prior to the during-change effect (target during-change effect) for the target winning/losing lottery result. In other words, a change from the base state to a displacement state occurs in the previous during-change effect (see Figure 34 (a)). In Figure 34, the reserved pattern 10 (reserved for the pre-reading target) corresponding to the target winning/losing lottery result is indicated by a "T" attached.

The displacement state is maintained even while one or more future fluctuation effects are being executed (see Figures 34(a)-(c), 35(a) and (b)). Furthermore, this displacement state is maintained even when the target fluctuation effect begins (see Figure 35(c)). In other words, the displacement state is maintained across one or more future fluctuation effects and the target fluctuation effect. In other words, the displacement state is maintained across two or more fluctuation effects, namely at least one future fluctuation effect and a target fluctuation effect (straddling the end of at least one future fluctuation effect and the start of the target fluctuation effect).

The combination of decorative symbols 80 indicating the winning/losing lottery result (loss) corresponding to the previous variable effect will be displayed as included in the reference image 60 (which is shifted relative to the display area 911) at the end of the previous variable effect (see Figures 34(c) and 35(b)). Furthermore, when the notification of the winning/losing lottery result (loss) corresponding to the previous variable effect is completed, a change occurs in the reserved symbols 10 included in the reference image 60 (indicating the so-called "consumption of reserved symbols"). Specifically, the variable reserved symbols 11 are erased, and the display position (order) of each reserved symbol 10 moves up (see the change from Figure 34(c) to Figure 35(a) and the change from Figure 35(b) to Figure 35(c)).

In this way, the displacement state is maintained across two or more during-change effects, and therefore the output of the specific background music that is continuously output when in the displacement state is also maintained across two or more during-change effects. In this way, because the specific background music is maintained across the end of the during-change effect, it becomes clear that the image displacement effect is being executed across two or more during-change effects (the "chance" state does not end with the end of the change, but continues).

It is also possible to return from the displaced state to the standard state at the same time that the target change effect begins, i.e., the output of the specific background music ends. Even in this way, the function of the predictive effect, which suggests that the reliability of the target win/loss lottery result is increasing, is realized. However, by maintaining the displaced state (output of the specific background music) even when the target change effect begins as described above, the function of the predictive effect becomes clearer.

Specific Example 6-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 6-1)
In a configuration in which the image displacement effect can function as a look-ahead effect, the image displacement effect may be configured to occur as a type of the specific look-ahead effect described above. In other words, the acquisition of target hold information (chance hold) triggers the reference image 60 to change from the reference state to the displaced state, and the output of specific background music begins (a change from FIG. 36(a) to (b) occurs). In this way, the image displacement effect functions as a look-ahead effect that occurs suddenly, and the output of specific background music begins in conjunction with the change from the reference state to the displaced state, making it easy to understand the occurrence of the image displacement effect (specific look-ahead effect).

Specific example 6-3
It is assumed that multiple types of image displacement effects can occur. For example, two types of effects can occur: a first image displacement effect (an effect in which a change such as that shown in FIG. 37(a) → (b-1) occurs) and a second image displacement effect (an effect in which a change such as that shown in FIG. 37(a) → (b-2) occurs). The first image displacement effect and the second image displacement effect differ in the shape of the reference image 60 (frame image 60K) relative to the display area 911 in the displacement state. Here, differences in at least one of the shape, size, and position (relative position with respect to the display area 911) of the outer shape of the reference image 60 in the displacement state are considered to correspond to "different outer shape aspects of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911." More specifically, the first image displacement effect and the second image displacement effect differ in at least one of the shape, size, and position of the outer shape (frame image 60K) relative to the display area 911, regardless of the content of the reference image 60 (the portion inside the frame image 60K). The displacement state is a state in which the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has shifted relative to the display area 911, and it can be said that the first image displacement presentation and the second image displacement presentation have different modes of this "shift."

Let's assume that the displacement state of the first image displacement effect is the first displacement state (see FIG. 37(b-1)) and the displacement state of the second image displacement effect is the second displacement state (see FIG. 37(b-2)). For example, let's assume that the amount of "deviation" of the reference image 60 from the reference state is greater in the second displacement state than in the first displacement state (the first image displacement effect is a "small shake," and the second image displacement effect is a "large shake"). Furthermore, let's assume that the reliability of the jackpot result, which is the subject of the win/lose lottery suggestion by the image displacement effect, is higher when the second image displacement effect occurs than when the first image displacement effect occurs. In other words, a larger "deviation" of the reference image 60 is more advantageous to the player (note that the reliability may be reversed; in other words, a smaller "deviation" may be more reliable). By doing this, when an image displacement effect occurs, the player will also pay attention to the magnitude of the "deviation."

Assuming this configuration, when the first image displacement effect is in a displacement state, a first specific background music piece is output (see FIG. 37(b-1)), and when the second image displacement effect is in a displacement state, a second specific background music piece (a different type of music from the first specific background music piece) is output (see FIG. 37(b-2)). In other words, the type of background music piece that is output will differ depending on the magnitude of the "shift" of the reference image 60 in the displacement state.

Since the difference in the "shift" of the reference image 60 during the image displacement effect is merely a difference in appearance, some players may not be able to distinguish between the first image displacement effect and the second image displacement effect. By using this example, the specific background music output when the first image displacement effect occurs is different from that output when the second image displacement effect occurs, making it easier to distinguish between the first image displacement effect and the second image displacement effect.

Specific example 6-4
As in the above specific example 6-3, different types of music are set as the specific background music. That is, a first image shift effect (a shift as shown in FIG. 38(a) → (b-1)) in which a first specific background music is output during the shift state may occur, and a second image shift effect (a shift as shown in FIG. 38(a) → (b-2)) in which a second specific background music is output may occur. However, the shape of the reference image 60 (frame image 60K) relative to the display area 911 during the shift state, i.e., the "shift" of the reference image 60, is assumed to be the same when the first specific background music is output (see FIG. 38(b-1)) and when the second specific background music is output (see FIG. 37(b-2)). In other words, the "shift" of the reference image 60 is assumed to be the same, but different specific background music may be output. The reliability of the jackpot result suggested by the image shift effect may differ between when the first specific background music is output and when the second specific background music is output. In other words, the probability of an event (jackpot) advantageous to the player occurring differs when the first specific background music is output (first image displacement effect) and when the second specific background music is output (second image displacement effect).

By doing this, multiple types of image displacement effects can be produced in which the "shift" (appearance) of the reference image 60 in the displacement state is the same but the background music is different, resulting in an effect that draws the player's attention to the background music as well. Furthermore, for example, a player who has previously experienced an image displacement effect in which one of the first and second specific background music is output may feel a sense of discomfort when encountering an image displacement effect in which the other specific background music is output for the first time (an effect in which the appearance is the same but something feels different).

Specific example 6-5
The first image displacement presentation and the second image displacement presentation differ in the manner of the image (hereinafter referred to as the non-reference image 65) displayed in the area where the reference image 60 is displayed in the displacement state (part of the display area 911, hereinafter referred to as the non-reference area 911a).

The non-reference area 911a is an area that arises when the reference image 60 changes from the reference state to the displaced state. That is, in the reference state, the reference image 60 is displayed over the entire display area 911 (see FIG. 39(a)). However, a change occurs as if the reference image 60 has been displaced relative to the display area 911. As a result, in the displaced state, an area other than the area where the reference image 60 is displayed (non-reference area 911a) arises (see FIGS. 39(b-1) and (b-2)). The appearance of the non-reference image 65 displayed in the non-reference area 911a differs between the first image displacement presentation and the second image displacement presentation. For example, in the first image displacement presentation, a first non-reference image 651 (shown by parallel hatching in FIG. 39(b-1)) that appears blue overall is displayed, while in the second image displacement presentation, a second non-reference image 652 (shown by cross hatching in FIG. 39(b-2)) that appears red overall is displayed. If the second image displacement effect is considered to have a higher jackpot reliability than the first image displacement effect, then it can be said that it is more advantageous for the player to have the second non-standard image 652 displayed than the first non-standard image 651 displayed.

Based on this premise, when the first image displacement effect is in a displaced state, i.e., when the first non-reference image 651 is displayed, a first specific background music is output (see FIG. 39(b-1)). On the other hand, when the second image displacement effect is in a displaced state, i.e., when the second non-reference image 652 is displayed, a second specific background music is output (see FIG. 39(b-2)). Because the non-reference image 65 looks like the background of the reference image 60 in a displaced state, there is a risk that the player will not realize that the reference image 60 is suggesting reliability (that it is subject to change). To reduce this risk, the type of background music output is different when the first non-reference image 651 is displayed and when the second non-reference image 652 is displayed.

9) Reserved symbols and accompanying images As described above, the display area 911 displays reserved symbols 10 (pre-change reserved symbols 12, changing reserved symbols 11) indicating the presence of win/loss determination information (reserved information). In this embodiment, a plurality of modes are set as presentation modes (stages) during normal game play, and during one of these, a specific mode, an accompanying image 70 of the type described below is displayed in the display area 911 together with the reserved symbols 10. Note that the accompanying image 70 described below may be displayed at all times (a reserve effect, the details of which will be described later, may occur at all times), not just during the specific mode.

As shown in Figure 40(a), the accompanying images 70 are displayed in a position associated with the location (display location) where each reserved symbol 10 is displayed. In this embodiment, each accompanying image 70 is displayed below each display location. When a reserved symbol 10 is displayed, the reserved symbol 10 and the accompanying image 70 are displayed side by side, one above the other. These accompanying images 70 are displayed even when the corresponding reserved symbol 10 is not displayed.

The accompanying images 70 are divided into during-change accompanying images 71 and pre-change accompanying images 72. The during-change accompanying image 71 is displayed in a position associated with the display location of the during-change reserved pattern 11. The pre-change accompanying image 72 is displayed in a position associated with the display location of the pre-change reserved pattern 12. The during-change reserved pattern 11 corresponds to the currently executed during-change performance and only one is displayed, so one during-change accompanying image 71 is also displayed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a maximum of four pre-change reserved patterns 12 are displayed, so four pre-change accompanying images 72 are displayed.

In this embodiment, the current-changing accompanying image 71 is displayed near the lower center edge of the display area 911, and four pre-change accompanying images 72 are displayed surrounding it. The current-changing accompanying image 71 and the pre-change accompanying image 72 have different appearances. This makes it easy to distinguish between the current-changing reserved pattern 11 (displayed in association with the current-changing accompanying image 71) and the pre-change reserved pattern 12 (displayed in association with the pre-change accompanying image 72). In this embodiment, the current-changing accompanying image 71 and the pre-change accompanying image 72 have similar shapes, but the current-changing accompanying image 71 is larger than the pre-change accompanying image 72. Note that in this embodiment, the current-changing reserved pattern 11 is larger than the pre-change accompanying image 72, in accordance with the size relationship of the accompanying images 70. The current-changing reserved pattern 11 and the pre-change reserved pattern 12 may be clearly distinguished by making the basic appearances of these patterns significantly different.

9-2) Hold Effects Each effect using the reserved symbol 10 is referred to as a hold effect. In this embodiment, as one type of hold effect, a hold change effect can be executed in which the state of the reserved symbol 10 may change. Multiple types of hold effect modes are set for the reserved symbol 10 (see FIG. 40(b)). The state of the reserved symbol 10 indicates the jackpot reliability of the corresponding win/lose lottery result. The hold change effect is an effect indicating that the state of the reserved symbol 10 may change in a direction that increases the jackpot reliability. In the following description, an outcome in which the state of the reserved symbol 10 changes is referred to as a change outcome, and an outcome in which the reserved symbol 10 does not change is referred to as a non-change outcome. When a hold change effect occurs, it may be configured to always result in a change outcome. Because the change in the state of the reserved symbol 10 increases the jackpot reliability, a change outcome is more advantageous to the player than a non-change outcome. In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 10 is set to have the following modes: a normal mode, which is the basic mode (normal state), a first special mode (presenting blue), a second special mode (presenting green), and a third special mode (presenting red) (the reliability of the jackpot increases in this order (the third special mode is the highest)). Note that in each figure, the mode (color) of the reserved pattern 10 is represented by letters (the normal mode has no letters).

The reserved pattern 10 that is the target of the reserved change effect (reserved effect) is referred to as the target reserved pattern 10T. When the reserved change effect occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T and the associated image 70 (target associated image 70T) associated with the target reserved pattern 10T are enlarged and displayed (see FIG. 41(b). Note that in the examples shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the currently changing reserved pattern 11 is the target reserved pattern 10T, and the currently changing associated image 71 is the target associated image 70T). In other words, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T are larger when a reserved change effect is occurring than in their normal state (the size when a reserved change effect is not occurring) (see FIG. 41(a)). In this embodiment, the enlargement ratios of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T are the same. For example, if the target reserved pattern 10T is enlarged and displayed twice as large as in its normal state, the target associated image 70T is also enlarged and displayed twice as large as in its normal state.

In this embodiment, even when the target reserved symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged, the size of the other reserved symbols 10 and accompanying images 70 is maintained (remains normal) (see Figure 41 (b)). In other words, changes occur in the target reserved symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T, but no changes occur in the other reserved symbols 10 and accompanying images 70. Therefore, when a reserve change effect occurs, the target reserved symbol 10T is emphasized, allowing the player to sense that something is about to happen to the target reserved symbol 10T. In other words, it is easier to understand that a reserve change effect has occurred. In particular, in this embodiment, not only the target reserved symbol 10T but also the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged, further emphasizing the target reserved symbol 10T.

As shown in the examples of Figures 41 and 42, when the target reserved pattern 10T is the currently changing reserved pattern 11, the target accompanying image 70T becomes the currently changing accompanying image 71. Even in normal conditions (when no reserve change occurs), the currently changing reserved pattern 11 and the currently changing accompanying image 71 are displayed larger than the pre-change reserved pattern 12 and the pre-change accompanying image 72, respectively, and therefore become even larger, meaning that when a reserve change effect occurs, the difference in size between the two becomes even larger.

In the reserve change presentation in this embodiment, the target reserve symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged, and then an image that acts on the target reserve symbol 10T (action image 75) is displayed, informing the player that the state of the target reserve symbol 10T may change (a so-called "hype presentation" is executed) (see Figure 41(c)), leading to a change ending (see Figure 42(a-1)) or a no-change ending (see Figure 42(b-1)). After reaching the ending, the target reserve symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T return to their original size (see Figures 42(a-2) and (b-2)), and the reserve change presentation ends.

Figure 43 shows an example where the target reserved pattern 10T for the reserve change effect is the pre-change reserved pattern 12. In this case, the target accompanying image 70T becomes the pre-change accompanying image 72. Under normal circumstances (when no reserve change occurs), the pre-change reserved pattern 12 and the pre-change accompanying image 72 are smaller than the changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, respectively (see Figure 43(a)). However, when a reserve change effect occurs, the pre-change reserved pattern 12, which is the target reserved pattern 10T, and the pre-change accompanying image 72, which is the target accompanying image 70T, are enlarged and displayed until they are larger than the changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, respectively (see Figure 43(b)). In other words, the size relationship (the size of the area occupied within the display area 911) is reversed when no reserve change effect occurs and when a reserve change occurs. By doing this, under normal circumstances, the pre-change reserved pattern 12 and pre-change accompanying image 72 are smaller than the changing reserved pattern 11 and changing accompanying image 71, respectively, making it easier to distinguish between the two, and when a reserve change effect occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T (pre-change reserved pattern 12 which is the target reserved pattern 10T) and target accompanying image 70T (pre-change accompanying image 72 accompanying the target reserved pattern 10T) become larger than the changing reserved pattern 11 and changing accompanying image 71, making it easier to see that they are the reserved pattern 10 that is the target of the reserve change effect.

9-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to matters related to hold effects. Furthermore, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that apply a combination of multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 7-1
In the above embodiment, when a reserve change effect (reserve effect) occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged, but the size of the other reserved patterns 10 and accompanying images 70 is maintained. However, the other reserved patterns 10 and accompanying images 70 may also be enlarged. In other words, when a reserve change effect occurs, all reserved patterns 10 and accompanying images 70 are enlarged (displayed larger than normal (see FIG. 44(a))) (see FIG. 44(b)(c)). Note that pre-change accompanying images 72 that do not have a corresponding pre-change reserved pattern 12 are also enlarged.

Even in this example, when a reserve change effect (reserve effect) occurs, not only the reserved symbol 10 but also the accompanying image 70 are enlarged, emphasizing the change (compared to a configuration in which only the reserved symbol 10 is enlarged (the accompanying image 70 is not enlarged)). Also, because all reserved symbols 10 and accompanying images 70 are enlarged, it is not possible to know which reserved symbol 10 is the target reserved symbol 10T until a change in appearance or the like actually occurs.

Specific example 7-2
As in the above specific example 7-1, when a reserve change effect (reserve effect) occurs, all reserved symbols 10 and associated images 70 are enlarged and displayed. However, the target reserved symbol 10T and the target associated image 70T and the other reserved symbols 10 and associated images 70 have different magnification ratios (how many times larger than the normal size). Specifically, the magnification ratio of the target reserved symbol 10T and the target associated image 70T is set to be larger than the magnification ratio of the other reserved symbols 10 and associated images 70 (see FIG. 45). By doing so, the suggestion that something is about to happen is emphasized by the enlargement of all reserved symbols 10 and associated images 70, and, as in the above embodiment, the target reserved symbol 10T and the target associated image 70T stand out (are emphasized) more than the other reserved symbols 10 and associated images 70.

Specific example 7-3
The enlargement rate of the target reserved pattern 10T and the enlargement rate of the target accompanying image 70T when the reserved change effect (reserved effect) occurs are different. For example, the target reserved pattern 10T is enlarged twice as large as normal, but the target accompanying image 70T is enlarged only 1.5 times as large as normal (see FIG. 46). While maintaining the effect of emphasizing the target reserved pattern 10T by enlarging not only the target reserved pattern 10T but also the target accompanying image 70T, the target reserved pattern 10T, which is the target of the effect (the player's attention), is enlarged at a higher enlargement rate than the target accompanying image 70T, making it more noticeable.

The opposite setting to the example shown in Figure 46 may also be used. In other words, the target accompanying image 70T may be set to be enlarged at a higher magnification rate than the target reserved image 10T. This prevents the target reserved image 10T from becoming too large, while the target reserved image 10T, enlarged at a higher magnification rate, can emphasize the target reserved image 10T. This is effective in cases where the target reserved image 10T is normally large, and if the magnification rate is too high, there will be no room to display the target reserved image 10T (it will encroach on the display range of other images).

Specific example 7-4
The magnification of the target reserved symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T can change each time a reserved change effect (reserved effect) occurs. For example, a first reserved change effect (a performance that progresses from FIG. 47(a) → (b-1) → (c-1)) in which the magnification of the target reserved symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T is 1.5 times the normal size, and a second reserved change effect (a performance that progresses from FIG. 47(a) → (b-2) → (c-2)) in which the magnification is 2 times can occur. In other words, the size of the target reserved symbol 10T and the target accompanying image 70T when enlarged is larger in the second reserved change effect than in the first reserved change effect.

Assuming this configuration, the second reserved change effect is set to have a higher probability of reaching a change outcome (expected change outcome) than the first reserved change effect. In other words, the probability of the player reaching an outcome advantageous to them is set to be higher when the reserved pattern 10 that is the target of the effect is displayed larger. In this way, the effect will also draw the player's attention to the degree of enlargement of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T.

Specific example 7-5
As described above, the reserved change effect is an effect that indicates that the state of the target reserved pattern 10T may change. When the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged and displayed, the state in which the target reserved pattern 10T may change (the "candidate" state) is displayed. Specifically, it is as follows.

The reserve change effect is divided into a preliminary stage, which indicates that the target reserved symbol 10T may change, and a conclusion stage, which indicates that a change or no-change outcome has been reached. In the preliminary stage, the current state of the target reserved symbol 10T (the state before the reserve change effect occurs; first state 101) and a candidate state that may change (the state that can occur after the reserve change effect; second state 102) are displayed enlarged together with the target accompanying image 70T (see Figure 48(b)). After that, the conclusion stage is reached, and if a change outcome occurs, the target reserved symbol 10T that has changed to second state 102 is displayed (see Figure 48(c-1)). If a no-change outcome occurs, the target reserved symbol 10T that remains in first state 101 is displayed (see Figure 48(c-2)). After the conclusion stage, the target reserved pattern 10T and target accompanying image 70T, which have changed to the second state 102 or remain in the first state 101, return to their normal state (original size) (see Figures 48 (d-1) and (d-2)).

The preliminary stage indicates whether the target reserved symbol 10T will remain in the first mode 101 or change to the second mode 102. Various presentation modes are possible in this preliminary stage. For example, a display may be presented in which the first mode 101 symbol and the second mode 102 symbol collide (see FIG. 48(b)). If the first mode 101 symbol remains (see FIG. 48(c-2)), a no-change ending will occur, and if the second mode 102 symbol remains (see FIG. 48(c-1)), a change ending will occur. Although not shown, as a different example, the first mode 101 symbol and the second mode 102 symbol may be considered "characters" (the reserved symbol 10 may be considered "characters"), and the characters represented by both symbols may perform some kind of action, resulting in either a no-change ending or a change ending. For example, a configuration may be presented in which the characters represented by both symbols fight, with the winning character remaining as is.

In this way, by taking advantage of the fact that the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged, it is possible to make the reserved change presentation easier to understand by displaying both the current state of the target reserved pattern 10T (first state 101) and the state that may change (second state 102).

Specific example 7-6
It is assumed that a pattern suggestion effect (see FIG. 49(b)) can be executed as a reserved effect. In the pattern suggestion effect, the target reserved pattern 10T is also enlarged and displayed. In this example, the currently changing reserved pattern 11 is the target reserved pattern 10T. The target reserved pattern 10T is assumed to include a suggestion element 10Ta, at least when enlarged and displayed. The suggestion element 10Ta suggests (is associated with) one of a plurality of types of decorative patterns 80.

The decorative pattern 80 has a main element portion that indicates its type and a sub-element portion that accompanies the main element portion (see Figure 49 (a)). The main element portion is the portion that contains "numbers" (letters), and the sub-element portion is the portion that contains "characters" (note that in drawings other than those explaining this example, the decorative pattern 80 is represented by "numbers" only). If the main element portion (numbers) is different, the type of decorative pattern 80 is different; if the main element portion (numbers) is the same, the type of decorative pattern 80 is the same. The characters represented as sub-elements may vary in appearance within the range that they are viewed as the same by the player (recognized as the same character). In this embodiment, different characters are associated with different main element portions, such as "Character A" being associated with the main element portion of "1," "Character B" being associated with the main element portion of "2," and so on, and "Character G" being associated with the main element portion of "7."

In the pattern suggestion effect, the target reserved pattern 10T, which is displayed larger than in the normal state (see Figure 49 (b-1)), includes one of the characters A to G as the suggestion element 10Ta (see Figure 49 (b-2)). Note that in this example, the target reserved pattern 10T (changing reserved pattern 11) does not include a character in the normal state (see Figure 49 (b-1)). It can include a character as a special mode exclusive to the pattern suggestion effect (when displayed enlarged). However, this does not deny the possibility of including a character in the normal state.

The symbol suggestion effect occurs when all decorative symbol groups 80g are fluctuating (see Figure 49 (b-2)). That is, when all decorative symbol groups 80g are fluctuating, the target reserved symbol 10T containing the suggestion element 10Ta is enlarged and displayed. The type of the first stop symbol (the decorative symbol 80 that is the target of the effect; hereinafter, also referred to as the target decorative symbol 80T) is selected from the decorative symbol group 80g that first stops fluctuating or pseudo-stops (referring to a state in which the symbol appears to the player to be stopped, but is moving slightly) among the three decorative symbol groups 80g. This decorative symbol corresponds to the suggestion element 10Ta contained in the target reserved symbol 10T. For example, if a target reserved symbol 10T containing the suggestion element 10Ta of character F is enlarged and displayed, a decorative pattern 80 whose main element is "6" and whose sub-element is "character F" will be displayed as the first stop symbol (see Figure 49 (b-3)).

The timing at which the target reserved symbol 10T returns to its original state (the timing at which the suggestion element 10Ta is erased) may be any. As shown in Figure 49 (b-3), the suggestion element 10Ta may continue to be displayed until the corresponding decorative symbol 80 is displayed as the first stop symbol, or, although not shown, the suggestion element 10Ta may be erased and then the corresponding first stop symbol may be displayed.

In this way, the enlarged target reserved pattern 10T (changing reserved pattern 11 corresponding to the win/lose lottery result announced by the currently changing decorative pattern 80) can suggest the type of target decorative pattern 80T that will stop or pseudo-stop at a specified position. Typical reserved patterns are small, and it has been difficult to suggest the type of decorative pattern 80 that will stop or pseudo-stop using that reserved pattern. However, this example uses the enlarged target reserved pattern 10T, which has the advantage of making it easier to understand the suggestion of the type of target decorative pattern 80T.

In the above example, the target decorative pattern 80T is the first stop pattern, but the decorative pattern 80 whose variation stops or pseudo-stops second (second stop pattern) or the decorative pattern 80 whose variation stops or pseudo-stops third (third stop pattern) may also be the target decorative pattern 80T. Furthermore, rather than the order in which they stop, the decorative pattern 80 displayed in any display position (left, center, or right) may be the target decorative pattern 80T. For example, given that the currently changing reserved pattern 11 is the target reserved pattern 10T and that the currently changing reserved pattern 11 is displayed in the horizontal center of the display area 911, it is conceivable that a middle decorative pattern 80 selected from the middle decorative pattern group 80gL would be the target decorative pattern 80T. That is, of the left decorative pattern 80, middle decorative pattern 80, and right decorative pattern 80, the middle decorative pattern 80 is displayed in the position closest to the position where the target reserved pattern 10T is displayed, so the target suggested by the target reserved pattern 10T is the middle decorative pattern 80. By doing this, the relationship between the target reserved pattern 10T and the decorative pattern 80 that is the target of the suggestion (target decorative pattern 80T) becomes clearer.

Specific Example 7-7 (Modification of Specific Example 7-6)
The pattern suggestion effect has different outcomes depending on whether or not the target reserved pattern 10T including the suggestion element 10Ta reaches a predetermined size (whether or not it grows to a predetermined size). When the target reserved pattern 10T reaches a predetermined size (see FIG. 50(b-1)), an outcome (display outcome) (see FIG. 50(c-1)) is reached in which the decorative pattern 80 (target decorative pattern 80T) of the type corresponding to the suggestion element 10Ta stops or pseudo-stops (is selected from the target decorative pattern group 80g). On the other hand, when the target reserved pattern 10T does not reach a predetermined size (see FIG. 50(b-2)), an outcome (non-display outcome) (see FIG. 50(c-2)) is reached in which the decorative pattern 80 of the type corresponding to the suggestion element 10Ta does not stop or pseudo-stop (is not selected from the target decorative pattern group 80g). In other words, whether or not the target reserved pattern 10T reaches a predetermined size is set as a "branch" in the effect. It is preferable that the reliability of a jackpot is higher when the display ending is reached than when the non-display ending is reached. In other words, it is preferable that the display of the decorative pattern 80 of the type suggested by the target reserved pattern 10T is set as an event advantageous to the player. It is also possible to set that when the non-display ending is reached, the result of the lottery is determined to be a loss.

Furthermore, in the case of this example, if the display ending is reached, it is advisable to execute an effect indicating that the ending has been reached (an effect that is not executed if the non-display ending is not reached). If a target reserved pattern 10T including a character is displayed as the suggestive element 10Ta, an effect in which the character utters a "line" is executed when the target reserved pattern 10T reaches a predetermined size. For example, when the target reserved pattern 10T including "character B" reaches a predetermined size, an effect in which "character B" utters a "line" is executed, and then the decorative pattern 80 of "2" (decorative pattern 80 including "character B") stops or pseudo-stops at a predetermined position (see Figure 50 (b-1)). On the other hand, if the predetermined size is not reached, an effect in which such a "line" is uttered is not executed (see Figure 50 (b-2)). Because there is a risk that a player will not be able to clearly determine whether the target reserved symbol 10T has reached a predetermined size, it is advisable to have a special effect that is executed when the predetermined size is reached, making this determination easier. Another advantage is that the target character will say a line before a decorative symbol 80 including that character is selected, making the flow of the effect easier to understand.

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

For example, the gaming machine may have only some of the configurations described in 3) to 9) above. Furthermore, while the gaming machine 1 described in the above embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, it can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as slot machines, with the exception of matters that are premised on the configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines.

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine in which multiple game specifications can be changed by operating an operation unit that can be operated by a player, wherein the operation unit has a selection operation section for performing a selection operation to select a target game specification, which is the game specification to be changed, and a change operation section for performing a change operation to change the target game specification to a desired state, and wherein the gaming machine is set up so that, in a changeable state in which the game specifications can be changed, the change operation cannot be performed by operating the selection operation section, and the selection operation cannot be performed by operating the change operation section.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to make it less likely that an erroneous operation will occur when attempting to change the game specifications.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that the changeable state is during the execution of a variation effect from the start of the variation of the decorative pattern indicating the result of the win/loss lottery until the decorative pattern stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/loss lottery.
While the variable effect is being executed, the player will likely try to change the game specifications while paying attention to the content of the effect, so it is very important to make it less likely that an incorrect operation will occur.

・Means 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 or 1-2 is characterized in that the operation unit has the selection operation section arranged along a predetermined direction and the change operation section arranged along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.
This makes it clearer the difference between the object to be operated when performing a selection operation (selection operation section) and the object to be operated when performing a change operation (change operation section), making it less likely that an operation error will occur.

・Means 1-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that when the operation unit is operated, an operation guide image is displayed on the display device, the operation guide image includes a target display section representing the target game specification among the multiple types of game specifications, and the type of game specification represented by the target display section changes depending on the operation of the selection operation section.
By doing so, it is possible to clearly show that the target game specifications change depending on the operation of the selection operation unit.

・Means 1-5
The gaming machine described in means 1-4 is characterized in that the operation assistance image includes a next item display section that indicates the type of game specification that will be the next target game specification assuming that the selection operation section is operated.
By doing so, it is possible to clearly show how the target game specifications change depending on the operation of the selection operation unit.

・Means 1-6
The gaming machine described in means 1-4 or 1-5 is characterized in that the operation guide image includes a status display section that shows the current status of the target game specifications.
This makes it easy to understand the current state of the target game specifications.

・Means 1-7
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-4 to 1-6, characterized in that the operation assistance image includes a post-change display section that shows what the state of the target game specifications will be if the change operation section is operated.
By doing so, it is possible to clearly show how the state of the target game specification changes when the change operation section is operated.

・Means 1-8
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-7, characterized in that at least some of the multiple types of game specifications are made unchangeable depending on the game state, and when a transition occurs from a previous game state in which a certain game specification is set as the target game specification to a subsequent game state in which the certain game specification is unchangeable, a game specification other than the certain game specification that is changeable in the subsequent game state is automatically set as the target game specification.
In this way, it is possible to prevent a certain game specification from remaining as the target game specification and transitioning to a game state in which the certain game specification cannot be changed.

・Means 1-9
The gaming machine described in means 1-8 is characterized in that the different gaming specification is one of a plurality of gaming specifications and can be changed regardless of the gaming state.
By doing this, it is only necessary to set "another game specification" as the target game specification regardless of which game state is transitioned to, making control easy.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: a game specification change means capable of changing game specifications by operating an operating means; a display means for displaying a specification image relating to the game specifications; and a variation effect execution means for executing a variation effect using the display means from the start of the variation of a decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/lose lottery until the decorative pattern stops in a manner according to the result of the win/lose lottery, wherein the gaming machine is capable of executing a specific effect as an effect constituting the variation effect, and wherein the specification image is displayed when the variation effect is in a normal state in which the specific effect is not being executed, while the specification image is not displayed when the variation effect is in a specific state in which the specific effect is being executed unless a predetermined display condition is met.
According to the gaming machine, the specification image is prevented from obstructing (overwhelming) the specific effect (image for effect).

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the operation of the operating means is set as the display condition, and the specification image is displayed by operating the operating means even when the specific state is in place.
If the player's intention is recognized, the specification image may be displayed even when the game is in a specific state.

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that the specification image is set to have a basic form and an emphasis form that is more noticeable than the basic form, and when the operating means is operated while the machine is in the normal state, the specification image changes from the basic form to the emphasis form.
It is preferable that the image displayed in the display area is not obstructed (overwhelmed) by the specification image even when no specific effect is being executed (normal state). Therefore, in the normal state, the specification image is set as the basic mode, and when the player's intention is recognized, the basic mode may be changed to a more prominent emphasized mode.

・Means 2-4
A gaming machine described in Means 2-3 citing Means 2-2, characterized in that the specification image in the highlighted state is displayed when the operating means is operated while the specific state is in place.
If the player's intention is recognized, the specification image may be displayed in an emphasized mode from the beginning.

・Means 2-5
The gaming machine described in means 2-3 or 2-4 is characterized in that the specification image of the basic mode includes a target display section that indicates one of the multiple types of game specifications as the target game specification, and the specification image of the highlighted mode includes a state display section that indicates the current state of the target game specification, which is a part that is not included in the specification image of the basic mode.
By setting the basic mode and the highlight mode as described above, it is possible to make the basic mode smaller (less noticeable) than the highlight mode because it does not include a status display section. Furthermore, although the basic mode does not include a status display section, it does include a target display section that indicates the target game specification, so even when the basic mode is displayed, the player can sense that it is possible to change the status of at least the target game specification.

・Means 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: an operation means operable by a player; an effect execution means for executing an operation request effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means during an effective operation period; and an automatic operation execution means for executing an automatic operation that is reflected in the effect for a target operation request effect even if the operation means is not actually operated during the effective operation period, wherein an automatic operation mode in which the automatic operation may be executed is set such that a first operation request effect among the operation request effects is subject to the automatic operation, while a second operation request effect among the operation request effects is not subject to the automatic operation.
According to the gaming machine, by setting a partial automatic operation mode, it is possible to reduce the operational burden while still allowing the player to occasionally operate the machine himself, making the game more interesting.

・Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the second operation request presentation includes a presentation that leads to a winning/losing notification outcome according to the winning/losing lottery result, triggered by the operation of the operation means during the operation valid period.
By doing this, even when a partial automatic operation mode is set, the player himself/herself will be required to perform operations that are important to the player and that will determine the results of the lottery (automatic operations will not be performed), thereby realizing a gameplay feature.

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 1 or 3-2 is characterized in that two or more modes are set as the partially automatic operation mode, each having a different number of the second operation request effects among the operation request effects.
Since players have different preferences for the degree to which they want the operational burden of automatic operation to be reduced, it is advisable to configure the system so that two or more partial automatic operation modes are set, each with a different frequency at which automatic operation occurs.

・Means 3-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that the automatic operation mode is set to a fully automatic operation mode in which all of the operation request presentations are subject to the automatic operation.
Since there may be some players who find all of the operations troublesome, it is advisable to configure the system so that not only a partial automatic operation mode but also a fully automatic operation mode is set.

・Means 3-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-4, characterized in that the state of the operation image indicating that the operation request presentation is occurring is different between the operation request presentation that is not the target of the automatic operation and the operation request presentation that is the target of the automatic operation.
By doing this, even when a partial automatic operation mode is set, it is possible to determine whether or not the currently occurring operation request performance is the target of automatic operation.

・Means 3-6
The gaming machine described in means 3-5 is characterized in that in the operation request presentation that is not the target of the automatic operation, an image including an operation target display representing the operation means and an operation mode display representing the operation mode of the operation means is displayed as the operation image, while in the operation request presentation that is the target of the automatic operation, an image including one of the operation target display and the operation mode display but not the other is displayed as the operation image.
Since the operation request presentation that is the subject of automatic operation does not require the player to actually operate it, an operation image that does not include either the operation target display or the operation mode display can be displayed so that the operation instruction is not emphasized (compared to when both the operation target display and the operation mode display are displayed).

・Means 4-1
A gaming machine comprising: an operating means operable by a player; a bonus granting means for actually granting the bonus to the player on the condition that a gaming ball enters a specific area when it is decided by lottery that a bonus will be granted to the player; and a specification change means for changing the game specifications when an operation of the operating means that satisfies a predetermined operation condition is performed during a specific period after the player is notified that a bonus will be granted and which ends when the gaming ball enters the specific area.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to improve the entertainment value of the game by utilizing a specific period.

・Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that during the specified period, an image indicating that the game specifications will be changed by operating the operating means is not displayed on the display device.
In this way, the change in game specifications caused by the operation of the operating means during a specific period functions as a so-called "hidden effect" (back button effect).

・Means 4-3
The gaming machine described in means 4-2 is characterized in that the operation condition is met when the number of times the operation means is operated during the specified period reaches N times, and the operation condition is not met if the number of times the operation means is operated during the specified period does not reach N times.
However, the number N is 2 or more.
・Means 4-4
The gaming machine described in means 4-2 is characterized in that the operation condition is met when the time for which the maintenance operation, in which the operation of the operating means is maintained during the specific period, reaches a specified time, and the operation condition is not met if the time for the maintenance operation during the specific period does not reach the specified time.
Since it is conceivable that the player may inadvertently operate the operating means (single operation) during the specific period, it is preferable that the operating condition is not one that can be met unintentionally by the player.

・Means 4-5
A gaming machine according to any one of means 4-2 to 4-4, characterized in that a predetermined sound effect is output when the operation condition is satisfied.
In this way, a player who knows the existence of an operation condition can determine whether the operation condition has been met based on the presence or absence of a sound effect.

・Means 4-6
A gaming machine according to any one of means 4-1 to 4-5, characterized in that after the player is notified that a bonus will be awarded, an instruction image is displayed on a display device to encourage the player to aim the gaming ball at the specific area and fire the gaming ball, and the instruction image is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific period.
Even if a player is thinking of changing the game specifications, it is conceivable that the player will launch the game ball in accordance with the instruction image and cause the specific period to end before the operation condition is fulfilled. Therefore, it is advisable to make the instruction image displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific period (to make it less likely that the game ball will be launched immediately after the start of the specific period).

・Means 5-1
A gaming machine comprising: a variation effect execution means for executing a variation effect from the start of the change of a decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/loss lottery until the decorative pattern stops in a manner according to the result of the win/loss lottery; and a mode setting means for setting a special mode in which the probability of occurrence of a special effect that can occur as a part of the variation effect differs from that of a normal mode, wherein a plurality of types of modes are provided as the special mode, each with a different probability of occurrence of the special effect, and the type of special mode to be set cannot be determined arbitrarily by the player, but is determined by a mode determination lottery.
According to the gaming machine, a plurality of special modes are provided with different probabilities of special effects occurring, which makes it possible to improve the entertainment value of the game.

・Means 5-2
The gaming machine described in means 5-1 is characterized in that the type of the special mode set through the mode determination lottery is not announced.
In this way, a novel gaming experience is realized in which the player can enjoy predicting which of a plurality of special modes has been set.

・Means 5-3
As a type of the special mode, a mode is set in which the special effect always occurs during the variable effect when the result of the lottery is a win or loss.
By doing this, in a situation where no special effects are occurring, the gameplay is realized in which one hopes that a mode in which a special effect is always generated is not set.

・Means 5-4
The gaming machine described in means 5-3 is characterized in that the special effect can occur at a specified timing in the variable effect and will not occur at any other timing.
By doing this, in a situation where a special effect has not occurred at the time when the specified timing is reached, if a mode in which a special effect is always generated is set, there is no possibility of winning, so a gameplay in which one hopes that the mode is not set is realized.

・Means 6-1
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: a variation effect execution means for executing a variation effect from the start of the change of a decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/loss lottery until the decorative pattern stops in a manner according to the result of the win/loss lottery; a storage means for storing, as pending information, win/loss lottery information used in the win/loss lottery for which the corresponding variation effect has not yet started; and a specific pre-reading effect execution means for executing a specific pre-reading effect that, when newly acquired pending information is target pending information, is started in response to the acquisition of the target pending information, and that continuously outputs a predetermined specific background music until the target variation effect, which is the variation effect for at least the win/loss lottery result corresponding to the target pending information, starts.
The gaming machine can execute an interesting anticipatory performance in which, upon acquisition of target pending information, specific background music is continuously output until the target changing performance.

・Measure 6-2
The gaming machine described in means 6-1 is characterized in that a normal background music different from the specific background music is set as the background music to be output during the variable performance, and when the target pending information is acquired while the normal background music is being output, this triggers the output of the specific background music instead of the normal background music.
In this way, by regarding the change from the normal background music to the specific background music as the start of the specific look-ahead effect, it becomes easier to understand that the specific look-ahead effect has occurred.

・Means 6-3
The gaming machine described in means 6-1 or 6-2 is characterized in that when the specific predictive effect occurs, it is determined that one or more of the specified effects will occur in the effect during the target change, and the specific background music is output continuously until the specified effect in the effect during the target change begins.
By doing so, it is possible to clearly show that the occurrence of a specific predictive effect (output of a specific background music) leads to the occurrence of a prescribed effect.

・Means 6-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 6-1 to 6-3, characterized in that it is equipped with a movable body that operates when the target reservation information is acquired.
By doing this, it becomes easier to understand that a specific pre-reading effect has started.

・Means 6-5
The gaming machine described in means 6-4 is characterized in that the movable body is capable of being displaced between an original position and a presentation position, and when the target pending information is acquired, the movable body located at the original position is displaced toward the presentation position, and when the output of the specific background music is completed, the movable body located at the presentation position is displaced toward the original position.
・Means 6-6
The gaming machine described in means 6-5 is characterized in that the specific background music is continuously output while the movable body is positioned at the performance position.
By doing this, the output of the specific background music and the movement of the movable body are linked, making it easier to understand that a specific pre-reading effect is being executed.

・Means 7-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; an effect execution means for executing an image displacement effect in which a reference state in which a reference image is displayed in the display area is changed to a displaced state in which the reference image is displayed as if displaced relative to the display area; and a background music control means for changing an output background music from a normal background music to a specific background music when the change from the reference state to the displaced state occurs.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to clearly indicate the occurrence of an image displacement effect.

・Means 7-2
The gaming machine described in means 7-1 is characterized in that the image displacement effect returns from the displacement state to the reference state again, and the output of the specific background music is stopped upon returning to the reference state.
This makes it easier to see when the image shift effect has ended.

・Means 7-3
The gaming machine described in means 7-1 or 7-2 is characterized in that the reference image includes an image of the in-change performance from the start of the decorative pattern indicating the result of the lottery to the time the decorative pattern indicating the result of the lottery stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the lottery, and the image displacement performance is such that the displacement state is maintained over two or more consecutive in-change performances while the specific background music is continuously output.
In this way, an image transition effect can be generated as a so-called pre-reading effect. In this case, to clearly indicate that the image transition effect spans two transitions (that it will continue even after the transition effect ends), it is advisable to have the specific background music also be output continuously.

・Means 7-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 7-1 to 7-3, characterized in that as the image displacement performance, a first image displacement performance and a second image displacement performance can be executed in which the external form of the reference image relative to the display area in the displacement state is different, and when the first image displacement performance is in the displacement state, a first specific background music is output as the specific background music, while when the second image displacement performance is in the displacement state, a second specific background music different from the first specific background music is output as the specific background music.
This makes it easier to distinguish between similar and different image displacement effects.

・Means 7-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 7-1 to 7-3, characterized in that a plurality of types of music are set as the specific background music, and even if the external shape of the reference image relative to the display area in the displacement state is the same, the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring thereafter differs depending on the type of the specific background music.
By doing this, even if the external shape of the reference image is the same (the appearance is the same) in the image displacement presentation, it is possible to set a difference in the probability that an advantageous event will occur.

・Means 8-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying a reserved pattern indicating the presence of a reserved pattern among the information on the lottery used for the lottery for which the corresponding lottery result has not yet been notified; and an effect execution means for executing a reserved effect using the reserved pattern, wherein the display means displays an accompanying image that accompanies the location where the reserved pattern is displayed, and when the reserved effect occurs, a target reserved pattern that is the reserved pattern that is the subject of the effect, and a target accompanying image that is the accompanying image that accompanies the target reserved pattern, are enlarged and displayed.
According to the gaming machine, when a reserved effect occurs, not only the target reserved symbol but also the target accompanying image is enlarged and displayed, so that it is easy to understand that the effect has occurred.

・Means 8-2
The gaming machine described in means 8-1 is characterized in that when the reserved effect occurs while multiple reserved patterns are displayed, the reserved patterns other than the target reserved pattern and the accompanying images other than the target accompanying image maintain their size.
In this way, by setting a difference in appearance (difference in change) between the target reserved pattern (target accompanying image) and the other reserved patterns (other accompanying images), the target reserved pattern is emphasized, making it easier to understand that it is the subject of the reserved performance.

・Means 8-3
The gaming machine described in means 8-1 is characterized in that when the reserved effect occurs while multiple reserved patterns are displayed, the reserved patterns other than the target reserved pattern and the accompanying images other than the target accompanying image are also enlarged and displayed.
By doing this, it is possible to suggest that a pending effect will occur, but it is also possible to make it difficult to understand (obscure) which pending symbol will be the subject of the effect.

・Means 8-4
The hold effect includes a preliminary stage that suggests the possibility that the target hold pattern will change from a first state to a second state, and a conclusion stage that indicates whether or not the change conclusion of the change to the second state has been reached, and the target hold pattern including a portion that shows both the first state and the second state in the preliminary stage is enlarged and displayed together with the target accompanying image, a gaming machine described in any of means 8-1 to 8-3.
By doing so, it is emphasized that the appearance of the target reserved symbol may change.

・Means 8-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 8-1 to 8-3, characterized in that after a plurality of types of decorative patterns are displayed in a variable manner on the display means, the result of the winning or losing lottery is announced by the decorative patterns stopping or pseudo-stopping in a manner corresponding to the winning or losing lottery result, and the target reserved pattern displayed enlarged in the reserved effect suggests the type of decorative pattern that may stop or pseudo-stop at a predetermined position.
・Means 8-6
The gaming machine described in means 8-5 is characterized in that when the target reserved pattern enlarged and displayed in the reserved effect reaches a predetermined size, the decorative pattern of the type suggested by the target reserved pattern stops or pseudo-stops, while when the target reserved pattern does not reach the predetermined size, the decorative pattern of the type suggested by the target reserved pattern does not stop or pseudo-stop.
By doing this, it is possible to create an easy-to-understand effect in which the reserved pattern and the decorative pattern are linked.

1 Gaming machine 10 Reserved pattern (11 Reserved pattern during change 12 Reserved pattern before change)
10T Target reserved pattern 10Ta Suggestion element 101 First mode 102 Second mode 20 Operation unit 21 Selection operation unit (211 First selection operation unit 212 Second selection operation unit)
22 Change operation unit (221 First change operation unit 222 Second change operation unit)
25 Effect button 28 Operation image 281 Operation target display 282 Operation mode display 283 Period display 30 Specification image 31 Basic image (specification image of basic mode)
32 Operation assistance image (special image of emphasis mode)
30a Target display section 30b Status display section 30c Changed display section (301c First changed display section 302c Second changed display section)
30d Next item display section (301d Primary item display section 302d Secondary item display section)
40 Instruction image 42 Condition notification image 45 Performance image 50 Movable body 60 Reference image 60K Frame image 65 Non-reference image (651 First non-reference image 652 Second non-reference image)
70. Accompanying image (71. Accompanying image during change, 72. Accompanying image before change)
70T Target auxiliary image 75 Action image 79 Speaker 80 Decorative pattern 80T Target decorative pattern 85 Background image 904 Start area (904a First start area 904b Second start area)
905 Normal starting area (specific area)
906 Big prize area 91 Display device 911 Display area 911a Non-standard area

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which a player can change multiple game specifications by operating an operation unit that can be operated by the player,
The operation unit has a change operation section for performing a change operation to change the target game specification, which is the game specification to be changed, to a desired state,
A prescribed order is set for the multiple states that each of the multiple game specifications can be in,
Among the multiple types of game specifications, when a cyclical specification is set as the target game specification, a cyclical switch is possible in which the current state of the target game specification is directly switched from one of the first order state and the last order state in the specified order to the other,
If the non-circulating specification is the target game specification among the plurality of game specifications, the circulation switching is disabled,
a display means for displaying an operation guide image for assisting the operation of the operation unit;
When the circulation type specification is the target game specification,
When the current state of the target game specification, which is the cyclic specification, is the state of the first order in the specified order, the operation guide image has a part representing the state of the order one order after the first order in the specified order and a part representing the state of the last order in the specified order ,
When the current state of the target game specification, which is the cyclical specification, is the state of the last order in the specified order, the operation guide image has a part representing the state of the order just before the last order in the specified order and a part representing the state of the first order in the specified order,
When the non-circulating specification is the target game specification,
When the current state of the target game specification, which is the non-circular specification, is the first state in the specified order, the operation guide image has a part representing the state of the order one step after the first state in the specified order, but does not have a part representing the state of the last state in the specified order,
When the current state of the target game specification, which is the non-circular specification , is the last state in the specified order, the operation guide image has a part representing the state of the order just before the last state in the specified order, but does not have a part representing the state of the first state in the specified order.