JP5928501B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

  In game machines, a game effect is displayed in which the effect symbol is displayed in a variable manner in response to the special symbol change display, and a reach effect is often performed as a game effect to increase the player's expectation. . The reach production often takes a long production time, and there is a risk that the game entertainment will be reduced for a player who does not like the long reach production.

  For this reason, it has been proposed that a part of the game effect can be skipped by the player's operation and the symbol variation time of the special symbol can be shortened (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-110951 A

  However, if the change time of the special symbol can be shortened by the player's operation, the number of changes of the special symbol per unit time (the number of times of special symbol success / failure determination) will increase without limit depending on the player's preference. There is a risk of increasing the game fairness.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention has an object to suppress a decrease in gaming interests due to the execution period of a game effect without increasing gambling.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
An identification information display means for performing a variation display of the identification information; a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball; and an input detection means for detecting a player's input. In the gaming machine that executes the specific game based on the fact that the game ball detecting means detects the game ball after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the specific result,
The specific result includes a first specific result and a second specific result,
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the first specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game is finished is set as a predetermined probability, When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the second specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game ends is higher than the predetermined probability. Probability variation means to
As the specific effect, there is a specific effect to be executed for a predetermined execution period after the stop display of the identification information,
After the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the specific result, and when the game ball is detected by the game ball detecting means when the specific effect is being executed, the execution period of the specific effect is shortened. And execute the specific game,
The identification information indicates the specific result, and after the stop display in a display mode in which it is difficult to recognize whether the specific result is the first specific result or the second specific result, the specific effect is When the player's input is detected by the input detection means while being executed, an effect indicating that the specific result is the first specific result is executed in the specific effect, and then the game ball detection means is used. When a game ball is detected, an effect indicating that the specific result is the second specific result is executed in the specific effect.
It is characterized by that.
In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention,
An identification information display means for performing a variation display of the identification information; a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball; and an input detection means for detecting a player's input. In the gaming machine that executes the specific game based on the fact that the game ball detecting means detects the game ball after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the specific result,
The specific result includes a first specific result and a second specific result,
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the first specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game is finished is set as a predetermined probability, When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the second specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game ends is higher than the predetermined probability. Probability variation means to
As the specific effect, there is a specific effect to be executed for a predetermined execution period after the stop display of the identification information,
After the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result, and when the game ball is detected by the game ball detecting means when the specific effect is being executed, the execution period of the specific effect is ended. To execute the specific game,
The identification information indicates the specific result, and after the stop display in a display mode in which it is difficult to recognize whether the specific result is the first specific result or the second specific result, the specific effect is When the player's input is detected by the input detection means while being executed, an effect indicating that the specific result is the first specific result is executed in the specific effect, and then the game ball detection means is used. When a game ball is detected, an effect indicating that the specific result is the second specific result is executed in the specific effect.
It is characterized by that.
In addition, the gaming machine of the related invention related to the present invention,
An identification information display means for performing a variation display of the identification information; a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball; and an input detection means for detecting a player's input. In the gaming machine that executes the specific game based on the fact that the game ball detecting means detects the game ball after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the specific result,
As the specific effect, there is an effect that is executed for a predetermined period after the stop display of the identification information,
If the game ball is detected by the game ball detecting means when the specific effect is being executed even after the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result, the execution period of the specific effect is shortened and the game is performed. Execute a specific game,
When the input detection means detects the player's input when the specific effect is being executed even after the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result, the effect mode of the specific effect is changed, Thereafter, when the game ball is detected by the game ball detection means, the specific game is executed.

According to the related invention, after the identification information is stopped and displayed, the input detection means detects the input during the specific effect that is continuously executed, thereby changing the effect mode of the specific effect. Thus, it is possible to improve the game performance during the period before the game ball detection by the game ball detection means. Note that “changing the effect mode of the specific effect” is exemplified by a mode in which the effect being executed is changed to suggest (notify) the contents of the specific game in advance. For example, when a player's input is detected during a predetermined story production, the end of the story (for example, if it is a “win” if the game is won, the result of the win or loss) is notified directly or indirectly. Such a mode can be illustrated.

In the related invention, the execution period of the specific effect after the change display of the identification information is completed can be shortened based on the detection of the game ball by the game ball detecting means, and the player can set the timing to end the specific effect. It can be changed. Thereby, it can suppress that interest is reduced resulting from a specific production being performed over a long period of time. Further, in the related invention, only the portion longer than the variation time of the identification information can be shortened in the execution time of the specific effect, and the variation time of the identification information is not changed. The number of changes in identification information per hour does not increase without limit. For this reason, it is possible to ensure the fairness of the game without significantly increasing the euphoria. Note that “reducing the execution period of the specific effect” means that the specific game is executed by ending a predetermined effect execution period halfway at a predetermined opportunity. In addition, when the specific effect is ended halfway, the end of the story related to the specific effect may be displayed, or information related to the specific game (such as a hit / probability change normal) may be displayed without considering the story effect. Good.

Further, the gaming machine of the related invention has the above-described configuration,
After the stop display of the identification information, when the input detection means detects the player's input during execution of the specific effect, the specific effect is changed to the first effect mode, and then the game ball detection means is a game ball. When the game is detected, it is changed to a second effect mode different from the first effect mode, and the specific game is executed.

  As a result, it is possible to realize the gameability that the presentation mode can be changed in each of the detection of the player's input by the input detection means and the detection of the game ball by the game ball detection means, thereby enhancing the gaming interest. it can.

Further, the gaming machine of the related invention has the above-described configuration,
After the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result, a game ball is detected by the game ball detecting unit when the input detection unit detects a player's input during execution of the specific effect. Information on the specific game scheduled to be executed based on the information is notified.

  As a result, the content of the specific game scheduled to be executed before the game ball is detected by the game ball detection means, that is, before the start of the specific game (such as the profit amount and the number of rounds), and the game state set thereafter (whether or not determination probability, release) It is possible to grasp part or all of the extended function, etc., and to enhance the game entertainment.

  Further, in addition to the above-described configuration, there is provided a starting means and a determining means for making a determination based on detecting the game ball by the starting means, and the identification information display means varies the identification information based on the determination result of the determining means. The display can be stopped after being displayed. Then, when the determination result is a specific result (winning), the identification information is stopped in a display mode indicating the specific result to be in a specific game executable state, and in the specific game executable state, the game ball detecting means plays a game When a ball is detected, it is possible to execute a specific game in which the variable entrance is in a state where it can enter.

  According to the above-described configuration of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in gaming interests due to the execution period of the game effect without increasing gambling.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of an effect display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the variation time of the special symbol at the time of hit | chase variation, and the variation time of an effect design. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the variation time of the special symbol at the time of deviation variation, and the variation time of a production symbol. It is a figure which shows a 1st special symbol fluctuation pattern table. It is a figure which shows a 2nd special symbol fluctuation pattern table. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a start opening prize process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation effect relevant process. It is a flowchart which shows a result alerting | reporting effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect relevant process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the advancing mode change process of 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the variation time of the special symbol in the case of the 1st big hit of 3rd Example, and the variation time of an effect design. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the variation time of the special symbol in the case of the 2nd big hit of 3rd Example, and the variation time of an effect design. It is a flowchart which shows the result alerting | reporting effect process of 3rd Example.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this. Examples to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a game frame 2 and a game board 20. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. The game frame 2 includes an outer frame 3, a middle frame 4, a front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6, a lower plate portion 7, and the like. The middle frame 4 is not shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 5 is disposed on the front side.

  The outer frame 3 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The outer frame 3 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body. The outer frame 3 includes an outer frame main body 3a configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 3b that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 3a.

  The middle frame 4 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 4 is fitted inside the outer frame 3 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 3. The middle frame 4 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 5 are provided on the front side of the frame portion so as to overlap each other. On the lower side of the front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6 and a lower plate portion 7 are integrally provided. The lower plate portion is provided with a launching device 12 (see FIG. 8) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeding device (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launching device 12. . Below the right side of the front frame 5 is provided a locking device 5b for locking the front frame 5 when it is closed.

  The front frame 5 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 4 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 is made of plastic, and has an opening 5a for making the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 5a is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 5.

  A frame lamp portion 5c using LEDs or the like is provided around the opening 5a in the front frame 5. The frame lamp portion 5c is turned on / off or blinks according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the game effect.

  The upper plate 6 is provided below the opening 5 a in the front frame 5. The upper plate 6 is provided with a discharge port 6a for discharging game balls to be paid out as prize balls or rental balls. On the upper surface of the upper plate part 6, an effect button 8 is provided at the center and a CR operation part 9 is provided on the right side. The effect button 8 includes a middle button 8a, a left button 8b provided on the left side of the middle button 8a, and a right button 8c provided on the right side of the middle button 8a. In this embodiment, as described later, the symbol variation effect can be continued even after the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and when the effect button 8 is operated during the symbol variation effect after the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The content of the design variation effect changes. This point will be described in detail later.

  The CR operation unit 9 is used to operate the prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1, and includes a return button 9a for requesting the return of the prepaid card and the remaining frequency of the prepaid card. Is displayed, and a ball lending button 9c for requesting lending of game balls is provided.

  The lower plate part 7 is provided below the upper plate part 6 in the front frame 5. A discharge port 7 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 7 is provided at substantially the center of the lower plate portion 7. At the right end of the lower plate part 7, a firing handle 10 is provided for the player to operate the firing device 12. The firing handle 10 is provided with a touch switch 10a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 10, a launch stop switch 10b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 11a to 11d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 11 a to 11 d include upper speakers 11 a and 11 b provided on the upper part of the front frame 5 and lower speakers 11 c and 11 d provided on the front plate part 2 b below the front frame 5.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a starting port 28, a combination operating gate 30, a big winning device 33, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, a first decorative member. 50, game devices such as the second decorative member 60 are disposed. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 27, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first starting port 28a is configured as a fixed starting port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, so that the game ball can always enter the game. It has become. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable starter that changes. The second start port 28b is in an open state with a high probability of entering by opening a pair of blade pieces, and in a normal state with a low possibility of entering by closing a pair of blade pieces (incoming balls) Including an impossible closed state). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Inside the start port 28, there are a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 8) for detecting a game ball entering the first start port 28a, and a game ball entering the second start port 28b. A start opening ball detection switch 28t (see FIG. 8) for detection and a start opening solenoid 28c (see FIG. 8) for operating the pair of blade pieces are provided. When the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass through). Thus, the second start port 28b is in a closed state (first mode) in which the possibility of entering the game ball becomes small (or the ball cannot enter). On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is larger than usual, and the second start port 28b is likely to enter the game ball. Is in an open state (second mode) in which is increased. When a game ball enters one of the start ports 28a and 28b, a special symbol (to be described later) starts to be displayed in a variable manner. And if a special symbol stops and displays with a big hit symbol, it will be in a big hit game permission state.

  The combination operation gate 30 is provided on the right side of the central device 24. Inside the combination operation gate 30, a combination operation gate detection switch 30s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol and the big hit game is permitted, the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30, and the big hit game described later is started.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the grand prize winning device 33 is a belt-like big prize opening (variable ball opening) 33a, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the big winning opening 33a, and for operating the opening / closing plate 33b. The main prize opening solenoid 33c (see FIG. 8) and the big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the entry of a game ball are mainly configured.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs. By combining these LEDs, a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, a first special symbol hold display unit 53, and a second special symbol are provided. A hold display unit 54 is configured. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a first special symbol display device 61 and a second special symbol display device 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display device 51 is composed of one LED, and the normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display device 51, normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display device 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the normal symbol is hit or miss after a predetermined time. Design variation game is performed. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a preset hit display mode, the second start port 28b is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. A plurality of opening patterns of the second start port 28b are set. When the opening time extending function for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b is not in operation (normal time), a first opening pattern (short-time opening pattern) in which a first opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set. ) Is set, and when the open time extension function is activated, a second open pattern (long open pattern) in which a second open time (for example, 4 seconds) longer than the first open time is set is set. The open time extension function will be described later.

In this embodiment, a normal symbol success / failure determination value is prepared, and this normal symbol success / failure determination value is acquired when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 27, and whether or not to activate the second start port 28b. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol is normal (whether to be in an open state). A “hit value” is set in advance for the normal symbol success / failure determination value, and a hit is determined when the acquired normal symbol success / failure determination value matches the winning value. When it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed by the normal symbol display device 51 is determined as the display mode of the normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure determination value does not match the winning value), the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed by the normal symbol display device 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. The Note that the normal symbol success / failure determination value can be generated using a hardware random number using a random number counter by a counter IC or a software random number using a random number counter by software.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. With the holding of the normal symbol, the normal symbol appropriateness determination value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol, the setting of the variation pattern of the normal symbol, the storage and storage of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. In this embodiment, two special symbols, a first special symbol and a second special symbol, are provided, and accordingly, a first special symbol display device 61 for displaying the first special symbol and a second special symbol are displayed. A second special symbol display device 62 is provided. In the following description, when “special symbol” is described, the description refers to both “first special symbol” and “second special symbol” unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the following description, when “special symbol reserve number” is described, unless otherwise specified, the description refers to both “first special symbol reserve number” and “second special symbol reserve number”. To do.

  Each of the special symbol display devices 61 and 62 is composed of seven LEDs, and special LEDs (first special symbol and second special symbol) are respectively displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting each of the special symbol display devices 61 and 62 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of display modes can be displayed for each special symbol by a combination of turning on and off of each LED. And in the 1st special symbol display device 61 and the 2nd special symbol display device 62, a specific combination is set as a jackpot symbol among the combinations of the special symbols displayed by the combination of lighting and extinguishing of 7 LEDs respectively. In addition, combinations other than the jackpot symbol are set as outliers. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

  Based on the game ball entering the first starting port 28a, the first special symbol display device 61 starts to display the variation of the first special symbol, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol or a missed symbol. The symbol variation game of the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed is performed. Also, based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, the second special symbol display device 62 starts to display the variation of the second special symbol, and after the predetermined time has passed, the second special symbol is a big hit symbol or missed. The symbol variation game of the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol determination value (entrance information) acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a and the game ball enters the second start port 28b. A second special symbol determination value (entrance information) to be acquired is provided. The first special symbol judgment value includes a first special symbol success / failure judgment value used for the first special symbol success / failure judgment as to whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and a jackpot symbol judgment for determining a stop symbol of the first special symbol. And a first reach determination value used for reach determination for determining whether or not to perform reach production. Similarly, for the second special symbol determination value, a second special symbol success / failure determination value used for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is determined, and a stop symbol of the second special symbol is determined. A second symbol determination value used for jackpot symbol determination and a second reach determination value used for reach determination for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect are included.

  Based on the game ball entering the first starting port 28a, a first special symbol success / failure determination value, a first symbol determination value, and a first reach determination value are acquired, and each of the acquired determination values is a main control. Is stored as a hold (first special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the unit 200. In addition, based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, a second special symbol success / failure determination value, a second symbol determination value, and a second reach determination value are acquired, and each of the acquired determination values is It is stored as a hold (second special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. The special symbol judgment value (special symbol success / failure judgment value, symbol judgment value, reach judgment value) is generated using a hardware random number using a random number counter by a counter IC or a software random number using a software random number counter. can do.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The first special symbol hold display unit 53 and the second special symbol hold display unit 54 are each composed of two LEDs, and the number of holds can be set up to 4 each by combining the turn-off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Can be displayed. That is, the special symbol hold display sections 53 and 54 have special symbol determination values (entry information) acquired by entering a game ball into the start port 28 (first start port 28a, second start port 28b). Is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  The number of game balls that have entered the first start opening 28a can be held until the maximum number of reserved balls (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of first special symbol held. The first special symbol hold number displayed on the first special symbol hold display unit 53 is acquired every time a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 ( This corresponds to the number (stored number) of first special symbol determination values (first special symbol success / failure determination value, first symbol determination value, first reach determination value) stored in the first reserved storage area. In the present embodiment, since the first symbol determination value and the first reach determination value are obtained together with the first special symbol determination value based on the game ball entering the first start port 28a, the first special symbol is also acquired. The number of reservations also corresponds to the number of stored first symbol determination values and first reach determination values. The first special symbol hold count is digested and decreased by one each time the first special symbol determination is made and the first special symbol variation display is started.

  The number of game balls that have entered the second start port 28b can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the second special symbol reservation number. The second special symbol hold number displayed on the second special symbol hold display unit 54 is acquired every time a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 ( This corresponds to the number (stored number) of second special symbol determination values (second special symbol success / failure determination value, second symbol determination value, second reach determination value) stored in the second reserved storage area). In the present embodiment, since the second symbol determination value and the second reach determination value are acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure determination value based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, the second special symbol is also acquired. The number of reservations also corresponds to the number of stored second symbol determination values and second reach determination values. The second special symbol hold count is digested each time the second special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and decreases by one. On-hold storage and on-hold digestion of the first and second special symbols are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  When the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are stopped and displayed, the symbol variable game is finished, and when the stop display time elapses, the next symbol variable game is executable. Then, the presence of one or more special symbol holds, the execution condition (symbol change start condition) of the special symbol change game is established, and the special symbol hold (memory information) is stored based on the special symbol hold (memory information) stored first. The symbols are displayed in a variable manner.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to perform a second special symbol priority variation process in which the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the symbol variation game of the first special symbol. That is, when both the number of the first special symbol hold and the number of the second special symbol hold are “1 or more”, the second special symbol is preferentially displayed in a variable manner over the first special symbol. The reservation of the symbol is preferentially consumed. When the first special symbol reservation count is “1 or more” and the second special symbol reservation count is “zero”, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed.

  The special symbol success / failure determination value is set with a winning value (big hit value) for determining whether or not the special symbol is obtained, and the special symbol success / failure acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the first start port 28a or the second start port 28b. When the judgment value matches the big hit value, it becomes “big hit”, and when it does not match, it becomes “out”. The first special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the first special symbol starts variable display, and the second special symbol correctness determination is performed when the second special symbol starts variable display.

  If it is determined that the first special symbol is determined to be a big hit, the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 is a display mode (hit mode) indicating a big hit (a specific mode) Determined). On the other hand, when it is determined that the first special symbol is determined to be out, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 is a display pattern (disappearance mode) indicating that the first special symbol is out. Special mode). Similarly, if the second special symbol is determined to be a big hit in the second special symbol success / failure determination, the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 is a big win symbol that is a display mode (hit mode) indicating a big hit ( If the second special symbol display device 62 determines that the second special symbol is out of place when the second special symbol is determined to be off in the second special symbol success / failure determination. Are determined to be outliers (non-special aspects).

  The special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by variation pattern determination using a variation pattern determination value from a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol validity determination is executed.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and each is selected in accordance with the gaming state (special symbol variation mode). In addition, each variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state is selected when the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit, and when the special symbol success / failure determination result is out of the range. And a deviation variation pattern table. The deviation variation patterns stored in the deviation variation pattern table include a “normal deviation variation pattern (reach variation pattern without reach)” that does not involve reach variation and a “reach variation pattern with reach” that involves reach variation. The normal deviation variation pattern is configured as a variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time than the reach deviation variation pattern. The reach variation variation pattern has a special symbol variation time longer than the normal variation variation pattern. It is configured as. The presence or absence of reach variation is determined by reach determination using the reach determination value acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28.

  First special symbol success / failure determination, second special symbol success / failure determination, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of first special symbol, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of second special symbol, stop of first special symbol Determination of symbol, determination of stop symbol of second special symbol, change display and stop display of first special symbol, change display and stop display of second special symbol, priority change of second special symbol will be described later. 200.

  Next, the jackpot game will be described. When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is the aforementioned jackpot symbol (specific mode) (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit), The condition device is activated. Here, the condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. The condition device is configured mainly by a CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 described later, and starts operating when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. When the condition device flag is set to ON, the condition device starts to operate. Further, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that is configured mainly by the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 and continuously operates the big prize device 33 to continuously open the big prize port 33a. A big hit game advantageous to the player is executed by operating the accessory continuous operation device. By setting the jackpot game flag to ON, the accessory continuous operation device starts operating, and the jackpot game is started.

  As described above, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the condition device is activated, and the state where the accessory continuous operation device is operable, that is, the right to execute the big hit game is generated, “the big hit game permission state ( Specific game executable state) ”. This jackpot game permission state is also referred to as “chance mode”. Under the condition that the big hit game is permitted, on the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30, the accessory continuous action device is operated to start the big hit game (specific game).

  In the big hit game, by operating the big winning device 33 (opening and closing the big winning port 33a a plurality of times), a profit (prize ball) is given to the player with respect to entering the game ball into the big winning port 33a. The The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a big hit game process by the main control unit 200 described later.

  During the big hit game, the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out in accordance with the game balls entering the big prize opening 33a. That is, the winning ball is paid out by detecting the passing of the game ball by the big winning port entrance ball detection switch 33s arranged in the big winning port 33a.

  Then, when the big hit game is started, the big winning device 33 is continuously operated, and the big winning opening 33a is in an open state in which a game ball can enter (a state in which a ball can be entered) and in a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter ( The large winning opening opening / closing operation for switching to a state incapable of entering) is continuously performed a plurality of times. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined ending condition, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 33a reaches a specified time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or the number of game balls that have entered the open big opening 33a is a predetermined number (this implementation) In the example, it is possible to reach 10). When the game in which the big winning opening 33a is opened is “round game”, the number of rounds that can be continued in one big hit game (15 rounds in this embodiment) is set. When the round winning game 33a is closed and the round game is ended, after a predetermined interval time (2 seconds in this embodiment), the big winning port 33a is opened and the next round game is started. .

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function are activated to be in an advantageous state (the “non-probable state with electric support” or “the positive change with electric support” described later). Status "etc.) is started. In the advantageous state in which the variable time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function are activated, the symbol variation game can be advanced under conditions that are more advantageous than the normal state in which these functions are not activated. Here, as advantageous states, (a) a state in which all of the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function are activated (an electric power support with a certain variation state), (b) the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function Among the probability variation functions, only the probability variation function is activated (the probability variation state without electric support), (c) only the variation time shortening function and the opening time extension function among the variation time shortening function, the opening time extending function and the probability varying function. Can be exemplified (a state of electric support and a non-probable change state). The variable time shortening function, the opening time extending function, and the probability varying function operate by setting the fluctuation shortening flag, the opening extension flag, and the probability changing flag to ON, respectively. Further, the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function start simultaneously and end simultaneously. In the following description, when only one of the functions related to the operating state of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function is described, the other function is also paired. For example, when it is described in the following description that “the variable time shortening function is operating”, this description can be interpreted as “the opening time extending function is also operating”. When it is described that “the function is operating”, this description can be understood as “the variable time reduction function is operating”. Hereinafter, the state in which the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are activated is also referred to as a “short time state”. Therefore, the above-mentioned (a) “probability change state with electric support” is “probability change state and short time state”, and (c) “non-probability change state with electric support” is simply “time reduction state”.

  As described above, when the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol, after the jackpot game is finished, the “variable time shortening function” and “opening time extension function” are activated without operating the probability variation function. The “non-probability change state with support” (short time state) is started. The non-probable change state (time reduction state) with electric support is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. By the activation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is extended from the first opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds), which is the normal setting time, to the second opening time (for example, 5 seconds). . As a result, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is higher than that at normal time (when the opening time extension function is not activated).

  The non-probable change state (time reduction state) with electric support is configured to continue until the number of executions of the special symbol change display (or stop display) reaches the predetermined number after the big hit game ends. Set as number of times. The non-probable change state (short-time state) with electric support is configured to continue until the number of executions of the special symbol change display (or stop display) reaches a predetermined number (100 in this embodiment) after the big hit game ends. The predetermined number is set as the number of time reductions.

  In addition, when the special symbol stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol, after the big hit game ends, the probability variation function, the variable time shortening function, and the open time extension function are activated, and the “predictable state with electric support” is started. The A jackpot game started by a probable jackpot game is also referred to as a “probable jackpot game”. The probability variation state with the electric support is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. In this state, the probability that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit (determination probability) together with the variable time reduction function and the open time extension function. In other words, the probability fluctuation function is activated to increase the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. The probability variation state with the electric support is configured to continue until the next jackpot game is started after the jackpot game ends. That is, both the “probability change state” and the “short time state” continue until the next big hit game is started.

  When the probability variation function is activated (probability variation state), the jackpot value for determining whether or not the special symbol is increased increases the probability that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is a jackpot. Specifically, as the success / failure determination table in which the jackpot value is set, a low probability success / failure determination table and a high probability success / failure determination table in which the number of jackpot values is set larger than the low probability success / failure determination table are prepared. . When the probability variation function is not in operation, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the low probability success / failure determination table, so that the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination value matches the jackpot value is low (in this embodiment, 1/200). When the probability variation function is activated, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the high probability success / failure determination table, so that the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination value matches the jackpot value is high (in this embodiment, 1/20). )

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect display device 25 generates a symbol variation effect in response to the special symbol variation game performed using the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62. Done. As the symbol variation effect, for example, in accordance with the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display on the second special symbol display device 62, the effect symbol consisting of numerical symbols is displayed in a variable manner. Using the effects and characters using the character display (also referred to as the character design) that is executed during the variable display effect to be performed, the reach effect that is performed during the variable display of the effect symbol, the variable display of the effect symbol, or during the variable display of the effect symbol The performance to perform etc. are mentioned. In addition, various effects including an effect executed during a hit game, an effect indicating that the game has been won (fanfare effect), an effect indicating that the game has ended (ending effect), and a so-called promotion effect Is also referred to as “effect display (specific effect)”. There are a plurality of types of effect contents (effect patterns) of the symbol variation effect, and display data (image data) for these effects is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

  Here, the symbol variation effect realized under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 described later will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the effect display device 25. As shown in FIG. 3, the display area V of the effect display device 25 is provided with an effect symbol display unit Va that displays the effect symbols in a variable manner. In the symbol variation effect, the effect symbol is displayed in conjunction with the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 62. That is, the effect display device 25 functions as a symbol display device in the same manner as the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device 62. In addition, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, the effect symbol display unit Va in which the effect symbols are variably displayed, and the display unit excluding the effect symbol display unit Va display characters, figures, symbols, characters (character designs), and the like. A background display portion Vb (character display portion) is displayed on which various background images are displayed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the background display portion Vb and the effect symbol display portion Va overlap a part of the display region or the entire display region on the display region V. The effect symbol display portion Va and the background display portion Vb may be completely partitioned so as not to overlap. The effect symbol display portion Va and the background display portion Vb constitute a symbol variation effect screen. As described above, since the effect display device 25 is arranged in the center of the game board 20 (game area 21), the player usually displays the content displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (particularly the effect symbol). It will play a game paying attention to.

  In this embodiment, three-digit number symbols consisting of “1” to “9” are used as the effect symbols 25a to 25c, and the effect symbol display portion Va includes the left symbol 25a, the middle symbol 25b, and the right symbol 25c. Three symbols are displayed. The effect symbol display portion Va is set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each symbol display portion, in this case, the symbol variation direction in the vertical direction (vertical direction).

  In the symbol variation effect, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts variable display, the effect symbol starts variable display. Then, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed on any of the symbols and the symbol variation effect is finished, the effect symbol is a mode (a hit mode) corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol Alternatively, a result notification effect that is stopped and displayed in the off mode) is performed. In the effect design, the symbol combination with the same three digits becomes a special mode (success mode) corresponding to the special symbol jackpot symbol, and the other symbol combinations become the non-special mode (out mode) corresponding to the special symbol losing symbol. .

  The determination of the variation pattern (variation pattern) and stop symbol of the effect symbol is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200. . Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates the variation pattern of the special symbol. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect The contents of the production are shown. The main control unit 200 randomly determines the variation pattern of the special symbol according to the determination result (determination result) of the special symbol. And based on the variation pattern of the special symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 determines the effect pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit Va. The special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates a special symbol stop symbol, and the main control unit 200 determines the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol. The stop pattern of is decided at random. Then, based on the special symbol information designation command indicating the special symbol stop symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 determines the stop symbol of the effect symbol to be stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display unit Va.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display area of the effect display device 25 is provided with a first hold display section 25d and a second hold display section 25e. The first hold display unit 25d is displayed in conjunction with the first special symbol hold display unit 53, and displays a number of circular figures “◯” corresponding to the first special symbol hold number. The second hold display unit 25e is displayed in conjunction with the second special symbol hold display unit 54, and the number of circular figures “◯” corresponding to the second special symbol hold number is displayed. That is, similar to the special symbol hold display units 53 and 54, the hold display units 25d and 25e are acquired by entering a game ball into the start port 28 (first start port 28a and second start port 28b). Storage information indicating that the special symbol determination value (entrance information) is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is displayed.

  In the hold display sections 25d and 25e of the present embodiment, the leftmost circle figure “◯” indicates the hold stored first, and the hold newly stored in order toward the right side. Every time the number of special symbols held changes, a “holding number designation command” indicating the number of holds after the change is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, and the display area of the effect display device 25 is displayed. The special symbol hold display is performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 based on the hold number designation command.

  The display area V of the effect display device 25 is provided with a fourth symbol display section 25f. The fourth symbol display part 25f displays a fourth symbol which is a kind of effect symbol. In the symbol variation effect, the fourth symbol is also displayed in conjunction with the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 62. The fourth symbol is configured as the fourth effect symbol following the left symbol 25a (first symbol), the middle symbol 25b (second symbol), and the right symbol 25c (third symbol) displayed on the effect symbol display unit Va. ing. The fourth symbol is displayed smaller than the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit Va. For this reason, the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit Va can be set as the “large effect symbol”, and the fourth symbol displayed on the fourth symbol display unit 25f can be set as the “small effect symbol”.

  In the fourth symbol display portion 25f of the present embodiment, two types of fourth symbols are displayed. The 4th symbol on the left side of the 4th symbol display section 25f corresponds to the first special symbol, and when the first special symbol starts the variable display, the variable display is started. When the symbol is stopped and displayed, the symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol (winning symbol or missing symbol). The 4th symbol on the right side of the 4th symbol display unit 25f corresponds to the 2nd special symbol, and when the 2nd special symbol starts the variable display, the variable display is started. When the symbol is stopped and displayed, the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the symbol of the second special symbol (a winning symbol or a missing symbol).

  The display mode of the 4th symbol is only required to be visually identifiable. In the 4th symbol of this embodiment, the display mode corresponding to the special symbol is “number” consisting of “1” to “9”. A special number (for example, “7”) is a special mode (a hit mode) corresponding to the special symbol jackpot symbol, and other numbers are a non-special mode (out-of-band mode) corresponding to a special symbol losing symbol. It has become. Then, in the fourth symbol display section 25f, for example, “1” → “2”. Can be made.

  Further, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, a hold display effect for displaying the number of special symbols held and a jackpot game effect accompanying the progress of the jackpot game during the jackpot game are performed. The jackpot game effect includes a jackpot game start effect (fanfare effect) executed at the start of the jackpot game, a round effect executed during the jackpot game, a jackpot game end effect (ending effect) executed at the end of the jackpot game, etc. . These jackpot game effects are executed by the sub-control unit 260 based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 200 as the jackpot game progresses.

  In the present embodiment, as the special symbol variation pattern, a variation pattern A in which the variation time of the special symbol and the variation time of the effect symbol are the same time, and a variation pattern B in which the variation time of the effect symbol is longer than the variation time of the special symbol. And are provided. In the present embodiment, only the variation pattern B is used in the hit variation in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, and in the out-of-range variation in which the special symbol is out of display and stopped and displayed, either the variation pattern A or the variation pattern B is used. Used.

  In the variation pattern A, the variation display of the effect symbol stops simultaneously with the stop of the variation display of the special symbol, whereas in the variation pattern B, the variation display of the effect symbol continues even after the variation display of the special symbol stops. In other words, in the effect pattern B, a portion longer than the change time of the special symbol in the change time of the effect symbol is configured as the effect continuation time. During the effect continuation time of the variation pattern B, the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol continues with the special symbol being stopped and displayed. That is, the execution time of the symbol variation effect of the effect symbol = the variation time of the special symbol + the effect duration time. In the variation pattern B, even if the special symbol is stopped and the stop display time elapses, the bonus game or the next special symbol variation game until the effect continuation time in which the effect symbol variation display continues has elapsed. Is configured not to start.

  In both of the variation patterns A and B, the variation time of the 4th symbol is the same as the variation time of the special symbol, and the variation display of the 4th symbol is stopped simultaneously with the suspension of the variation display of the special symbol. It is configured as follows. In other words, in the variation pattern A, the special symbol, the effect symbol, and the fourth symbol are stopped simultaneously. In the variation pattern B, the special symbol and the fourth symbol are simultaneously stopped. Will continue.

  4 and 5 show the variation time of the special symbol and the variation time of the effect symbol when the variation pattern of the special symbol is the variation pattern B. FIG. FIG. 4 shows the hit fluctuation when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, and FIG. 5 shows the deviation fluctuation when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a bad symbol.

  The effect continuation time of the variation pattern B can be shortened, and the effect continuation time is shortened when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the effect variation design by the effect symbol (while the effect symbol variation is being displayed). For this reason, the production duration time ends when a predetermined set time elapses or a predetermined condition is satisfied. “Reducing the effect duration” is to make the effect duration shorter than a predetermined set time, and in this embodiment, the effect duration is ended when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the “predetermined condition” for shortening the effect duration time is established when the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30. The passage of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30 can be determined by detecting the passage of the game ball by the combination operation gate detection switch 30s.

  4 (a) and 5 (a) show a case in which, in the variation pattern B, the game ball does not pass through the combination operation gate 30 during the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol. As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 5 (a), if the game ball does not pass through the combination action gate 30 during the effect variation effect of the effect symbol, the preset effect duration time elapses. The symbol variation effect ends.

  In the case of the hit variation shown in FIG. 4A, after the symbol variation effect is finished, the game ball enters a standby state until the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30, and the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30. The jackpot game starts. In the case of the deviation variation shown in FIG. 5A, when the effect duration time of the symbol variation effect elapses, the next special symbol variation display is started. Further, in the present embodiment, a result notification effect indicating the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is executed with the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30 as an opportunity. In the hit variation shown in FIG. 4 (a), a hit notification indicating that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a win is performed in the result notification effect, and in the outlier change shown in FIG. 5 (a), the result notification effect is displayed. Thus, a miss notification indicating that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is miss is performed.

  FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B show a case where the game ball passes through the combination action gate 30 during the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol in the variation pattern B. As shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B, when the game ball passes through the combination action gate 30 during the effect variation effect of the effect symbol, the effect duration time is shortened and the effect symbol is displayed at that time. The variation production ends.

  In the hit variation shown in FIG. 4 (b), the big hit game is started after the end of the symbol variation effect. In the outlier variation shown in FIG. 5 (b), the next special symbol variation display is performed after the end of the symbol variation effect. Be started. Further, in the hit variation shown in FIG. 4B, the hit notification is performed with the result notification effect in response to the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30, and in the outset change shown in FIG. When the game ball passes to the gate 30, the result notification effect is released and notification is made.

  4 (c) and 5 (c), in the variation pattern B, when the player operates the effect button 8 during the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol, and then the game ball passes through the combination action gate 30. Is shown. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C, when the effect button 8 is operated during the symbol variation effect of the effect symbol, the effect content of the symbol variation effect changes. Specifically, a result notification effect is performed based on the operation of the effect button 8. In the hit variation shown in FIG. 4 (c), a hit notification is performed in the result notification effect, and in the out variation shown in FIG. 5 (c), a fail notification is performed in the result notification effect. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the effect duration time is shortened based on the operation of the effect button 8, and the effect change effect of the effect symbol ends. Thereafter, when the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30, the big hit game is started in the hit variation shown in FIG. 4C, and the next special symbol change display is started in the outage change shown in FIG. 5C. .

  When the variation pattern A is used as the variation pattern of the special symbol (partial variation), the specific variation pattern A is determined using a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns A are stored. Further, when the variation pattern B is used as the variation pattern of the special symbol (all hit variations and some outlier variations), a specific variation pattern B is stored using a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns B are stored. Is determined. Whether the variation pattern A or the variation pattern B is used for the deviation variation is determined by lottery.

  6 and 7 show variation pattern tables in which a plurality of variation patterns B are stored. FIG. 6 shows a first special symbol variation pattern table used for the symbol variation game of the first special symbol, and FIG. 7 shows a second special symbol variation pattern table used for the symbol variation game of the second special symbol. Yes. The first special symbol variation pattern table is used when a game ball enters the first start port 28a, and the second special symbol variation pattern table is used when a game ball enters the second start port 28b. It is done. For this reason, the first special symbol variation pattern table is mainly used when the opening time extension function is not operated, and the second special symbol variation pattern table is mainly used when the release time extension function is activated.

  Variation patterns B1 to B16 are stored in the first special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 6) and the second special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 7), respectively. If the number of special symbol reservation is “1”, it is determined as one of the fluctuation patterns B1 to B4, and if the number of special symbol reservation is “2”, it is determined as any of the fluctuation patterns B5 to B8. If it is “3”, it is determined as one of the variation patterns B9 to B12, and if the number of special symbol reservation is “4”, it is determined as any of the variation patterns B13 to B16. 6 and FIG. 7 is the number of special symbols held before being digested by the start of special symbol variation, and is stored in the RAM of the main control unit 200 when determining the variation pattern of the special symbols. This indicates the number of special symbol judgments that are made.

  The variation patterns B1 to B16 stored in the first special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 6) and the second special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 7) differ in the variation time of the special symbol depending on the number of special symbol reservations. ing. In the first special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 6), the special symbol variation time of the variation patterns B1 to B4 (special symbol retention number 1) is set to “5 seconds”, and the variation pattern B5 to B8 (special symbol retention number 2). ) Special symbol variation time is set to “5 seconds”, special symbol variation time of variation patterns B9 to B12 (special symbol hold number 3) is set to “3 seconds”, and variation patterns B13 to B16 (special symbol hold) The special symbol variation time of Equation 4) is set to “2 seconds”. In the second special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 7), the special symbol variation time of the variation patterns B1 to B4 (special symbol hold number 1) is set to “5 seconds”, and the variation patterns B5 to B8 (special symbol hold) The special symbol variation time of Equation 2) is set to “1 second”, the special symbol variation time of variation patterns B9 to B12 (special symbol hold number 3) is set to “0.5 seconds”, and the variation patterns B13 to B16 The special symbol change time of (special symbol hold number 4) is set to “0.5 seconds”.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the stop display time when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, and the stop display time when the special symbol is out of display and stopped are displayed as “0”. .5 seconds ". 6 and 7 show an example in which the hit variation time and the deviation variation time of the special symbol are the same time, the hit variation time and the deviation variation time of the special symbol need not necessarily be the same time. Absent.

  In the variation patterns B1 to B16 stored in the first special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 6) and the second special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 7), a plurality of symbol variation effect times by effect symbols are set. Specifically, the variation pattern B1, B5, B9, B13 is set to “60 seconds” for the symbol variation effect time, and the variation pattern B2, B6, B10, B14 is set to “90 seconds” for the variation patterns B2, B6, B10, B14. The variation patterns B3, B7, B11, and B15 are set to “120 seconds”, and the variation patterns B4, B8, B12, and B16 are set to “150 seconds”.

  The effect continuation time during which the change display of the effect symbol continues after the special symbol is stopped and displayed is a value obtained by subtracting the special symbol change time from the symbol change effect time. For this reason, the production duration of the first special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 6) is “55 seconds” for the variation pattern B1, “85 seconds” for the variation pattern B2, “115 seconds” for the variation pattern B3, and the variation pattern B4. Is “145 seconds”, variation pattern B5 is “55 seconds”, variation pattern B6 is “85 seconds”, variation pattern B7 is “115 seconds”, variation pattern B8 is “145 seconds”, and variation pattern B9 is “57 seconds”. The variation pattern B10 is “87 seconds”, the variation pattern B11 is “117 seconds”, the variation pattern B12 is “147 seconds”, the variation pattern B13 is “58 seconds”, the variation pattern B14 is “88 seconds”, and the variation pattern B15 is “118 seconds” and the fluctuation pattern B16 are set to “148 seconds”. Also, the effect duration of the second special symbol variation pattern table (FIG. 7) is “55 seconds” for the variation pattern B1, “85 seconds” for the variation pattern B2, “115 seconds” for the variation pattern B3, and “115 seconds” for the variation pattern B4. “145 seconds”, fluctuation pattern B5 is “59 seconds”, fluctuation pattern B6 is “89 seconds”, fluctuation pattern B7 is “119 seconds”, fluctuation pattern B8 is “149 seconds”, and fluctuation pattern B9 is “59.5 seconds”. ”, Variation pattern B10 is“ 89.5 seconds ”, variation pattern B11 is“ 119.5 seconds ”, variation pattern B12 is“ 149.5 seconds ”, variation pattern B13 is“ 59.5 seconds ”, and variation pattern B14 is “89.5 seconds”, the variation pattern B15 is set to “119.5 seconds”, and the variation pattern B16 is set to “149.5 seconds”.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic control unit includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. Further, the main control unit 200 is configured by a CPU 200b as a main body to determine whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is determined by the determination program stored in the ROM. . Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. Connected to the board input relay board 201 are a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s, start entrance ball detection switches 28s and 28t, a prize entrance entrance detection switch 33s, and a combination operation gate detection switch 30s. A signal is input to the main control unit 200. The board output relay board 202 is connected with a normal symbol display device 51, special symbol display devices 61 and 62, a start port solenoid 28c, and a big prize port solenoid 33c, and a control signal from the main control unit 200 is output. .

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 11a to 11d, display of effect symbols by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  From the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, various symbol control commands (variation pattern designation command, special symbol information designation command, symbol stop command, etc.) related to special symbol variation display, various lamp control commands, and various voice controls A command is sent. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260, and display of effect symbols according to various symbol control commands from the main control unit 200 (from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280). Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control for realizing a symbol variation effect) are simultaneously transmitted.

  The effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) including a CPU 280b, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output port, a VDP (video display processor), and the like. The display unit 25 is connected to the control unit 260, and the effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. In addition, an image ROM (not shown) is provided on the effect display control board 280a, and the image data of the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 (such as the image data relating to the above-described variation effect) is stored in the image ROM. Is stored more than once.

  In addition, various LEDs / lamps 262 and an amplifier board 263 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. Each LED / lamp 262 includes a frame lamp portion 5c. Connected to the amplifier board 263 are speakers 11a to 11d that output various sounds, sounds, and the like in accordance with the progress of the game. Furthermore, the production buttons 8 (the middle button 8a, the left button 8b, and the right button 8c) are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the production button board 264. The sub-control unit 260 is based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 8 (middle button 8a, left button 8b, right button 8c) (reception of variation pattern designation command, input of production button operation signal, etc.). Various LED / lamp lighting / flashing pattern selection / execution processing, sound effect data selection / output processing output from the speakers 11a to 11d, and design variation effect execution pattern (effect pattern) on the effect display device 25 ) Selection processing, symbol variation production execution processing based on the execution pattern, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 9 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the CPU 200b mounted on the main control board 200a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 200b or a ROM mounted on the main control board 200a). After the throw-in process (S100), each process of a game start process (S200), a normal symbol game process (S300), a normal electric game game process (S400), a special symbol game process (S500), and a big hit game process (S600) Are repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. The power-off generation process (S50) is a power-on process (S100) when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and a system reset occurs. It has come to move to.

The power-on process (S100) is performed when the power is turned on and when power is restored after the power is cut off. When the power is turned on, RAM initialization processing is performed, and when the power is turned off, the game state is restored when the power is turned off. Return settings etc. are made to make it happen. In the game start process (S200), various switch states are detected, various determination values (random number counters) are updated, prize ball payout control, etc. are performed. The normal symbol display device 51 (see FIG. 2) determines whether the normal symbol is hit and stopped in the normal symbol display mode or whether it is stopped and displayed in the off-normal symbol display mode. Here, as described above, the normal symbol success / failure determination in the present embodiment has a probability of being a hit according to the operating state of the opening time extension function (and the fluctuation time reduction function) that extends the opening time of the start port 28b. There is a difference that the probability of hitting is higher when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is activated than when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is not active.

  Next, when the result of normal symbol success / failure determination is obtained, the variation time of the normal symbol is set, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started according to the variation time. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the determined display mode, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. (The 2nd starting port 28b is made into an open state). In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is activated. I do. When the second start port 28b is actuated, the pair of blade pieces open to the left and right, and the second start port 28b is opened.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process (S400), it is determined whether or not the opening time for maintaining the second start port 28b in the open state has elapsed. If the open time has not elapsed, the second start port 28b is determined. It is determined whether or not a predetermined number of balls have been entered. When it is determined that a prescribed number of balls have been entered at the second start port 28b in the open state or when it is determined that the open time of the second start port 28b in the open state has elapsed, a pair of The blade piece is closed, and the second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state).

  Next, the special symbol game process (S500) will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, a start opening winning process is performed (S501). Here, the start opening winning process (S501) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 28a (S501a). If it is determined that no game ball has entered the first start port 28a (S501a: NO). , The process proceeds to S501d. On the other hand, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the first start port 28a (S501a: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol reservation number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501b: NO), the process proceeds to S501d, and the first special symbol reservation number is less than 4. Is determined (S501b: YES), the first special symbol determination value is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501c). The first special symbol determination value includes a first special symbol determination value, a first symbol determination value, a first reach determination value, and the like. Thereby, the 1st special symbol reservation number increases by one. Then, the first start winning prize command including the hold number designation command indicating the first special symbol hold number is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 28b (S501d). If it is determined that no game ball has entered the second start port 28b (S501d: NO) ). The start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the second start port 28b (S501d: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501e). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501e: NO), the start opening winning process is terminated, and the second special symbol hold number is less than 4. If it is determined that there is (S501e: YES), the second special symbol determination value is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501f). The second special symbol determination value includes a second special symbol success / failure determination value, a second symbol determination value, a second reach determination value, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one. Then, a second start winning prize command including a hold number designation command indicating the second special symbol hold number is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260.

  Next, returning to FIG. 10A, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (whether or not the big hit game flag is ON) (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game is being played (the big hit game flag is ON) (S502: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the big hit game is not being played (the big hit game flag is OFF). ) (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503).

  As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S510 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S503: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504). Here, the stop display time of the special symbol is a time for determining the special symbol stopped and displayed. In this embodiment, the stop display time of the special symbol is “1 second”. If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504: YES), the process proceeds to S515 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S504). : NO), it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbol hold is zero (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of second special symbol reservation is zero (S506: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbol reservation is zero (S507).

  If it is determined that the number of first special symbol reservation is not zero (S507: NO), the first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508). If it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), a second special symbol variation display process is performed (S509). That is, if it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), the first special symbol hold number is not zero (even if it is 1 or more). 2. The special symbol variation display process is executed. Thereby, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed in preference to the first special symbol, and the priority variation function of the second special symbol is realized by the determination processing in S506.

  Here, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) and the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The first special symbol variation display process and the second special symbol variation display process are processes having the same contents. That is, the “special symbol” in FIG. 12 becomes “first special symbol” in the first special symbol variation display process, only “second special symbol” in the second special symbol variation display process, and the others are the same. is there. Hereinafter, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) will be described, and the description of the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be omitted.

  First, the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening 28) is read (S508a). ), Special symbol winning / failing determination is performed (S508b). In the special symbol success / failure determination, when the probability variation function is in operation (probability change game), it is determined whether the determination result is a big hit (high probability state) using the high probability determination table. If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (in normal game), the normal probability determination table is used to determine whether the determination result is a big hit (low probability state). Make a decision.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (S508b) is a big hit (S508c). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit (S508c: YES), a big hit hour variation pattern table setting process is performed (S508d). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S508c: NO), a variation pattern table setting process at the time of losing is performed (S508e).

  Next, the variable pattern random number is acquired, and the symbol determining random number (the special symbol determining random number acquired when the game ball enters the starting port 28) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200. Read (S508f).

  Next, the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are determined (S508g). As the special symbol variation pattern, the variation pattern random number acquired in S508h is used to select a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d or S508e. Note that each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d and S508e is associated with a variation pattern random value and a variation pattern, and the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random value obtained in S508f is the current variation pattern table. It is determined as a variation pattern to be used. The special symbol stop symbol is a symbol determination table stored in a predetermined area of the main control unit 200 using the special symbol determination random number read in S508f when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is unsuccessful, it is determined as a missed symbol. Similarly to the variation pattern table, the symbol determination table also associates the value of the special symbol determination random number with each jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the special symbol determination random number read in S508f is It is determined as a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in the processing of S508g, the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S508h), 1 is subtracted (S508i), and a symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S508j). The “design variation start command” includes a variation pattern designation command, a special symbol information designation command, and a hold count designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in the processing of S508g, and the special symbol information designation command is a command for designating the stop symbol of the special symbol similarly determined in the processing of S508g. is there. The number-of-holds designation command is a command for designating the number of special symbols held after the start of variable symbol display. When this symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260, the symbol variation effect (effect symbol variation display) is started under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 that have received these commands. The processing up to this point is when the special symbol variation display is started.

  Next, returning to FIG. 10A, if it is determined in S503 that the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503: YES), the changing special symbol. It is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (S510). As a result, if it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed (S510: NO), it is determined that the special symbol game processing is terminated and the special symbol variation display time has elapsed. In this case (S510: YES), the special symbol variation display is stopped (S511), and a special symbol designating command indicating that the special symbol variation display is stopped is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S512). A stop display time is set (S513).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S514). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S514: NO), the special symbol game processing is terminated and it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. If it is determined (S514: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is a big hit symbol (FIG. 10 ( b) S515).

  As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol (S515: YES), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the consecutive action gate 30 (S516). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the combination operation gate 30 (S516: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the combination operation gate 30 (S516: YES), the game state at the start of the big hit game is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (S517). The “game state at the time of starting the big hit game” includes the type of the big hit symbol stopped at that time and the setting state of the game state flags (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag) at that time Yes.

  Next, the big hit game flag is set to ON (S518). Thereby, the big hit game is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating that the jackpot game has started is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S519). The jackpot game start command is provided according to the type of jackpot game. When the sub-control unit 260 receives this command, a jackpot game start effect (fanfare effect) according to the type of jackpot game is performed. Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S520). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S520: NO), the process proceeds to the determination processing of S522, and when it is determined that the probability variation flag is set to ON ( (S520: YES), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S521). As a result, the probability variation function stops operating with the start of the big hit game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S522). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S522: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. (S522: YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S523), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S524). Thereby, with the start of the big hit game, the operation of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function stops.

  Next, in the determination process of S515, when it is determined that the special symbol stopped symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is not a big hit symbol (in the case of a missed symbol) (S515: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S525). As a result, if it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not ON (S525: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S525: YES), “1” is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S526).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter obtained by subtracting “1” in S526 is “zero” (S527). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S527: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S527). : YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S528), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S529).

  As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function stop operating. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating that the gaming state is such that the variable time shortening function and the opening time extending function are not activated is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S530). Upon receiving this game state designation command, the sub-control unit 260 displays characters, characters, backgrounds, and the like indicating that the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are inactive (normal state) on the effect display device 25. Processing to display in area V is performed.

  Next, the jackpot game process (S600) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is being played (whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON) (S601). As a result, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not being played (the jackpot game flag is OFF) (S601: NO), the jackpot game process is terminated and the jackpot game is being played (the jackpot game flag is ON). Is determined (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. When it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the specified winning number 33a has been won (whether or not the specified number of game balls have entered). (S604).

  As a result, if it is determined that the prescribed number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the jackpot game processing is terminated and the prescribed winning number has been won in the big winning opening 33a. When it is determined (S604: YES) or when it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605).

  If it is determined in the determination process of S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not a big hit game ending condition is satisfied (S606). In the determination process of S606, it is determined whether the number of rounds has reached “15 rounds”. Then, when the number of rounds reaches “15 rounds”, it is determined that the condition for ending the big hit game is satisfied.

  As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game ending condition is not satisfied (S606: NO), it is determined whether or not the closing time (interval time) of the big winning opening 33a has passed (S607), When it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the big hit game process is terminated, and it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has elapsed. (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

  If it is determined in the determination process of S606 that the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S606: YES), the big hit game end process is performed (S609). Here, the big hit game end process (S609) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the big hit game flag is set to OFF (S609a), and it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a probable big hit (S609b). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation is a big hit (S609b: YES), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S609c). As a result, the probability variation function starts operating with the end of the big hit game. Then, “10,000” is set in the fluctuation shortening counter (S609d). On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation is not a big hit (S609b: NO), "100" is set to the fluctuation shortening counter (S609e).

  Next, the fluctuation shortening counter is set to ON (S609f), and the open extension flag is set to ON (S609g). As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function start to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating the operating state of the probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and opening time extension function is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S609h).

  Next, the symbol variation effect-related processing executed by the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. In the symbol variation effect related processing shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 260b mounted on the sub-control board 260a is executed based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub-control board 260a). And processing executed by the CPU 280b mounted on the effect display control board 280a based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 280b or a ROM mounted on the effect display control board 280a). ing.

  As shown in FIG. 15, first, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation effect is being performed (S700). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation effect is being performed (S700: YES), the process proceeds to S706. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol variation effect is not being performed (S700: NO), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control unit 200 is received in the processing of S508j and S509j (FIG. 12). (S701).

  As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has not been received (S701: NO), the symbol variation effect related processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S701: YES), whether or not the special symbol stop symbol is a big hit symbol based on the special symbol information designation command included in the symbol variation start command. Is determined (S702).

  As a result, if it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol (S702: YES), a winning effect pattern for the symbol variation effect is determined based on the variation pattern designation command included in the symbol variation start command. Set and set the stop symbol of the production symbol (S703). On the other hand, if it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is not a big hit symbol (S702: NO), an effect pattern for losing the symbol variation effect is set based on the variation pattern designation command, A symbol removal stop symbol is set (S704). Then, the symbol variation effect is started based on the effect pattern and the stop symbol set in S703 or S704 (S705).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop command transmitted by the main control unit 200 has been received in the process of S512 (FIG. 10A) (S706). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S706: NO), the symbol variation effect related processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received (S706: YES), it is determined whether or not the variation pattern of the special symbol designated by the variation pattern designation command is the variation pattern B (S707).

  As a result of the determination processing in S707, if it is determined that the pattern is not the variation pattern B (S707: NO), it is the variation pattern A, a result notification effect is executed (S708), and the symbol variation effect is terminated (S709).

  Here, the result notification effect process (S708) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a win (S800). As a result, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a win (S800: YES), a hit notification indicating that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a win is performed in the result notification effect (S801). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out (S800: YES), a notification of outage indicating that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out is performed in the result notification effect (S802). .

  Returning to FIG. 15, when it is determined that the variation pattern B is the result of the determination processing in S <b> 707 (S <b> 707: YES), it is determined whether or not the effect button 8 has been operated (S <b> 710). As a result, when it is determined that the effect button 8 is not operated (S710: NO), the process proceeds to S713. On the other hand, when it is determined that the effect button 8 has been operated (S710: YES), an operation flag indicating that the effect button 8 has been operated is set to ON (S711), and result notification effect processing is executed (S711). S712). Since the result notification effect process has the same content as S708 (FIG. 16), description thereof is omitted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the combination operation gate 30 (S713). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the combination operating gate 30 (S713: NO), the process proceeds to S716 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the combination operation gate 30 (S713: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation flag is set to ON (S714).

  As a result, when it is determined that the operation flag is not set to ON (S714: NO), it can be determined that the game ball has passed through the combination operation gate 30 without the effect button 8 being operated. A result notification effect process is performed (S715). Since the result notification effect process has the same content as S708 (FIG. 16), description thereof is omitted. Then, the effect continuation time is shortened and the symbol variation effect is ended (S709). On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation flag is set to ON (S714: YES), the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30 after the result notification effect process based on the operation of the effect button 8 is performed. Since it can be determined that the effect has continued, the effect duration is shortened and the symbol variation effect is terminated (S709).

  In the embodiment described above, in the special symbol variation pattern B, by setting the execution time of the symbol variation effect of the effect symbol to be longer than the variation time of the special symbol, there is no special symbol hold. Even in such a case, the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol can be continued beyond the variation time of the special symbol. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a state where the symbol variation effect is not executed as much as possible, and to recognize that the variation frequency of the special symbol is low (the entrance rate to the start port 28 is low). It can suppress and it can suppress that an interest falls.

  In addition, when the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol is executed for a long time, the effect is felt redundant, and there is a possibility that the interest is lowered. This is particularly noticeable in the hit fluctuation that triggers the start of the big hit game. Even in such a case, in the variation pattern B of the present embodiment, the portion that is executed in a state where the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the execution time of the symbol variation effect (the portion that is longer than the variation display time of the special symbol). A certain production continuation time can be shortened, and the production continuation time can be shortened by allowing the game ball to pass through the combination operation gate 30 (by satisfying a predetermined condition) (FIG. 4B). 5 (b)).

  For this reason, when it is desired to end the symbol variation effect, the game ball is allowed to pass through the combination operation gate 30 so that the time for which the special symbol is stopped and displayed can be shortened. As a result, in the case of a hit variation, the waiting time after the symbol stop time can be shortened and the big hit game can be started immediately.In the case of a deviation, the symbol stop time is shortened and the next special symbol The variable display can be started immediately. Further, when it is desired to continue the symbol variation effect, it is not necessary to pass the game ball through the combination operation gate 30. That is, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the player can change the timing at which the symbol variation effect is ended (the effect duration of the symbol variation effect). In this embodiment, in the case of the deviation fluctuation shown in FIG. 5 (b), the symbol stop time is shortened based on the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30, but FIG. 4 (b). A short symbol stop time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is set in the same manner as the hit fluctuation shown in FIG. 6 and the waiting time following the symbol stop time is shortened based on the game ball passing to the combination operation gate 30. Also good.

  Also, in this embodiment, if the game ball does not pass through the combination operation gate 30 during the production continuation time after the special symbol is removed and displayed in a stopped state, the next special symbol will be displayed after the production continuation time has elapsed. The variable display is started. Thereby, even when a game ball does not pass through the combination operation gate 30 due to a deviation, it is possible to smoothly advance the game.

  Also, even in the configuration in which the symbol variation effect can be shortened as in this embodiment, the variation time of the special symbol cannot be shortened, so in the symbol variation effect, “the effect portion that the player wants to show to the player (the effect portion that does not want to be cut)” Is designed to be executed within the variation time of the special symbol, the minimum production time can be secured, and the intention by the designer of the gaming machine 1 can be reflected.

  In addition, when the display of the big hit game or the variation of the next special symbol is started by passing the game ball to the consecutive action gate 30 without operating the effect button 8 (FIG. 4 (b), FIG. 5 (b)). Is a result notification effect triggered by the passing of the game ball to the consecutive action gate 30. Thereby, it is possible to realize the gameability that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (winning or losing) is found by passing the game ball to the combination operation gate 30. Further, in the case of out-of-bounds fluctuation, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment by changing the effect mode of the symbol variation effect using the combination operation gate 30 that is not originally used.

  Also, if the variation time of the special symbol can be shortened by the establishment of the predetermined condition, the number of special symbol success / failure determination per unit time will increase without limit depending on the player's preference, improving gambling and improving the fairness of the game There is a risk of harm. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is possible to shorten only the duration of the effect that is longer than the variation time of the special symbol in the execution time of the symbol variation effect, and the variation time of the special symbol is not changed, so it can be shortened By limiting this part, the number of special symbol success / failure determinations per unit time does not increase without limit. For this reason, it is possible to ensure the fairness of the game without significantly increasing the euphoria.

  Also, in the variation pattern B of the present embodiment, the effect contents of the symbol variation effect change by operating the effect button 8 during the symbol variation effect (during the effect duration) after the special symbol is stopped and displayed. A result notification effect for notifying the result of the symbol success / failure determination is performed (FIG. 4C, FIG. 5C). Then, after the production button 8 is operated, the game ball is passed through the combination action gate 30 to start the big hit game or the next special symbol variation display. In this way, by changing the effect mode of the symbol variation effect based on the operation of the effect button 8, it is possible to improve the game performance in the period before the game ball passes to the role gate 30. Further, as shown in the present embodiment, by performing the result notification effect based on the operation of the effect button 8, before the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30, that is, the start of the change display of the big hit game or the next special symbol It becomes possible to grasp the result of the special symbol success / failure determination before, and it is possible to enhance the gaming interest. In addition, after the special symbol (identification information) is stopped and displayed, after the operation of the effect button 8 (input to the input detection means), the combination action gate 30 (game ball detection means) detects the game ball; There is a mode in which a combination ball operating gate 30 (game ball detection means) detects a game ball without performing an operation of the effect button 8 (input to the input detection means), and an arbitrary game procedure (game order) of the player Depending on the situation, the result of the success / failure determination or the start of the winning game is notified in different modes, or the big hit game (winning game, specific game) is started at different timings (procedures). it can.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, by changing the variation time of the special symbol and the execution time of the symbol variation effect of the effect symbol, the symbol of the effect symbol can be set without setting the variation pattern of the special symbol having a long variation time. The execution time of the fluctuation effect can be lengthened. Thereby, it is not necessary to set a large number of special symbol variation patterns having different special symbol variation times.

  Here, the correspondence relationship between the main elements of the present embodiment and the main elements of the present invention will be described. “First special symbol” and “second special symbol” correspond to “identification information”, and “hit” Corresponds to “specific result”, “big hit symbol” corresponds to “display mode indicating specific result”, “outgoing symbol” corresponds to “display mode indicating other than specific result”, and “big hit game” is “ Corresponding to “special game”, “effect display” such as symbol variation effect corresponds to “specific effect”, “special symbol success / failure determination result” corresponds to “information about specific game”, and first special symbol display section 61, the 2nd special symbol display part 62 respond | corresponds to an "identification information display means".

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  In the first embodiment, when the effect button 8 is operated during the symbol variation effect after the variation display of the special symbol is finished, the symbol notification effect is performed to notify the result of the special symbol success / failure determination result. Changed the production contents of the fluctuation production. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when the effect button 8 is operated during the symbol variation effect after the special symbol variation display is finished, the progress mode of the symbol variation effect is changed. .

  In the second embodiment, in the symbol variation effect, in addition to the variation display of the effect symbols 25a to 25c, a story effect in which the story progresses with the passage of time is performed, and based on the operation of the effect button 8 The progress mode of the story effect changes. As a story effect, for example, a battle effect in which a teammate character and an enemy character battle each other can be cited. The battle effect may be a battle effect of a winning pattern in which the teammate character will eventually win in the hit variation, and may be a battle effect of the losing pattern in which the enemy character ultimately wins in the deviation variation.

  As described above, the effect button 8 is provided with the middle button 8a, the left button 8b, and the right button 8c. In the present embodiment, when the middle button 8a is operated while the story effect is being executed (playing back), the progress of the story effect is paused, and when the middle button 8a is operated while the story effect is paused, The story production starts to play. Further, when the left button 8b is operated during execution (reproduction) of the story effect, the story effect is fast-rewinded (rewinded), and when the right button 8c is operated, the story effect is fast-forwarded. Is called. That is, in the second embodiment, the progress speed of the story effect performed with the special symbol stopped and displayed can be changed to the effect button 8 based on the operation.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the symbol variation effect-related process of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 15 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the second embodiment, when it is determined in the determination process of S710 that the effect button 8 has been operated (S710: YES), a progress mode change process is performed (S718). Here, the progress mode changing process (S718) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not a fast-forward operation has been performed (whether or not the right button 8c has been operated) (S900). As a result, when it is determined that there is a fast-forward operation (the right button 8c has been operated) (S900: YES), the progress of the story effect is fast-forwarded (S901). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no fast-forward operation (the right button 8c is not operated) (S900: NO), it is determined whether there is a fast-reverse operation (whether the left button 8b is operated). (S902).

  As a result, when it is determined that there is a fast reverse operation (the left button 8b has been operated) (S902: YES), the progress of the story effect is quickly returned (S903). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no fast reverse operation (the left button 8b is not operated) (S902: NO), it is determined whether there is a pause operation (whether the middle button 8a is operated). Determination is made (S904).

  As a result, when it is determined that there is a pause operation (the middle button 8a is operated) (S904: YES), the progress of the story effect is paused (S905). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no pause operation (the middle button 8a is not operated) (S905: NO), it is determined whether the story effect is paused (S906).

  As a result, when it is determined that the story effect is not paused (S906: NO), the progress mode changing process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the story effect is paused (S906: YES), it is determined whether or not a reproduction start operation has been performed (whether or not the middle button 8a has been operated) (S907).

  As a result, when it is determined that there has been a reproduction start operation (the middle button 8a has been operated) (S907: YES), reproduction of the story effect is started (S908). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no reproduction start operation (the middle button 8a is not operated) (S907: NO), the progress mode changing process is terminated.

  In the variation pattern B of the second embodiment described above, the special symbol is stopped and displayed by operating the effect button 8 during the symbol variation effect (during the effect duration) after the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is possible to change the progress of the symbol variation effect to be performed (fast forward, fast reverse, pause, etc.). Then, after the production button 8 is operated, the game ball is passed through the combination action gate 30 to start the big hit game or the next special symbol variation display. In this way, it is possible to change the progress mode of the symbol variation effect based on the operation of the effect button 8, and it is possible to enhance the game interest during the period before the game ball passes to the combination gate 30.

  In the second embodiment, the progress speed of the symbol variation effect (story effect) is changed (fast forward, fast reverse, pause, etc.) based on the operation of the effect button 8. Thereby, the progress speed of the production can be arbitrarily changed by the player's operation, the production already performed can be seen again, the content of the production scheduled to be performed first can be seen, Can be increased. In addition, chapters (delimiters) are inserted at places (predetermined places) in the story production, and jumps (skips) to chapters set before and after the execution place by a predetermined operation of the player during the execution of the story production. You may be able to do it.

  In the second embodiment, the symbol variation effect (story effect) is fast-forwarded, rewinded, paused and started based on the operation of the effect button 8, but not limited to this, the operation of the effect button 8 is performed. Based on the above, it is possible to change the progress mode by frame advance (slow playback) of the symbol variation effect (story effect), jump back or jump to jump before or after a predetermined time, or shorten or extend the effect time. Also good.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which one type of big hit game is provided as a win game has been described. However, in the third embodiment, two types of big hit games are provided as a win game.

  Specifically, a “first big hit game” in which the number of rounds is set to 15 rounds and a “second big hit game” in which the number of rounds is set to two rounds are provided. When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is “first jackpot”, the “first jackpot game” is started. When the result of the special symbol success / failure judgment is “second jackpot”, the “second jackpot game” is started. Is done. Since the maximum number of consecutive rounds of the first jackpot game is set to 15 rounds and the maximum number of rounds of the second jackpot game is set to two rounds, the first jackpot game is referred to as “15R jackpot game” below. The second jackpot game is also called “2R jackpot game”, the first jackpot is also called “15R jackpot”, and the second jackpot is also called “2R jackpot”.

  The main control unit 200 determines the bonus symbol of the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) determined based on the special symbol success / failure determination value (first special symbol success / failure determination value, second special symbol success / failure determination value). The type of jackpot game (number of rounds of jackpot game) is determined according to the type. That is, in the special symbol big hit symbol, “first big hit symbol (15R big hit symbol)” and “second big hit (2R big hit symbol)” that will generate “first big hit (15R big hit symbol)” are generated. A “second big hit symbol (2R big hit symbol)” is provided.

  These first and second big hit games differ in the opening time (specified time) of the big winning opening 33a in one round. The opening time of the big winning opening 33a of the first jackpot game is the time when the prescribed number (10 pieces) of entering the big winning opening 33a and the possibility of giving a prize ball are very high, that is, the winning ball It is set as a long open time in which the amount increases, and is set to “30 seconds” in the third embodiment. The opening time of the grand prize winning port 33a of the second jackpot game is a short opening time in which the prescribed number (10) of balls to the big winning port 33a and the possibility of giving a prize ball are very low, that is, It is set as the time when the prize ball amount decreases (including the time when the prize ball amount becomes substantially zero), and is set to “0.2 seconds” in the third embodiment. In other words, the second big hit game can be treated as “substantially out”, in which the period during which the big winning opening 33a is in an open state (a state in which a player can enter a ball) is instantaneous, and the amount of winning balls that can be acquired is substantially zero. .

  In the third embodiment, the number of rounds and the opening time of the big winning opening 33a are different between the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game, but the number of rounds is different between the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game. May be common, and only the opening time of the special winning opening 33a may be different. For example, the number of rounds of the first jackpot game and the number of rounds of the second jackpot game are both 15 rounds, the opening time of the big winning opening 33a in the first jackpot game is "30 seconds" per round, and in the second jackpot game The opening time of the special winning opening 33a may be “0.2 seconds” per round. Even in this case, the first big hit game has a long execution period (a lot of award balls) “a game per long opening”, and the second big hit game has a short execution period (a little award ball amount) “short per hit” Game ".

  FIGS. 19 and 20 show the variation time of the special symbol and the variation time of the production symbol when the hit variation pattern of the special symbol of the third embodiment is the variation pattern B. FIG. 19 is a diagram of the first embodiment. 4 is supported. FIG. 19 shows a case where the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the first jackpot symbol, and FIG. 20 shows a case where the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the second jackpot symbol.

  FIGS. 19 (a) and 20 (a) show a case where the game ball does not pass through the combination action gate 30 during the change pattern effect by the effect pattern in the change pattern B. FIG. 19 (b) and FIG. 20 (b) shows a case where the game ball passes through the combination action gate 30 during the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol in the variation pattern B. FIGS. 19 (c) and 20 (c) show the variation pattern B. The figure shows a case where the player operates the effect button 8 during the symbol variation effect by the effect symbol, and then the game ball passes through the combination action gate 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 (a) to 19 (c), in the case of a hit fluctuation based on the first big hit symbol, the hit notification is made with the result notification effect triggered by the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30. After being played, the first big hit game is played. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) to 20 (c), in the case of a hit fluctuation based on the second big hit symbol, the result notification effect is triggered by the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30. The second big hit game is performed after the notification is made. The second big hit game is finished in a short time, and the next special symbol variation display is started.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the result notification effect processing (S780, S712, S715) of the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 16 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the determination process of S800, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a win (S800: YES), it is determined whether or not the type of win is the first big hit. (S803). Whether or not the hit type is the first big hit is determined based on the stop symbol of the special symbol specified by the special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 in the processing of S508j and S509j (FIG. 12). can do.

  As a result of the determination process in S803, when it is determined that the winning type is the first big hit (S803: YES), a hit notification is performed with a result notification effect (S801). On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning type is not the first big hit (S803: NO), since the winning type is the second big hit, a miss notification is performed in the result notification effect (S802).

  In the variation pattern B of the third embodiment described above, if the effect button 8 is operated during the symbol variation effect after the special symbol is stopped and displayed (during the effect continuation time), the hit variation based on the first big hit will occur. If there is a hit notification with a result notification effect, and a hit variation based on the second big hit (substantially missed), a miss notification is performed with the result notification effect.

  In this way, by providing the second big hit game that is “substantially out of play” in which the number of winning balls that can be obtained for the big hit game is substantially zero, the hit notification and the outage notification are performed in the result notification effect performed by the hit variation. It can be made feasible and can enhance the game entertainment. As a result, when a special symbol hit variation is performed, when the game ball passes through the combination action gate 30 or when the effect button 8 is operated, the big hit scheduled to be executed based on the hit variation The type of game can be shown to the player.

  Here, the correspondence between the main elements of the third embodiment and the main elements of the present invention will be described. The first big hit game corresponds to the “first specific game”, and the second big hit game corresponds to the “second game”. Corresponds to "special game".

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in the variation pattern B of each of the above embodiments, the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and then the variation display of the effect symbol is continued during the effect variation duration of the symbol variation effect. You may comprise so that the kind of effect different from a variable display may be continued. For example, a character effect is performed in which a predetermined character is displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 in accordance with the change effect of the special symbol, and the change display of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. You may comprise so that a character effect may be performed continuously during time. Further, the effect symbol may be stopped and displayed together with the special symbol stop display, or may be stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing before or after the special symbol stop display.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the symbol variation effect based on the variation pattern B, the effect duration time is shortened by ending the effect duration time, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead, the production duration time may be shortened by ending the production duration time after a predetermined time has elapsed after the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, after 1 second).

  In the variation pattern B of the first and third embodiments, the result notification effect is executed based on the operation of the effect button 8 to change the effect mode of the symbol change effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The design variation effect may be changed in a different manner. For example, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect may be changed by shortening or terminating the symbol variation effect without executing the result notification effect based on the operation of the effect button 8.

  In the variation pattern B of the first and third embodiments, the result notification effect is executed and the symbol variation effect is ended based on the operation of the effect button 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The symbol variation effect may be continued even after is operated. In this case, the symbol variation effect ends when the game ball passes through the combination operation gate 30 after the effect button 8 is operated.

  Further, in the first and third embodiments, an effect indicating the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (success or failure) is performed based on the operation of the effect button 8, but the present invention is not limited to this. Based on the operation, an effect indicating “information about a game to be executed” may be performed. For example, based on the operation of the effect button 8, an effect indicating the type of jackpot game scheduled to be executed (normal jackpot or probability variation jackpot, number of jackpot rounds, number of short hours, etc.) may be performed.

  Further, in the first and third embodiments, a result notification effect indicating the result of the special symbol success / failure determination based on the operation of the effect button 8 is performed, and a result notification effect based on the game ball passing to the combination operation gate 30. You may comprise so that the production | presentation of the content different from. For example, based on the operation of the effect button 8, a special symbol success / failure determination result (big hit or miss) is shown, and an effect showing the type of jackpot game based on the game ball passing to the combination operation gate 30 (for example, a probability variation function) An effect indicating the presence / absence of the operation, an effect indicating the number of rounds of the big hit game, an effect indicating the presence / absence / number of operations of the opening extension function, an effect indicating the presence / absence of time reduction, etc.) can be performed. As a result, it is possible to realize the gameability that the effect mode of the symbol variation effect can be changed by the operation of the effect button 8 and the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30, and the game entertainment can be enhanced. . In this case, the effect indicating the result of the special symbol success / failure determination performed based on the operation of the effect button 8 corresponds to the “first aspect of the specific effect” and is based on the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30. The effect indicating the type of jackpot game to be performed corresponds to the “second aspect of the specific effect”.

  Alternatively, a result notification effect indicating the result of the special symbol success / failure determination based on the operation of the effect button 8 is performed, and then the result of the notification once is redrawn (effect indicating that the notification result may change). And an effect (promotional lottery effect) for notifying the re-lottery result (the result after the change or the same result) based on the game ball passing to the consecutive action gate 30. For example, an effect indicating that the special symbol success / failure determination is missed based on the operation of the effect button 8 is performed, and then an effect indicating that the re-lottery result is a win is performed based on the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30. be able to. In addition, when the determination result is a probable hit, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed, an effect symbol (second effect symbol) that is difficult to understand whether it is a probable hit or a normal hit is stopped and displayed, and a story effect (predetermined character is selected). The effect display used) is executed even after the special symbol is stopped, based on the operation of the effect button 8, indicating that the determination result is “normal hit”, and then based on the passing of the game ball to the combination operation gate 30. Thus, it is possible to execute an effect as to whether or not to be promoted per probability change, and to display an effect (so-called promotion effect) indicating that it has been promoted to “probable success”. In addition, when the game ball passes to the role-playing operation gate 30, an effect indicating that the promotion has not been promoted (so-called promotion failure effect) is displayed, or an effect whether to be promoted is not performed, and the hit game is executed. Probability promotion effect may be executed at the end of the middle or hit game.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the number of combination operation gates 30 is given is described, but a plurality of combination operation gates may be provided. For example, a first combination operation gate and a second combination operation gate are provided, and after winning / failure determination result is hit, depending on which combination operation gate the game ball is allowed to pass, The number of rounds, the number of rounds, the opening time of the big winning opening, the probability change rate after winning a game, the opening extension rate after winning a game, etc. may be executable. In addition, when a winning game is executed after passing through one of the combination operation gates, a lottery is performed based on the acquired value (random value) acquired at the passing timing, and one winning game is selected from different winning games. If the winning game is executed by passing through the other combination operation gate (the lottery method), a predetermined winning game may be executed (determined method). In this case, the lottery method is a mode in which a game per 5R (500 balls can be acquired) and a game per 15R (1500 balls can be acquired) are executed at a rate of 50%, respectively, and the confirmation method is 10R By adopting a mode in which a game (acquisition of 1000 balls) is executed 100%, the expected value of profit that can be acquired can be made the same regardless of which combination operation gate is passed. Of course, any of the combination operation gates may be a lottery method, a confirmation method, or three or more combination operation gates.

  Also, in the third embodiment, a first big hit game that is a game per long opening and a second big hit game that is a short opening game are provided, and a hit notification based on the second big hit is made with a result notification effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a small hit game may be provided as a hit game, and a miss notification may be performed with a result notification effect even in a hit variation based on the small hit. In the small hit game, the big prize device 33 operates in the same manner as the second big hit game, and the big prize opening 33a is opened twice for 0.2 seconds. For this reason, the small hit game is “substantially missed” which is very unlikely to receive a prize ball because the possibility of a game ball entering the big prize opening 33a is extremely low. In this case, the first big hit game corresponds to the “first specific game”, and the second big hit game and the small hit game correspond to the “second specific game”. In addition, unlike a big hit, a small hit may be changed to a state in which a winning can be made without operating the condition device and the continuous accessory actuating device (a short prize opening (for example, within 0.6 seconds)). Good. That is, in the big hit, the condition device is operated by stopping the winning symbol, and the continuous action device is operated by passing the game ball to the combination operation gate, and the winning game (the big winning opening is in a state in which the game can be entered). The game is played (started), but in the small hit, regardless of the passing of the game ball to the consecutive action gate, the hit game (small) at the predetermined timing (predetermined time) after the small hit symbol stop Winning game). However, in the small hit game, unlike the big hit game, a large amount of game balls cannot be obtained, and only a short period (for example, within 0.6 seconds) is open (to be able to enter a short period). And In addition, since “small hit” does not operate the condition device and the accessory continuous action device, when the predetermined small hit symbol stop time elapses, the next fluctuation display is executed. In addition, during the execution of this small hit symbol stop time, the game ball passes through the linkage operation gate, thereby shortening the small hit symbol stop time (reducing the specific performance being executed during this period), The next variation display may be executed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the “effect button 8” is described as the “input detection means for detecting the player's input”. However, the present invention is not limited to the push button, and the input detection means may be configured differently. Good. For example, a contact type detection sensor that detects that a player's hand or finger is touched or a non-contact type detection sensor using a photoelectric element or the like is used as an input detection means, so that the player directly touches. Even if it is not, it can be set as a non-contact type sensor which detects predetermined | prescribed operation | movement (a part or thing of a player's body exists in the predetermined distance and range from a sensor), etc. Alternatively, a game ball detection sensor that detects a game ball at a predetermined location in the game area 21 is used as an input detection means, and the player inputs the game ball by aiming at the predetermined location in the game area 21 to be input by the player. You may be able to.

  In the above embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities in the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port, second start port) provided on the game board are used. To a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that gives a player a gaming profit (game value) by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the number of game balls that enter the mouth, big prize opening, etc.) Although an example in which the invention is applied has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives gaming profits in a form different from “payout of prize balls”.

  For example, when a game ball is entered into various winning holes, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the ball is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine in which a gaming profit (game value) is given to a player. In this case as well, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 8 ... Production | presentation button (input detection means), 25 ... Production | presentation display apparatus, 30 ... Combined action gate, 30s ... Combined action gate detection switch (game ball detection means), 61 ... 1st special symbol display Part (identification information display means), 62 ... second special symbol display part (identification information display means), 200 ... main control part, 260 ... sub-control part, 280 ... effect display control part.

Claims (2)

An identification information display means for performing a variation display of the identification information; a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball; and an input detection means for detecting a player's input. In the gaming machine that executes the specific game based on the fact that the game ball detecting means detects the game ball after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the specific result,
The specific result includes a first specific result and a second specific result,
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the first specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game is finished is set as a predetermined probability, When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the second specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game ends is higher than the predetermined probability. Probability variation means to
As the specific effect, there is a specific effect to be executed for a predetermined execution period after the stop display of the identification information ,
Even after the identification information is displayed stopped in a display manner indicating the specification result, when the detecting the game balls in game ball detecting means when the specific effect is running, shorten the execution period of the specific effect And execute the specific game,
Wherein together with the identification information indicates to the particular result, even after the stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the identification result is difficult recognize which of the first identification result or said second identification result, the specific effect When the player's input is detected by the input detection means while the game is being executed , an effect indicating that the specific result is the first specific result is executed in the specific effect , and then the game ball detecting means When a game ball is detected in the game machine , an effect indicating that the specific result is the second specific result is executed in the specific effect . An identification information display means for performing a variation display of the identification information; a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball; and an input detection means for detecting a player's input. In the gaming machine that executes the specific game based on the fact that the game ball detecting means detects the game ball after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the specific result,
The specific result includes a first specific result and a second specific result,
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the first specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game is finished is set as a predetermined probability, When the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the second specific result, the probability that the identification information is stopped and displayed in the display mode indicating the specific result after the specific game ends is higher than the predetermined probability. Probability variation means to
As the specific effect, there is a specific effect to be executed for a predetermined execution period after the stop display of the identification information ,
Even after the identification information is displayed stopped in a display manner indicating the specification result, when the detecting the game balls in game ball detecting means when the specific effect is running, terminates the execution period of the specific effect executing the specific game by,
Said together with the identification information indicates to the particular result, even after the stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the identification result is difficult recognize which of the first identification result or said second identification result, the specific effect When the player's input is detected by the input detection means while the game is being executed , an effect indicating that the specific result is the first specific result is executed in the specific effect , and then the game ball detecting means When a game ball is detected in the game machine , an effect indicating that the specific result is the second specific result is executed in the specific effect .

Images