JP7249652B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, it is possible to suspend the execution of a symbol variation game, and an image that can specify the symbol variation game that is being suspended or the symbol variation game that is being executed (hereinafter referred to as (referred to as a specific image) is being changed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-229888 A

However, in the conventional game machine, although the effect of changing the display mode of the specific image is executed, it is expected to further enhance the effect of the effect and improve the interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of improving interest.

A gaming machine that solves the above problems is a gaming machine that can suspend the execution of a symbol variation game and can execute various effects, and includes an operation means that can be operated by a player and an image display means that displays an image. and display control means for controlling said image display means, said image display means being capable of displaying a specific image capable of identifying a pattern variation game whose execution is suspended or a symbol variation game being executed, The effect includes an image change that changes the display mode of the specific image displayed on the image display means when an execution condition is satisfied in response to the operation of the operation means during a predetermined operation effective period. In the image change effect, it is possible to accept a plurality of operations of the operation means during the operation valid period, and the display mode of the specific image changes to a first display mode, and the second display. In the case where the display mode changes, the number of operations of the operation means within the operation effective period is different from the number of operations to allow the change in the display mode of the specific image. The upper limit of the number of operations of the operating means that can be accepted is predetermined, and in the image change effect, the same number of special images as the upper limit of the number of operations in the image change effect are displayed, and the special image is the same as the upper limit of the number of operations in the image change effect. and a case where the special images of the same number as the upper limit of the number of operations are collectively displayed at once. , and may be divided and displayed a plurality of times, and in the image change effect, a special image different from the special image is added to the specific image each time the operation means is operated. This is the gist.

In the gaming machine, the second display mode is a display mode with a higher expectation of a big hit than the first display mode, and the change to the first display mode is allowed regardless of how many times the operation is performed. On the other hand, it is preferable that the change to the second display mode is permitted only when the operation is the upper limit number of operations .

According to the present invention, the player's interest can be improved.

A perspective view of a pachinko game machine. Front view of the game board. A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. The schematic diagram which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. (a) to (e) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a specific execution mode of chance presentation. (a) to (j) are schematic diagrams showing examples of specific display modes of the pending icon and the variable icon. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a change pattern in the icon change effect; (a) to (f) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a specific execution mode of icon change effects.

An embodiment of a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a game machine, will be described below.
In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate directions when viewed from the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a frame 11. As shown in FIG. The frame body 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to the island facility, and a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts. A game board YB, which will be described later, is assembled to the mounting frame 11b. A pachinko game machine 10 includes a speaker SP. The speaker SP can execute an effect (hereinafter referred to as an audio effect) for outputting a predetermined sound. For example, the predetermined sound is music, sound effects, and the like. A pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp LA. The decoration lamp LA can perform effects (hereinafter referred to as light emission effects) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing a built-in light emitter (not shown). The pachinko game machine 10 has a shooting handle HD operated when shooting game balls.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with effect buttons BT, which are an example of operation means that can be operated by a player. The effect button BT is provided with a button-shaped operating member, and is configured to enable the pressing operation of the operating member. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a performance lever LV which is an example of means that can be operated by a player. The production lever LV is provided with a lever-type operating member, and is configured to enable the pushing operation of the operating member. The effect button BT and the effect lever LV are provided in a portion that can be operated by the player while playing a game, such as near a ball tray that stores game balls. The effect button BT and the effect lever LV are used for the effect (hereinafter referred to as operation effect) for operating these operation means among the effects related to the game.

As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area YBa is defined on the front surface of the game board YB when viewed from the front. A display window YBb is formed substantially in the center of the game area YBa. A shooting path YBc is formed on the left side of the game area YBa to guide the game ball shot by operating the shooting handle HD to the game area YBa.

The game board YB has a first special symbol display device 19a. The first special symbol display device 19a can execute a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The game board YB has a second special symbol display device 19b. The second special symbol display device 19b can execute a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (hit lottery of the special symbol). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as "special games". The special symbols include at least a big win symbol as a big win display result and a losing symbol as a losing display result. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a big win is won in a special pattern win lottery, the big win patterns are stop-displayed in a special game, and after the special game of the big win is finished, a big win game is awarded. The jackpot game will be described later.

The game board YB has a first reservation display device 19c. The first suspension display device 19c specifies the number of times the execution of the first special game is suspended (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension number) because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. Show possible information. The game board YB has a second reservation display device 19d. The second pending display device 19d specifies the number of times the execution of the second special game is suspended (hereinafter referred to as the second pending number) because the pending condition is met but the start condition is not yet met. Show possible information. Thus, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to suspend execution of the symbol variation game.

The game board YB is provided with a normal symbol display device 19e. The normal symbol display device 19e can execute a normal game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and the normal symbols are finally stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal pattern includes at least a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. In the present embodiment, when the winning lottery for the normal symbols is won, the normal winning symbols are stop-displayed in the normal game, and the normal winning game is provided after the normal game ends. The game board YB may be provided with a normal hold display device. The normal suspension display device displays information capable of specifying the number of normal games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. Further, the game board YB may include a right-handed display device for displaying information instructing right-handed players, which will be described later, and a round display device for notifying the upper limit number of round games, which will be described later.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect display device EH having an image display section capable of displaying images. The effect display device EH is an example of image display means for displaying an image. The effect display device EH is assembled to the game board YB so that the display area R in the image display section can be visually recognized through the display window YBb. For example, the effect display device EH is a liquid crystal device. The effect display device EH can execute an effect of displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display effect). For example, the predetermined images are images such as production designs, characters, landscapes, characters, numbers, and symbols. In the following description, when these characters and the like are simply referred to as "display", it means that these characters and the like are displayed as images. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH, the speaker SP, and the decorative lamp LA are effect devices capable of executing effects, respectively, and form an effect device group ES composed of a plurality of effect devices. Thus, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute various effects.

For example, the display effect on the effect display device EH includes a effect symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as effect game) using a plurality of lines of effect symbols (decorative symbols). In the effect game, a plurality of rows of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is stopped and displayed. The effect pattern (decorative pattern) is a pattern decorated with a character, a pattern, or the like, and is a pattern for diversifying the display effect. For example, the effect game of the present embodiment is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row respectively in a predetermined direction.

The effect game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the performance game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. For example, when the jackpot symbols are statically displayed in the special game, the jackpot symbol combination is statically displayed in the effect game. In the special game, when the winning symbols are stop-displayed, in the effect game, the losing symbol combination is stop-displayed. In the following description, the special game and the effect game executed corresponding to the special game are collectively referred to as "symbol variation game" or simply referred to as "variation game" for short. The production game may include a ready-to-win production. The ready-to-win effect is an effect to form a ready-to-win state and to finally stop and display a predetermined symbol combination. For example, the ready-to-win state is a state in which the same effect symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in the left and right symbol rows, and the effect symbols are continuously displayed in a variable manner in the middle symbol row. The ready-to-win performance includes a normal ready-to-win performance (hereinafter referred to as N-reach performance) and a super ready-to-win performance (hereinafter referred to as SP ready-to-win performance) in which the expectation of a big hit is higher than that of the N-reach performance.

The game area YBa is formed with a plurality of winning openings (ball openings) into which game balls can enter. The winning openings include at least a first starting opening 12, a second starting opening 13, and a big winning opening 14. - 特許庁The first starting hole 12 is a winning hole into which game balls are entered when the conditions for starting the first special game are established. The first starting port 12 is located below the performance display device EH and is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The game board YB is provided with a first start sensor SE1 for detecting a game ball entering the first start hole 12 (see FIG. 3). The second starting port 13 is a prize winning port into which a game ball is entered when the starting condition of the second special game is established. The second starting port 13 is to the right of the first starting port 12 . The second starting port 13 is provided with an opening and closing piece that is an example of a door shape, and when the normal winning game is not given, the game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter. Closed. The second starting port 13 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a normal winning game is given. The game board YB has a normal solenoid SL1 as means for opening the second starting port 13 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the game board YB is provided with a second starting sensor SE2 for detecting a game ball entering the second starting hole 13 (see FIG. 3). The second starting port 13 is a so-called "ordinary electric accessory".

The big winning hole 14 is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered when satisfying the payout condition of the prize ball. The big winning opening 14 is located on the lower right side of the performance display device EH. The big winning opening 14 is provided with an opening/closing piece, for example, in the form of a door, and is closed so that a game ball cannot be entered when a big winning game is not provided. The big winning opening 14 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a big winning game is awarded. The game board YB is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as means for opening the big winning slot 14 (see FIG. 3). The game board YB also includes a count sensor SE3 for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 14 (see FIG. 3).

A gate 17 is provided in the game area YBa. The gate 17 is located in the right area of the game area YBa and above the second starting opening 13 and the big winning opening 14 . The gate 17 has a gate opening 17a which is always open so that game balls can be entered. A gate sensor SE4 for detecting game balls entering and passing through the gate opening 17a is provided (see FIG. 3). The gate 17 is a ball entrance through which a game ball is entered when establishing the conditions for starting the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 17, the prize ball payout condition is not satisfied. At the bottom of the game area YBa, an out port 18 is formed for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the first starting port 12, the second starting port 13, and the big winning port 14 to the outside of the machine. It is

In the pachinko game machine 10, the player adjusts the shooting intensity of the game ball by operating the shooting handle HD, the left area located to the left of the display window YBb, and the right area located to the right of the display window YBb. Hit the game ball separately. For example, when a game ball is shot with a stronger launch intensity (hereinafter referred to as a right-hand shot), the game ball is likely to flow down and be guided to the right area, where the second start opening 13, the big winning opening 14, or the gate Possibility of entering 17. Right hitting is performed by adjusting the shooting intensity to the maximum intensity or a slightly weaker intensity than the maximum intensity, because it is necessary to shoot the game ball vigorously in order to reach the right area. On the other hand, when the game ball is shot with the shooting intensity adjusted to be weaker (hereinafter referred to as a left-hand shot), the game ball is likely to flow down and guided to the left area, and there is a possibility of entering the first start hole 12. be. Since it is not necessary to shoot the game ball as vigorously as in the case of right-handed hitting, left-handed hitting is performed by adjusting the intensity to such an extent that the fired game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, a game part such as a game nail forms a flow path for a game ball so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting port 12 when hitting to the right. The game part may be arranged so as to restrict the ball from entering the first starting hole 12 when hitting to the right, or making it more difficult for the ball to enter the first starting hole 12 than when hitting to the left. may be arranged as

The left area in the present embodiment is an area located on the left side of the center line C that bisects the game area YBa into left and right when the game board YB is viewed from the front. The right area in this embodiment is an area located on the right side of the center line C when the game board YB is viewed from the front. A game ball shot by operating the shooting handle HD is guided to the shooting path YBc on the left side of the game area YBa and reaches the game area YBa. Therefore, the left area is also an area closer to the firing path YBc, and the right area is also an area away from the firing path YBc. A game ball flowing down and guided in the left area passes through the left side of the effect display device EH located in the center of the game area YBa in a front view, and goes to the out port 18 located at the bottom of the game area YBa. On the other hand, the game ball flowed down and guided in the right area passes through the right side of the effect display device EH located in the center of the game area YBa in a front view, and heads for the out port 18 .

Next, the jackpot game will be described.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that allows recognition of the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game for opening the big winning opening 14 is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a first condition that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter or a second condition that a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big winning opening 14 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round production is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that allows recognition of the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is terminated when the ending time elapses.

Next, various functions installed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a big win in a big win lottery (hereinafter referred to as "big win probability"). That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low probability state in which the variable probability function does not operate and a high probability state in which the variable probability function operates, as states in which the probability of big wins may differ. The high-probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low-probability state. In the high-probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low-probability state, which is extremely advantageous for the player. The high-probability state is a so-called "variable probability state (variable probability state)".

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assisting function.
The ball entry assisting function is a function for varying the base (the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot game balls) by assisting the winning of the second starting port 13, which is a normal electric accessory. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low base state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate and a high base state in which the ball entry assist function operates as states in which the base may differ. The high base state in the present embodiment has a higher probability of the game ball entering the second starting port 13 than the low base state. In the high base state, the probability of a game ball entering the second starting hole 13 increases, and the entering of the game ball into the second starting hole 13 becomes easier. state). The high base state is the so-called "electrical support state", and the low base state is the so-called "non-electrical support state".

For example, the high base state can be realized by performing one arbitrarily selected control out of the three controls described below, or by performing a plurality of controls in combination. The first control is normal symbol variation time shortening control for shortening the variation time of the normal game as compared to the low base state. The second control is normal symbol probability variation control for varying the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low base state. The third control is open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 13 in one normal winning game longer than in the low base state. The opening time extension control is a control to increase the number of opening times of the second starting port 13 in one normal winning game than in the low base state, and one opening time of the second starting port 13 in the normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the control to make the time longer than in the low base state is used. The high base state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol variation time reduction control that shortens the variation time of the special game (for example, the average variation time) as compared to the low base state. When the special symbol variation time shortening control is performed, the high base state becomes the special symbol variation time shortening state (time saving state), and the low base state becomes the special symbol non-variation time shortening state (non time saving state).

In the pachinko game machine 10, a game state is created by a combination of whether or not the variable probability function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assist function is activated. In the following description, the game state of low probability and low base state is indicated as "low probability low base state", and the game state of high probability and low base state is indicated as "high probability low base state". . In addition, the game state of low probability and high base state is indicated as "low probability and high base state", and the game state of high probability and high base state is indicated as "high probability and high base state".

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main board 40 and a sub board 50 on the back side (rear) of the game board YB. The main board 40 and the sub-board 50 are connected so that a control signal (control command) can be output in one direction from the main board 40 to the sub-board 50 . The main board 40 executes a predetermined process and outputs a control signal to the sub board 50 . The sub-board 50 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main board 40 .

The main board 40 will be explained.
The main board 40 includes a main control CPU 41 , a main control ROM 42 , a main control RWM 43 and a random number generation circuit 44 . The main control CPU 41 executes processing related to game progress by executing the main control program. The main control ROM 42 stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lotteries, tables, and the like.

The main control ROM 42 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game to the end. The variation pattern is information that can specify the content of variation (content of presentation) of the presentation game performed during execution of the special game. Variation patterns include a big hit variation pattern and a loss variation pattern. In the production game based on the big win variation pattern, after the ready-to-win production, finally, the combination of symbols for the big win is stop-displayed. The performance game based on the losing variation pattern has variable contents in which the winning symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed through the ready-to-win effect or without the ready-to-win effect. Details of the variation pattern (variation content) will be described later.

The main control RWM43 stores various information rewritten according to the processing result of the main control CPU41. For example, information stored by the main control RWM 43 includes flags, counters, and timers. A random number generation circuit 44 generates a hardware random number. The main board 40 may be configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main control CPU 41 .

The main board 40 is connected to each of the sensors SE1-SE4. The main control CPU 41 can input detection signals output by sensors SE1 to SE4 detecting game balls. The main substrate 40 is connected to each of the display devices 19a-19e. The main control CPU 41 can control the display contents of each of the display devices 19a to 19e. The main board 40 is connected with each solenoid SL1, SL2. The main control CPU 41 can control the opening mode of the second starting port 13 and the big winning port 14 by controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1, SL2.

Next, the sub-board 50 will be described.
The sub-board 50 includes a sub-control CPU 51 , a sub-control ROM 52 and a sub-control RWM 53 . The sub-control CPU 51 performs processing related to effects by executing a sub-control program. The sub-control ROM 52 stores a sub-control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The sub-control ROM 52 stores display effect data used for display effect, light emission effect data used for light emission effect, and sound effect data used for sound effect. The sub-control RWM 53 stores various information rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . For example, information stored by the sub-control RWM 53 includes flags, counters, and timers. The sub-board 50 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random-number generation processing by the sub-control CPU 51 . The sub-board 50 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-board 50 is connected to the effect display device EH. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the display contents in the display area R of the effect display device EH. The sub-control CPU 51 constitutes an example of display control means for controlling the image display means (effect display device EH in this embodiment). The sub-board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the output content of the speaker SP. The sub-board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the lighting mode of the decoration lamp LA. The sub-board 50 is connected to the effect button BT. The sub-control CPU 51 can input an operation signal that is output when the production button BT is operated. The sub-board 50 is connected to the production lever LV. The sub-control CPU 51 can input an operation signal that is output when the production lever LV is operated.

Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described.
The main control CPU 41 executes special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, etc. as timer interrupt processing performed at predetermined control intervals (for example, 4 ms).

The special symbol input processing will be explained.
The main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 12 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first starting sensor SE1. When the game ball enters the first start port 12, the main control CPU41 determines whether or not the first reservation number stored in the main control RWM43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). . When the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 adds 1 to the first reservation number and updates it. Subsequently, the main control CPU 41 controls the first pending display device 19c to display information that can specify the updated first pending number. In addition, the main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub board 50 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a first reservation number command) that can specify the first reservation number after addition. In this embodiment, the reservation condition for the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor SE1 when the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 44, and causes the main control RWM 43 to store random number information based on the acquired random number. For example, the random number is a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning symbol random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a variation pattern random number used for determining a variation pattern. The main control CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to specify that it is the random number information for the first special game and the order in which the random number information is stored. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. By having the main control RWM 43 store the random number information used for the first special game, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the first special game until the conditions for starting the first special game are satisfied.

Then, the main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub-board 50 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a look-ahead command) capable of specifying the fluctuation contents of the newly suspended special game based on the random number value obtained from the random number generating circuit 44. Read-ahead processing is performed for The look-ahead command is information that can specify whether or not the variable game will be a big hit. A prefetch command is information that can identify a variation pattern. In the look-ahead process, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired from the random number generation circuit 44 is a value for winning in a jackpot lottery, which will be described later. Specify whether or not The main control CPU 41 determines which variation pattern the value of the variation pattern random number acquired from the random number generation circuit 44 is a value that wins in each variation process described later, so that the newly suspended variation game Identify patterns of variation. Then, the main control CPU 41 generates a look-ahead command capable of specifying the specified fluctuation content and outputs it to the sub-board 50 . Therefore, the sub-board 50 (sub-control CPU 51) can specify the variable content of the variable game whose execution is suspended based on the entry of the ball into the starting hole by inputting the look-ahead command.

When the main control CPU 41 stores the random number information for the first special game in the main control RWM 43, when the game ball has not entered the first start port 12, and when the first reservation number is not less than the upper limit number In this case, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second starting port 13 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second starting sensor SE2. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 13, the main control CPU41 determines whether the second reservation number stored in the main control RWM43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). judge. When the second reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 adds 1 to the second reservation number and updates it. The main control CPU 41 controls the second pending display device 19d so as to display information that can specify the second pending number after addition. The main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub-board 50 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a second reservation number command) capable of specifying the second reservation number after addition. In the present embodiment, the second special game suspension condition is established when the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor SE2 when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires a random number generated within the main board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main control RWM 43 . The main control CPU 41 stores the random number information so that the random number information is used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. By having the main control RWM 43 store the random number information used for the second special game, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the second special game until the condition for starting the second special game is satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the main control RWM43, when the game ball has not entered the second start port 13, and when the second reservation number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start processing will be described.
First, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the conditions for starting the special game are satisfied. The main control CPU 41 makes an affirmative determination when the big win game is not being played and the special game is not being executed, and makes a negative determination when the big win game is being played or the special game is being executed. If the special game start condition is not met, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process. When the special game start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 41 determines whether or not the second reservation number is greater than zero. When the second reservation number is zero, the main control CPU41 determines whether the first reservation number is greater than zero. When the first reservation number is zero, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

When the first reservation number is greater than zero, the main control CPU 41 performs processing for executing the first special game. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 subtracts 1 from the first reservation number and updates it. The main control CPU 41 controls the first reservation display device 19c so as to display information that can specify the first reservation number after subtraction. The main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub board 50 a first reservation number command that can specify the first reservation number after the subtraction. Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires from the main control RWM 43 the random number information stored first among the random number information for the first special game. Subsequently, the main control CPU 41 uses a winning random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a big winning lottery (big winning determination) to determine whether or not to win a big winning. The main control CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the variable probability function is activated).

When a big hit is won, the main control CPU 41 performs a big hit variation process. In the big-hit variation process, the main control CPU 41 performs a big-hit symbol lottery using a winning symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a big-hit symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The main control CPU 41 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of big hit variation patterns. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

When the big hit is not won, the main control CPU 41 performs loss variation processing. In the losing variation process, the main control CPU 41 determines the winning symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The main control CPU 41 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of loss variation patterns with reach or without reach. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

When the second reservation number is greater than zero, the main control CPU 41 performs processing for executing the second special game. In the process for executing the second special game, the "first special game" is changed to the "second special game", and the "first reservation number" is changed to the "second reservation". Since the processes are read as "number" respectively, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the main control CPU 41 performs any variation processing based on the subtraction of the second reservation number, the big win lottery, and the result of the big win lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing. In addition, the main control CPU 41 will output to the sub-board 50 a second reservation number command that can specify the second reservation number after the subtraction.

The main control CPU 41 outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the sub-board 50 in the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process. The variation start command is a control command that can specify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol (big hit symbol or losing symbol) determined in each variation process. Note that the variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is performed and when the variation processing of the second special game is performed.

After finishing the special symbol start process, the main control CPU 41 executes the first special game or the second special game by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when executing the first special game, the main control CPU 41 controls the first special symbol display device 19a so as to start the variable display of predetermined symbols. The main control CPU 41 measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The main control CPU 41 controls the first special symbol display device 19a to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time determined in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub-board 50 a control command that can specify the end of the variable game (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) when the variable time defined in the variable pattern has passed.

On the other hand, when executing the second special game, the main control CPU 41 controls the second special symbol display device 19b so as to start the variable display of predetermined symbols. The main control CPU 41 measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The main control CPU 41 controls the second special symbol display device 19b so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the main control CPU 41 outputs a variation end command to the sub-board 50 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has passed. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the main control CPU 41 executes the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process, so that a lottery is drawn when a game ball enters the starting hole. is configured as

Next, the jackpot game processing will be described.
The big-hit game process is a process for giving a big-hit game. When the main control CPU 41 stops displaying the big win symbols in the special game, the main control CPU 41 executes the big win game process after the big win special game ends. The main control CPU 41 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot pattern (that is, the jackpot type) determined in the special pattern start process. The main control CPU 41 gives the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub board 50 a control command that can specify the start of the opening time (hereinafter referred to as an opening command). After the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41 performs processing for executing a round game. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game, and opens the big winning hole 14 . When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor SE3 reaches the upper limit number or the upper limit time elapses, the main control CPU 41 controls the special solenoid SL2 so as to close the big winning hole 14. to end the round game. The main control CPU 41 repeats the process for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big hit game is completed. The main control CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game to the sub board 50 each time the round game is started. When the final round game ends, the main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub-board 50 a control command that can specify the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command). The main control CPU 41 ends the big hit game when the ending time elapses. The main control CPU 41 outputs to the sub board 50 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) that can specify the passage of the ending time.

Next, probability transition processing for transitioning the probability state will be described.
The main control CPU 41 sets a high accuracy flag in the main control RWM 43 when finishing the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a high probability state. In addition, the main control CPU 41 does not erase the probability variation flag until the next big win game is provided after the big win game based on the first big win symbol is completed. On the other hand, the main control CPU 41 does not set the high probability flag in the main control RWM 43 when finishing the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern different from the first jackpot pattern. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to the low probability state. The main control CPU 41 erases the high accuracy flag when the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

Next, a description will be given of processing for shifting the ball-entering rate state.
The main control CPU 41 sets an operation flag to the main control RWM 43 when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to the high base state. The main control CPU 41 updates the value of the execution counter stored in the main control RWM 43 each time the special game is started after the big win game based on the second big win symbols is over, thereby making the special game after the big win game over. Count the number of game runs. The main control CPU 41 erases the operation flag stored in the main control RWM 43 when the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game has reached the number of operations is completed. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to the low base state when the special game for the number of times of operation ends after the big win game based on the second big win symbol ends. It should be noted that the main control CPU 41 does not erase the operation flag until the next big win game is awarded after the big win game based on the first big win symbol is completed. The main control CPU 41 erases the operation flag when the big hit game is started and the operation flag is set. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to the low base state during the jackpot game.

Next, various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
First, the big hit effect processing will be described.
The big-hit effect processing is a process for executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a big-hit effect) during the big-hit game. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the opening command, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the opening effect. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the round command, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the round effect. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the ending start command, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the ending effect. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the ending end command, it controls the effect device group ES to end the ending effect.

Next, the effect game processing will be described.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during execution of the special game. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the variation start command and the special symbol command, it controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device EH so as to execute the effect game. Specifically, when a variation start command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 selects an effect pattern (effect content) of the effect game based on a change pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the effect game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. The sub-control CPU 51 determines a big-hit symbol combination when the big-hit symbol can be specified from the special symbol command. The sub-control CPU 51 determines the missing symbol combination when the missing symbol can be specified from the special symbol command.

In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not a condition for executing a reach effect (hereinafter referred to as a reach condition) is established. The reach condition in the present embodiment is established by determining a variation pattern with reach. As the ready-to-win conditions, in addition to the determination of the variation pattern with ready-to-win, a ready-to-reach effect lottery using a predetermined random number may be performed to win the ready-to-win effect lottery. The sub-control CPU 51 determines a jackpot symbol combination (for example, a pattern matching such as 777) including a reach when a reach condition is established and a jackpot symbol can be specified from a special symbol command. The sub-control CPU 51 determines the missing symbol combination (for example, 767 etc.) including the reach when the ready-to-win condition is established and the missing symbol from the special symbol command can be specified. The sub-control CPU 51 determines a combination of symbols (for example, 562, etc.) that does not include a reach when the reach condition is not established and a symbol that is not included in the special symbol command can be specified.

Then, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to start the variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row with the input of the variation start command as a trigger. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 starts the effect game. Further, when the sub-control CPU 51 executes a predetermined effect in relation to the effect game, it controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device EH so as to execute the effect. The sub-control CPU 51 causes the symbol combination to be temporarily stopped and displayed when a predetermined timing arrives after starting the effect game, and also causes the symbol combination to be fixed and stopped displayed in response to the input of the fluctuation end command. It should be noted that the sub-control CPU 51 may determine and stop display the symbol combination when the variation time set in the variation pattern elapses, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the fluctuation end command may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, there are multiple types of variation patterns.
The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device EH based on the variation start command, and causes the effect game to be executed so as to achieve the variation content (effect content) determined in the variation pattern. In the following description, the effect determined to be executed in the variation pattern may be simply referred to as "main effect".

The variation pattern includes a variation pattern that defines a pseudo-continuous effect as a main effect. The pseudo-continuous effect is a effect in which a variation cycle (unit variation) accompanied by variable display of effect symbols is executed a plurality of times in one variation game. In the pseudo-continuous effect, the degree of expectation for a big win increases as the number of variation cycles executed in one variation game increases in the order of 1<2<3<4. One variation cycle is from the start of variable display of performance symbols in some or all of the symbol rows to temporary stop display of performance symbols in some or all of the symbol rows. That is, it can be said that, in the pseudo-continuous effect, the greater the number of re-variations of the effect pattern, the higher the expectation of a big hit. In the following description, among one or more variable cycles included in one variable game, the final variable cycle may be referred to as "main variable cycle".

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to execute the pseudo-continuous effect when the variation pattern defines the pseudo-continuous effect. For example, when it is the variation pattern P202, the sub-control CPU 51 starts the variable display of the performance symbols in all the symbol rows, and temporarily stops and displays the performance symbols in all the symbol rows, thereby performing the first variation cycle. to run. In the following second variation cycle (main variation cycle), the main control CPU 41 starts the variation display (re-variation) of all the symbol rows, and the effect display device EH so as to execute the N reach effect and the SP reach effect. to control.

The variation pattern includes a variation pattern that defines the execution of the ready-to-win effect as the main effect. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to execute the ready-to-win effect in the main variation cycle when the variation pattern defines the ready-to-win effect as the variation content. For example, if the sub-control CPU51 is the variation pattern P102, it controls the effect display device EH so as to execute the N reach effect in the first variation cycle as the main variation cycle. If it is the variation pattern P302, the sub-control CPU51 controls the effect display device EH so as to execute N reach effect→SP reach effect in order in the third variation cycle as the main change cycle.

The variation pattern includes a variation pattern that defines execution of one or both of an introductory effect and a chance effect that is executed through the introductory effect as a main effect. The introductory effect is a effect that finally derives a result of effect that can be recognized as to whether or not it develops into a chance effect. In the introductory production, the non-development production result is finally derived through the transitional production, and when it becomes possible to recognize that it will not develop into a chance production, the development production result is finally derived through the same or almost the same transitional production. There is a time when it becomes recognizable that it will be developed into a chance production. For example, the derivation of the non-development effect result is performed by displaying a character string "end..." on the effect display device EH. For example, derivation of the development effect result is performed by displaying a character string "development!" on the effect display device EH.

As shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e), the chance production is a production that enables recognition of whether or not the SP reach production is executed without going through the N reach production based on the operation of the production lever LV. It is a production that finally derives the result. As shown in the flow of (a)→(b)→(c) in the figure, in the chance presentation, information prompting the operation of the presentation lever LV is displayed, and when the presentation lever LV is operated, a non-development presentation results. is derived, and it becomes possible to recognize that the effect game ends without developing into the SP ready-to-win effect. For example, the information prompting the operation of the effect lever LV is displayed on the effect display device EH as a character string "press the lever" and an icon imitating the effect lever LV. Derivation of the non-development effect result is performed by displaying a character string "Failure..." on the effect display device EH with the operation of the effect lever LV as a trigger. In addition, as shown by the flow of (a)→(d)→(e) in the figure, in the chance production, when the production lever LV is operated, the development production result is derived, and the N reach production is not passed. There are times when it becomes recognizable to develop into SP reach production. For example, the derivation of the development effect result is performed by displaying a character string "Success!" on the effect display device EH with the operation of the effect lever LV as a trigger.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to execute an introduction effect for deriving a non-development effect result in the present variation cycle if the variation patterns P104 and P203. do. For example, if the sub-control CPU 51 is any of the variation patterns P105, P204, and P304, in the present variation cycle, the introduction performance for deriving the development performance result → the chance performance for deriving the non-development performance result are executed in this order. Secondly, the effect display device EH is controlled. For example, if any of the variation patterns P106, P205, P305, P405, the sub-control CPU51, in this variation cycle, the introduction effect to derive the development effect result → chance effect to derive the development effect result → SP reach effect The effect display device EH is controlled so as to execute in the order of .

The sub-control CPU 51 can also control the effect device group ES including the effect display device EH so as to execute a different effect (hereinafter referred to as a sub-effect) from the main effect whose execution is determined in the variation pattern. When a variation start command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to execute a sub-effect, the type of sub-effect to be executed, and the specific content of the effect, based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the command. . When a read-ahead command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to execute a sub-performance, the type of sub-performance to be executed, and the specific contents of the performance, based on the variable content that can be specified from the command. Then, when the execution timing of the sub-effect comes, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES so as to execute the sub-effect with the decided effect content.

A sub-effect during execution of the variable game includes a first operation effect for operating the effect button BT. In the first operation effect, the operation effective period of the effect button BT is set, and the effect mode is changed with the operation of the effect button BT during the operation effective period as a trigger. The sub-effect during execution of the variable game includes a second operation effect for operating the effect lever LV. In the second operation effect, an operation effective period of the effect lever LV is set, and the effect mode is changed with the operation of the effect lever LV during the operation effective period as a trigger. In the first operation effect and the second operation effect, it is possible to recognize the degree of expectation for a big hit in the current variable game from the changed effect mode triggered by the operation of the operation means such as the effect button BT and the effect lever LV.

Sub-effects during execution of the variable game include effects for changing the display mode of the pending icon i and the variable icon I that can be displayed on the effect display device EH (hereinafter referred to as icon change effect). Here, the pending icon i is information indicating a pending variable game. The variation icon I is information indicating the variation game being executed. In this embodiment, the pending icon i and the variable icon I are examples of specific images. In the icon change effect, when a certain icon I, i is focused on, various expectations in the variable game indicated by the icon can be recognized according to the display mode of the icon. The various expectations referred to here include, in addition to the jackpot expectation, the expectation that the reach production will be executed (hereinafter referred to as the reach expectation), and the expectation that the SP reach production will be executed (hereinafter referred to as the SP reach expectation). ), and the degree of expectation that the display mode will change (hereinafter referred to as the degree of expectation of change). The details of the icon change effect will be described later.

Sub-effects during execution of the variable game include effects (hereinafter referred to as branch effects) that can develop into any of a plurality of types of effects. The productions to be developed via the branching production include reach production, pseudo-continuous production (re-fluctuation), chance production, icon change production, and the like. As described above, out of the effects that can be developed via the branch effects, the ready-to-reach effect, the pseudo-continuous effect, and the chance effect are the main effects whose execution/non-execution and effect contents are determined in a variation pattern. On the other hand, the icon change effect is a sub effect.

In the branch effect, it is possible to recognize the effect of the development destination by deriving the effect result that can specify the effect of the development destination (branch destination). The effect result of the branch effect includes a reach effect result capable of recognizing the execution of the ready-to-win effect. For example, the derivation of the ready-to-win effect result is performed by displaying a character string of "reach development!" on the effect display device EH. The effect result of the branching effect includes a pseudo-continuous effect result capable of recognizing the continuation of the pseudo-continuous effect (the start of the next variation cycle). For example, derivation of the pseudo-continuous effect result is performed by displaying a character string "Continue!" on the effect display device EH. The effect result of the branch effect includes a chance effect result capable of recognizing the execution of the chance effect. For example, the derivation of the chance effect result is performed by displaying a character string "chance development!" on the effect display device EH. Among the effect results of the branch effect, there is an icon effect result capable of recognizing the execution of the icon change effect. For example, the derivation of the icon effect result is performed by displaying a character string "Change!" on the effect display device EH. Moreover, the effect result of the branching effect includes a fake effect result that allows the recognition that the variable game ends without developing into any effect. For example, derivation of the false effect result is performed by displaying a character string of "Unfortunate" on the effect display device EH.

Next, the icon change effect, which is one of the sub effects, will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, on the effect display device EH, a pending icon i is displayed as an example of information indicating a pending variable game, and a variable icon I is displayed as an example of information representing a variable game being executed. be. The player can recognize the number of suspensions of the variable game by the number of suspension icons i displayed on the effect display device EH. The player can recognize that the variable game is being executed (completed) by the variable icon I displayed on the effect display device EH.

The display area R of the effect display device EH is provided with a display position H0 of the variable icon I and display positions H1 to H4 of the pending icon i. In the low base state, icons indicating the first special game are displayed at the display positions H0 to H4. Display position H1 corresponds to the first pending number = 1, display position H2 corresponds to the first pending number = 2, display position H3 corresponds to the first pending number = 3, and display position H4 corresponds to the first pending number. =4. On the other hand, in the high base state, icons indicating the second special game are displayed at the display positions H0 to H4. Display position H1 corresponds to the second pending number = 1, display position H2 corresponds to the second pending number = 2, display position H3 corresponds to the second pending number = 3, and display position H4 corresponds to the second pending number. =4.

In the effect display device EH, when a new variable game is suspended and the number of suspensions=m, a suspension icon i is newly displayed at the display position corresponding to the number of suspensions=m among the display positions H1 to H4. Further, when the pending number is decreased by 1 with the start of the variable game, the pending icon i displayed at the display position Hn is displayed so as to shift to the display position Hn−1 (hereinafter referred to as shift display). (However, n=1 to 4). Then, the pending icon i displayed at the display position H1 is shifted and displayed as the variable icon I to the display position H0.

Next, the display mode of icons I and i will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6J, there are multiple types of display modes for the icons I and i. The display mode of icons I and i is composed of a plurality of elements including a first element and a second element. For example, the first element is the image (image data) itself including shapes, patterns, and colors. For example, the second element is a display position as an image, a display area (size), presence/absence of blinking, transparency, display priority (priority of layout layer), and the like.

The display modes of the icons I and i include a basic display mode (hereinafter referred to as a basic display mode) and a display mode different from the basic display mode and a display mode changed from the basic display mode (hereinafter referred to as a modified display mode). (referred to as a display mode). The basic display mode includes a display mode in which a white sphere-like icon is used (hereinafter referred to as a white sphere display mode Ha). As the changing display mode, there is a display mode (hereinafter referred to as a blinking display mode Hb) in which the icon is the same as the basic display mode and resembles a white sphere, but is blinking. The changing display modes include a display mode of a blue sphere icon (hereinafter referred to as a blue sphere display mode Hc), a display mode of a green sphere icon (hereinafter referred to as a green sphere display mode Hd), and a red sphere-like icon (hereinafter referred to as a red sphere display mode He). The changing display modes include a display mode in which an icon imitating a mouse animal (hereinafter referred to as a mouse display mode Hf), a display mode in which an icon imitating a cat animal (hereinafter referred to as a cat display mode Hg), and an animal There is a display mode (hereinafter referred to as a dog display mode Hh) that is an icon imitating a dog. The changing display modes include a display mode in which an icon simulating the effect lever LV (hereinafter referred to as lever display mode Hi) and a display mode in which an icon simulating the effect lever LV and blinking are displayed (hereinafter referred to as a blinking lever display). (referred to as mode Hj). In the following description, display modes Hc to Hg may be referred to as the first display mode, and display modes Hh and Hj may be referred to as the second display mode.

Compared to the white ball display mode Ha, the blinking display mode Hb has a higher degree of change expectation that the display mode changes to any one of the display modes Hc to Hj. The display modes Hb to Hj have higher expectations for a big win than the white ball display mode Ha. In the display modes Ha to Hg, the expectation level of big hit, the expectation level of reach, and the expectation level of SP reach are high in the order of display modes Ha<Hb<Hc<Hd<He<Hf<Hg. In particular, the mouse display mode Hf is a display mode of ``very hot'' that allows the recognition of a remarkably higher degree of expectation for a big win than the display modes Ha to He, and the cat display mode Hg is a big win. This is a display mode of "big hit confirmed" that can definitely recognize that. The display modes Hc to Hg are display modes of "ready-to-win confirmed" where the ready-to-win expectation is 100% and the execution of the ready-to-win effect can be definitely recognized. The display modes He to Hg are display modes of "SP confirmed" in which the SP reach expectation degree is 100% and the execution of the SP reach effect can be definitely recognized.

The dog display mode Hh is a display mode in which it is possible to recognize that a branch effect will be executed in the variable game indicated by the icons I and i in the dog display mode Hh. Also, the lever display mode Hi is a display mode in which it is possible to recognize that an introductory effect is executed in the variable game indicated by the icons I and i in the lever display mode Hi, and that there is a possibility that it will develop into a chance effect. The blinking lever display mode Hj is a display mode in which it is possible to definitely recognize that the introduction effect is executed in the variable game indicated by the icons I and i in the blinking lever display mode Hj and develops into a chance effect.

Next, the processing for executing the icon change effect will be described.
First, the first effect processing will be described.
As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the first pending number command and the look-ahead command when the game ball enters the first starting port 12 and the execution of the first special game is suspended. . The sub-control CPU 51 causes the sub-control RWM 53 to store information (hereinafter referred to as pending information) indicating the variation content of the first special game specified based on the look-ahead command. The reservation information can specify whether or not the game will be a big hit and the variation pattern as the variation contents of the first special game corresponding to the reservation information. After storing the pending information, the sub-control CPU 51 stores it in the sub-control RWM 53 until the first special game corresponding to the pending information ends. The sub-control CPU51 can specify the variation contents of all the pending first special games by referring to the pending information stored in the sub-control RWM53. The pending information may be the value of the prefetch command itself, or may be information generated based on the prefetch command.

When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the prefetch command, it determines whether or not the icon change effect is being executed. Here, "executing the icon change effect" means that the icons I and i are being displayed in any of the display modes Hb to Hj, and that the execution of the icon change effect has been determined, but is still white. It includes being displayed in the display mode Ha. The sub-control CPU51 identifies whether or not the icon change effect is being executed based on whether or not the execution flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53. When the icon change effect is being executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines non-execution of the icon change effect for the newly suspended first special game.

If the icon change effect is not being executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether all of the first special games that have been suspended from before the newly suspended first special game are "normal failure (fluctuation pattern P101)". determine whether or not The sub-control CPU 51 determines non-execution of the icon change effect when all the pending first special games are not "normal failure (fluctuation pattern P101)".

On the other hand, when all the pending first special games are "normal failure (variation pattern P101)", the sub-control CPU 51 determines that the first pending number that can be specified from the first pending number command input together with the look-ahead command is 2 or more. It is determined whether or not. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not a plurality of first special games are pending, including the first special game whose execution is newly suspended. The sub-control CPU 51 determines non-execution of the icon change effect when the first reservation number is not 2 or more.

On the other hand, when the first pending number is 2 or more, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to execute the icon change effect for the newly suspended first special game, and the icon I that is the final change destination. , i (hereinafter referred to as the final display mode) is determined by a first change lottery using a predetermined random number. The sub-control CPU 51 determines one of the display modes Ha to Hj as the final display mode from the display modes that can be determined according to the variation content that can be specified from the look-ahead command. When determining the white ball display mode Ha as the final display mode, the sub-control CPU 51 determines not to execute the icon change effect. When the sub-control CPU 51 determines display modes Hb to Hj other than the white ball display mode Ha as the final display mode, it determines execution of the icon change effect.

In the first change lottery, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the final display mode so that the degree of expectation for a big hit increases in the order of display mode Ha<Hb<Hc<Hd<He<Hf<Hg. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the final display mode so that the degree of expectation for a big hit increases in the order of the display mode Ha<Hh to Hj. For a certain display mode, in order to increase the degree of expectation of a big hit, the determination ratio of the big hit to the total sum of the decision ratio when the big win is specified based on the look-ahead command and the decision ratio when the loss is specified is determined. The first change lottery may be performed so as to increase the ratio. The sub-control CPU 51 can determine the cat display mode Hg as the final display mode only when the big hit is specified from the look-ahead command.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control CPU 51 can determine the white ball display mode Ha and the flashing display mode Hb as the final display mode regardless of which variation pattern is specified from the look-ahead command. The sub-control CPU 51 can determine the display mode Hc to Hg as the final display mode only when a variation pattern including a ready-to-win effect is specified from the look-ahead command. The sub-control CPU 51 can determine the display mode He to Hg as the final display mode only when the variation pattern including the SP ready-to-win effect is specified from the look-ahead command.

The sub-control CPU 51 can determine the dog display mode Hh as the final display mode regardless of which variation pattern is specified from the look-ahead command. However, the sub-control CPU 51 performs the first change lottery so that the dog display mode Hh has a higher SP reach expectation than the white ball display mode Ha and the blinking display mode Hb. The sub-control CPU 51 can determine the display mode Hi, Hj as the final display mode only when the variation pattern including the introduction effect is specified from the look-ahead command. The sub-control CPU 51 can determine the display mode Hj as the final display mode only when a variation pattern including a chance effect is specified from the look-ahead command.

As shown in FIG. 7, after determining the final display mode, the sub-control CPU 51 determines one of the change patterns out of a plurality of change patterns that define the change mode of the display mode in the icon change effect. The plurality of change patterns include change patterns Ph1 to Ph6.

The change pattern Ph1 defines that when a new pending icon i is displayed, the pending icon i is displayed in the final display mode from the beginning. In the change pattern Ph2, when a new pending icon i is displayed, the pending icon i is displayed in the flashing display mode Hb from the beginning, and is changed to the final display mode when the pending variable game is started. It is stipulated that

The change patterns Ph3 to Ph5 define that when a new pending icon i is displayed, the pending icon i is displayed in the white ball display mode Ha. Furthermore, in the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5, a new pending icon i is displayed, and at the same time, an icon imitating the effect button BT (hereinafter referred to as the second 1 promotion icon SB). In the present embodiment, it is possible to recognize the number of times the effect button BT can be operated (hereinafter referred to as the number of operations accepted) by the number of first promotion icons SB added to the pending icon i. The number of receptions of operation can be said to be the number of times of allowing the operation of the effect button BT.

As the number of operations accepted for the effect button BT, the variation pattern Ph3 is one, which is an example of the first number, and the variation pattern Ph4 is five, which is an example of the second number greater than the first number. Ten times, which is an example of the third number of times greater than the second number of times, is set for each pattern Ph5. That is, the number of the first promotion icons SB added to the pending icon i is one, which is an example of the first number, in the case of the change pattern Ph3, and the second number, which is an example of the first number, in the case of the change pattern Ph4. The number is 5, which is an example of the number, and in the case of the change pattern Ph5, the number is 10, which is an example of the third number, which is larger than the second number. In the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5, it is determined that the display mode of the pending icon i is changed when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied when an operation of the effect button BT is accepted.

The change pattern Ph6 defines that when a new pending icon i is displayed, the pending icon i is displayed in the white ball display mode Ha. In the change pattern Ph6, a new pending icon i is displayed, and at the same time, an icon simulating the effect lever LV (hereinafter referred to as a second prompting icon SL) is displayed as information prompting the operation of the effect lever LV for the pending icon i. ) is required to be displayed. Then, the change pattern Ph6 is defined to change the display mode of the pending icon i to the final display mode when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied when the operation of the effect lever LV is accepted.

Then, the sub-control CPU 51 performs a variation pattern lottery using a predetermined random number, and determines one of the variation patterns that can be determined according to the final display mode that has already been determined. Specifically, the change pattern Ph1 can be determined when any one of the display modes Ha to Hj is determined as the final display mode. Accordingly, when the suspension icon i is displayed at the same time that the new variable game is suspended, any of the display modes Ha to Hj may occur. The change pattern Ph2 can be determined when any one of the display modes Hc to Hg, Hj is determined as the final display mode. As a result, it becomes possible to recognize that the state in which the pending icon i is displayed in the flashing display mode Hb can be changed to any one of the display modes Hc to Hg and Hj. Note that the change pattern Ph2 is not determinable when the white ball display mode Ha is determined as the final display mode, so the degree of change expectation is higher than that of the change pattern Ph1.

The change pattern Ph3 can be determined when one of the display modes Ha, Hc to Hh, Hj is determined as the final display mode. As a result, from the situation where the first promotion icon SB of the first number (one in this embodiment) is added to the pending icon i, the number of operations of the effect button BT is the first number (one in this embodiment). It becomes possible to recognize that the white ball display mode Ha does not change even after reaching , or that the display mode can change to any of the display modes Hc to Hh and Hj. The change pattern Ph4 can be determined when any one of the display modes Hc to Hh, Hj is determined as the final display mode. As a result, from the situation where the second number (five in this embodiment) of the first promotion icons SB are added to the pending icon i, the number of operations of the effect button BT is the second number (five in this embodiment). Even if it reaches , it is possible to recognize that it can change to any one of the display modes Hc to Hh and Hj without being false that it does not change from the white ball display mode Ha.

The change pattern Ph5 can be determined when any one of the display modes Hd to Hg, Hj is determined as the final display mode. As a result, from the situation where the third number (10 in this embodiment) of the first promotion icons SB are added to the pending icon i, the number of operations of the effect button BT is the third number (10 in this embodiment). Even if it reaches , it is possible to recognize that it can change to any one of the display modes Hd to Hh and Hj without being false that the white ball display mode Ha does not change. As described above, in the present embodiment, the display modes determined as the final display modes are narrowed down to the high-expectation display modes in the order of the change patterns Ph3<Ph4<Ph5. It can be recognized that the greater the number increases in the order of 1<5<10, the higher the expectation of a big hit.

The change pattern Ph6 can be determined when one of the display modes He to Hg is determined as the final display mode. As a result, the state in which a predetermined number (one in this embodiment) of the effect lever LV is added to the holding icon i can change to any one of the display modes He to Hg based on the operation of the effect lever LV. It becomes possible to recognize that. Since the display modes He to Hg are display modes in which the degree of expectation for a big win is higher than the display modes Ha to Hd, it is recognized that a big win can be expected from the situation where the second promotion icon SL is added to the pending icon i. can.

Then, the sub-control CPU51 causes the sub-control RWM53 to store various kinds of information that can specify the determination result in the first effect processing. Specifically, in addition to the above-described execution flag, the sub-control CPU 51 provides information indicating the variable game that is the execution target of the icon change effect (hereinafter referred to as a target specific counter), information indicating the final display mode (hereinafter referred to as the final display mode flag) and information capable of specifying a change pattern (hereinafter referred to as a change pattern flag) are stored in the sub-control RWM 53 . For example, when execution of the icon change effect is determined, the target specifying counter is set with a value indicating the first pending number that can be specified from the first pending number command input together with the look-ahead command. As will be described later, when the sub-control CPU 51 receives a variation start command, it updates the value of the target identification counter to the value indicating the first pending number, which is decremented by 1. According to such a configuration, the sub-control CPU 51 refers to the value of the target identification counter to determine which of the reserved icons i corresponding to the first number of reservations is targeted and whether the icon change effect is being executed. Identifiable. In the following description, the icons I and i indicating the variable game that is the object of execution of the icon change effect may be simply referred to as "effect target icon".

The second effect processing will be explained.
By executing the second effect processing, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH based on various information that can be specified from the execution flag, the target identification counter, the final display mode flag, and the change pattern flag, and displays the pending icon Controls the display of i and the variable icon I.

First, shift display processing for shift-displaying the pending icon i will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the variation start command, it controls the effect display device EH so that the pending icon i displayed at the display position Hn is shifted and displayed at the display position Hn-1. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the pending icon i displayed at the display position H1 is shift-displayed as the variable icon I at the display position H0. When the sub-control CPU 51 receives the fluctuation start command, it updates the value of the target specifying counter to the value indicating the first pending number decremented by 1. The sub-control CPU 51 clears the execution flag when the variable game in which the value of the target identification counter after the update becomes 0 ends.

Next, icon change display processing performed based on the change pattern will be described.
A case where the change pattern Ph1 has been determined will be described.
The sub-control CPU51 identifies the first reservation number based on the first reservation number command. The sub-control CPU 51 displays a pending icon i (effect target icon) indicating the newly suspended first special game at the display position H corresponding to the identified first pending number among the display positions H1 to H4. Here, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the display mode of the newly displayed pending icon i is displayed as the final display mode that has already been determined. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode, the display mode is maintained even by the shift display. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to maintain the display mode even after the variable icon I when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode.

A case where the change pattern Ph2 has been determined will be described.
The sub-control CPU 51 blinks a pending icon i (effect target icon) indicating the newly suspended first special game at the display position H corresponding to the identified first pending number among the display positions H1 to H4. It is displayed in mode Hb. The sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to change the display mode of the effect target icon when the display mode of the effect target icon is the flashing display mode Hb when the pending variable game is started. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command and the value of the target specific counter after updating by subtraction triggered by the input of the command is 1 or more, a predetermined random number is used. A lottery is held to determine whether or not to change the display mode of the effect target icon. The sub-control CPU 51 changes the display mode of the effect target icon when a variation start command is input and when the value of the target specific counter after updating by subtraction triggered by the input of the command is 0. to decide.

When the sub-control CPU 51 decides to change the display mode of the effect target icon, it controls the effect display device EH so that the display mode changes to the final display mode in accordance with the shift display. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 51 determines not to change the display mode of the effect target icon, or when the display mode of the effect target icon has already been set to the final display mode, the display mode does not change with the shift display. Controls the effect display device EH as follows. As described above, according to the change pattern Ph2, it can be said that the start of the variable game (shift display) establishes a change condition different from the operation of the effect button BT, and the display mode of the pending icon i can be changed. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to maintain the display mode even after the variable icon I when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode.

A case where the change pattern Ph3 has been determined will be described.
The sub-control CPU 51 displays a pending icon i (effect target icon) indicating the newly suspended first special game at the display position H corresponding to the specified first pending number among the display positions H1 to H4. It is displayed in mode Ha. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that a display is performed in which the first promotion icon SB of the first number (one in this embodiment) is added to the pending icon i. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 displays as if the first promotion icon SB is falling from above and is placed on the hold icon i as the effect target icon. The sub-control CPU 51 starts the first operation effective period during which the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted. During the first operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to display the character string "PUSH" as an example of information indicating that the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted.

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to hide the first promotion icon SB when an operation signal is input from the effect button BT during the first operation valid period. The sub-control CPU 51 performs a second change lottery using a predetermined random number, and determines whether or not to change the display mode of the pending icon i as the effect target icon to the final display mode. In one example of the present embodiment, when the change pattern Ph3 is determined, the probability of winning the second change lottery and fulfilling the execution condition for changing the display mode is set to 100%. When the second change lottery is won, the sub-control CPU 51 terminates the first operation valid period and controls the effect display device EH so that the display mode of the effect target icon changes to the final display mode at that time. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode, the display mode is maintained even by the shift display.

When the first operation effective period ends, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to end the display of the information indicating that the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted. It should be noted that the sub-control CPU 51, when an operation signal is input from the effect button BT during the first operation valid period, changes the display mode of the effect target icon to the final display mode or does not change it. , controls the effect display device EH so as to temporarily add the effect EF as if it were emitting light to the effect target icon. This effect EF is an example of information indicating that the display mode of the effect target icon may change.

The sub-control CPU 51 performs the first operation when the fluctuation start command is input during the first operation valid period and the value of the target identification counter after updating by subtraction triggered by the input of the command is not 0. The valid period is continued and the first promotion icon SB is kept displayed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 maintains the display mode of the pending icon i as the white ball display mode Ha along with the shift display. The sub-control CPU 51 shift-displays the pending icon i as the effect target icon while the first promotion icon SB is added.

When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command during the valid period of the first operation, and when the value of the target identification counter after updating by subtraction triggered by the input of the command becomes 0, the first operation is valid. When the period ends, the effect display device EH is controlled to hide the first promotion icon SB. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 maintains the display mode of the variable icon I as the white ball display mode Ha when it was the pending icon i, along with the shift display. That is, the change of the display mode to the final display mode is canceled by the start of the variable game indicated by the effect target icon. When it is the first operation effective period, the number of operations of the effect button BT has not reached the first number. In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to maintain the display mode even after the change icon I when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode.

A case where the change pattern Ph4 has been determined will be described. It should be noted that the processing when the variation pattern Ph5 is determined is the processing when the variation pattern Ph4 is determined, and the “second number (five in this embodiment)” is replaced by the “third number (this embodiment). 10 times)” and “the second number of times (5 times in this embodiment)” are read as “the third number of times (10 times in this embodiment)”, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. .

The sub-control CPU 51 displays a pending icon i (effect target icon) indicating the newly suspended first special game at the display position H corresponding to the specified first pending number among the display positions H1 to H4 by white ball display. It is displayed in mode Ha. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the second number (five in this embodiment) of the first promotion icons SB are added to the pending icon i. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 displays as if five first promotion icons SB are falling from above and stacked on the hold icon i as the effect target icon. The sub-control CPU 51 starts the first operation effective period during which the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted. During the first operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to display the character string "PUSH" as an example of information indicating that the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted. During the first operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 counts the number of operations within the first operation valid period based on the operation signal from the effect button BT.

During the first operation effective period, the sub-control CPU 51 hides the displayed first promotion icons SB one by one every time an operation signal is input from the effect button BT, and the number of the first promotion icons SB increases. The effect display device EH is controlled so as to decrease. The sub-control CPU 51 performs a second change lottery using a predetermined random number, and determines whether or not to change the display mode of the pending icon i as the effect target icon. When determining to change the display mode of the effect target icon, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the display mode to be changed.

Here, in the icon change effect, the change order of the display mode of the effect target icon is determined according to the change pattern and the final display mode. Specifically, when it is either of the change patterns Ph3 and Ph4, the display mode Ha→Hc→Hd→He→Hf is set as the common change order, and the display mode is the next stage of the red ball display mode He. is any one of display modes Hg, Hh, and Hj. When the change pattern is Ph5, the order of display modes Ha→Hd→He→Hf is determined as the common change order, and the display mode following the red ball display mode He is either of the display modes Hg or Hj. be.

The sub-control CPU 51 determines the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) as the final display mode, and when the number of operations of the effect button BT within the first operation valid period is less than the second number of times, the second When winning the 2-change lottery, the display mode to be the change destination is determined from the display modes from the next stage display mode to the final display mode based on the current display mode. In other words, the determination of the final display mode (first display mode) as the change destination display mode is not restricted and allowed. In this case, the sub-control CPU 51 may randomly determine the display mode to be the change destination by performing a lottery using a predetermined random number. That is, when the second display mode (display modes Hh, Hj) is not the final display mode, the display mode can be changed to the final display mode without operating the effect button BT the second number of times. On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the first display mode as the final display mode. Determine the display mode. The sub-control CPU 51 determines not to change the display mode of the effect target icon when the display mode of the effect target icon is the final display mode. Not limited to this, the sub-control CPU 51 may ensure that the second change lottery is not won when the display mode of the effect target icon is the final display mode. It may be determined not to change the display mode of. That is, in the icon change effect, the sub-control CPU 51 controls so that after the display mode of the effect target icon changes to the final display mode, it does not change to another display mode.

The sub-control CPU 51 determines the second display mode as the final display mode, and when the number of times the effect button BT is operated is less than the second number of times and the second variation lottery is won, the following display modes are displayed based on the current display mode. From the display mode of the stage, the display mode to be the change destination is determined from the display modes up to one stage before the final display mode as a reference. That is, it is restricted to determine the final display mode (second display mode) as the display mode after the change. In this case, the sub-control CPU 51 may randomly determine the display mode to be the change destination by performing a lottery using a predetermined random number. The sub-control CPU 51 determines not to change the display mode of the effect target icon when the display mode of the effect target icon is the display mode one step before the final display mode. Not limited to this, the sub-control CPU 51 may ensure that the second change lottery is not won when the display mode of the effect target icon is the display mode one stage before the final display mode, and the second change lottery may be performed. Instead, it may be determined not to change the display mode of the effect target icon.

On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the second display mode as the final display mode, and when the number of operations of the effect button BT is the second number (that is, the final time), the final display mode is set as the change destination display mode. decide. That is, determining the final display mode (second display mode) as the display mode after the change is not restricted and allowed. Thus, in this embodiment, when the second display mode is the final display mode, the display mode cannot be changed to the final display mode unless the effect button BT is operated the second number of times.

As described above, in the icon change effects based on the change patterns Ph4 and Ph5, it is possible to accept the operation of the effect button BT a plurality of times during the first operation valid period, and the effect button BT that can be accepted within the first operation valid period. is set in advance. That is, it can be said that there are a plurality of icon change effects with different upper limits on the number of operations of the effect button BT that can be accepted within the first operation effective period. In addition, in the icon change effect by the change patterns Ph4 and Ph5, the display mode of the effect target icon may change a plurality of times.

Then, the change to the second display mode (display modes Hh, Hj) is allowed in the final operation among the operations of the number of operations accepted, that is, the fifth and tenth operations. On the other hand, the change to the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) is allowed for operations less than the number of operations accepted, that is, for the first to fourth and first to ninth operations, and is also allowed for the final operation. be. Thus, in the present embodiment, when the display mode of the hold icon i changes to the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) and when it changes to the second display mode (display modes Hh and Hj), , the number of operations of the effect button BT within the first operation valid period to allow the change of the display mode of the effect target icon. While the change to the first display mode is allowed regardless of the number of times of operation, the change to the second display mode is permitted at the fifth or tenth time (the number of times the operation is accepted), which is an example of the specific number of times. is allowed only when the operation is the last of the

In other words, when the number of operations of the effect button BT within the first operation effective period is the first number of operations and when the number of operations of the effect button BT is the second number of operations, the display mode of the effect target icon is changed. is allowed to change to a specific display mode, or the probability that the display mode of the effect target icon changes to a specific display mode is different. From another point of view, in the icon change effect, when the number of times the effect button BT is operated within the first operation valid period is the first number of operations, the display mode of the effect target icon can be changed to the first display mode. and whether the display mode of the effect target icon can be changed to the second display mode is the first combination. On the other hand, when the number of operations of the effect button BT within the first operation effective period is the second number of operations, the combination is the second combination. The upper limit of the number of operations of the production button BT that can be accepted within the first operation valid period is the second number of operations or more and the case of less than the second number of operations.

Then, when the sub-control CPU 51 decides to change the display mode and the display mode to be the change destination with the operation of the effect button BT as a trigger, at that time, the display mode of the effect target icon (suspended icon i) is , the effect display device EH is controlled so as to change to the display mode determined as the display mode after the change. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 51 determines not to change the display mode, it controls the effect display device EH so that the display mode of the effect target icon does not change. The sub-control CPU 51 terminates the first operation valid period when the number of operations of the effect button BT in the first operation valid period reaches the second number. When the first operation effective period ends, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to end the display of the information indicating that the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted.

The sub-control CPU 51 performs the first operation when the fluctuation start command is input during the first operation valid period and the value of the target identification counter updated by subtraction triggered by the input of the command is not 0. The valid period is continued and the first promotion icon SB is kept displayed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 maintains the display mode of the pending icon i without changing it along with the shift display. The sub-control CPU 51 shift-displays the pending icon i as the effect target icon while the first promotion icon SB is added.

When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command during the valid period of the first operation, and when the value of the target identification counter after updating by subtraction triggered by the input of the command becomes 0, the first operation is valid. When the period ends, the effect display device EH is controlled so as to hide all the remaining first promotion icons SB. As a result, the player can recognize that he or she will lose the right to operate the effect button BT to change the display mode of the effect target icon. In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 maintains the display mode of the variable icon I as it was when it was the pending icon i, along with the shift display. In this way, during the period from when the variable game indicated by the effect target icon is newly suspended to when the start condition is established and the game is started (that is, the first operation valid period), the number of times the effect button BT is operated is the first. If the display mode does not become the final display mode without reaching the second number of times, the change of the display mode to the final display mode is cancelled. When it is the first operation effective period, the number of operations of the effect button BT has not reached the second number.

As described above, the icon change effect according to the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5 is displayed on the effect display device EH when the execution condition is established in response to the operation of the effect button BT during the predetermined operation effective period. This is an example of an image change effect for changing the display mode of the present effect target icon. In the icon change effect, it is possible to accept multiple operations of the effect button BT during the operation valid period.

A case where the change pattern Ph6 has been determined will be described.
The sub-control CPU 51 displays a pending icon i (effect target icon) indicating the newly suspended first special game at the display position H corresponding to the specified first pending number among the display positions H1 to H4. It is displayed in mode Ha. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that a display is performed in which a predetermined number (one in this embodiment) of the second promotion icon SL is added to the pending icon i. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 displays as if the second promotion icon SL is falling from above and is placed on the hold icon i as the effect target icon. The sub-control CPU 51 starts a second operation effective period during which the operation of the effect lever LV can be accepted. During the second operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to display the character string "PUSH" as an example of information indicating that the operation of the effect lever LV can be accepted.

When an operation signal is input from the effect lever LV during the second operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 performs a third change lottery using a predetermined random number, and changes the display mode of the pending icon i as the effect target icon to the final display mode. Decide whether to change to In this embodiment, when the change pattern Ph6 is determined, the probability of winning the third change lottery and fulfilling the execution condition for changing the display mode is set to 100%. When the sub-control CPU 51 wins the third change lottery, the second operation valid period ends, and at that time, the effect display device EH changes the display mode of the pending icon i as the effect object icon to the final display mode. to control. When the second operation effective period ends, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to end the display of the information indicating that the operation of the effect lever LV can be accepted.

The sub-control CPU 51 executes the second operation when the variation start command is input during the second operation valid period and the value of the target identification counter after the update by subtraction triggered by the input of the command is not 0. The valid period is continued, and the second promotion icon SL is kept displayed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 maintains the display mode of the pending icon i as the white ball display mode Ha along with the shift display. The sub-control CPU 51 shift-displays the pending icon i as the effect target icon while the second promotion icon SL is added. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode, the display mode is maintained even by the shift display.

The sub-control CPU 51 validates the second operation when a variation start command is input during the second operation valid period and the value of the target identification counter after updating by subtraction triggered by the input of the command becomes 0. When the period ends, the effect display device EH is controlled to hide the second promotion icon SL. At this time, the sub-control CPU 51 maintains the display mode of the variable icon I as the white ball display mode Ha when it was the pending icon i, along with the shift display. That is, the change of the display mode to the final display mode is canceled by the start of the variable game indicated by the effect target icon. When it is the second operation effective period, the number of operations of the effect lever LV has not reached the predetermined number. In addition, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to maintain the display mode even after the change icon I when the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the final display mode.

Next, the processing for executing the branch effect will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 51 has determined the dog display mode Hh as the final display mode, when the variation game indicated by the effect target icon is started, the sub-control CPU 51 executes a branch effect in the first variation cycle in the variation game. Controls the effect display device EH as follows. It should be noted that the sub-control CPU 51 causes the branch effect to be executed regardless of whether the display mode of the variation icon I is the dog display mode Hh or not the dog display mode Hh. Not limited to this, the sub-control CPU 51 may be configured to execute the branch effect only when the display mode is the dog display mode Hh before the variable game indicated by the effect target icon starts. .

The sub-control CPU 51 finally derives the effect result corresponding to the variation pattern that can be specified from the variation start command in the branch effect. The sub-control CPU 51 derives a pseudo-continuous effect result if the variation pattern includes a pseudo-continuous effect as the main effect. The sub-control CPU 51 derives a chance effect result if the variation pattern includes an introductory effect (chance effect) as the main effect. The sub-control CPU 51 derives the ready-to-win effect result if the main effect does not include the pseudo-continuous effect and the introduction effect (chance effect) and includes the ready-to-win effect.

In addition, the sub-control CPU 51, based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the variation start command, when winning a promotion lottery using a predetermined random number, replaces the pseudo-continuous effect result, the chance effect result, and the ready-to-win effect result with an icon Deriving the performance result. In this case, the sub-control CPU51 performs a lottery using a predetermined random number based on the variation pattern, determines the display mode to be changed from among the display modes Hc to Hg, and changes the display mode to the determined display mode. The effect display device EH is controlled so that the display mode of is changed. When the variation pattern that can be specified from the variation start command is the variation pattern P101 (normal deviation), the sub-control CPU 51 derives the effect result as the effect result.

The operation of this embodiment will be described along with the flow of the icon change effect.
In FIG. 8, when a game ball enters the first start hole 12 during execution of a variable game, the execution of a new variable game (first special game) is suspended, and the number of first suspensions is 3. It is assumed that Further, execution of the icon change effect is determined with the pending icon i indicating the newly suspended variable game as the effect target icon, the dog display mode Hh is determined as the final display mode, and the change pattern Ph5 is determined. It is assumed that there is

As shown in FIG. 8A, in the effect display device EH, a variable icon I (white ball display mode Ha) is displayed at the display position H0, and a pending icon i (white ball display mode) is displayed at each of the display positions H1 and H2. Ha) is displayed, the pending icon i is newly displayed in the white ball display mode Ha at the display position H3. Subsequently, in the effect display device EH, the third number (10 in this embodiment) of the first promotion icons SB determined in the change pattern Ph5 fall one after another toward the effect target icon, and A state of stacking is displayed on the pending icon i as an icon. Thereby, the player can recognize that there are 10 chances to change the display mode of the pending icon i by operating the effect button BT.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), the first operation valid period is started, and the character string "PUSH" is displayed on the effect display device EH as an example of information indicating that the operation of the effect button BT can be accepted. be done. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the effect display device EH displays a state in which the effect EF is temporarily added to the effect target icon each time the effect button BT is operated. Thereby, the player can recognize that the display mode of the effect target icon can be changed. Also, in the effect display device EH, each time the effect button BT is operated, the first promotion icons SB are hidden one by one, and a decreasing state is displayed. As a result, the player can recognize that the chances of changing the display mode of the pending icon i are decreasing and the number of remaining chances.

As shown in FIG. 8(d), when it is decided to change the display mode of the effect target icon to the blue ball display mode Hc based on the fourth operation of the effect button BT, the effect display device EH displays the effect The display mode of the target icon is changed to the blue ball display mode Hc. As a result, the player can recognize that the expectation of a big hit is higher than when the white ball display mode is Ha.

As shown in FIG. 8(e), since the first operation effective period can be set over a plurality of variable games, the effect display device EH displays the first promotion icon SB for a plurality of variable games. is performed across This allows the player to recognize that the first operation valid period continues. Then, when it is decided to change the display mode of the effect target icon to the green ball display mode Hd based on the seventh operation of the effect button BT, the effect display device EH changes the display mode of the effect target icon to the green ball display mode. The display mode is changed to Hd. As a result, the player can recognize that the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher than in the display modes Ha and Hc.

As shown in FIG. 8(f), when it is decided to change the display mode of the effect target icon to the dog display mode Hh based on the tenth operation of the effect button BT, the effect display device EH displays the effect object The icon display mode is changed to the cat display mode Hg. As a result, the player can recognize that the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher than in the display modes Ha, Hc, and Hd. Since the cat display mode Hg is the first display mode, it can be changed in any of the first to tenth operations. On the other hand, if the second display mode (display modes Hh, Hj) is determined as the final display mode, the first to ninth operations are restricted from changing to the final display mode. Unless it is the 10th operation, it cannot change to the final display mode.

As described above, in the icon change effect in which the number of operations accepted is 10, even if the second display mode (display mode Hh, Hj) is determined as the final display mode, the effect button BT for the first to ninth times is pressed. Based on the operation, the change to the dog display mode Hh and the flashing lever display mode Hj as the final display mode is not allowed. Then, the change to the second display mode as the final display mode is permitted when the final tenth operation is performed. On the other hand, in the icon change effect in which the number of operations accepted is 10, if the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) is determined as the final display mode, the first to tenth operations of the effect button BT Based on this, changes to the final display mode are allowed.

Note that in the icon change effect in which the number of operations accepted is 5, the change to the second display mode (display mode Hh, Hj) is not allowed by the first to fourth operations of the effect button BT, and 5 Allowed by the second operation. In the icon change effect in which the number of operations accepted is 5, the change to the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) is permitted by any of the first to fifth operations, that is, any number of operations. .

Effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) According to the present embodiment, depending on the number of operations during the first operation effective period, a change to the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) is permitted, and a second display mode (display mode Hh, Hj) can occur. Therefore, attention is paid to the number of operations of the performance button BT instead of blindly operating the performance button BT (operating means), and attention to the icon change performance (image change performance) can be improved. Therefore, interest can be improved.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the display mode of the icons I and i (specific images) may change regardless of the operation of the effect button BT, so the display modes of the icons I and i change. It is possible to increase the variety of scenes and maintain the player's sense of expectation.

(3) According to the present embodiment, the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) can be changed to any number of operations, while the second display mode (display modes Hh, Hj) can be changed to the specified Since there is no change unless it is the number of times, the change to the display modes Hh and Hj can be made special, and the degree of attention to the specific number of operations can be increased. Therefore, the interest of the player can be improved.

(4) In particular, in the present embodiment, the change to the second display mode is not permitted unless the operation is the final operation among the number of operations accepted. Therefore, it is possible to positively operate the effect button BT.

(5) According to the present embodiment, in the icon change effect, the display mode of the pending icon i may change multiple times. Therefore, even after the display mode of the pending icon i has changed, it is possible to expect further changes in the display mode. Therefore, the expectation of the player can be maintained.

(5) According to the present embodiment, when the display mode changes to Hh or Hj, the display mode does not change further, so that the player can feel secure.
(6) According to the present embodiment, in the icon change effect, since the upper limit of the number of operations that can be accepted within the first operation valid period is set, the current number of operations (remaining number of operations) can also be made to pay attention. Therefore, interest can be improved.

(7) According to this embodiment, even if the number of operations is the same, the remaining number of operations changes depending on the upper limit of the number of operations. You can have different expectations. For example, if the number of accepted operations (upper limit) is small, the display mode must be changed with a small number of operations, which can make the player feel impatient. There is, and the player can be relieved.

(8) According to the present embodiment, the second display mode (display modes Hh, Hj) is a display mode that allows the player to recognize that a specific effect different from the ready-to-win effect is to be executed. Therefore, by permitting the change to the second display mode only when the performance button BT is operated for a specific number of times, attention is paid to the number of times the performance button BT is operated, and interest is further improved by the icon change performance. can be enhanced.

The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within a technically consistent range.
・In the present embodiment, the display mode does not change after becoming the variable icon I, except for the case where the branching effect is executed. However, the display mode may be changed after becoming the variable icon I. In this case, the sub-control CPU 51 may execute a promotion lottery based on the variation start command, and even if it is configured to be able to decide to change after becoming a variation icon I when it is newly suspended. good.

In the present embodiment, in the icon change effect by the change patterns Ph4 and Ph5, the display mode is changed step by step. may

In the present embodiment, in the icon change effect by the change patterns Ph4 and Ph5, when the display mode of the icon to be effected changes to the second display mode (display mode Hh, Hj), the number of operations accepted (the number Of the 2nd or 3rd number of operations, only the final operation is permitted to change the display mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the change to the second display mode (display mode Hh, Hj) is defined as a specific number of times less than the number of times the operation is accepted (upper limit number of times). It may be determinable. Here, the specific number of times may be one number such as 3 times or 7 times when the number of operations accepted is 10 times, and is defined as a range such as 1 time to 5 times. There may be more than one number of times, such as number of times, even number of times, or odd number of times. Further, the specific number of times may be different in the variation patterns Ph4 and Ph5, or may be a common number in the variation patterns Ph4 and Ph5, such as 5 times, or may be, for example, 1 time in the variation pattern Ph3. The number of times may be common to Ph5. In this example of modification, the change to the first display mode (display modes Hc to Hg) is performed when the number of operations of the effect button BT is different from the specific number of times (upper limit number of times) of operation receptions. The configuration may be such that the previous display mode can be determined, or the configuration may be such that the change destination display mode can be determined for all the number of operations including the specific number of times. Further, the change to the second display mode may be allowed for all operations among the number of operations accepted (upper limit number of operations). In this case, the change to the first display mode may be allowed for a part of the number of operations accepted (upper limit number of operations). In this way, at least a part of the number of operations allowed for the change may be different between when the display mode of the icon to be produced changes to the first display mode and when it changes to the second display mode. .

Then, in this modification example, when the display mode of the effect target icon changes to the second display mode (display mode Hh, Hj) by an operation other than the final operation among the operations of the number of operations accepted, the sub-control CPU 51 It is preferable to control so that the display mode does not change to . In this modified example, in the icon change effect, after the display mode of the effect target icon is changed to the second display mode, the display mode does not change to another display mode. According to this modified example, when the display mode is changed to the second display mode, the display mode does not change further, so the player can be given a sense of security.

In the present embodiment, in the icon change effect by the change patterns Ph4 and Ph5, the display mode of the effect target icon always changes to the final display mode when the operation for the number of times the operation is accepted is performed. It may be a configuration that does not change even the mode. In other words, even if a specific display mode is determined as the final display mode, the second change lottery may not be won or the display mode to be changed to may be determined before the operation of the number of times of operation acceptance is completed. When the final display mode is not won in the lottery of (1), the icon change effect may be terminated without changing the display mode of the icon for effect to the final display mode.

In the present embodiment, when an icon change effect is being executed for a certain variable game among pending variable games, the icon change effect for other variable games is not executed. Not limited to this, it may be possible to combine a plurality of icon change effects. In this case, all of the change patterns Ph1 to Ph6 may be combined to execute the icon change effect, or only some of the change patterns may be combined to execute the icon change effect. There may be. For example, for change patterns Ph3 to Ph6 that use operation means (production button BT or production lever LV), while regulating combination, change patterns Ph1 and Ph2 that do not use operation means may be allowed to be combined. good.

・In the present embodiment, the icon change effects based on the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5 are executed during the period during which the variable game targeted for the icon change effect is on hold. It may be executed over a period including part or all of the period during which the variable game is being executed. That is, even after the effect target icon becomes the variable icon I, it may be possible to accept the operation of the effect button BT and change the display mode. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 may terminate the first operation effective period upon arrival of a predetermined timing during execution of a variable game in which the value of the target identification counter is 0. For example, the predetermined timing may be the timing at which the performance symbols are stop-displayed in the first symbol row among the plurality of symbol rows, or the timing at which the performance symbols are stop-displayed in the plurality of symbol rows forming the reach. . According to this modified example, the display mode of the variable icon I as the effect target icon can be changed in a plurality of stages. In addition, the icon change effects according to the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5 are displayed by adding the first promotion icon SB along with the display of the pending icon i. The first operation valid period may be started (clocked) after the game is started. According to such a configuration, the first promotion icon SB can be said to be information that can specify that the start of the first operation effective period is on standby.

In the present embodiment, in the icon change effect by the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5, the first operation valid period ends when the variable game indicated by the effect target icon starts, but the first operation valid period is not limited to this. The first operation valid period may be ended when a predetermined time (specified time) elapses after the start of the operation. In this case, the sub-control CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH so as to display information capable of specifying the remaining time of the first operation effective period.

・In the present embodiment, the first promotion icon SB is displayed so as to be added to the pending icon i. may be displayed. In this modified example, the first promotion icon SB and It is preferable to display an effect or the like so as to connect the effect target icon.

In the present embodiment, in the icon change effects based on the change patterns Ph4 and Ph5, when the pending icon i is newly displayed, the first promotion icon SB is also displayed at the same time. The timing of displaying may be different from the timing of displaying with addition of the first promotion icon SB. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 displays the (suspended icon i) as the effect target icon in the white ball display mode Ha, and then, when a predetermined additional condition is met, causes the display to add the first promotion icon SB, and displays the second promotion icon SB. A one-operation validity period may be initiated. Here, the additional condition may be that the first variation game is started after the presentation target icon is displayed, or that a lottery is won each time a variation game is started.

In the present embodiment, all the first promotion icons SB are displayed at timing 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. may be displayed as According to this modified example, the player can be made to recognize that the number of receptions of operation of the effect button BT increases. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 51 determines the change pattern Ph4, in addition to adding five first promotion icons SB collectively, one first promotion icon SB is added first. , four first promotion icons SB may be additionally displayed according to the establishment of the additional condition. In addition, when the sub-control CPU 51 has determined the change pattern Ph5, in addition to adding ten first promotion icons SB, it adds one first promotion icon SB first, and adds Depending on the establishment of conditions, nine first promotion icons SB may be added, or four and five icons may be added separately. Further, when the change pattern Ph5 is determined, the sub-control CPU 51 adds five first promotion icons SB first, and displays adding five first promotion icons SB when the additional condition is satisfied. do it.

- In this embodiment, the 2nd display mode of the icon which is an example of a specific image may be a display mode with a higher jackpot expectation than a 1st display mode. According to this modified example, when changing to the second display mode, the degree of expectation for a big hit is higher than when changing to the first display mode. Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay attention to which display mode the icon changes to, that is, what time the operation is performed, thereby further enhancing the interest of the player by the icon change effect.

・In the present embodiment, the first display mode and the second display mode are display modes that can recognize an arbitrarily selectable expectation level from among the jackpot expectation level, the reach expectation level, the SP reach expectation level, and the change expectation level. may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the first display mode and the second display mode may be changed to a display mode that allows recognition of the degree of expectation for execution of a specific effect that can be arbitrarily selected. For example, the specific effect may be a branch effect in the present embodiment, a pseudo-continuous effect, a first operation effect, and a second operation effect.

・In the present embodiment, the branch effect is executed only once during execution of one variation game, but the present invention is not limited to this. may When branching effects are executed a plurality of times in one variation game, a different effect result may be derived for each branching effect, and the effects may be developed.

In the present embodiment, in the icon change effect by the change patterns Ph1 and Ph2, the display mode of the icon to be effected can be changed only once. good. For example, when the sub-control CPU 51 determines the change pattern Ph1, it newly displays the pending icon i in the white ball display mode Ha, and determines whether or not to change the display mode each time a predetermined timing comes. , according to the changing order of the display mode Ha→Hc→Hd→He→Hf→Hg, the display mode after the change is determined with the final display mode as the upper limit. For example, when the sub-control CPU 51 determines the change pattern Ph2, it newly displays the pending icon i in the blinking display mode Hb, and determines whether to change the display mode each time a predetermined timing comes. , Hb->Hc->Hd->He->Hf->Hg. For example, if the effect target icon is the pending icon i, the predetermined timing is the timing at which the pending variable game is started, and if the effect target icon is the variable icon I, the predetermined effect in the variable game It is good that it is the timing when appears.

In the present embodiment, the icon change effects by the change patterns Ph3 to Ph5 are effects using the effect button BT. Further, the operation means used for the icon change effect is not limited to the button type and lever type, and may be an operation means imitating a control stick, an operation means imitating a weapon, or a touch sensor type operation means.

- In the present embodiment, the first elements of the icons I and i are shaped like a sphere or an animal, but are not limited to this. You can change it as appropriate, such as imitating the character of The second element may also be changed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, a single effect display device EH is provided, but a main effect display device and a sub-effect display device may be provided, and the icon display positions H0 to H4 may be provided in the sub-effect display device. Also, in the present embodiment, the icons I and i are configured to be displayed at all times, but this is not limiting, and they are hidden during the period when a specific effect (SP ready-to-win effect, etc.) is being executed. It may be a configuration.

- In the present embodiment, the display mode of the change destination is determined by lottery using a predetermined random number, but this is not restrictive. A configuration may be adopted in which a predetermined pattern is determined and the effect display device EH is controlled based on the determined pattern.

In the present embodiment, the icon change effect is executed for the first special game in the low base state, but it is not limited to this, and may be executed for the second special game in the high base state. Both the special game and the second special game may be targeted.

・In the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a variable probability function has a specification that gives a high probability state until the next big hit game, a specification that gives a high probability state until the falling lottery is won (so-called falling machine), Alternatively, it is possible to adopt a specification (so-called ST machine) that provides a high-probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed. In addition, as the pachinko game machine 10 equipped with the variable probability function, it is possible to adopt a specification (so-called V probability variable machine) that provides a high probability state on the condition that the game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko game machine 10 may have a specification in which the specification of the falling machine and the specification of the V-variable machine are mixed.

- In the present embodiment, as the winning lottery for special symbols, in addition to the big winning lottery, a small winning lottery may be performed. When a small win is won in a winning lottery, a small winning game (winning game) is provided after the special game is finished. In the present embodiment, the number of times (frequency) to win a small hit per unit time (frequency), or a small hit game is given per unit time, as compared with the normal game state (for example, low probability base state). It may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small hit RUSH) in which the number (frequency) is improved.

- In this embodiment, as the pachinko gaming machine 10, specifications classified into the second type, which are also called "feathers" or "airplane type", may be adopted. In this type of pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, the opening/closing blade (opening/closing member) of the ball entry device (large winning hole) opens, and the game ball that enters the ball entry device wins a special prize. A jackpot game is generated by entering the ball into the mouth.

- In this embodiment, the main control CPU 41, the main control ROM 42, the main control RWM 43, and the random number generation circuit 44 may be configured in one chip.
- In this embodiment, the specific configuration of the game board YB may be changed arbitrarily.

・In this embodiment, the sub-board 50 is used as a sub-integrated control board, and apart from the sub-board 50, a display control board that exclusively controls the effect display device EH, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the decorative lamp LA, and a speaker SP are installed. A dedicated control sound control board may be provided. A sub-board may include such a sub-integrated control board and other boards for controlling effects. Also, in the embodiment, the main control CPU 41 and the sub-control CPU 51 may be mounted on a single board. Also, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Pachinko game machine, 40... Main board, 41... Main control CPU, 50... Sub board, 51... Sub control CPU, BT... Effect button, EH... Effect display device, Ha to Hj... Display mode, I... Variation icon , i... Hold icon, LV... Production lever.

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine capable of suspending the execution of a symbol variation game and executing various effects,
an operation means operable by a player;
an image display means for displaying an image;
and a display control means for controlling the image display means,
The image display means is capable of displaying a specific image capable of specifying a pattern variation game whose execution is suspended or a symbol variation game being executed,
The effect includes an image change that changes the display mode of the specific image displayed on the image display means when an execution condition is satisfied in response to the operation of the operation means during a predetermined operation effective period. includes performances,
In the image change effect, it is possible to accept a plurality of operations of the operation means during the operation valid period,
When the display mode of the specific image changes to the first display mode and when it changes to the second display mode, the display mode of the specific image changes depending on how many times the operation means is operated within the operation valid period. It depends on whether you allow change,
In the image change effect, an upper limit of the number of operations of the operation means that can be accepted within the operation valid period is predetermined,
In the image change effect, the same number of special images as the upper limit of the number of operations in the image change effect are displayed,
The special image is an image simulating the operation means, and is displayed so as to be added to the specific image to be subjected to the image change effect,
The number of special images equal to the upper limit of the number of operations may be displayed all at once or may be divided into multiple times, and
In the game machine, in the image change effect, a special image different from the special image is added to the specific image each time the operation means is operated. The second display mode is a display mode with a higher degree of expectation for a big hit than the first display mode,
A change to the first display mode is allowed regardless of the number of operations, while a change to the second display mode is allowed only when the operation is the upper limit number of operations. Item 1. The gaming machine according to Item 1.

Images